Object Details
Description
This banjo ukulele was made by an unknown maker in the United States around 1925-1930. It is a Four-String Banjo Ukulele, made of different colored woods, 17 frets, friction tuning pegs. A similar instrument appears in a 1918 Wurlitzer catalog (No. 110).
During the 1920s and 1930s banjo ukuleles were manufactured by the thousands. The majority of these instruments were inexpensive. They were easy to play, and produced a louder sound than the traditional Hawaiian ukulele, which created an irresistible appeal.
As per Dee Cook Leggett, this banjo ukulele was given to her mother, the donor, Elma Grace Hanika Cook, by Elma's mother, Nellie Ann Harmon Hanika as a high school graduation present.
Location
Currently not on view
Credit Line
Gift of Elma Grace Hanika Cook
Date made
1915-1920
date made
1925-1930
ID Number
1989.0565.01
accession number
1989.0565
catalog number
1989.0565.01
Object Name
banjo ukelele
banjo ukulele
Physical Description
wood (overall material)
metal (overall material)
Measurements
overall: 21 1/2 in x 7 1/8 in x 3 in; 54.61 cm x 18.0975 cm x 7.62 cm
place made
United States
See more items in
Culture and the Arts: Musical Instruments
Music & Musical Instruments
Banjos
Data Source
National Museum of American History
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nmah_606934