ukela
Member
I have two ukuleles: a Lanikai LU-21C and a Mainland Mahogany Classic Soprano (matte finish, friction tuners, if you're interested). I was happy with the Lanikai...until the Mainland arrived and I realized what a properly set-up ukulele is supposed to feel like. The Mainland action is really nice - it feels like the strings are part of the fretboard (almost) and there is no buzz.
The Lanikai is a great uke for the money (about $80), with a nice sound, good construction, etc. But, I now realize the action is way too high, and playing chords up by the nut can be a real pain. I like the uke, though, just not the action. So, I thought I would see about fixing the action.
I have been quoted a rough estimate of $40 by one repair shop. That seems reasonable, but I was wondering if anyone thought otherwise. Obviously it seems a little silly to pay 50% of the cost of a ukulele to fix its action, but not that silly if it means enjoying playing it vs. not enjoying playing it.
So, bottom line: what should it cost, and is it worth it?
P.S. I wish I were one of those people that would take the time to learn how to fix the action myself, but that is not going to happen. And, anyway, I am sure I would mess it up the first time and I don't want to kill my ukulele.
The Lanikai is a great uke for the money (about $80), with a nice sound, good construction, etc. But, I now realize the action is way too high, and playing chords up by the nut can be a real pain. I like the uke, though, just not the action. So, I thought I would see about fixing the action.
I have been quoted a rough estimate of $40 by one repair shop. That seems reasonable, but I was wondering if anyone thought otherwise. Obviously it seems a little silly to pay 50% of the cost of a ukulele to fix its action, but not that silly if it means enjoying playing it vs. not enjoying playing it.
So, bottom line: what should it cost, and is it worth it?
P.S. I wish I were one of those people that would take the time to learn how to fix the action myself, but that is not going to happen. And, anyway, I am sure I would mess it up the first time and I don't want to kill my ukulele.