So I've found a Koaloha tenor that I want in a store. It's a factory second so I know it's not perfect. The date on the inside is from 2004. My question is, is there a downside from buying a "new" uke that has been in the store for that long?
I've seen pre-2007 KoAloha Tenors sell for $600-ish, the older models definitely are warn in and sound lovely
MGM was selling brand new KoAloha Tenors on his ebay store recently for 775$
also keep in mind the above comes with a lavish 90-100$ Ko'olau/Oahu case
Your call, either way you will not be disappointed
I think and I reiterate think that the tenor that MGM is selling is a factory second as well. I just remember contacting him once for a koaloha tenor he was selling for that same price and it was a factory second. THere is nothing wrong with a factory second. I plan on buying myself one in June while on Oahu.
I'm sure that the uke you found (2004) is fine. There shouldn't be any problems with it since it is there in Hawaii.
THESE ARE BEING SOLD AND MARKED AT SPECIAL PRICE AS THESE ARE NOT THE USUAL 15 FRET TENORS BUT FACTORY SPECIAL 16 FRET TO BODY TENORS. This allows just a little more playing room up and down the neck but still have the same classic Koaloha tenor sound and have full Koaloha Warranty.