Have an all Koa 6-string Kamaka from the 70's with friction tuners. I get too frustrated playing it because of the slippage. So I called Kamaka and they told me they could do whatever I wanted, they could install new friction tuners while I wait, or I could leave it for geared tuners.
My question is, the only tuners I've played with are geared tuners (since the ukuleles are new, I guess), so I'd prefer that, but I would sort of be destroying the value of the "vintage" ukulele, wouldn't I?
The ukulele has really no sentimental value to me (meaning it hasn't been a family heirloom, I bought it beat up a couple of years ago and had it refurbished at Kamaka) but it's clearly a far superior instrument to any other ukulele I've ever played. Even the tap tone is unbelievable.
So, what would you do? Get new friction tuners installed (and keep the old parts), or screw the tradition/vintage-ness and get geared tuners?
Thanks!
My question is, the only tuners I've played with are geared tuners (since the ukuleles are new, I guess), so I'd prefer that, but I would sort of be destroying the value of the "vintage" ukulele, wouldn't I?
The ukulele has really no sentimental value to me (meaning it hasn't been a family heirloom, I bought it beat up a couple of years ago and had it refurbished at Kamaka) but it's clearly a far superior instrument to any other ukulele I've ever played. Even the tap tone is unbelievable.
So, what would you do? Get new friction tuners installed (and keep the old parts), or screw the tradition/vintage-ness and get geared tuners?
Thanks!