Ludwig Wendell Hall Model Banjo Ukulele, c. 1920's, made in Chicago, natural walnut finish, walnut neck and resonator,metal rim, ebonized fingerboard, handmade oak case made by my father.

One of the classic banjo-ukes of the 1920's, and one of the most sought-after. The Wendell Hall Professional was one of Ludwig's neater concepts, with a top-tension integral metal rim/flange set into a walnut resonator. It also includes lots of proprietary hardware including a nifty armrest and solid tailpiece and special top-tension tuners. A very collectible piece, much sought after by Formby fans as the master himself used a Ludwig extensively in the 1930's. This is a very well-made and extremely powerful-sounding little instrument, one of the best of its kind!

Overall length is 22 1/2 in. (57.2 cm.), 7 5/8 in. (19.4 cm.) diameter head, and 2 3/4 in. (7 cm.) in depth, measured at side of rim. Scale length is 14 3/8 in. (365 mm.). Width of nut is 1 in. (25 mm.). Very nice original condition overall; there some general wear overall but no damage.

THERE IS SOME SLIGHT RUST ON THE HARDWARE AROUND THE RESOMATOR (SEE PICS).

THIS INSTRUMENT IS NOW STORED WITH SILICA GEL TO ABSORB ANY FURTHER MOISTURE AND HALT ANY ADDITIONAL RESTING.

Wendell Hall was an American Vaudeville entertainer who, like George Formby with the Dallas company, had Ludwig make instruments bearing his name.He was a popular radio favourite, recording artist and composer during the 1920's and 30's. He was the composer of 'It Ain't Gonna Rain No Mo', as well as many other popular songs of the era.His personality comes through well on his many recordings and was very diversified including country, blues and popular songs.These instruments were still made by the Ludwig craftsmen but were not quite as elaborate in decoration and were therefore slightly cheaper.Consisting of a heavily nickeled bronze shell that has a Flaredge extending from the rim to the edge of the resonator with slotted cut outs. Self centering nickel plated bronze counter hoop with sixteen top tension steel brackets. A two piece American walnut neck with an ebonised fingerboard and inlaid pearl position DOTS. Sixteen nickel silver frets and a laminated American walnut highly polished resonator. Equipped with friction tuning pegs and detachable arm rest.Although a slightly cheaper instrument it loses nothing in the quality of sound when compared with its brothers, with accurate fretting, easy fingering and a powerful but sweet tone.