Marxochime Colony Violin-Uke Value Guide

The Marxochime Colony Violin-Uke is a fascinating hybrid instrument from the 1920s and 1930s designed for 'play without practice' accessibility. Produced in the United States, these novelty instruments captured the era's obsession with Hawaiian music and jazz through a unique combination of bowed and plucked strings.

What Is Marxochime Colony Violin-Uke Worth?

The typical price range for Marxochime Colony Violin-Uke is $75 - $120 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the wooden body, specifically looking for cracks or warping that affect the $75-$120 price range.
• Completeness of the set, including the original bow, tuning key, and instructional song sheets.
• Structural integrity of the metal strings and tuning pins, as replacements can be difficult to source.
• Clarity and preservation of the original Marxochime Colony decals and decorative markings.

How to Identify Marxochime Colony Violin-Uke?

• Look for the 'Marxochime Colony' manufacturer label or logo, often located inside the soundbox or on the headstock.
• Identify the distinct dual-play layout featuring a set of melody strings for bowing and separate chord groups for plucking.
• Check for the original metal strings and the characteristic fretless wooden body typical of 1920-1940 production.
• Verify the presence of the original bow, which is often missing from secondary market examples.

History of Marxochime Colony Violin-Uke

The Marxochime Colony Violin-Uke, also known as a Hawaiinette or Marxolin, was part of a series of novelty stringed instruments produced by the Marxochime Colony company in the United States. These instruments were designed to be easy to play, often marketed towards amateur musicians who could 'play without practice'. They gained popularity in the 1920s and 1930s as an affordable way to participate in the musical trends of the era, such as Hawaiian music and jazz. They were typically sold through mail-order catalogs and dime stores.