Favilla Teardrop Model Soprano Ukulele (1930s), made in New York City, natural lacquer finish, birch body, poplar neck.
The Favilla Bros. company is an early 20th century New York stories, one of many family run instrument builders of the era. New York City of the 1910's and 1920's was teeming with immigrants, including large numbers from Italy. The first quarter of the 20th Century saw the establishment of a number of retail stores and instrument building workshops operated by Italian immigrant luthier/businessmen including Raphael Ciani, Antonio Cerrito, J. Nettuno, Nicolai Turturro and others. The Favilla Brothers ran one of the most enduring of these firms, which through many twists, turns and family changes lasted something like 80 years.
Founded by Brothers John and Joseph Favilla in the 1890's soon after their arrival from Italy, the Favilla operation lasted longer than most, going through several generations of the family continuing to build flat-top guitars and most memorably ukuleles into the 1970s. Most were quite conventional, but this teardrop-shaped ukulele model is one of their more original creations. Favilla ukes generally are well made, fine sounding instruments and this is no exception.
This is a simple and plainly appointed instrument with the birch body and one-piece poplar neck finished in natural with minimal trim, just a 3-ply wood soundhole ring and impressed, gold painted Favilla crest in the headstock. The bridge saddle and nut are ebony, the friction tuners are the simple composite-button style used on many less expensive ukes in the 1920s and '30s. The main attraction is the unusual body shape, but this is a solidly made, good sounding and playing ukulele that really stands out in the crowd!
Overall length is 20 1/2 in. (52.1 cm.), 6 1/2 in. (16.5 cm.) across at the widest point, and 2 3/16 in. (5.6 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 13 3/8 in. (340 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/8 in. (35 mm.).
This 90 or so-year-old ukulele appears to have been played only lightly and remains clean, all original and well cared for. Overall the original very thin lacquer finish shows only light wear, some small scratches, scuffs and handling marks with a few spots worn through on the fingerboard in the first position. There are no visible repairs, the frets show hardly any wear and playability is excellent, with surprisingly full sound. There is no case included. Overall Excellent - Condition.
