Keech Vintage Banjo Ukulele PAT 2197202

This vintage banjo ukulele is in good condition

The Keech Banjo Ukulele is a vintage-style instrument that blends the bright, percussive sound of a banjo with the compact size and playability of a ukulele. Designed by Alvin D. Keech, a key figure in popularizing the banjo ukulele (or "banjolele"), this model is a historically significant instrument, favored by traditional players and vintage instrument collectors alike.

Build Quality & Design

The Keech Banjo Ukulele follows a classic 1920s–1930s design, featuring:

• A circular banjo-style body with a drumhead resonator for added volume.
• A short-scale neck, similar to a standard soprano ukulele.
• Fretboard inlays and vintage-style tuners for an old-school aesthetic.

The build quality is solid, with a lightweight frame that’s easy to hold. The drumhead is tension-adjustable, allowing for some customization in tone and resonance. However, as with many vintage banjoleles, proper setup is key to getting the best sound.

Tone & Sound Quality

The Keech Banjo Ukulele has a distinctive, bright, and punchy tone, far louder than a standard wooden ukulele. The banjo-style resonator projects sound well, making it perfect for vintage jazz, old-time, and vaudeville music.

• Strummed chords cut through a mix beautifully, making it ideal for lively, rhythmic playing.
• Fingerpicking sounds crisp but lacks some of the warmth of a traditional wooden uke.
• The tone is sharp and percussive, with a twang that’s great for classic 1920s music styles.

It can be slightly harsh if not properly dampened, but adjusting the head tension and bridge setup can help fine-tune the sound.

Playability & Comfort

The short scale and slim neck make this instrument easy to play, especially for ukulele players transitioning to a banjo-style instrument. The action is generally low, but vintage models may need adjustments for optimal playability.

The small body and lightweight feel make it comfortable for extended playing sessions, though the metal rim can dig into the forearm slightly compared to a traditional uke.

Tuning & Hardware

• The friction tuners are authentic to the vintage design, but they may require frequent adjustments. Many players choose to upgrade to geared tuners for better tuning stability.
• The bridge is adjustable, but like a banjo, it’s not fixed to the body, so setup and placement can affect the intonation.
• The drumhead tension can be adjusted, allowing for some control over tone and projection.

The Keech Banjo Ukulele is a beautifully crafted, historically significant instrument that delivers a bright, classic banjolele sound. While it requires some setup and tuning maintenance, it’s a fantastic choice for vintage-style musicians, collectors, and uke players looking for a more powerful sound.

If you love 1920s jazz, vaudeville, or old-time music, this authentic Keech model is a great addition to your collection. However, if you’re used to modern ukuleles, the fretless tuning adjustments and banjo-style quirks might take some getting used to.