Ukuleles

The original camp ukes were made from barrel hoops and cowhide, knocked together for fireside entertainment as the pioneers’ wagon-trains journeyed into the American Wild West, during the 1800s. By the turn of the century the design had been appropriated by several manufacturers, with Lyon & Healy creating the first of the all timber models during the mid-1920s. Some authorities state that this Gretsch version of the Lyon & Healy design was only produced during 1940, while others suggest they may have appeared as early as 1936 – regardless, this fantastic little camp uke is basi...

Another great southern California discovery from our recent US buying trip, this highly desirable arch-back uke from the late twenties or early thirties was possibly built by Regal, or more likely Lyon & Healy, (Washburn). During the ukulele’s first big boom-time, early last century, the best instruments were all arched back models, as is this glorious example of 1920’s “decalomania”. Arch-back models had generally disappeared by the mid-30’s, so this nicely preserved piece is one of the last from the era. Dubbed “decalomania”, the art of adorning instruments with water-slide...