May Bell Banjo Uke 1920-1929 - Rosewood

Slingerland Maybell Model Banjo Ukulele, c. 1927, made in Chicago, natural mahogany finish, mahogany rim and neck, ebony fingerboard, black hardshell case.

This is one of the higher grade models in the vast catalog of Slingerland/MayBell banjo ukes, with relatively deluxe fittings and nice mahogany on the rim and neck. These instruments were very popular in the mid-late 1920s and Slingerland in particular produced them in a great variety of styles and price levels. This model is one of the company's nicer offerings, very stoutly built with a thick 8" rim, a laminated curved-plate resonator, heavy hoop, hooks and nuts, rosewood fingerboard, metal short-shaft friction pegs with composition buttons, and the ever-popular Grover single-unit tailpiece. This is a straightforward but classy and great-sounding banjo-uke; professional caliber and a nice example of the better 1920s "Banjoleles".
 
Overall length is 21 3/4 in. (55.2 cm.), 8 in. (20.3 cm.) diameter head, and 2 7/8 in. (7.3 cm.) deep. Scale length is 13 3/4 in. (349 mm.). Width of nut is 1 3/16 in. (30 mm.).

This little banjo remains original with some minor wear from its 90+ years on earth and remains an excellent player. There are small dings, dents, and scrapes, with a couple of nicks on the treble side of the fingerboard. It shows some typical wear to the plating mostly on the hoop, but overall this is a relatively clean little banjo. And LOUD -- did we mention loud? A very nice example, still set up with what looks like an original 1920s skin head (a bit dirty but very solid) and period Grover bridge, ready to Vo-De-o-Do. Excellent - Condition.