Martin Historian: Michael Longworth Concert Ukulele
Vintage Ukulele. Beautiful and rare custom concert ukulele handcrafted by Martin Historian and custom guitar/ukulele luthier, Michael Longworth of Bell Buckle, Tennessee.
Michael worked for C.F. Martin & Co. during the ‘golden’ era in which the company crafted some of the finest ukuleles and guitars on the market. Even after having retired from the company he continued to be the foremost authority on the company’s history; namely in terms of the custom guitars and logging/verification of ukulele production quantities, styles, and luthier techniques since the ukuleles lacked serial numbers. Some of the finest instruments, guitars and ukuleles, to have come out of the C.F. Martin & Co. ukulele have either been handcrafted or inspected/handled or logged by Michael Longworth of C.F. Martin & Co.
Michael also made a limited number of instruments under his personal label ‘L’ for ‘Longworth’ and only a few of these extremely rare instruments having surfaced amongst the ukulele community. Here is a fine example of a custom Longworth concert ukulele that has been handcrafted with the utmost attention to detail and a tone that is truly remarkable in breath, clarity, sustain, and aesthetics.
This gorgeous Longworth concert ukuele is handcrafted from Oak wood on the top, back, and sides. Ebony fretboard and headstock veneer with scaled=down rosewood ‘pyramid’ vintage classical guitar bridge. Top and back faux tortoise shell binding with matching end graph and top, back, and side purfling lines for added elegance. Handcut diamond paua shell inlay on fretboard in positions 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, and 15 for quick and easy reference. Mother-of-pearl ‘L’ headstock logo inlay. Ebony wood heel cap. Paua shell rosette for aesthetic appeal. Initials and serial number [ M K L 010 ] impressed in to the neck block. Slightly elongated headstock and body design resemble the early collectible ‘Ditson’ model Martin Ukuleles of yesteryear.
Remarkable construction and absolutely wonderful full-range of tones. The instrument is also quite light and has wonderful center-balance. In terms of resonance, it is even more superior than some of the most adorned and treasured vintage Martin ukuleles on the market.
A remarkable historical, collectible, and players piece that is amongst the most desirable ukuleles for true Martin ukulele enthusiasts.
Price: SOLD