Circa 1928 Washburn/Lyon & Healy Shrine Ukulele

Today’s Catch is one of my favorite ukuleles, the Washburn/Lyon & Healy Shrine model. The Shrine was introduced by Lyon & Healy, the parent company of Washburn, in 1928, just slightly after the peak of the ukulele’s Jazz Age popularity. To be honest, I’ve never been sure why this model was called the Shrine, but I do have to say I find the triangular shape very attractive. I also like the green binding, which is a cosmetic feature I don’t think I’ve ever seen anywhere else. I’m also not sure why the uke has a triangular shape but Lyon & Healy did make a series of bell-shaped instruments so maybe they just liked odd forms. The 1930 catalog description says the Shrine was “scientifically designed in every respect” but I’m guessing that research wasn’t peer reviewed. Still, I have played a few over the years and they do sound very nice. The Shrine ukes are quite rare, but not as rare as the Shrine guitars, mandolins and tenor guitars, which I have never actually seen in person. If you’d like to add this lovely to your collection, it is priced at $2300 at Sylvan Music.

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