Another example of plummeting quality control at the cheap end of the market
http://www.gotaukulele.com/2015/02/stagg-us10-soprano-ukulele-review.html
http://www.gotaukulele.com/2015/02/stagg-us10-soprano-ukulele-review.html
that reminds me, I can't seem to find a thread about creative uses of a totally junk ukuleles. Just throwing one in the trash is kind of boring.
burn it, burn it with fire...
burn it, burn it with fire...
There are a few people who do that. Diminishing returns though.
Whilst you can replace tuners, bridges etc - at the end of the day this is just made from thick plywood. I just end up asking 'why?' when I see that. Or maybe it's just me - don't have the time to invest in something pointless like that.....
And let's not forget the most important thing here - ukes of this quality should NOT be getting out of the factory and into the hands of new players...
Choice A: Ukulele only (Kala KA-S)
Amazon Uke which might need set up $53.99 (no shipping charge)
Recommended uke dealer w/ set up $73.99 (unknown shipping charge)
Choice B: Package deal includes Bag, clip on tuner (from amazon it also includes a DVD not included the uke dealer package)
Amazon package deal $83.99 (no shipping charge)
Uke dealer package deal 103.99 (unknown Shipping charge)
Set-Up charges if Amazon ukes need them:
For me $0.00
For some aprox $35
If your uke needs a set up and you don't know how to do one you save $15 going to a dealer. If you do know how to do a set up you save $20 in both instances. If your uke is playable out of the box you spend $20 more than necessary going to the dealer.
My only experience with Mahalo is my Smiley uke. It was absolute crap out of the box and taught me how to do rough setups myself. While it was not a great deal for a student and pitiful to be sold as an instrument it did teach me a lot. For under $40 I was able to learn how to fix him and after playing him for a bit found he is very responsive to how hes held. Touch the back at all and the volume and tone (slightly wonky) deadens to a muffled mush.
So much learned with so little invested, maybe Mahalo needs a thanks! In the case of why??? Its a Smiley that's why! Ukuleles should play even if they sound a little toyish, Smiley ukuleles can play half decent when setup and should not just hang on display. I leave my smiley sitting out at my shop where anyone is welcomed to pick it up for a bit of fun. In the end if all you have is an ok playing Stagg or other inexpensive ukulele then learn to play the hell out of it when you get a nice instrument in your hands it will be golden.
~AL~
No I still wouldn't buy from Amazon, apart from marketplace sellers (actual uke shops).
Buying from their warehouse guarantees no setup, not even them opening the box. Besides, I believe in giving my money to independent music stores who need all the help they can get. Amazon not getting my money on crap ukes is not going to impact on their profits one bit..