Jddewitt81
Well-known member
Decided to remove. I really don’t need the headache.
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It almost angers me the lack of love these Laughlin’s are getting, ha. Tim makes a beautiful soprano. I see other ukuleles selling for much higher and just can NOT believe the lack of interest. Perhaps because he has been a bit of the radar for a while.
I am thinking it is because there is a small market for such an instrument. Most people who are after a vintage Martin are probably going to purchase a vintage Martin. Why buy a “copy” when you can easily get the real deal? Right now, for around $600, you can find yourself a very decent vintage Martin. Furthermore, wood changes for the better as it ages. Wood consists mainly of cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose, and all wood gradually loses hemicellulose (a soluble polysaccharide) to evaporation over a long period of time. The significance is that wood loses some weight along with some strength as it ages, but it does not lose stiffness as fast as it loses the tensile strength. As long as the tensile strength remains sufficient to withstand string tension, there is a net gain in one of the most important features of tonewood: the stiffness-to-weight ratio, which is known as Young’s modulus. This means aged wood equals good volume and tone. Lastly, a vintage Martin will most likely appreciate in value.
It almost angers me the lack of love these Laughlin’s are getting, ha. Tim makes a beautiful soprano. I see other ukuleles selling for much higher and just can NOT believe the lack of interest. Perhaps because he has been a bit of the radar for a while.
My two cents.... You can certainly buy a vintage Martin at a good price, and you might hit the jackpot and get a fantastic one. However, buying vintage often amounts to a roll of the dice. Vintage Martins can have problems with intonation, neck straightness, cracks, etc., etc. Buying a Laughlin is like buying a vintage Martin in new condition. You'll be guaranteed to get excellent tone, playability, intonation, and structural integrity. I've owned several Laughlins and several Martins, both new and vintage. I can say that Tim builds ukuleles better than Martin does today, and his are as historically accurate as you could possibly get. I currently have a Laughlin 5K, and if it wasn't stamped with "T. Laughlin & Co.," inside the soundhole and on the back of the headstock, you'd think it was a mint condition Martin 5K from the 1920's. It's badass, and one of the best ukes I've ever owned. And the model 2's from Tim - just as sweet.
-Steve
Yes but why do it on my post? You don’t see me on your posts telling everyone that I prefer VHS to DVD. I have bought from you and have been very happy but it seems every time I turn around you are totally getting off topic on MY post. While what you say may be of valuable information to a small group of people your opinion really is not that helpful to me. While it may not be your cup of tea why don’t you let the market decide without you perhaps influencing someone who doesn’t know any better? Unlike you; a few of us have played these instruments and I think you would be hard pressed to find anyone say a bad thing about them. While you did not say they were horrible I really think your opinion may be of more value had you actually played one. There are many builders selling Martin copies for much more. This is not an outrageous price. This is VERY fair for what you are getting. Even if it wasn’t I would still appreciate it if you would keep your opinions to other parts of the forum where they will be of better use and or debate.