I just received an Ohana SK-38 from my sister as a birthday present. She bought it from one of the online uke specialists that come highly recommended on the UU forum. But soon as I unzipped the Steady case that it came in and gave it a once-over, my joy turned to dismay. Nonetheless, I've read about how some players initially mistook the vintage look of the 38 for shoddy workmanship, and how the build and finish of Ohana ukes are "nearly perfect," so I'm here for some reassurance.
First, the nut look as if it had been gnawed by a dog. Sorry, I don't know how else to describe it. Second, the four slots, seen from the bottom of the bridge, look unfinished, ragged. Third, the small, truncated oval that the heel narrows down to is asymmetrical. Fourth, there are two clearly visible nicks on the back of the headstock. No need to squint to see them. And lastly, the wood grain on the back of the uke's body runs diagonally, not quite 45 degrees though. My overall impression was the uke looked like a counterfeit.
I'm curious as to where these cosmetic imperfections are all part of the aged look, vintage charm, Ohana is aiming for in this model. I was somewhat reassurred after I revisited the seller's website and englarged the photos for a much closer look, and saw that yep, the nut and the heel of this floor model also looked kind of . . . crummy.
Would love to hear from other SK-38 owners.
First, the nut look as if it had been gnawed by a dog. Sorry, I don't know how else to describe it. Second, the four slots, seen from the bottom of the bridge, look unfinished, ragged. Third, the small, truncated oval that the heel narrows down to is asymmetrical. Fourth, there are two clearly visible nicks on the back of the headstock. No need to squint to see them. And lastly, the wood grain on the back of the uke's body runs diagonally, not quite 45 degrees though. My overall impression was the uke looked like a counterfeit.
I'm curious as to where these cosmetic imperfections are all part of the aged look, vintage charm, Ohana is aiming for in this model. I was somewhat reassurred after I revisited the seller's website and englarged the photos for a much closer look, and saw that yep, the nut and the heel of this floor model also looked kind of . . . crummy.
Would love to hear from other SK-38 owners.
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