Martin Style O Soprano Ukulele 1930s

The Style O was Martin’s foundational uke model from the Hawaiian-music boom through the swing era. By the 1930s the Style O had standardized as an all-mahogany, unbound soprano with a small tie bridge and decal headstock logo. It was positioned as the entry point below Styles 1–3 but built in the same Nazareth shop, using light construction typical of the period. Surviving examples from these years show consistent materials and simple appointments aimed at durability and affordability during the Depression era.

This instrument is all mahogany and has normal wear consistent with age. There are no cracks. The original chipboard case is included and branded “Coast Los Angeles,” a period West Coast retailer/distributor mark that appears on 1930s Martins and is useful provenance and a nice period detail. Hardware is friction-peg type as expected for the time. Fingerboard, bridge, and finish match common Martin specs for the era.

Historically, the Style O contributed to the mainland popularity of the ukulele through vaudeville, radio, and early recording. Performers such as Cliff Edwards (“Ukulele Ike”) helped establish the soprano uke in popular entertainment, and many working players chose the Style O for its straightforward build and consistent factory standards. Late-prewar examples like this represent the mature form of Martin’s simplest soprano model. Cool piece!

SPECIFICATIONS

• Model/period: Style O, approx. 1934–1939
• Body: Soprano, 12 frets to body
• Scale length: ~13 1/2 in
• Overall length: ~21 in
• Top/back/sides: Solid mahogany
• Neck: 1-piece mahogany
• Fingerboard: Rosewood; dot markers at 5, 7, 10
• Bridge: Rosewood tie-style, straight saddle slot
• Nut/saddle: Hardwood/ebonized material typical of era
• Bracing: Light soprano pattern; ladder/transverse
• Headstock: Martin script decal
• Tuners: Friction pegs
• Finish: Natural mahogany, nitrocellulose lacquer
• Binding/rosette: Unbound body; plain soundhole
• Fretwire: Prewar Martin spec
• Condition: All mahogany; no cracks; wear consistent with age
• Case: Original chipboard case, branded “Coast Los Angeles”