Antique Banjo Ukulele Restoration - c.1920 Albert Houdlett & Sons Nu Way

In this video we will talk about a restoration of a turn of the century soprano banjo uke made by Albert Houdlett & Sons. We will restore this neglected instrument by replacing the missing fretboard and several other parts, including changing the drum head. Finally, we will check out the sound in a quick rendition of "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" made famous by Big Maybelle and Jerry Lee Louis.
More reading: theukaholic.blogspot.com/2012/...
Parts: www.ukuleleworld.com/Parts-Ban...

[@TheGuitologist]

Sorry for any confusion, but the Rogers signature is a stamp, not an actual signature.

[@hankspank222]

Quick question, will re-plating the nickel on the tuners, ring, etc... hurt the value of a vintage banjo uke like this? BTW nice video, thanks.

[@thisone9]

Where can I buy tuners to repair a banjo-uke I just acquired?

[@trisha3397]

Hi there, I've recently dug out my granddads old tenor banjo and it is in need of a good clean, lots of dust and it even has a bit of rust on it. Would you mind giving me some pointer and any helpful hints and tips on how to clean and get rid of the rust without damaging it. Apparently it was restrung about 6 yrs ago and the vellum I'm guessing has been replace as it is not calf skin. I would love to see and hear this once much loved instruments in a better condition. I will send you pics and answer any questions you have if that helps. Kind regards Trisha

[@TheGuitologist]

If you have rust on the metal parts like the rim, you'll need to completely disassemble it to properly clean. I recommend using warm, soapy water and the finest grade steel wool you can buy (get it at Lowe's, Home Depot, or the like). After hitting everything with the soap and water and steel wool, you can come back and polish with automotive buffing compound. 3M makes some nice products, and McGuire's auto stuff works too. Then you'll want to soak the screws and other hardware in oil. 3-in-1 oil or motor oil will work. Also a final wipe down with an oil-impregnated rag will just prevent more rust from coming back quickly. Be careful when using the steel wool and don't take off more plating than you need to. That's why you need the finest grade stuff they make - 1000 grit or higher. Just take your time and carefully photograph how everything goes back together so you don't lose anything. You can do it! It sounds like a project that needs to be done by YOU and no one else. You'll love that banjo even more. It's a part of your family history. Take care of it and enjoy it!

[@brianmartin7964]

whats the value before and after? (ballpark)

[@kylebreaux1570]

I have one like this. How do I set the intonation?

[@blinddeadmcjones5255]

First tune it, then do a harmonic on the 12th fret on any string, then play the same note normally (not a harmonic) and if the fretted note sounds like a higher note than the harmonic then move the bridge back a bit towards the tailpiece, if the fretted note sounds lower than the harmonic then move the bridge up a bit more towards the middle of the head. hope that helped

[@guitardudeguy3139]

thanks for this? I recently acquired a 1920 Maxitone uke banjo..missing the bridge and the neck was in rough shape, although the vellum was still tight and in good shape , It needs to be brought back to life..I may have some more questions for you soon,once I get all the parts together. currently looking on eBay for strings and a bridge. Thanks again.

[@TheGuitologist]

No prob. Congrats on your find! These are great little instruments.

[@guitardudeguy3139]

Do you think I should change the vellum..? It's still seems taught and ready to produce sound. The neck is what is in bad shape..

[@guitardudeguy3139]

I'll try to send you a picture if I can..

[@TheGuitologist]

If it ain't broke don't fix it. You should just put baby lotion on the vellum to treat it and leave it on.

[@guitardudeguy3139]

Okay thanks..Will do.

[@mrfester42]

That is NOT crazing that you pointed out on the back of the head stock at 13:21. Crazing is cracking of the finish caused by the instrument being in a cold environment which causing the finish to shrink and crack. It looks like a miniature version of a mud puddle that has dried in the sun then shrinks creating cracks throughout the surface. A crazed finish can be rehabilitated by using Qualalacq Lacquer Retarder. crystallize

[@mrfester42]

Nu-Way, Lynbrook and Nu-Way are not model names. They were brand names. These brand names were owned by Houdlett.

[@JJ-JOHNSON]

Sharp.