jehicks87
Well-known member
If you're interested in some of my public decision-making, check out this thread here:
http://www.ukuleleunderground.com/f...-mods-anyone-at-all...-please-chime-in./page1
Aaaanyways, it's 1230 at night here and I am posting on UU. Can you tell I love this place? lol
Well, here's an Email I sent Mike from MPUkuleles.com today:
Mike,
I have decided to go ahead and pull the trigger on the custom. I have done some extensive searching, and you came out on top, for quality/price and customer service... I can tell you about that second one first-hand. Others testify to your workmanship more than almost any other builder that I have seen aside from Moore Bettah. I contacted Chuck as well, and he is an extremely friendly man, though we agreed that his prices were well above my means.
He did, however, offer to send a few plates of Ivory to whichever luthier I decided to go with. That's right... plain, white, non-plastic ivory for the position markers and custom inlay. Sweet, eh?
Speaking of the inlay, and the uke in general, I have changed a few wants.
The first is the inlay. I am thinking of a funky-circle inlay on the headstock with a Sin Wave design for the 12th fret marker. It came to me one night while I was lying in bed... I know that sounds wierd, but the thought "divine circle" popped into my head and I haven't been able to get it out. Rotary winged aircraft, soundwaves, circles and waves. It's what I do, and what I love.
Chuck also suggested an all koa ukulele... not a koa top matched with mango back and sides. I'd be interested to what you have to say on that, as well as any suggestions for an alternative soundboard wood when matched with koa back and sides.
The sound I'm looking for could be best described as "glassy smoke" if that makes any sense at all to you. I want clear, but kind of warm, rounded-sounding single notes, while maintaining a cohesive sound when strummed.
I'd also like to maintain a traditional-looking headstock, if that is doable. Like your slotted headstock sans slots. I don't dislike the look of the slotted stock, but I don't want to spend an extra $150 just for the old-school look.
So, the revised list of wants goes something like this:
All Koa TBS, open to discussion on other soundboard woods
Figured Top
Traditional Headstock Shape
Ebony Headstock Veneer
"Divine Circle" headstock inlay, I will supply drawing
"Sin Wave" inlay at 12th fret, I will supply drawing
Side Position Markers
Ebony Fingerboard and Bridge
Maple Body Binding
Fingerboard, Soundhole, and Headstock Unbound
Maple or Cedar Neck, whichever you think is best
I think that's about it. I'd like to discuss your pickup options as well. I see that you offer KnK... I haven't heard anything from a Uke with them on it. Can you tell me more about them? What type of pickups are they? How do they work? Etc.
Well Mike, just let me know what the down payment is to get this thing rolling, and we'll work out the details from there. I'd be interested in hearing your take on the wood choices. If any of my changes (outside of the inlay work) increases the price we discussed earlier, please let me know.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Jacob Hicks
A Co 6-101 CAB
"Warlords"
101st ABN DIV (AASLT)
I decided on MPukes, if you can't tell by my email. Very excited... my first custom! I'll update when the building starts, and as it progresses, and OF COURSE when I get it. Wish me luck, people.
http://www.ukuleleunderground.com/f...-mods-anyone-at-all...-please-chime-in./page1
Aaaanyways, it's 1230 at night here and I am posting on UU. Can you tell I love this place? lol
Well, here's an Email I sent Mike from MPUkuleles.com today:
Mike,
I have decided to go ahead and pull the trigger on the custom. I have done some extensive searching, and you came out on top, for quality/price and customer service... I can tell you about that second one first-hand. Others testify to your workmanship more than almost any other builder that I have seen aside from Moore Bettah. I contacted Chuck as well, and he is an extremely friendly man, though we agreed that his prices were well above my means.
He did, however, offer to send a few plates of Ivory to whichever luthier I decided to go with. That's right... plain, white, non-plastic ivory for the position markers and custom inlay. Sweet, eh?
Speaking of the inlay, and the uke in general, I have changed a few wants.
The first is the inlay. I am thinking of a funky-circle inlay on the headstock with a Sin Wave design for the 12th fret marker. It came to me one night while I was lying in bed... I know that sounds wierd, but the thought "divine circle" popped into my head and I haven't been able to get it out. Rotary winged aircraft, soundwaves, circles and waves. It's what I do, and what I love.
Chuck also suggested an all koa ukulele... not a koa top matched with mango back and sides. I'd be interested to what you have to say on that, as well as any suggestions for an alternative soundboard wood when matched with koa back and sides.
The sound I'm looking for could be best described as "glassy smoke" if that makes any sense at all to you. I want clear, but kind of warm, rounded-sounding single notes, while maintaining a cohesive sound when strummed.
I'd also like to maintain a traditional-looking headstock, if that is doable. Like your slotted headstock sans slots. I don't dislike the look of the slotted stock, but I don't want to spend an extra $150 just for the old-school look.
So, the revised list of wants goes something like this:
All Koa TBS, open to discussion on other soundboard woods
Figured Top
Traditional Headstock Shape
Ebony Headstock Veneer
"Divine Circle" headstock inlay, I will supply drawing
"Sin Wave" inlay at 12th fret, I will supply drawing
Side Position Markers
Ebony Fingerboard and Bridge
Maple Body Binding
Fingerboard, Soundhole, and Headstock Unbound
Maple or Cedar Neck, whichever you think is best
I think that's about it. I'd like to discuss your pickup options as well. I see that you offer KnK... I haven't heard anything from a Uke with them on it. Can you tell me more about them? What type of pickups are they? How do they work? Etc.
Well Mike, just let me know what the down payment is to get this thing rolling, and we'll work out the details from there. I'd be interested in hearing your take on the wood choices. If any of my changes (outside of the inlay work) increases the price we discussed earlier, please let me know.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Sincerely,
Jacob Hicks
A Co 6-101 CAB
"Warlords"
101st ABN DIV (AASLT)
I decided on MPukes, if you can't tell by my email. Very excited... my first custom! I'll update when the building starts, and as it progresses, and OF COURSE when I get it. Wish me luck, people.