Kibes37
Well-known member
I would love to hear some experiences with owning custom Ukes. When I reach a certain playing ability I’m definitely going that route. Thanks for any replies.
P.s. pics welcome.
P.s. pics welcome.
Hi Kibes:
There are many positives about the experience of commissioning a custom built instrument. It is like anticipating the birth of a child. The best part is working with the builder to design it together with your thoughts in mind and with the recommendations of the builder. Along the way ask the builder to send pictures of their progress. Then you eagerly await for the birth of the baby. The tension and excitement of waiting for the delivery of the baby is a nerve wracking but rewarding experience.
There is one big negative that you should be cognizant of. Just because the builder has a good reputation alone is not enough. What if you don't like the sound quality? It doesn't mean the builder did a bad job. It just means that your opinion of sound quality does not match what the builder can make. Perception of sound quality is different for each individual. I recommend that you find an instrument that he or she had previously built, and see if it meets your standards for sound quality. Visit the builder if possible. You live in the Bay Area, which has many fine builders. Tony Graziano, Rick Turner, Mike DaSilva are close to you. Ask fellow forum members if they would be willing to show you their ukulele from the same builder.
Sometimes you will get lucky and its a good match. I have 6 custom instruments (ukuleles and guitars). My first custom was a bit of a disappointment because I did not play prior to ordering. After that, a lesson was learned, and my other 5 instruments turned out to my liking. Good luck in your journey.
I have custom ukes, I have the same advice, be sure you go over every little detail and aspect of the build. With my bass uke, I didn't specify the neck width or putting an access panel on the back to make the fat poly string changes easier. I also made the mistake of requesting fretless, which was difficult for me to get used to with my other bass ukes being fretted. After a couple of years of use, I retired it. But with the others ukes, I was very specific and they came out very well. I actually did my own drawings since I do graphic design and have the apps and experience.
9 tenor cutaway ukes, 5 acoustic bass ukes, 11 solid body bass ukes, 8 mini electric bass guitars (Total: 33)
• Donate to The Ukulele Kids Club, they provide ukuleles to children in hospital music therapy programs. www.theukc.org
• Member The CC Strummers www.youtube.com/user/CCStrummers/video
My advise would be to educate yourself about what you like or dislike in an instrument, looking at three categories: looks, sound, playability. There are thousands of demo videos to be found on the internet. Better yet, of course, would be to visit stores or makers if you have the opportunity to do so. Find out how you feel about different tonewoods as well as additional features such as slotted headstocks, beveled armrests, side sound ports, radius fretboards, pickups, binding, inlay work, etc.
Then start to think about which features you would like to include in your instrument, and who is the builder who will most likely be able to deliver what you are looking for. Most of them have a signature sound, so make sure to choose one whose sound - and builds - you like. Or choose a couple of builders to start discussing what you would like and then go with the one you feel better about.
Then, just like lfoo mentioned, discuss your ideas with the builder, and listen to his ideas and recommendations. They know best what will work with their builds, and what they are comfortable with. One point you shouldn't forget to ask in advance is the approximate time until completion. Most of the well-respected builders have quite a backlog. Make sure you have a uke to play in the meantime (I see you have a Kanilea, so you're all settled for a long wait).
My advise would be to educate yourself about what you like or dislike in an instrument, looking at three categories: looks, sound, playability. There are thousands of demo videos to be found on the internet. Better yet, of course, would be to visit stores or makers if you have the opportunity to do so. Find out how you feel about different tonewoods as well as additional features such as slotted headstocks, beveled armrests, side sound ports, radius fretboards, pickups, binding, inlay work, etc.
Then start to think about which features you would like to include in your instrument, and who is the builder who will most likely be able to deliver what you are looking for. Most of them have a signature sound, so make sure to choose one whose sound - and builds - you like. Or choose a couple of builders to start discussing what you would like and then go with the one you feel better about.
Then, just like lfoo mentioned, discuss your ideas with the builder, and listen to his ideas and recommendations. They know best what will work with their builds, and what they are comfortable with. One point you shouldn't forget to ask in advance is the approximate time until completion. Most of the well-respected builders have quite a backlog. Make sure you have a uke to play in the meantime (I see you have a Kanilea, so you're all settled for a long wait).
I would love to hear some experiences with owning custom Ukes. When I reach a certain playing ability I’m definitely going that route. Thanks for any replies.
P.s. pics welcome.
Are my ukes better than a K? I don’t know, probably not, but I wouldn’t trade for one.
John
there is nothing magical about a custom instrument and commissioning one is a fairly substantial risk
be prepared to wait. a. long. time. in my case, it was a whole year