Mistakes happen, but what really counts is how a company responds to them. In Bighead's case, and to a lesser degree mine, IMO Mele fails
Maybe that's why, for example, KoAloha has the rep it does--the instruments are good but the customer service is better. Isn't that the reason we keep mentioning MGM? I've bought many ukes from Mike, and he's made some mistakes (shipping errors, wrong uke sent to me) but here's the thing: I'll do business with him for years--he has my business--not because of the mistakes, but because he made them right. Everybody makes mistakes, but making them right is what sets apart a great business.
If you take the uke anywhere outside of 100% humidity it'll probably crack.
In very hot or cold temperatures or any time relative humidity falls below 40% (common in mountain & desert climates and in heated homes and apartments), your ukulele will dry out and the wood can warp or crack.
I ask you, what would any of you have done in the same situation?
And, then I'd get over it.
At the time of the problem, I would have made every effort to get the product replaced w/as little cost to me as possible, as long as I thought I had taken care of the instrument to the best of my ability. Then, if I ended up being the "loser" of this transaction, I'd think twice before buying again from that same mfg/maker. And, then I'd get over it.
Well, I thought i was doing everyone a favor....sorry, but if any of you had the experience that I had dealing with Cheryl and her company, you might thank me rather than calling me a liar. Tell me what you would have done if your uke split in several places after a couple of months of perfect care. I'd like to hear it. I'll post photos of the offending uke soon.
Thanks,
LenieC
Well, mine's made of Koa and you saw the results after careful care and humidification. I mean, just look at how the glue dried and flaked....I ask you, what would any of you have done in the same situation?
LenieC
Yes, I agree. Again I have no experience with Mele. But human nature being what it is, I just wonder why this thread keeps coming up again. Since I'm a former New Yorker, I think, "because there's some truth to it." Ha.
I may be wrong. I hope I'm wrong.
Still, last year when there was a question about Kala's customer support, Mike Upton was on this site in hours setting it straight. I've never seen a question about Mainland, but my guess is that Mike would be here too. Last week we saw Fred from Kamaka step up and set the record straight.
I guess if I ran the circus, I'd do what I could to make things right. Even at this late date.
The End.
Hey, thanks for your condescending comments! I did make every effort to get it replaced ( I was rebuked). I did end up the "loser" in this transaction and I did "get over it". What I thought I was doing however, was warning my fellow forum members that I, at least, did not have a great experience with my MELE ukulele or the company that sold it. Take it for what it's worth. Isn't this thread about MELE ukes?
LenieC
Thom, this thread was originally asking why Mele wasn't mentioned in the makers or something to that effect section. THe bad rep was posted for the first time today.
I will say that I have tried to get Cheryl to join UU and I think they do have someone that monitors it.
I'll be honest with ya. Kamaka just joined. After how long? Some folks don't have time for online forums.
I'd love to see them here b/c next to koaloha, Mele is my favorite uke.
Yea, I get the time thing. It is good that someone with 8000+ posts shares his positive experiences. That's helpful. I do hope Mele joins these boards and lets their own light shine! It would do us all some good and I think it could only broaden the appeal these ukes have to many.