Vintage Knutsen Harp Ukulele

SOLD

Here is a lovely and rare-ish circa 1915 Knutsen harp-ukulele in koa, being offered "as is" at a competitive price.

The "as is" part is simply that two of its original crude Knutsen-made tuners are missing. Other than that and strings, it's ready to go!

For my photos, you'll see that I temporarily installed two violin pegs - just to hold the strings and tune up for a quick test.

Instead of including those, the owner and I are including a brand new set of Martin ukulele friction pegs. These I have not installed as they need to be fit, and I reasoned that should be done by the buyer (or their luthier). One could create two new Knutsen-style tuners or use the Martins. If the latter, I leave it to the next owner as to reaming out the headstock holes to fit as desired. At the same time, the new owner can decide whether they want string end slots or drilled holes.

So, again, the discount "as is" price is based on the fact that I opted not to do the pegs and stringing so any buyers The only other issues are a small chip on back near the butt and a bit of extra wear on the top in the upper right bout as shown. Minor general wear as typical.
P.S. A new set of ukulele strings will be supplied - please state your preferred tuning/brand.

For those new to these instruments, they are a bit wacky. Knutsen's "patent applied for" (never granted) was the neck joint. The heel butt joint is not attached. Instead, it has a metal L-bracket pivot point, and another slotted L-bracket joining the head to the arm tip. This is for easy and quick "action adjustment"!  In practice, I'd recommend gluing the neck heel and locking this down to play consistently. Strings are a little off center on the neck due to Knutsen's infamous casual construction.

Pickup in Connecticut or will ship anywhere in the world at buyer's expense.

- Gregg (Sir Gregory) Miner

Specifications: 

• Circa 1915, small Patent Applied For, C. Knutsen label
• Koa construction
• Rope binding on top and sound hole
• 13-1/2" scale
• Dimensions: 6-1/2" lower bout, 1-7/8" depth at tail block, 21-1/4" total length
• Partial original case

Price: SOLD

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