Martin Style 5k Ukulele

Although the ukulele was invented and popularised by the Hawaiians, once Martin got the formula right, they were without peer.

 

Martin made soprano, concert, tenor and baritone ukuleles using Mahogany (M suffix) and the Hawaiian native hardwood Koa (k suffix). The style 0, 1 and 2 were entry level and intermediate offerings but the style 3 and abalone adorned style 5 were the crowning jewels and now even over a century later are still considered the best ukuleles ever made. These are extremely coveted.

 

As with most makers of ukuleles, serial numbers are seldom used and dating a ukulele in the Martin family is basically a matter of appointment and styling. Our research shows that prior to 1933 the company logo was impressed into the back of the headstock and post 1933 the logo was a decal on the front of the headstock, so working out pre and post 33 is easy (however, the 1933 date has been described as early as 1930 and late as 1935). After that it comes down to differences in purfling, inlays, etc and really requires a great deal of effort. After 1962 the interior had an additional ‘Made in USA’ stamp below the C.F. Martin & Co Nazareth P.A.

 

• Introduced in 1922.

• Koa body.

• Ivoroid bound top and back with abalone trim.

• Abalone pearl and black/white wood around sound hole.

• Ivoroid bound ebony fingerboard.

• 17 fret ebony fingerboard extents to the sound hole.

• Bar frets.

• Varied snowflake pearl inlays.

• Koa peghead veneer with pearl-inlaid flowerpot.

• Patent pegs.

• 1934: T frets

• 1940: Style 5 Mahogony body (same trim as 5K) introduced.

• 1940: Style 5K discontinued

• 1942: Style 5 Mahogony body discontinued. Reintroduced recently.