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Bau
Lokahi
USA
226 Posts |
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slipry1
Ha`aha`a
USA
1511 Posts |
 Posted - 09/30/2010 : 08:34:23 AM
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Yikes! The blurb says that the uke is "refinished". That can REALLY afect the tone, yeah?
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keaka |
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noeau
Ha`aha`a
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2010 : 10:43:55 AM
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| refinishing is only a symptom regarded as bad by collectors. My guitar maker teacher refinishes instruments all the time and it seems to improve not only looks but the sound.If done well it is not a problem. The tone thing in my opinion, and anyone can jump in after this, has the status of myth.By the way the uke may only be worth the asking to an avid collector. This particular instrument doesn't seem worth it to me. |
No'eau, eia au he mea pa'ani wale nō. |
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Bau
Lokahi
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2010 : 1:48:12 PM
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it does show a reciept for repair and refinish that was done by the maker themselves. I guess its not worth the prices for what it is by a market value, and to be sure there others out there that sound and play better i guess. I'm certianly no expert.
I guess it just 'speaks' to me personaly, some instruments just do. I love the wood and binding and shape. I think its lovely. even though at that price i can ever only play it in my dreams *sigh*
but since there is no way to try it, mabee its sounds awful , Like a shoebox with rubber bands on it :P hmm that maybee my next uke - a paper-mache one i paint to look like this. heehee |
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noeau
Ha`aha`a
USA
1105 Posts |
Posted - 09/30/2010 : 3:49:54 PM
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| Having said what I said earlier. I would now add that if you like something very much. Price is no object. If you have it that is. I have paid way too much for some instruments and to me I have no regrets. But sometimes I hear something better for less but now cannot purchase because I spent the money already.LOL |
No'eau, eia au he mea pa'ani wale nō. |
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Russell Letson
`Olu`olu
USA
504 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2010 : 10:35:25 AM
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It looks like a Kumalae rather than a Kamaka--a cousin to these:
http://www.andyeastwood.com/Kumalae-ukulele-ae.htm
Can't be certain, since a quick and dirty Google didn't turn up an example of a very early Kamaka for comparison.
If it is a Kumalae like my soprano, it will have a surprisingly big voice but will be a challenge for large fingers to operate past first position. (Which is why I more often reach for my Martin concert.)
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Bau
Lokahi
USA
226 Posts |
Posted - 10/01/2010 : 4:31:24 PM
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| those Kumalee look very nice too, i guess i was assuming from the repair ticket and the fact that they said it was dated by the company that it was kamaka. unless this ebayer is not legit. |
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hwnmusiclives
`Olu`olu
USA
580 Posts |
Posted - 10/02/2010 : 10:30:24 PM
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quote:
Originally posted by Bau
it does show a reciept for repair and refinish that was done by the maker themselves.
Actually, it shows a receipt for repair and refinish by Kamaka. It doesn't say that the instrument is a Kamaka.
Russell wins the prize: This is indeed an original Kumalae. This is clear from the headstock insignia - the seal and motto of the nation of Hawai'i - used in various incarnations and sizes on all Kumalae 'ukulele (at least all that I have ever seen).
http://www.ukulele.org/?Inductees:2002-2003:Jonah_Kumalae
So put two and two together, and you have a vintage original with a sure-to-be-good-as-vintage refinish, and I would say this instrument is worth every penny. It may even be a bargain. If the refinish were done in the hands of almost anyone else, I would be dubious. But no doubt Kamaka took the utmost care with that work.
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what a uke!
