1948 Gibson Mahogany Soprano Ukulele Rare Configuration

Excellent condition featuring soprano size, mahogany body, 5-ply white/black top binding, 3-ply white/black back binding, white/black/white soundhole rosette, mahogany bridge, mahogany neck, Brazilian rosewood fingerboard with pearl dot inlays starting at the third fret, gold Gibson logo on the peghead, four tuning machines with black plastic buttons (one tuner/bushing is a replacement), and original hard shell case with purple lining.

This Gibson ukulele is in excellent condition and set up in great playing order. This ukulele came from the factory with Uke 3 style body with fancy bindings and a Uke 2 style neck. We have seen other Gibson instruments from this period with similar appointments. There was a side crack on the bass side which was repaired exceptionally well (so well, in fact, that it was difficult to capture in photos and is barely visible in person). This ukulele shows some signs of play wear throughout, but is in overall very fine cosmetic condition. The frets show very light signs of use and have plenty of life left in them and this instrument has been professionally set up and plays well up and down the fretboard. Three of the tuning machines are original. The previous owner intended to replace them with very fine Waverly tuning machines, but we decided to leave the originals on and include the Waverlys (see photos). 

This is one of the best sounding Gibson ukes we've ever heard with exceptional volume and clarity. From a collectability standpoint, we believe this ukulele to be desirable and much more unique than a standard Uke 2. These ukuleles in this condition are getting exceptionally hard to find and this one is an absolutely beautiful example. If you're looking for a tremendous sounding and playing and truly unique ukulele, this Gibson is ready to go for another 73 years or more.