Rank_beginner
Member
Aside from an old "Fortune" uke that goes on camping trips, my main player is a 2006 LoPrinzi Model B. This model is all mahogany and has a binding which I like because it protects the edges from bumps. Unfortunately, I still managed to get a ding on the side above the G string, and being right handed, it distracted me every time I played.
The holiday season found me visiting family in Central Florida. I made arrangements with Donna LoPrinzi to visit her showroom, and I brought the uke with me. After playing the ukes that Donna had on hand, she agreed to try to repair the ding mine and to lower the action at the same time. (I really had to resist asking for a loaner!) In the course of the morning, we talked about her training as a luthier and we looked at her workshop, wood storage area, etc. It was a lot of fun and very informative, even for my SO who appreciates art & craft but not necessarily musical instruments.
So after a few weeks of playing the Fortune and waiting for warmer weather (to ensure safe delivery), my old uke is back in my hands. It is once again the uke of my dreams--the ding is gone without a trace and the rest of the finish is as I left it, mostly satin except where polished by my playing. And speaking of playing, with lowered action it plays better than ever. The sound is excellent too. If I breath on it, it resonates, and notes ring with a clear, loud, lasting sound.
Uke makers come and go, but the LoPrinzis are, to mind, making a solid attractive product consistently, year in and year out.
The holiday season found me visiting family in Central Florida. I made arrangements with Donna LoPrinzi to visit her showroom, and I brought the uke with me. After playing the ukes that Donna had on hand, she agreed to try to repair the ding mine and to lower the action at the same time. (I really had to resist asking for a loaner!) In the course of the morning, we talked about her training as a luthier and we looked at her workshop, wood storage area, etc. It was a lot of fun and very informative, even for my SO who appreciates art & craft but not necessarily musical instruments.
So after a few weeks of playing the Fortune and waiting for warmer weather (to ensure safe delivery), my old uke is back in my hands. It is once again the uke of my dreams--the ding is gone without a trace and the rest of the finish is as I left it, mostly satin except where polished by my playing. And speaking of playing, with lowered action it plays better than ever. The sound is excellent too. If I breath on it, it resonates, and notes ring with a clear, loud, lasting sound.
Uke makers come and go, but the LoPrinzis are, to mind, making a solid attractive product consistently, year in and year out.