Here are my two vintage Washburns. One is a UE soprano, the other a model 5317 - both mahogany sopranos, and both in very fine un-modified shape. Although the necks of both are fairly straight, both would benefit from a bit more rake in the neck set, at least to make the action as comfortable up the neck as the Martins that I've known and owned.
I tried asking at Ukulele Underground, but I find there is very little Vintage instrument knowledge or interest there - at least as compared to the mandolin or guitar world. And to stretch for a bit of mando content, i've come to own these after many years experience w Washburn/L&H mandolins, so I know their standards were as high as Martin's, for example.
My question is whether L&H was just more conservative, or even sloppy in their neck sets? ALL those I've seen have been solidly glued, but with higher action up the neck than I would expect on an instrument that was made to such a high quality overall.
I've never had a neck reset on a uke, although I have on vintage guitars, and I'd expect to pay a few hundred dollars to have it done in the NYC area by a good luthier. On the other hand, I can get enough done in first position on uke, so...
I'm interested in the experiences of others. And curious about the neck attachment on these instruments since I've never steamed one apart. Given the overall build, I've suspected a tapered dovetail within, but I don't really know.
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