Slingerland MayBell Model Banjo Ukulele, c. 1928, made in Chicago, natural mahogany finish, mahogany neck, mahogany laminate rim, original canvas case.
This little sound cannon is one of the higher grade Slingerland/MayBell banjo ukes, with relatively deluxe fittings and nice mahogany on the rim and neck. Banjo ukuleles were extremely popular in the mid-late 1920's and Slingerland in Chicago made thousands of them in a variety of styles and price levels�this one has an 8" openback rim, heavy cast hoop and simple tonering, ebonized fingerboard with pearl diamond inlay, metal friction pegs with celluloid buttons and the ever-popular Grover single-unit tailpiece. A simple but classy banjo-uke with a touch of class and a lot of sound.
Overall length is 21 1/2 in. (54.6 cm.), 8 in. (20.3 cm.) diameter head, and 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.) deep. Scale length is 14 in. (356 mm.). Width of nut is 1 1/4 in. (32 mm.). Splendid original condition overall, complete with the original Slingerland-branded skin head and period bridge. There is some light wear and a couple of tuner tension screws are not perfectly matched, otherwise no repairs or alterations. Very good playing and sounding, quite loud, this is a nice professional quality banjo-uke from the instrument's heyday. Excellent Condition.
