PoiDog
Well-known member
Apologies if this has already been covered (I couldn't find any threads when I used the search), or if this is in the wrong section.
My question is basically the title: does anyone have recommendations for good shops that sell, repair, and tinker with 'ukuleles and accessories? And, by extension, any horror or love stories with those shops as well? Positive or negative experiences in purchasing & setup? Selection and stock refills?
I ask because I hope to soon be able to afford one of the top-tier makers, and would really like to get my hands on and test strum before plunking down the big green.
I'm familiar with McCabe's, and the fact that it really can be hit and miss as far as customer service and attitude. Beyond that, the only real shop I've been to is Boulevard Music in Culver City (who were quite friendly and open), but they don't have a huge stock of 'ukuleles (aside from a couple of Kanile'a models).
McCabe's does have a bigger stock of "quality" marques (loads of Collings when I was there a week or two back, and a few Kamaka and Koaloha), but their prices seem artificially inflated. And neither shop have a wide range of accessories, and what they do have seem similarly inflated in price (bee-tee-dubs, is it just me, or is the correct pronounciation of Aquila to be "Ah-Kwill-Ah" and not "A-Kee-Lah")
Am I missing any hidden gems or is this a totally Quixotic mission? I've tried the googles, but quickly became overwhelmed with results and websites that have less than worthless information.
Mahalo nui loa in advance.
My question is basically the title: does anyone have recommendations for good shops that sell, repair, and tinker with 'ukuleles and accessories? And, by extension, any horror or love stories with those shops as well? Positive or negative experiences in purchasing & setup? Selection and stock refills?
I ask because I hope to soon be able to afford one of the top-tier makers, and would really like to get my hands on and test strum before plunking down the big green.
I'm familiar with McCabe's, and the fact that it really can be hit and miss as far as customer service and attitude. Beyond that, the only real shop I've been to is Boulevard Music in Culver City (who were quite friendly and open), but they don't have a huge stock of 'ukuleles (aside from a couple of Kanile'a models).
McCabe's does have a bigger stock of "quality" marques (loads of Collings when I was there a week or two back, and a few Kamaka and Koaloha), but their prices seem artificially inflated. And neither shop have a wide range of accessories, and what they do have seem similarly inflated in price (bee-tee-dubs, is it just me, or is the correct pronounciation of Aquila to be "Ah-Kwill-Ah" and not "A-Kee-Lah")
Am I missing any hidden gems or is this a totally Quixotic mission? I've tried the googles, but quickly became overwhelmed with results and websites that have less than worthless information.
Mahalo nui loa in advance.
