I have 2 concert ukes, one with a radius fretboard and one with a flat fretboard. For me, the uke with the radius is way easier to play but I still love the tone of the other one. Someone suggested to me that I find a luthier and have him or her rebuild the flat fretboard into a radius one. My musician friend didn't think it would cost too much, maybe $100. Has anyone else done this or heard of someone doing this?
Changing flat fretboard to a radius one?
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spookelele
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I think that quote is waaaaaay off.
Unless it's a very very high end uke, you're probably better off buying another uke with a radius board, than converting one.
Unless it's a very very high end uke, you're probably better off buying another uke with a radius board, than converting one.
This is dead on and I agree 100%. I love a radius fretboard and have had a quote. Think about what has to happen, the existing fretboard is removed, a new one is made with all new frets. It is then attached to a FINISHED neck so the actual matching of dimensions between the two pieces is difficult and time consuming. A new radiused nut and saddle are then made and installed, all frets leveled and a complete set up done
I was quoted approx. $300.00 to have this done and I think that is reasonable. I had just a new bone nut made for a baritone and a set up done and that was $85.00.
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spookelele
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I apologize, re-reading my response seemed meaner than I intended.
I just meant to say that it will likely be much more.
I looked at getting a refret, and it was quite a bit more than $100.
To reshape the wood, nut, and saddle.. and then refret... would be alot more work.
And if there's binding.. that would need to be redone too.
$100 to upgrade a custom before it's built would be a good price. To do it after built.. I can't even imagine.
I just meant to say that it will likely be much more.
I looked at getting a refret, and it was quite a bit more than $100.
To reshape the wood, nut, and saddle.. and then refret... would be alot more work.
And if there's binding.. that would need to be redone too.
$100 to upgrade a custom before it's built would be a good price. To do it after built.. I can't even imagine.
No problem, spookelele. I agree with what you said. Other than Cocobolo and some Pono, few factory ukes come with radius fretboards and I'm don't want to order a custom. I already have a Clara and I love it, but a second one? I don't know about that- a lot of money and I don't know if it would be a mistake owning 2 of the same ukuleles.
janeray1940
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If you love the uke, it absolutely would not be a mistake! I played two identical Kamaka HF2 concert ukes for quite a while, one low G, one reentrant. I know we're all different, but for me I found it really helpful to be able to focus on playing two ukes that felt almost exactly the same in my hands - almost like having just one uke and getting to know it really, really well. And I still more or less play two of the same ukulele - one of the previously mentioned Kamaka concerts, and the other is a concert-neck Kamaka soprano. Slightly different sound qualities, but they feel pretty much the same (unlike when I switch to soprano, which always takes a little bit of adjustment).
Thanks Janeray for that encouraging advice. I'll be at the upcoming Reno UkeFest and I'll try different ukes out but I can imagine going with another Clara too. I appreciate your advice!
And NewKid, I agree that ukes with low action are great to play- once upon a time I had a KoAloha tenor and its low action made it easy to play. When I got my Clara though, I really really fell in love- gorgeous tone and perfect fretboard for me. Loved the concert size too. Sold the KoAloha to pay for the Clara. Good decision for me. Now, I have a Martin CK1 because I needed both tunings and I like the tone but not the flat fretboard of the Martin. Its action, by the way, is already pretty low.
And NewKid, I agree that ukes with low action are great to play- once upon a time I had a KoAloha tenor and its low action made it easy to play. When I got my Clara though, I really really fell in love- gorgeous tone and perfect fretboard for me. Loved the concert size too. Sold the KoAloha to pay for the Clara. Good decision for me. Now, I have a Martin CK1 because I needed both tunings and I like the tone but not the flat fretboard of the Martin. Its action, by the way, is already pretty low.
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It will most times cost way more than the ukes worth to put a radius fretboard on
Sorta like saying i want to take my automatic transmission out and throw a standard manual trans in my car
Sounds easy but it aint, even crowning and filing the frets take time more than building the body
Sorta like saying i want to take my automatic transmission out and throw a standard manual trans in my car
Sounds easy but it aint, even crowning and filing the frets take time more than building the body
sam13
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I agree with Stan.
But if you would like a quote contact Kilin Reece at https://www.krstrings.com/resume.html
He told me he recently put a radius fret board on a vintage Kamaka ...
