Leodhas
Well-known member
Hi, I bought one of these Chinese made cheap ukes from amazon (uk), it's a Tom solid top koa tenor and it's 'sort of' a bargain because it only cost £58(what's that $80-ish) but it did need tinkering with, hence the 'sort of'.
Looks great for the cash, the nut's a bit rubbish, just looks a touch cheap and ill set (too high) but still plays. However the uke had a smidge of fret buzz on the c string first fret.
I tried the usual quick fix, checked the string (even changed it) messed with the saddle and the nut a wee bit, nothing too much as i suspected the fret due to it only being the first fret where buzz occurred, the rest of the c string was fine. So I very gently filed down/smoothed off the area on the second fret where the c string lies (this being the area i deduced buzz was coming from). I didn't use a file, i used a fine abrasive paper for metals, wrapped around a spare saddle. I simply smoothed off the area where the c string sits on the second fret, also a wee bit on the third. Nevertheless this has resolved the issue!
By no means am I a luthier, I can just tinker a wee bit as always played string instruments, but if you know what your doing, for £58 this is a top uke in my books, but as I've suggested, take a punt if you know what you're doing.
The sound (after the work), I have to say, for £58, is f**king fantastic The solid Koa top looks really nice, will post a couple of pics to show the wood colouring in the body and fret board.
If anyone is interested I will post a sound-shot of the uke being played, just let me know.
Overall, from a punt on a solid top Koa uke, to that depressing buzz sound, to being really happy, all in one day.
Looks great for the cash, the nut's a bit rubbish, just looks a touch cheap and ill set (too high) but still plays. However the uke had a smidge of fret buzz on the c string first fret.
I tried the usual quick fix, checked the string (even changed it) messed with the saddle and the nut a wee bit, nothing too much as i suspected the fret due to it only being the first fret where buzz occurred, the rest of the c string was fine. So I very gently filed down/smoothed off the area on the second fret where the c string lies (this being the area i deduced buzz was coming from). I didn't use a file, i used a fine abrasive paper for metals, wrapped around a spare saddle. I simply smoothed off the area where the c string sits on the second fret, also a wee bit on the third. Nevertheless this has resolved the issue!
By no means am I a luthier, I can just tinker a wee bit as always played string instruments, but if you know what your doing, for £58 this is a top uke in my books, but as I've suggested, take a punt if you know what you're doing.
The sound (after the work), I have to say, for £58, is f**king fantastic The solid Koa top looks really nice, will post a couple of pics to show the wood colouring in the body and fret board.
If anyone is interested I will post a sound-shot of the uke being played, just let me know.
Overall, from a punt on a solid top Koa uke, to that depressing buzz sound, to being really happy, all in one day.