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Vintage 1950's Gibson UKE
Model TU-3 / intact but sold AS IS
#6045-6 - AS IS
Very Rare Ukelele / Not many of this model exist from this year from what I can tell.

This UKE is used and functional, but sold with imperfections AS IS.  Serial number dates this instrument as something from the early 50's.  According to a Gruhn guide serial number chart, this UKE dates from 1950.  This same guide said that the TU-3 was shipped between 1950 & 1955 and only 205 were shipped.  I find this interesting as I have seen a UKE recently listed that looks just the same as this, and it's dated as a 1964/65 piece.  Regardless, I would consider this a very rare instrument.  Also comes in the original case, in good condition.  ANOTHER note I must make, is that it looks like there is a TU-2 & TU-3 stamped on body as seen inside the sound hole (see last photo).  I suppose they possibly were making backs for either the TU-2 or TU-3 at the same time.  Maybe even the TU-1.  If I'm not mistaken there was a TU-1,2 & 3, and the 3 would be the nicer model.  The 1 & 2 would have had less "frills" in regards to binding and looks & would have costs less.  This is possibly the reason there are so few TU-3's, although you just don't see many TU's at all.  I call this a tu3 because it looks identical to other Gibson Ukes I have seen described as TU-3's.

Very nice piece for something 60 years old.  Has some general wear from usage and a few knocks.  BIGGEST concern of attention would be a crack that runs on the back side of the uke.  This crack can be seen from inside and out and I tried to capture this in photos.  I have been told a structural bonding of this would run $150 to $300 depending on who did it.  I was told by someone who deals with such instruments more than myself, that structural fixing would be best and cosmetically it should be left as close to original as possible.  There is also a side crack or 2, small and structurally sound it seems.  It appears to me this UKE was not real well taken care of and possibly handled by children who had little regard for a high quality instrument, yet the high quality is what most likely causes this tu3 to still be in one piece and basically still a sound structural instrument.  This will tune up and play.  Right now it has a heavier string in 4 position, so is tuned an octave lower than conventional Tenor Ukes.

SEE PICS AND LET ME KNOW IF YOU GOT QUESTIONS.

PLEASE ask all questions before bidding and I'll do my best to answer them or say I don't know. 

PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THIS item IS ALSO AVAILABLE IN MY PHYSICAL STORE, AND ALSO AT MY WEBSITE INVENTORY PAGE @ WWW.SMALLTOWNMUSIC.COM --  SO THIS LISTING MIGHT END AT ANY TIME IF THE item WERE TO SALE FROM THOSE LOCATIONS  ------   THE item IS SOLD IN above stated CONDITION AND GUARANTEED TO ARRIVE TO YOU THAT WAY & BEYOND THIS NO WARRANTEE EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED   ---   THANKS FOR LOOKing - Frazier - small town music.com - 601.859.8596 on the earth at 436 West Peace Street / LOCAL PICKUP WELCOMED AND ENCOURAGED WHEN POSSIBLE...

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