Jolli Joe Banjo Ukulele

The Jolli Joe is certainly not your traditional banjo ukulele. Dating from the late 1920s/1930s, its unusual all metal construction sets it apart from the wooden-necked instruments more commonly associated with the period.

This particular example is one of the best we have encountered, retaining its original distinctive blue finish and, importantly, its shape remarkably well. Having spent time with it ourselves, it is not only its unusual construction that makes an impression – it has a sharp, lively and characterful banjo voice.

The instrument has been through our workshop, where Alan has fitted a new calfskin vellum, vintage maple bridge, Picato strings and new tension rods and nuts, before setting it up ready to play.

Accompanied by a period John Grey & Sons case, this is a wonderfully characterful survivor from the early days of Britain's banjo ukulele boom and a fascinating example of just how differently these instruments were being made.

For the vintage banjo ukulele enthusiast, the Jolli Joe represents a fascinating departure from the better-known instruments produced during Britain's banjo ukulele boom. Rather than following established construction methods, its makers took a completely different approach, creating an instrument that is instantly recognisable almost a century later.

Surviving Jolli Joes can vary considerably in condition, making a well-preserved and fully playable example particularly appealing. It offers the opportunity to own something that represents a genuinely unusual chapter in British banjo ukulele history rather than another variation on a familiar design.

The accompanying period John Grey & Sons hard case adds further interest to the package, making this an especially appealing find for the player or collector who enjoys the more unusual side of vintage British instrument making.

£190

SPECIFICATIONS:

Year: Late 1920s / 1930s

Construction: All metal construction

Fingerboard: Moulded metal fingerboard with integral frets

Vellum: Natural calfskin

Bridge: Vintage maple

Strings: Picato

Tuners: Friction tuners

Finish: Original blue textured finish

Configuration: Open Back

Case: Period John Grey & Sons case

Weight: 1.240kg

Overall Length: 21 inch

Pot Diameter: 7 inch

Condition:

This Jolli Joe is in very good condition for its age and is one of the better-preserved examples we have encountered. Most importantly, the metal construction has retained its shape remarkably well, while the distinctive original finish remains present with the expected signs of age and use.

SALE TYPE: Consignment Sale – handled by AYM

CONTACT DETAILS: Alan Yates Music

PHONE: 07764 880016

EMAIL: contact@alanyatesmusic.co.uk

VIEWING: In-person viewing is welcome – please contact us to arrange. For buyers unable to visit, a video demonstration is available to watch.

COLLECTION & DELIVERY: Collection from Blackpool or UK delivery for £20 via a 24-hour tracked and signed service.

International shipping is also available – please contact us for a quote.

PAYMENT: Please contact AYM for payment arrangements.