Lopsidedtiger
Active member
Lanikai replacement: what's the likelihood...
...that I'll get a "good'un"?
Hi, I'm new here and I was hoping for some opinions from those with some experience on the subject.
First things first. I have, so far, received excellent, EXCELLENT customer service for my problem. This is not a gripe or bash thread. Ok, now that I've gotten out of the way...
Here's the story. Got a solid mahogany tenor (LM-T) from my husband, purchased from Amazon. Loved it and was willing to see past the fairly sloppy finish work because I knew it wasn't a high-end handmade instrument. And it was a gift. And purchased sight-unseen. It played really nicely for not being professionally set up. Great intonation.
A few months later the top started separating from the binding. I emailed Lanikai and received a very prompt reply from Hohner (parent company). Sent in some pics and was offered a replacement. Since the model I had was discontinued, I was offered a Monkey Pod one (SMP-T) as a replacement. I accepted, and am waiting for it to arrive (should ship on Monday). The whole process was painless. But...
From my research I've learned that the both ukes were made in the same factory and have had similar problems reported over and over. On the flip-side, I've also read reviews from happy owners of SMPs. But they all seemed like they had either gotten to cherry-pick or had purchased from a dealer that weeds out the questionable ones.
So I'm hoping to hear from those who have seen many SMPs (dealers?), SMP owners, or those who have received a warranty replacement uke from this company. What's your experience with the quality of these ukes? Do you think I can expect a better quality instrument than the one I purchased? Or do I just have to cross my fingers and hope for the best? What happens if I get another lemon?
I was told all warranty product is inspected by techs before it is sent out, but I still wonder...
Should I just chill the heck out, lol?
Thanks in advance!
...that I'll get a "good'un"?
Hi, I'm new here and I was hoping for some opinions from those with some experience on the subject.
First things first. I have, so far, received excellent, EXCELLENT customer service for my problem. This is not a gripe or bash thread. Ok, now that I've gotten out of the way...
Here's the story. Got a solid mahogany tenor (LM-T) from my husband, purchased from Amazon. Loved it and was willing to see past the fairly sloppy finish work because I knew it wasn't a high-end handmade instrument. And it was a gift. And purchased sight-unseen. It played really nicely for not being professionally set up. Great intonation.
A few months later the top started separating from the binding. I emailed Lanikai and received a very prompt reply from Hohner (parent company). Sent in some pics and was offered a replacement. Since the model I had was discontinued, I was offered a Monkey Pod one (SMP-T) as a replacement. I accepted, and am waiting for it to arrive (should ship on Monday). The whole process was painless. But...
From my research I've learned that the both ukes were made in the same factory and have had similar problems reported over and over. On the flip-side, I've also read reviews from happy owners of SMPs. But they all seemed like they had either gotten to cherry-pick or had purchased from a dealer that weeds out the questionable ones.
So I'm hoping to hear from those who have seen many SMPs (dealers?), SMP owners, or those who have received a warranty replacement uke from this company. What's your experience with the quality of these ukes? Do you think I can expect a better quality instrument than the one I purchased? Or do I just have to cross my fingers and hope for the best? What happens if I get another lemon?
I was told all warranty product is inspected by techs before it is sent out, but I still wonder...
Should I just chill the heck out, lol?
Thanks in advance!
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