I love hearing how people have scored deals. I love hearing how people have rehabbed instruments and brought them back to life. Love seeing NUD posts.
I’ve looked at some eBay and reverb sites and checked out some vintage Martin ukes and vintage Kamaka ukes.
The prices for some of them are super expensive.
Would you rather spend your money on a vintage instrument that has seen a lot of life, may not be the most pretty or need additional repair? Or would you rather spend the same money (pristine instrument or instrument plus cost of repair) on a new instrument using the latest innovations and bracing, side ports, etc.
I can see arguments for both...
Just curious.
Thanks, this is interesting question and thread.
‘Vintage’ means different things to different people so can confuse the issue. I’m not sure at what point something becomes vintage rather than second hand, it’s a bit of a grey area but second hand is a clearer term.
All my instruments have been made within say the last decade and I’m not overly fussed about buying brand new, indeed I think it more ecological to buy used and will do so if price and condition are right - I’m happy to do some repairs too. I look after my possessions but over time I have realised that the Ukes that I feel most for are those that show signs of (careful) use / wear. Indeed I have come to think of instruments as items in my care, items to be looked after and passed onto future generations of players. A used instrument that’s restored to playing order, or has it’s defects corrected in some way, and is then placed in the hands of another player is a joy in itself.
Here in the U.K. decades old Ukes, for restoration or use as is, are either rarely available or ridiculously priced - well that’s my experience. After some months of searching I gave up on the idea of having such an instrument and instead picked up something new at a good price, and it’s working just as I expected it too. If you buy something decades old that was made by a manufacturer who’s instruments you’ve never played before then there’s a good chance that you’re going to be disappointed, of course the same can be said of a recently built item too.
So, overall, I prefer to buy older instruments, if condition and price are acceptable. However it’s also important to realise that, like now, designs and details vary between manufactures so try to avoid disappointment by buying what you’re familiar with and happy with. The term ‘Vintage’ is not a ‘Silver Bullet’ that guarantees satisfaction.