c.1920 Rutan Koa Soprano Ukulele

NOTE: I've updated the title of this post to include the maker's name, John Rutan, which a another uke aficionado kindly jogged my memory with. Thank you!

Let's get one thing straight: except for the headstock, wooden rosette, and slightly different fretboard end shape... this would be indistinguishable from a Martin-made instrument. I've seen these before with a couple different brand names: both of which I can't recall at the moment. They've always struck me as ukes of the very highest quality (ie, Martins). The thickness, brace shaping, neck style, etc. is all comparable. This one goes just a little further and is made entirely of beautiful orangey-red Hawaiian koa. NICE!

A lovely uke, with slightly longer 13 9/16" scale length. Finish is in great shape for the age, with some scuffing and playwear, but it really glows. Nice patina as they say.

Ebony nut.

Rosewood fretboard with nice wide profile... easy on the hands. Tiny MOP dots like a Martin would have.

The rosette is really tasty... just 3 strips of inlaid marquetry. So tasteful and simple.

Little chip on the bridge... which has, of course, the Martinesque ebony saddle.


Back... excited by that koa yet?


yum!


Original bakelite pegs.

Here's an impact crack: all fixed up, though.

Side.


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End join. And the bet part?

Plays as good as it looks, and sounds way better. Very loud, very sweet and mellow tone.