I purchased a Martin T1 IZ model ukulele that was issued by CF Martin as a tribute to Hawaiian performer Israel Kamakawiwo'ole ("Iz"), from a UU Forum member in late September, 2018. It was special because it was the 500th made. I knew from the onset that there were some problems with the ukulele’s matte finish, but the price was attractive.
It sounded great and played easily and the solid, quilted Mahogany that was used for the body was exceptional. I hoped that it could be refinished locally, or sent back to the factory for refurbishing. I was told by a Martin service representative that I should take it to the Martin Service Center nearby to get their evaluation of its condition.
Unfortunately, the service tech said that it would be cost-prohibitive to refinish it. It would cost more than the instrument was worth and would take a couple of months to do. They told me that Martin informed them that it was a one-off problem with the matte-finish coat not adhering properly, and that Martin had not received any other complaints about the finish on this models.
So, I decided to make the uke my beater for gigs and to take to club meetings. I purchased a set of black Gotoh UPT-L planetary geared tuners and asked the tech to replace the PegHeds that originally came on the 1T, and to check the setup.
I received a phone call the next day from the service manager informing me that the ukulele had been damaged while the tuners were being changed, and that the damage was not repairable. The manager then told me that they would replace the tenor with a new one from Martin—free of charge! I reminded them that the instrument had some problems and was not in perfect condition when I brought it in. He told me he understood, but they stood by their work, that was their policy, and they would make things right.
Wow! A very pleasant surprise!
He’d put in an order with Martin and let me know when the new ukulele was delivered. I’d examine it then. And, they would change the tuners and do the setup once I gave my approval.
Fast-forward to mid January 2019 and the replacement #665, arrived. I won’t bore you with why it took so long. The quilted mahogany was not quite as nice looking as #500. The fretboard looked dry. Plus, the bridge was very pale, dry and raw—as though they shaped it, and stuck it on, but did not apply any finish to it.* And to be honest, it doesn’t sound quite as clear to me as #500 did. But it’s very close.
I approved and they replaced the tuners with the Gotohs I supplied. They did a setup, and offered to install a pickup in it for no charge! I went with an in-stock Baggs 5.0. They also installed a strap pin on the heel for me. All as an apology for the inconvenience, and for the length of time it took to get the ukulele delivered and the damage done to the original ukulele.
Double Wow!
After trying several sets of strings, I have settled on Low-G Freemont Black strings. But I may go back to a set of Martin Fluoros leter. I’m am thrilled with the ukulele and the replacement Gotoh planetary tuners. Everything turned out well in the end. However, I am a little sad that an historic instrument was ruined during this drawn-out process.
When I asked what they would do with the once-again functional, but dented #500, he said he wasn’t sure. I recommended that they donate it to a local charity or youth group. He said he would suggest that to the owner.
I will be a customer of this Martin dealer/repair center for life.
Here are some photos of the replacement uke with the new Gotoh tuners.
It sounded great and played easily and the solid, quilted Mahogany that was used for the body was exceptional. I hoped that it could be refinished locally, or sent back to the factory for refurbishing. I was told by a Martin service representative that I should take it to the Martin Service Center nearby to get their evaluation of its condition.
Unfortunately, the service tech said that it would be cost-prohibitive to refinish it. It would cost more than the instrument was worth and would take a couple of months to do. They told me that Martin informed them that it was a one-off problem with the matte-finish coat not adhering properly, and that Martin had not received any other complaints about the finish on this models.
So, I decided to make the uke my beater for gigs and to take to club meetings. I purchased a set of black Gotoh UPT-L planetary geared tuners and asked the tech to replace the PegHeds that originally came on the 1T, and to check the setup.
I received a phone call the next day from the service manager informing me that the ukulele had been damaged while the tuners were being changed, and that the damage was not repairable. The manager then told me that they would replace the tenor with a new one from Martin—free of charge! I reminded them that the instrument had some problems and was not in perfect condition when I brought it in. He told me he understood, but they stood by their work, that was their policy, and they would make things right.
Wow! A very pleasant surprise!
He’d put in an order with Martin and let me know when the new ukulele was delivered. I’d examine it then. And, they would change the tuners and do the setup once I gave my approval.
Fast-forward to mid January 2019 and the replacement #665, arrived. I won’t bore you with why it took so long. The quilted mahogany was not quite as nice looking as #500. The fretboard looked dry. Plus, the bridge was very pale, dry and raw—as though they shaped it, and stuck it on, but did not apply any finish to it.* And to be honest, it doesn’t sound quite as clear to me as #500 did. But it’s very close.
I approved and they replaced the tuners with the Gotohs I supplied. They did a setup, and offered to install a pickup in it for no charge! I went with an in-stock Baggs 5.0. They also installed a strap pin on the heel for me. All as an apology for the inconvenience, and for the length of time it took to get the ukulele delivered and the damage done to the original ukulele.
Double Wow!
After trying several sets of strings, I have settled on Low-G Freemont Black strings. But I may go back to a set of Martin Fluoros leter. I’m am thrilled with the ukulele and the replacement Gotoh planetary tuners. Everything turned out well in the end. However, I am a little sad that an historic instrument was ruined during this drawn-out process.
When I asked what they would do with the once-again functional, but dented #500, he said he wasn’t sure. I recommended that they donate it to a local charity or youth group. He said he would suggest that to the owner.
I will be a customer of this Martin dealer/repair center for life.
Here are some photos of the replacement uke with the new Gotoh tuners.