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About Jim Garber
Expertise

I can answer most questions on fretted instruments, my main area of expertise is in vintage mandolins, guitars and ukuleles. I also know some things about old banjos as well.

Many questioners ask about the market value of their instrument without much information. Please give me as much information as possible including the condition of the instrument. It also truly helps if you can includes a clear photo of your instrument. I think the site will only allow for one photo, but you can email me additional ones to jimg@paperclipdesign.com. I will try to evaluate but sometimes it is very difficult without the instrument in hand

PLEASE NOTE: I will not be able to answer any questions about antique keyboards, accordions, concertinas, woodwinds, brass and percussion.

Experience
I have been buying, selling, collecting and playing old and antique instruments for over 30 years. My recent specialty has been in European mandolins and classical and Italian mandolin music.

Organizations
Classical Mandolin Society of America, active participant on the Mandolin Cafe

Publications
Guild of American Luthiers, Sing Out Magazine,

Education/Credentials
BA, Brandeis University

You are here: Experts > Music/Performing Arts > Musical Instruments > Antique Musical Instruments > ukuleles

Antique Musical Instruments - ukuleles

Expert: Jim Garber - 9/10/2008

Question

Ukulele

I have a Washburn Lyon Healy ukulele with gold leaf pattern around the bottom. It has 4 ivory dots up the frets. 17 frets in all. A diamond at the top. the lower bout is a little over 6 1/2", the upper is 5". the neck is 11 3/4". the keys are white ivory looking. Around the hole is white ivory looking that stands up. The back of the neck at the top is a metal plate with washburn lyon healy Chicago. above that is the serial no. 12783 stamped in the wood. It is also stamped inside the hole on back.Washburn Lyon Healy maker.white around the body front & back. I saw one like it on the internet with a burn on the front, and lots of cracks in body. They said it was a soprano. Without the case they were asking $500.00.This one is in near perfect condition, with the case. What can you tell me about this Ukulele

Answer
Hi Chuck:
I had one similar to yours many years ago. These were made in the late 1920s thru the 1930s. They are fine quality instruments. Yours does look quite nice and IMHO is worth considerably more than $500. Some of these are the equivalent in workmanship to Martins which are the gold standard for vintage mainland ukuleles.

Best
Jim

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