Telperion
Well-known member
So, I was pretty stoked to be getting a nice all flame maple sunburst Compass Rose tenor today, but had the excitement sucked out of me, just about like the U.S. Soccer team yesterday. I bought the uke new from a dealer, who for some reason shipped it UPS ground, in a horribly overused box. It was shipped on June 13'th, and I just picked it up at the UPS hub today, so 10 days on the road. The box arrived in super rough shape, and the Access gig bag (which I will add is a very nice, sturdy case - shouldn't damage easy) has a serious lean to it and seems like the neck portion is twisted.
The uke itself, was not smashed or cracked or anything like that, but there are several little issues, that to me point to severe dehydration. First, the flame maple, while gorgeous indeed, has contracted enough to have a washboard feel to it when you run your hand across it. The end pin will not even stay in place as the hole has expanded due to wood shrinkage. The lacquer finish appears to be pulling away, or bubbling, on the edge of the fretboard, especially around the end of each fret. Lastly, the bridge seems to be lifting slightly on the bottom of the treble side.
Anyway, I'm a little disgusted with the disappointment and the hassle, but hopefully no big deal in the end. Just felt like venting the frustration a bit. I haven't yet heard back from the dealer on how the return will work, but I am hoping to not have to cover anything here, since it's not just that I didn't like the sound or something. In fact, I didn't even bring the strings up to tension, as I knew immediately it was a no go. Really a shame, as the uke is simply gorgeous, and Rick's maple ukes are just super cool.
-Steve
The uke itself, was not smashed or cracked or anything like that, but there are several little issues, that to me point to severe dehydration. First, the flame maple, while gorgeous indeed, has contracted enough to have a washboard feel to it when you run your hand across it. The end pin will not even stay in place as the hole has expanded due to wood shrinkage. The lacquer finish appears to be pulling away, or bubbling, on the edge of the fretboard, especially around the end of each fret. Lastly, the bridge seems to be lifting slightly on the bottom of the treble side.
Anyway, I'm a little disgusted with the disappointment and the hassle, but hopefully no big deal in the end. Just felt like venting the frustration a bit. I haven't yet heard back from the dealer on how the return will work, but I am hoping to not have to cover anything here, since it's not just that I didn't like the sound or something. In fact, I didn't even bring the strings up to tension, as I knew immediately it was a no go. Really a shame, as the uke is simply gorgeous, and Rick's maple ukes are just super cool.
-Steve