RARE VINTAGE UKE: 1960s CUSTOM MARTIN 3K SOPRANO UKULELE / Ukulelefriend.com

Aloha! Here up for consideration is this classic era Custom C.F. Martin & Co Style 3K Ukulele in all original condition from the 1960s era. Established in 1833, C.F. Martin & Co was recognized as the premier ukulele maker of the 20th Century stemming back as early at 1916 when it released its first production model pieces. The legacy of C.F. Martin & Co has continued to flourish well into the 21st Century, making each piece more desirable by collectors, musicians, and uke enthusiasts worldwide.  Even “The King” Elvis Presley of the classic musical entitled, “Blue Hawaii” (1961) and legendary John Lennon of the Beatles held a special place in their heart for the ukulele.

This is a tremendously rare Custom 1960s Martin 3K Uke in all original condition! This one is a custom order piece from the 1960s and holds true to all the character traits of its mahogany counterpart of it's day but it’s made of Hawaiian Koa wood. Face, back, sides and bridge are made of Hawaiian Koa wood. Ebony fretboard with circular position markers. Ivory celluloid binding with b-w-b-w-b-w ply binding on front, back, and around soundhole. All original condition and there is even an old school pick-up that was installed from that era as well!

The 3K was first produced in 1920 and Martin is said to have stopped production on these in 1938 so you would expect that a Martin 3K would only be found with a celluloid ‘whale tail’ below the bridge, diamond style position markers, and pin-striping down the center of the fretboard. Well, that’s absolutely true with the exception of these extremely rare post 1938 custom order pieces. That being said what you have is a very rare Custom Martin 3K in phenomenal original condition. There is very little fretwear and the only cosmetics I see are a small blemish on the back of the headstock in the finish and a black stripe in pen inside the soundhole. That’s it!

No cracks. No repairs. All original condition. This uke is a phenomenal player. Very bright and great sustain too! Crisp highs and nice long lows as well. It has a pick-up that was installed but I am unaware if Martin had done the installation themselves. It's very clean nonetheless and plays perfectly. This beautiful custom Martin 3K uke also includes original hardcase with brown plush lining. A perfect collectors and players Martin 3K for the serious ukulele enthusiast. There are most likely only a few of these Martin 3K Ukuleles to have ever been constructed post 1938 in the History of Martin Ukuleles.

Please do e-mail me for additional photos if necessary prior to bidding. I will gladly answer any questions and send additional photos.

1960s Martin Style 3K Character Traits:

    •    C.F. Martin decal on headstock

    •    Hawaiian Koa face, back, and sides

    •    Ivriod binding / front & back

    •    17 fret ebony fretboard

    •    Classic style Martin Koa wood bridge

    •    C.F. Martin & Co stamp in soundhole

    •    Classic dot position markers

    •    Total length: 21 inches

    •    Body length: 9 & 7/16 inches

    •    Body width: 6 & 3/8 inches

    •    Scale length: 13 & 5/8 inches