I have addressed this in some of our materials and will continue to re think how we deal with these issues and educate our customers, but I just wanted to post it here as well for those that do not know.
During the winter time, if you heat your house, it gets extremely dry. While a laminate will not crack, it will warp. The top will sink in and the neck will bow back and you will get buzzing and other problems. If you are either in an extremely dry area, or heat your house during the winter, keeping it in a case with a humidifier is the only way to prevent this. In these extreme circumstances even laminate ukes need a humidifier.
We have taken back and replaced numerous instruments for customers long after they bought it, but they are still stuck paying shipping to us, and it’s no fun for them to be without their instrument as they wait. Save yourself the hassle and play it safe through the winter especially. Aloha!