Gibson UB-2 Model Banjo Ukulele, c. 1926, made in Kalamazoo, Michigan, natural lacquer finish, maple neck and rim, black tolex original chipboard case.
A very nice example of an early UB-2, probably from shortly after the model was introduced in 1925. This one shares some features (natural finish, brackets, large script logo) with and uses the same rim as the earlier "trap door" model it replaced. The UB-2 was the first re-designed "Mastertone" era banjo-uke illustrated in Gibson's catalogs and quite likely the first one issued, followed shortly by the 6-inch rim UB-1 and the full resonator-and-flange UB-3 and UB-4.
UB-2s are most commonly seen with brown mahogany or sunburst finishes, often with more binding and diamond fingerboard inlay. This elegantly simple original version with an unbound neck and large dot inlay is something of a rarity.
The UB-2 features an 8-inch head, closed back with a flat plate resonator, maple neck and rim with a rosewood fingerdoard, and ebony nut. A single Gibson co-ordinator rod (a new device at the time) allows the neck angle to be adjusted.
These are great-sounding banjo ukes as well as a neat Gibson collectible. This one is completely original including the original end-opening case, with an embossed metal plate from the original retailer (Hunleth Music Co. of St. Louis, one of Gibson's biggest accounts) on the headstock and a tag in the case as well.
Overall length is 21 5/8 in. (54.9 cm.), 8 in. (20.3 cm.) diameter head, and 3 in. (7.6 cm.) deep. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.).
100% original (even the bridge!) and well-preserved with some light plating wear and very little finish wear.
Plays and sounds excellent; as nice a 1920's instrument as we reasonably expect to see in the 21st century! Excellent + Condition.
