My clients send me the coolest instruments to work on, and no matter how small - its always an honor to work on them, and the approach and philosophy remains the same. This instrument is a Weissenborn Style 1 Soprano from the mid 1930s. It was found at a yardsale in California for fifty cents, and was a gift to its current owner who is learning the ukulele!
The brand features what I believe to be a straightened out 'eagles beak' and a nick to the shield left of the 'H' - Ca.1935.
Although the instrument came to my shop in unplayable condition - the restoration process was straight forward with the same approach I use for guitars. The only real difference being the difficulty of working inside an instrument so small! Repair list as below;
- Re-glue loose seams on back to side, top to side joints respectively
- Re-glue loose sides at heel
- Re-glue top crack. No cleat required
- Re-glue loose braces; top and back
- Re-glue loose bridge (existing, in place)
- Make reproduction of missing top brace, distress and glue in place
- Manufacture reproduction ivoroid soundhole 'inset', distressed
- Replace vintage Waverly Pat. Pend. peg with matching original
- Remove white paint from finish
- Fine reproduction nut
- Fret dress and setup
This was the only previous repair on the instrument. Years old, the hide glue had completely crystallized.
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