I think I got a bad Mitchell, help please!!!

default

default

Active member
Joined
Feb 13, 2017
Messages
40
Reaction score
0
Today I went and picked up a new ukulele for my birthday and didn’t have a ton of time to really go over it I depth. When I got home, I tried tubing it up and look it over and noticed some (IMO) big issues. I don’t really know what to do about this aside from take it back and hope they’ll swap it for on that’s good or get a refund.

1, one of the tuners (G) isn’t flush against the head
2, strings are frayed at the bridge
3, bridge isn’t fully attached to the body and is tilted toward the head (and the intonation bridge is tilted even further)
4, one fret is pushing the binding out
5, binding looks like it’s delaminating in that area
6, built in tuner is quite inaccurate (least for the issues)

What can y’all tell me? What should I look for in the 200-250 range if not this? Córdoba?

DA116714-7292-4349-A26C-05CFB33CDA68.jpgDA116714-7292-4349-A26C-05CFB33CDA68.jpgDA116714-7292-4349-A26C-05CFB33CDA68.jpg
 
That is a mess. By all means just return it and get your money back, then go get something like a Kala. I've played a few Mitchells in the store and the quality is all over the map. And unless you really need to play amplified I would suggest you forgo getting an electric model, as you pay a fair amount for a pickup that isn't very good.
 
Thanks for that! I should have known better about the amplified I do currently have 2 kalas, a PWT and a KA-ATP-CTG (cedar top acacia sides) and love them both. I was really hoping for that instant gratification but it bit me on the ass.
 
Absolutely return it. Usually the built-in electronics used in inexpensive ukes are not good. A good quality pickup alone will usually run a third to over half of what you paid for the entire uke. Skip the pickup/tuner and aim for a better-quality acoustic build.

Oh, and that Mitchell is really bad. Don't know what you were referring to as the "intonation bridge." But that instrument should never have left the store or factory for that matter.
 
default said:
Thanks for that! I should have known better about the amplified I do currently have 2 kalas, a PWT and a KA-ATP-CTG (cedar top acacia sides) and love them both. I was really hoping for that instant gratification but it bit me on the ass.
Click to expand...

The Enya Nova U - carbon fiber composite - is available on Amazon for $79.99. I played one last night - very nice.
 
default said:
Thanks for that! I should have known better about the amplified I do currently have 2 kalas, a PWT and a KA-ATP-CTG (cedar top acacia sides) and love them both. I was really hoping for that instant gratification but it bit me on the ass.
Click to expand...

If a built-in tuner/amp is desired, consider having one installed in one of the ukes you currently own. It's not a difficult thing to do (I've done four of them) and most techs at guitar stores can do the job. If nothing else, getting a quote from a shop would be a reasonable action.

Selecting which tuner/amp (the prices are all over the place) takes some research. Ironically, I've had decent success with some bargain tuner/amps I got on E***, but they do require some testing prior to installation to avoid installing a dud. If a guitar shop sells the tuner/amp (they all do) and does the installation, they should guarantee the results.
 
I'm not sure if anyone besides Guitar Center/Musician's Friend sells those. Assuming you got it there, they are usually really good about returns and refunds. Any reputable store should take it back and refund.
That one should most definitely be returned. The main issue is the bridge lift.
 
Last edited:
I’d return it for a refund. Then I’d look to Mim’s Ukes or Uke Republic or HMS for something in your price range. You’ll get a better quality uke that was set up and given TLC before it goes in the mail. Great return policies, too.

The big box stores typically do nothing to check over an instrument before you get it. A uke specialist will do that and offer peace of mind. (Mim is da bomb.)
 
I really hate to be snarky.. Well, okay, not really, but...

When I was looking for my first uke (or 3), I played several Mitchell models at a Guitar Center.

I don't think that there is such a thing as a good Mitchell.

I thought even the Fender ukes were better than Mitchell, and I haven't bumped into a Fender that couldn't benefit from being run over by a logging truck.

-Kurt​
 
ksiegel said:
I really hate to be snarky.. Well, okay, not really, but...

When I was looking for my first uke (or 3), I played several Mitchell models at a Guitar Center.

I don't think that there is such a thing as a good Mitchell.

I thought even the Fender ukes were better than Mitchell, and I haven't bumped into a Fender that couldn't benefit from being run over by a logging truck.

-Kurt​
Click to expand...

Kurt....amen. There's no such thing as a good Mitchell. Our local GC stopped carrying them a long time ago. Worse than a Luna.
 
Nickie said:
Kurt....amen. There's no such thing as a good Mitchell. Our local GC stopped carrying them a long time ago. Worse than a Luna.
Click to expand...

That's interesting; I wish that were true of the Guitar Centers around here. I was just there the other day, and not only did it seem like most of their ukuleles were Mitchells, they had a concert model for close to $300. I didn't try it out, but I did do a double take at the price tag. I assume they stock Mitchells because they're cheap, and it seems like most buyers just want something cheap.
 
snowdenn said:
That's interesting; I wish that were true of the Guitar Centers around here. I was just there the other day, and not only did it seem like most of their ukuleles were Mitchells, they had a concert model for close to $300. I didn't try it out, but I did do a double take at the price tag. I assume they stock Mitchells because they're cheap, and it seems like most buyers just want something cheap.
Click to expand...

Close to 300 isn't cheap for a lousy ukulele. Our GC didn't have any the last time I was there, they had only one brand, it wasn't that, it was a much better brand, but I forgot the name. IMHO, I guess I'll let them have it too, while I'm at it, Lunas are way overpriced for what they are.
 
Nickie said:
Close to 300 isn't cheap for a lousy ukulele. Our GC didn't have any the last time I was there, they had only one brand, it wasn't that, it was a much better brand, but I forgot the name. IMHO, I guess I'll let them have it too, while I'm at it, Lunas are way overpriced for what they are.
Click to expand...

I agree pushing $300 isn't cheap, which is why I was surprised. I don't think I've ever picked up a Mitchell or a Luna, so I can't speak to their quality, but given what's available online from companies like Enya and Caramel at a fraction of the cost, I'm surprised Guitar Center is able to move any of these products. Same for their guitars; there seem to be many alternatives with much better price to quality ratios.
 
default said:
Today I went and picked up a new ukulele for my birthday and didn’t have a ton of time to really go over it I depth. When I got home, I tried tubing it up and look it over and noticed some (IMO) big issues. I don’t really know what to do about this aside from take it back and hope they’ll swap it for on that’s good or get a refund.

1, one of the tuners (G) isn’t flush against the head
2, strings are frayed at the bridge
3, bridge isn’t fully attached to the body and is tilted toward the head (and the intonation bridge is tilted even further)
4, one fret is pushing the binding out
5, binding looks like it’s delaminating in that area
6, built in tuner is quite inaccurate (least for the issues)

What can y’all tell me? What should I look for in the 200-250 range if not this? Córdoba?

View attachment 124119View attachment 124119View attachment 124119
Click to expand...

Return it. My son had a Mitchell and "never had time to play?. Got him a Bruce Wei and he seems to find lots of time.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

V
Nud got it bad
Replies
12
Views
1K
vexed73
V
V
Nud got it bad
Replies
0
Views
56
vexed73
V
H
"I Got It Bad (And That Ain't Good)"
Replies
0
Views
327
Hippie Dribble
H
A
New but got the fever bad!
Replies
3
Views
357
hibiscus
hibiscus
fretie
Have I Got it Bad?!
Replies
5
Views
458
fretie
fretie
Top Bottom