Does Installing a Pickup Reduce the Resale Value?

I was curious if installing a good quality pickup (e.g., Baggs 5.0, MiSi, etc) necessarily reduce the resale value of an ukulele? I'm sure it can cut both ways depending on whether the buyer is, say, a purist or on the other extreme, someone that gigs or busks.

I know in the grander scheme of things, its not that special, but I always saw my Kamaka HF3 as the crown jewel to passed down to future generations. But recently, I got lucky on a KoAloha tenor which I installed a MiSi on and I *LOVE IT*. I keep looking at the Kamaka wondering wow how would that guy sound. I am very comfortable with this tech that did my KoAloha so no worries there.

Thanks for any feedback.

I wouldn't think twice about installing a pickup in a modern production uke. It would not reduce the resale, and it might or might not increase it. Even though pickups are a valuable add-on, some people simply don't want them, or are unwilling to pay extra for a used uke that has one. I think it's rare for a buyer to turn down a uke that has a pickup installed, especially a popular brand like MiSi.

I wouldn't do it on a vintage uke unless I planned to own that uke a long time. People who buy vintage instruments tend to value originality.

Thank you RichM. Great point on vintage. Yes, this is modern production. I've got a MiSi on one I think I'll go with the Baggs on this one then.

Agree with keeping vintage instruments "pure." Electronics change every few years (sometimes sooner), so the hot setup today can become technologically obsolete after a while.

Rich really did hit all the main points. Two things I ask myself, will I enjoy it and am I going to play it. I have gone through the same trepidation over strap buttons. I have strap buttons on all my ukes and pick ups in two of my most expensive ukes.

Both items make playing easier and more enjoyable. I never worry about resale if I bought them to play them.

I would be less inclined to buy a uke with an aftermarket pickup unless I could play it myself and verify it had a good sound. I don't get why you need a pickup in both tenors. The one with a pickup is for gigs, the other one for acoustic situations or for home use.

If you sell to a shop they will offer less if you modify the instruments in anyway. I ran across this with a mid-90's Kamaka soprano on which I had upgraded the tuners. Person to person sales might be easier to retain most of the value.