This c.1936 banjo ukulele is a particularly impressive example. Beautifully made, highly responsive and full of character, it delivers a warm yet bright, lively tone expected from a quality British banjo ukulele of the period.

What makes this instrument especially interesting is the construction features. We believe these details suggest it may have been built as a special-order instrument. We have discussed our observations directly with Clifford Essex, who agree that the instrument may have been a custom order, although unfortunately no surviving factory records exist to confirm its original provenance.

Regardless of its origins, this is a superb playing instrument that has benefited from a professional MOT and setup by Alan Yates Music. The woodwork and metal components have been carefully deep cleaned, the frets have been dressed and polished, and the instrument has been fully set up to ensure it performs as well as it looks. The original period case has also been sympathetically repaired and re-stitched, making it secure once again while preserving its vintage character.

Whether you are a serious player, collector or enthusiast of fine British banjo ukuleles, this is an outstanding example of a pre-war Clifford Essex instrument that is ready to be enjoyed for many years to come.

This banjo ukulele exhibits several characteristics synonymous with Jack Abbott's work, making it an intriguing piece for collectors and enthusiasts alike. We know that Jack Abbott occasionally undertook work for Clifford Essex during this period, although no surviving factory records exist to confirm whether he had any direct involvement with this particular instrument. It is, however, a banjo ukulele that clearly stands apart from the standard Clifford Essex models of the period.

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Headstock: with mother of pearl inlays

• Pegs: Grover non-slip friction

• Nut: bone

• Fingerboard: Ebony with split diamond inlays and side position markers

• Neck: 9-piece mahogany with 2-piece maple

• Heal: ebony

• Resonator: concaved mahogany with 3 maple inlaid veneers

• Body: metal

• Inner Hoop: mahogany

• Vellum: original Clifford Essex vellum

• Name Plate: Clifford Essex (inside)

• Tailpiece: bell brand

• Case: original

£850

Condition:

Overall, this Clifford Essex banjo ukulele is in very good condition especially for an instrument dating from around 1936.

The instrument has clearly been well cared for throughout its life and presents extremely well, showing only the light signs of age and use you would expect from a genuine pre-war banjo ukulele. It remains structurally sound, comfortable to play and has benefited from a comprehensive professional setup by Alan Yates Music.

In short, this is a well-preserved, honest example of a pre-war Clifford Essex banjo ukulele that is ready to be enjoyed by its next owner.

CONTACT DETAILS: Alan Yates Music

PHONE: 07764 880016

EMAIL: contact@alanyatesmusic.co.uk

ITEM LOCATION/CARRIAGE: Happy to post if buyer covers postage (£20 - 24-hour tracked & signed for) or can collect from Blackpool.

Insurance cover can also be arranged separately.

PAYMENT: Discuss with Alan Yates Music.