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1922 Lyon & Healy Washburn Ukulele Model 703, Koa Soprano Vintage Antique Rare
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1922 Lyon & Healy Washburn Ukulele Model 703, Koa Soprano Vintage Antique Rare
Price: US $394.99

Aloha!


For sale with is a classic soprano ukulele, a Lyon & Healy Washburn Model 703 from 1922. Chicago-built, it features a koa body with three-ply laminated sides, koa neck and headstock, a 17-fret rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlays, and the characteristic L&H \"smile\" bridge of the period. Nut and saddle are both ebony. Decorations include an ivorine diamond inlaid in the headstock, white celluloid binding around the top and back, white celluloid heel cap, a raised circle of white celluloid around the sound hole, and a gold maple leaf pattern on the top at the lower bout. The tuners are original and work well. Its overall length is 21\", scale length 13-3/4\", body length 9-5/8”, and the width at the widest point is 6-1/2\".Action at the 12th fret, G string, is 4/32\". Included is a modern hard-shell case that fits nicely.


For me, these 700-series instruments from the early ‘20s are the best-sounding ukes that L&H ever produced. The tone of this one is typical of aged koa: bright in the highs, warm in the midrange, with great articulation and sustain. Strung with Martin M600 Clear Fluorocarbons, it\'s an exceptionally easy player -- really a wonderful instrument.


A note on the date: Model 703 was made from 1922 through 1925. Starting sometime in 1922 they had serial or batch numbers stamped either on the neck block or the top edge of the headstock. However, \"[t]he earliest models have a three digit headstock stamp starting with 7XX indicating the style number and no stamped serial or batch numbers.\" See Pleijsier, Washburn Prewar Instrument Styles (Centerstream, 2008), page 209. That describes this instrument, which has only the model number \"703” stamped on the back of the headstock (see photo 5). I therefore estimate that it was made in 1922, before further numbering began. For a general description of this model seePleijsier, page 217.


CONDITION: Excellent. There is one repaired back crack, that has been cleated and glued (see photo 4). I can find no other sign of structural damage or repair. There are a few scuffs and marks as shown in the photos; otherwise the finish is very sound, with no visible checking or deterioration.


NEWBIES: If you have a zero response score, no problem -- offer away -- but please contact me by e-mail first, or I will have to cancel your offer.


SHIPPING: I ship to the U.S. mainland, Hawaii, Alaska and U.S. Protectorates only. No P.O. boxes or APO/FPO, please, and no international shipments due to the rosewood fingerboard. Shipping is usually via UPS Ground ($25.00), with an extra $25.00 for shipment to Hawaii, Alaska or U.S. Protectorates.


Thanks for looking.



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