UB-2
The Ub-2 was the next Gibson banjo uke to be produced. It's features included an 8" rim and the adjustable steel support rod that spanned between the neck and tailpiece inside of the rim.
This rod was threaded and allowed the fret board to angle downward and slope away from the top of the banjo uke. This helps greatly when a low action is desired up and down the fret board.
The UB-2 seems to also be called "baby gibson" which baffles me a bit. The 8" rim was fairly well established as the largest desirable sized banjo ukes. I would guess, that it's because they are fairly similar in appearance to the ub-1 in design.
The UB-2 had about a 1/2" longer scale and would be easier to play for those of you with larger hands. The UB-2 had dot MOP markers on the fret board also. It was a great design and there are many very happy UB-2 owners out there since they are really the understated version of the UB-3. I personally don't feel that the sound of the UB-2 has a great deal in common with the UB-1 in terms of unique qualities, but I must say that it is a powerful robust banjo uke that can can rival some of the most elaborate designs ever produced in the banjo ukulele world.
There are examples of sunburst finishing on the ub-2 but most often they are found in a medium to dark oak stain and even a blonde maple version. I am as fond of the UB-2 for it's reserved power as I am of the UB-1 for it's rich colorful acoustic nature.
Now for the variation of the UB-2, the UB-2 deluxe which had a diamond flanged resonator and could aptly be called the "Big Baby". It is certainly a big Gibson and again, depending on set up, should have nothing inferior in sound to the UB-4 and UB-5. It has been equipped with and without the 1/4" brass tone ring. This might have been a post production addition that Gibson installed in the example that I have seen. The scale is shorter on the UB-2 than the UB-4 but not so much as to be a problem when traveling up into the higher fret positions.
The addition of the flanged resonator gives the ub-2 deluxe a more open sonority, perhaps aptly called more "banjo" in character. You can hear the sound bouncing around in the Gibson resonators and I am convinced there were extensive experiments at the factory before settling on a design. It's a lovely sound, very colorful and flexible.
The Ub-2 was the next Gibson banjo uke to be produced. It's features included an 8" rim and the adjustable steel support rod that spanned between the neck and tailpiece inside of the rim.
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| The UB-2 Gibson This one had major veneer separation inside the rim and 2 types of post production stain. |
This rod was threaded and allowed the fret board to angle downward and slope away from the top of the banjo uke. This helps greatly when a low action is desired up and down the fret board.
The UB-2 seems to also be called "baby gibson" which baffles me a bit. The 8" rim was fairly well established as the largest desirable sized banjo ukes. I would guess, that it's because they are fairly similar in appearance to the ub-1 in design.
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| The resonator had been poorly stained and thickly varnished over old damage. After removed the varnish I stained it deep brownish black then lacquered it. |
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| The original skin was re-mounted (Jos Rodgers). The uke came with a chrome plated Elton tailpiece and chrome brackets and hooks. Gastly! I found Gibson L brackets which is what they came installed with. The tailpiece is a current "Nashville" style from Stew Mac. Tension ring was heavily rusted. The bridge is original. |
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| I left the head stock it's original color for now. |
There are examples of sunburst finishing on the ub-2 but most often they are found in a medium to dark oak stain and even a blonde maple version. I am as fond of the UB-2 for it's reserved power as I am of the UB-1 for it's rich colorful acoustic nature.
Now for the variation of the UB-2, the UB-2 deluxe which had a diamond flanged resonator and could aptly be called the "Big Baby". It is certainly a big Gibson and again, depending on set up, should have nothing inferior in sound to the UB-4 and UB-5. It has been equipped with and without the 1/4" brass tone ring. This might have been a post production addition that Gibson installed in the example that I have seen. The scale is shorter on the UB-2 than the UB-4 but not so much as to be a problem when traveling up into the higher fret positions.
The addition of the flanged resonator gives the ub-2 deluxe a more open sonority, perhaps aptly called more "banjo" in character. You can hear the sound bouncing around in the Gibson resonators and I am convinced there were extensive experiments at the factory before settling on a design. It's a lovely sound, very colorful and flexible.
1 comment:
I couldn't agree more about the UB2's robustness of sound. I think, of all the vintage Gibsons that come up for sale, UB2 presents the best value for money. It may not have the finish, fretboard binding and inlays of the UB-3, but if you shut your eyes and play them side by side, I hear no difference at all. I got mine in excellent condition (one flaw, some minor outer laminate separation, had been well repaired) for only $480 - the week after a UB3 in excellent condition moved at $1,200+. Over the last three years, UB2s have sold on average at less than half the price of UB3s.
Still, must have a UB3!! Just saying it isn't the value leader of the Gibson UB family. ;)
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