Is This a Thing?

Kyle23 · Dec 17, 2013

I have a ukulele that I'd love to have some inlay work done on, but is that a thing that is possible on an already finished ukulele? If so, how much would such a thing cost? I was looking at sticker decal inlays on ebay and they look decent, but I'd much rather have the real thing. If anyone has any info, I'd appreciate it.

Michael N. · Dec 18, 2013

Yes, it's certainly possible to do it on a finished Uke. Inlay is rather fine work and tends to take huge amounts of man hours. Take a deep breath before you get the quote.

Newportlocal · Dec 18, 2013

Here is someone worth asking.
http://robinsoninlays.com/
Hope it helps. Best of luck to you.

BlackBearUkes · Dec 18, 2013

Inlay done where and out of what? You need to be more specific.

Kyle23 · Dec 18, 2013

BlackBearUkes said:
Inlay done where and out of what? You need to be more specific.

Abalone inlay on the body of the uke.

Thanks guys. I'll check out that link.

RichM · Dec 18, 2013

Kyle23 said:
Abalone inlay on the body of the uke.

Thanks guys. I'll check out that link.

I would expect hundreds of dollars at least for the inlay work, depending on how fancy you get, plus at least a partial and possibly a full refinish, depending on the nature of the work. Honestly, unless you are extremely attached to a particular uke, it would probably be easier and more cost-effective to create a new uke.

hoosierhiver · Dec 18, 2013

RichM said:
I would expect hundreds of dollars at least for the inlay work, depending on how fancy you get, plus at least a partial and possibly a full refinish, depending on the nature of the work. Honestly, unless you are extremely attached to a particular uke, it would probably be easier and more cost-effective to create a new uke.

That was my thought too.

BlackBearUkes · Dec 18, 2013

Kyle23 said:
Abalone inlay on the body of the uke.

Thanks guys. I'll check out that link.

The problem with adding inlay on the body is that the top plate is thin and adding inlay now will be very risky of cutting through the plate. I wouldn't do it. The time for this type of thing is before the plate is sanded.

Beau Hannam Ukuleles · Dec 18, 2013

Do you mean inlay shell around the perimeter of the top??
I'd say buy/order a new uke with it already in as you would basically have to take the neck and bridge off and refinish the entire top after inlaying the shell.

Appalachian picker · Dec 18, 2013

Given the instruments in your signature, I'd say that abalone inlays in the body of any of them would easily cost more than the original purchase price, possibly multiple times over.

Is This a Thing?

Kyle23

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Michael N.

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Newportlocal

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BlackBearUkes

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Kyle23

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RichM

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hoosierhiver

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BlackBearUkes

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Beau Hannam Ukuleles

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Appalachian picker

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