Ukujiji
Well-known member
Aloha, UU members. I've been playing baritone Ukulele for 2.5 months, love it. Last week, I feel like trying something different, so I decided to get a nice tenor. After doing research, I ordered a KoAloha KTM-00 on HMS, turns out I need to pay a 93$ permit fee for having shells on the Uke. The KoAloha Tenor was already on the edge of my budget, I do not want to overpay for it. So I decide to take a tour to local music shop ( Cosmo Music in Toronto, the largest music instrument store in NA). They have a few Kamaka but no tenor size and a tons of Kanile'a in all size. After trying a few Kanile'a basic model, a particular Uke caught my attention. The curl and the finish are breathtakingly beautiful, I didn't dare to look at the price knowing that it is probably 4 times as my budget. But to my surprise, it costed (deleted) after tax. It was a pre-owned Kanile'a Platinum 2016. Fast forwards to today, I ended up buying it, they have a 30 days return/exchange policy and a 90 days warranty, so I really need your expertise to help me determine if there's anything wrong with the Uke.
Here's what I know, the Uke is ordered in 2016, it was not sold until the end of 2018. The previous owner owned it for 6 weeks and ended up trading it in for something else. He didn't full refund because it was over a month.
I did the following check:
( credit to this thread and forum member Choirguy
https://forum.ukuleleunderground.co...hat-do-I-check-for-when-buying-a-used-ukulele)
1) Check body for cracks : there's no crack.
2) Check body for finish issues: no issues, there isn't any strumming mark.
3) Look for dents/dings: one on the head
A little dent on the fretboard
The previous owner was a little rough when installing strings.
4) Check neck for extreme curvature: no curve
5) When tuned, check that the tuners hold intonation: holds tune
6) If missing strings, insist on strings on the ukulele: checked
7) Check for buzzes on individual strings : no issue
8) Check for buzzes with chords: no issue
9) Check fret ends for sharpness : I was a little disappointed during this step. The first 7-10's fret end looks nice and neat. The last few frets looked a bit messy. Let me know if this is acceptable.
10) Observe condition of case: brand new
11) Observe condition of included accessories including extra strings, tuner, humidifiers, string wonders, etc. : checked
12) Do research before seeing the ukulele; know current value, original value...and consider that a used value is often 15%-30% or more off original pricing.
Well, in my case I got it for more than half off retail price, so I can't help but to feel a little skeptical, even though Cosmo Music is very very reputable.
13) And most importantly: ask yourself, does this ukulele make me happy: Yes, Yes and Yes. The Uke sounds like an angel hugging me.
My questions are: Are any of the problems that I mentioned above a deal breaker?
Is there anything else that I could check? Is there any particular parts that you guys want to ckeck in pictures? I'll take pictures for you as soon as I see request.
I can tell that the Ukelele was not humidified in its life, will it affect its play-abilities in the future?
Does 4K's Ukuleles have "meh" resell value or I got a good deal?
This Ukulele is a joy to play, sounds like heaven, looks so stunning. I really wish that there's no serious problems and I can keep it!
What do you guys think? Any input is appreciated, thanks in advance.
Here's what I know, the Uke is ordered in 2016, it was not sold until the end of 2018. The previous owner owned it for 6 weeks and ended up trading it in for something else. He didn't full refund because it was over a month.
I did the following check:
( credit to this thread and forum member Choirguy
https://forum.ukuleleunderground.co...hat-do-I-check-for-when-buying-a-used-ukulele)
1) Check body for cracks : there's no crack.
2) Check body for finish issues: no issues, there isn't any strumming mark.
3) Look for dents/dings: one on the head
A little dent on the fretboard
The previous owner was a little rough when installing strings.
4) Check neck for extreme curvature: no curve
5) When tuned, check that the tuners hold intonation: holds tune
6) If missing strings, insist on strings on the ukulele: checked
7) Check for buzzes on individual strings : no issue
8) Check for buzzes with chords: no issue
9) Check fret ends for sharpness : I was a little disappointed during this step. The first 7-10's fret end looks nice and neat. The last few frets looked a bit messy. Let me know if this is acceptable.
10) Observe condition of case: brand new
11) Observe condition of included accessories including extra strings, tuner, humidifiers, string wonders, etc. : checked
12) Do research before seeing the ukulele; know current value, original value...and consider that a used value is often 15%-30% or more off original pricing.
Well, in my case I got it for more than half off retail price, so I can't help but to feel a little skeptical, even though Cosmo Music is very very reputable.
13) And most importantly: ask yourself, does this ukulele make me happy: Yes, Yes and Yes. The Uke sounds like an angel hugging me.
My questions are: Are any of the problems that I mentioned above a deal breaker?
Is there anything else that I could check? Is there any particular parts that you guys want to ckeck in pictures? I'll take pictures for you as soon as I see request.
I can tell that the Ukelele was not humidified in its life, will it affect its play-abilities in the future?
Does 4K's Ukuleles have "meh" resell value or I got a good deal?
This Ukulele is a joy to play, sounds like heaven, looks so stunning. I really wish that there's no serious problems and I can keep it!
What do you guys think? Any input is appreciated, thanks in advance.
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