1920's Soprano Ukulele project restoration

[Mark G]

Hello all, Mark here. I bought myself a restoration project off ebay simply because I love brining old instruments back to life. This will be my first ukulele restoration having done electrics and archtops. I have made several ukes, acoustic guitars etc. but this little one will be an awesome challenge. I would appreciate any feedback - particularly from the ukulele builders out there as to how to attack this little job. I won't be starting it straight away as I have other guitars to finish.
My main questions at the moment surround how much can be saved and yet still result in a nice instrument when done. The back, lower side and neck are all in great shape. The top is cracked split and broken in many places as is the side- also missing a large piece. I believe i have the skills to repair all these issues but am concerned that the delicate / thin top might then not respond very well- i thought I would repair the top splits and cracks with appropriate sizes cleats etc. However, If I get feedback that the top is beyond saving I will retop the instrument. Also, if the side needs to be replaced can do that as well.....but then the instrument will start to feel like a new one rather than one that's nearly 100 years old. Any comments on the wood type wood be helpful- I'm not convinced it's Koa, perhaps mahogany?
Anyway- please check out the photos and let me know what you think. Thanks for your time.
Mark

[Kamusur]

Ouch, need a bit more than HHG to put her right.

Steve

[Allen]

I'd keep the case, and use the busted up one to copy and make a new one. The original doesn't look like it would have been much of a collectors item, so way too much work in the original to warrant the time and effort to bring it back as far as I'm concerned.

[Mark G]

Thanks for the feedback. Was hoping you'd chime in Allen, I know it's a lot of work but liked the idea of giving it a go. Assuming it was worth saving, in your opinion is the top salvageable or a lost cause....don't want it to sound like glued up ply when I'm done. Thanks.

[jeffhigh]

If I were going to repair that, and like Allen I probably wouldn't, I'd replace the top and salvage some material from it to patch the hole in the side.
The cross grain breaks in the top around the tailblock make it a lost cause for me

[Allen]

Top is finished as far as I'm concerned. Jeff's suggestion about salvaging some of it for the side repair is a good one if you're dead set on trying to bring this one back.

[slowlearner]

Wow, when you said it was nasty you weren't joking... poor old thing.