EDW
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 6, 2010
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Yes, that's a sweet looking koa Timms. Too bad about that top distortion, looks like bellying, like an old guitar. I always though that low humidity, paired with many years of string tension caused that. But that uke is less than 2 years old, what would cause it to belly like that so soon? Perhaps thin flamed koa is weaker for a top wood? It looks like the bridge is tilting, due to the bellying. Have you ever seen a Martin soprano do that?
Too bad they don't make a mini Bridge Doctor to flatten that out, as in the guitar world. Even if they did, good luck getting in there to install it.
I have read of that happening with some instruments, both vintage and new. It seems that those with thinner tops, which can be incredibly resonant can have this. I seem to recall some luthiers saying it was not a problem as it reaches a point, but does not go farther. I'll see if I can find some of those discussions.