Need help identifying Ukulele damage

Stewie44 · Mar 25, 2020

Hi I am looking to buy a Ukulele for the first time. The seller messaged me that this is only cosmetic damage. It is on the back of the Uke near the bottom edge. Is it purely cosmetic or an underlying problem? Also, is it a decent deal? It’s a Fender Montecito for $120. I’m hoping that blemish isn’t due to the lack of humidity here in Nevada. I’ve been reading that it’s necessary to keep solid wood ukuleles in ~40-50% humidity?

Thanks

https://imgur.com/gallery/z5CV6qf

emarcano · Mar 25, 2020

that price is very good for a Montecito. I believe the new price is ~$250. I have one and I like it. It's not a loud uke, as it has also pointed out by Bazmaz in his review (www.gotaukulele.com/2017/09/fender-montecito-tenor-ukulele-review.html). It has a sweet sound and good intonation, very comfortable neck.

I'm not expert, but I believe that defect it's a problem with the coating (a bump?), it doesn't look like anything with the wood below. Again, no non-expert opinion.

Eugenio

Ukecaster · Mar 25, 2020

I see little spider web finish cracks, like damage from impact. Probablg fine, just took a bang on something.

ukulelekarcsi · Mar 25, 2020

It's just a crack in the finish, not in the wood itself. So no big deal at all.

It is however a polyurethane finish, which means it's quite hard to repair it to the point where the damage becomes invisible. 'Drop filling' with new PU finish only helps a tiny bit.

UkerDanno · Mar 25, 2020

Don't believe it's solid koa, probably laminate, so humidification shouldn't be needed. As noted above, it looks like a crack in the finish. If you love the look, $120 is probably a decent price.

Rllink · Mar 25, 2020

It looks like it got dropped on the edge there. My Mainland had that same kind of damage when my grand daughter had a hold of it and dropped it. I got in there with an inspection mirror and there are some glue joints that were separated there, but it is still playable. I wouldn't just say it is cosmetic without getting in there and looking though.

Jeffelele · Mar 25, 2020

Is it an online purchase? Can’t tell enough if you don’t get to play it first. So far you know of some damage and no warranty. No knowledge on its “set up” for playing ease and proper tuning know as intonation.

I think you would be better off buying new from a trusted dedicated ukulele dealer. They will make sure you have best quality in your price range.

It’s your first uke and I don’t see the risk/reward. First uke and you risk a bad experience. I don’t see it as worth it.

Check out The Ukulele Site where you can listen to sound samples and see pics. Mim’s Ukuleles is another trusted specialist dealer. Both stand behind their products.

Good luck!

Stewie44 · Mar 25, 2020

Cool, thanks for all the replies y’all! I appreciate it

Kenn2018 · Mar 25, 2020

$120 plus shipping, insurance and PayPal fee? Or $120, shipping and PP fee included?

If it's plus everything, I don't think it's a good deal.

If it's $120 with everything included, maybe. But it makes me think there might be more to the damage.

Stewie44 · Mar 26, 2020

Yeah it’s $120 including everything but I don’t think I’m going to risk it. I’m going to buy from Mims :nana:

John Colter · Mar 26, 2020

Good decision!

John Colter

Need help identifying Ukulele damage

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