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Vintage 1928-1930 American Ukelin with Two Sound Holes

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Music Memorabilia Start Price:35.00 USD Estimated At:70.00 - 90.00 USD
Vintage 1928-1930 American Ukelin with Two Sound Holes
DISCLAIMER: PLEASE NOTE THAT ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD IN “AS IS” CONDITION, WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. THE ITEMS OFFERED WERE ALL COLLECTED FOR THEIR DISPLAYABILITY, AND MAY OR MAY NOT BE IN WORKING CONDITION. Please call us at (818) 937-9399 or email us at blacksparrowauctions@gmail.com for condition reports or any general inquiry.
The Ukelin (and Ukelin-like instruments) were usually sold by door-to-door commission salesmen, often on a time-payment plan beginning in about 1923 until 1964, and were intended for home music-making by persons without a formal musical education. The instrument is meant to be placed on a table with the larger end toward the performer, and, while the right hand plays the melody on the treble strings with a violin bow, accompanying chords are played on the bass strings with the left hand using either the fingers or a pick. Each string and chord group is numbered, and sheet music is provided in a special numerical system intended to simplify playing for persons unable to read standard musical notation. For the most part though, the public found them difficult to play and many buyers defaulted on their monthly payment plans long before they had paid off the Ukelin. Measures 7.5" x 27.5". Exhibits minimal surface scrapes on face of instrument. Moderate surface scrapes on verso. Otherwise in very good condition. From the collection of Ken McMeans. 20% of the proceeds will benefit the Jeremy Wilson Foundation.