Gmontema
Well-known member
I spontaneously picked up an abused and cracked gold label Kamaka. Why? Partly because I was interested in a vintage instrument and also because I jumped at the chance for a $300 Kamaka (after tax). I also happened to have a great performance review and so I felt like treating myself. However, if I’m completely honest, I’m probably afflicted by UAS and I simply wanted a different instrument to play. So now I have an old instrument that’s been abused and ill treated. It’s got dings and dents. It’s got top and bottom cracks. How bad? Not sure since I got it today. It has holes under the fret wires. The tuners seem cheap and make cracking noises when I tighten the strings. I have put my back into it just to turn the knobs.
As for sound, I’ve changed the strings to the Martin fluorocarbons and they’ve really made the uke sing. I like the sound and so I’ll keep it as long as it stays together.
In any case, I’ve probably overpaid for the uke (shame on me for being spontaneous) and now I’m wondering if I should put more money into it given the bad condition (also considering that I have a fantastic KoAloha pineapple).
What would you all do? Would you put money towards repairs? Would you wait 18 months or so and pay Kamaka to repair it (probably hundreds of dollars)? Would you just consider it a “beater” and leave it in the trunk and play it during the lunch break? I would appreciate all of the feedback. Thanks all!
Here are the pics:https://photos.app.goo.gl/ojWPtsrdHMFC5qfw7
As for sound, I’ve changed the strings to the Martin fluorocarbons and they’ve really made the uke sing. I like the sound and so I’ll keep it as long as it stays together.
In any case, I’ve probably overpaid for the uke (shame on me for being spontaneous) and now I’m wondering if I should put more money into it given the bad condition (also considering that I have a fantastic KoAloha pineapple).
What would you all do? Would you put money towards repairs? Would you wait 18 months or so and pay Kamaka to repair it (probably hundreds of dollars)? Would you just consider it a “beater” and leave it in the trunk and play it during the lunch break? I would appreciate all of the feedback. Thanks all!
Here are the pics:https://photos.app.goo.gl/ojWPtsrdHMFC5qfw7
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