1994 National Polychrome Reso Uke Prototype Grey

Prototype? Yes, Willie is a huge uke fan and was one of the first National dealers in the country. You’ll note it only has two dots on the fretboard over the body. Current “post proto” ukes have four dots over the body (so very prototypical). These are famous for volume and projecting loud enough to be heard over other instruments. Made back when Don Young and Mcgregor and Marie Gaines owned the company. The original cone was spun from virgin aluminum (not recycled) and was the secret sauce of their success. The steel body is powder coated in Grey with a tiny metal flake…very cool. Has an ebony fingerboard with ivoroid binding. It looks like real ivory but it’s not. The peghead overlay is etched away for the logo. Also has a maple neck and highest quality tuners with ebony string anchors beveled of course with no sharp edges. The cover plate is held solid with 12 pan head screws.

From Willie’s collection of 100 ukes, it has a classic resonator tone which is loud like an archtop guitar. Comes with the original warranty card and a factory sheet about maintenance. A nice piece of American instrument history. Comes with the original hard case with nickel fittings.