Ludwig Banjo Ukulele, c. 1929, made in Chicago, natural walnut finish, walnut resonator and neck, metal rim, celluloid fingerboard, original black hard shell case.
This is one of the classic banjo-ukes of the 1920's, and remains one of the most sought-after. After 1929, Ludwig began selling this house branded version of the "Wendall Hall" banjo ukulele as the endorsement with Hall had apparently lapsed. The instrument is generally the same as the earlier version but has a pearloid headpiece with a painted-on "Ludwog" script logo and fancier fingerboard inlay-the overall effect is a much flashier instrument! This is structurally (and sonically) the same as the Deluxe model famously played by George Formby in the 1930's, with overall walnut construction and an integral rim-"flaredge" (Ludwig's term) of metal. This is a very rare instrument; few were made after 1930 and this one should prove of interest to Formby fans worldwide. This is a very well-made and extremely powerful-sounding little instrument, one of the best of its kind!
Overall length is 22 3/8 in. (56.8 cm.), 7 1/2 in. (19 cm.) diameter head, and 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/16 in. (33 mm.). Very fine original condition overall; there is a little wear to the back of the resonator but otherwise not too much evidence of use. There is an old repaired split to the heelcap (a notorious weak point on this otherwise solid design-many are missing!) that is solidly sealed but visible. A very fine playing banjo-uke and one of the loudest we have ever heard! Excellent Condition.
