Bone Nut & Saddle Professional Replacement

[Chickenstein]

I'm thinking about getting both of these replaced, since my ukulele is already in the shop getting a pickup installed.

What would be a reasonable amount to pay to have this done?

The ukulele is a Fender Nohea, if it matters.

Thanks in advance for any replies!

 

[barbos01]

My luthier (who is very good) charges $85 for a new bone nut and saddle with set up. Makes a huge difference compared to an ill-fitting plastic saddle.

 

[Chickenstein]

Thank you for the reply, Barbos. Am I to assume that includes the cost of parts?


I kinda feel stupid for putting all this into this ukulele, but I really like the thing and will keep it for the rest of my life. Nearly three hundred dollars into a two hundred dollar laminate doesn't compute.

I keep telling myself it will work great for gigs.

Maybe this is knowledge for a new player/buyer.

 

[savagehenry]

I kinda feel stupid for putting all this into this ukulele, but I really like the thing and will keep it for the rest of my life. Nearly three hundred dollars into a two hundred dollar laminate doesn't compute.

One thing I've noticed is that a lot of people buy a uke, play it for a while, and sell it. Many of us are on a quest to find the perfect ukulele for "me." When you play it there is just something about it that feels right. Maybe you've found that ukulele and if it costs a little more to make it perfect, do it and don't feel bad about it. You've found what many people are looking for, " your ukulele."

 

[Gmoney]

Since the uke is already in the shop getting a p/u installed, replacing the nut & saddle shouldn't add more than 30 minutes (or less) to the job - my local luthier charges $30 by the hour - parts shouldn't be more than $15 & probably a LOT less. They already have to have the saddle out for the P/u, right?

I put a K & K p/u in my No'hea & it only took me about an hour though I didn't need to replace the saddle. One note, my No'hea has a compensated saddle - if they customize the compensated saddle, that might cost a few $$ more.

And... don't give yourself any grief over spending a few $$ to improve a uke - I've comtemplated adding $40 tuners to a $35 Makala Dolphin & still might!

 

[Chickenstein]

I asked about the nut and saddle and the guy at the shop talked me out of it. He said he doubted I'd see much, if any, improvement.

Anyway, I now have a MiSi pickup installed and really love it. All I have at home is a bass amp, so I will probably be looking around for an acoustic amp soon.

Thanks everyone for taking the time for the replies.

 

[barbos01]

This is what a properly fitted saddle looks like. Flat on the bottom, a tight fit with no spaces anywhere between the bridge and saddle. If yours doesn't look like this replacing it WILL improve the sound, more than you might think.

 

[Chickenstein]

Thanks, barbos.

Although mine appears to look close to the photo, I'm sure I'll have it done a bit down the line.

I've spent enough on this one for now. I'm having Kamaka and Koaloha visions...

 

[Gmoney]

So, question? Which shop did your work for you? I have a couple of ukes that I want to add pickups to & probably am leaning on taking them up to Artisan Guitars in Franklin for the work.

 

[Chickenstein]

Gmoney...

Artisan is who installed the pickup. Really, really a great place. They even have a ukulele room (in progress). It's the only official dealer of Kamake in TN. I was really happy to play one there.

As far as price, I would probably go with the luthier you mentioned, however.