Caught out again

[Timbuck]

I've just had a uke returned cos the marker dots were 1mm off the centre line ... it's true I'm human....I can't let that happen again can I ? So I've made this drilling fixture so I can't go wrong In the future.... remind me to get a new pair of specs

14166703-D4CA-454A-949D-8F5E559A1EA3 by Ken Timms

 

[Oldscruggsfan]

I've just had a uke returned cos the marker dots were 1mm off the centre line ... it's true I'm human....I can't let that happen again can I ? So I've made this drilling fixture so I can't go wrong In the future.... remind me to get a new pair of specs

14166703-D4CA-454A-949D-8F5E559A1EA3 by Ken Timms

Ken- Not meaning to get into proprietary specifics, but can such an honest mistake be corrected short of changing out the entire neck?

 

[DuckyI]

Well, you are a better man than I would have been. 1mm off centre, on a fully handmade musical instrument? Some people should stop listening with their eyes.

(clever jig!)

 

[SebastianF]

1mm off? Horrible! I can arrange its disposal, will even cover the shipping.

 

[Timbuck]

Ken- Not meaning to get into proprietary specifics, but can such an honest mistake be corrected short of changing out the entire neck?

Yes the marker dots are only 2mm dia, so I redrill In the correct position and fit larger dots... or I can remove the fretboard and fit another.

 

[Timbuck]

This is the offending one ..it's hard to spot the error due to parallax ... that's a word to look up
4FF09578-3F94-41F2-A2A4-E0607424D223 by Ken Timms,

 

[EDW]

Add to your listings: "players with OCD, buy at your own risk"

 

[Oldscruggsfan]

Add to your listings: "players with OCD, buy at your own risk"

I greatly respect Ken for owning up to such an honest mistake in this forum. Meaning no disrespect to Duckyl or EDW, it's entirely reasonable for anyone who's willing to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a handmade uke to insist on a detail as basic as the fret marker dots being precisely in line with the space between the 2nd and 3rd strings. The expectation of near-perfect acoustics, aesthetics and craftsmanship is, after all, the most basic reason for such a high end purchase.

 

[pmorey]

Add to your listings: "players with OCD, buy at your own risk"

I may resemble that remark because once I noticed it, 1mm off would for sure eat away at me!

However, I actually prefer no dots at all!

 

[Graham Greenbag]

I greatly respect Ken for owning up to such an honest mistake in this forum. Meaning no disrespect to Duckyl or EDW, it's entirely reasonable for anyone who's willing to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a handmade uke to insist on a detail as basic as the fret marker dots being precisely in line with the space between the 2nd and 3rd strings. The expectation of near-perfect acoustics, aesthetics and craftsmanship is, after all, the most basic reason for such a high end purchase.

I can relate to that perspective. For me the cost of Ken’s Ukes is a lot of money and part of the package is all round perfection. Yes it’s a hand made instrument and yes the purchaser is being picky but at the end of the day the customer is only wanting what he believes that he’s paid for and what he paid was (to me) a lot.

Good on Ken for taking it on the chin and working towards having a happy customer.

 

[kerneltime]

This is the offending one ..it's hard to spot the error due to parallax ... that's a word to look up
4FF09578-3F94-41F2-A2A4-E0607424D223 by Ken Timms,

I will gladly provide this uke a home. Let me know.

 

[Moore Bettah Ukuleles]

I tell people if they want a perfect uke, please look elsewhere. I haven’t built one yet, never will and never intend to. Chasing perfection is a foolish man’s pursuit, not how I want to spend my life.

 

[Ukecaster]

Like many masterpieces, there may be a flaw.

 

[EDW]

I greatly respect Ken for owning up to such an honest mistake in this forum. Meaning no disrespect to Duckyl or EDW, it's entirely reasonable for anyone who's willing to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a handmade uke to insist on a detail as basic as the fret marker dots being precisely in line with the space between the 2nd and 3rd strings. The expectation of near-perfect acoustics, aesthetics and craftsmanship is, after all, the most basic reason for such a high end purchase.

FWIW- I was joking. I will admit, that if I noticed it, it might drive me crazy. 🤪

 

[DuckyI]

My koa Timms has a flaw in the wood on the back plate at the neck block. It looks like a tear or an imperfection in the wood. As it’s under the block there are no structural issues at all. I cherish this instrument, it is so sweet sounding and with such clarity. I couldn’t be happier that it found its way to me.

 

[bbkobabe]

Perfection is a disease of the mind.

 

[lauburu]

I'm actually happy if the bits of my ukuleles are only 1mm away from where they should be.
Miguel

 

[Mike $]

It's refreshing that Ken will take the time to fix something that goes out with his name on it. It shows integrity. There are guys out there who charge much more and wouldn't make the repair without a complaint. It's a hobby for him, but he sure does put out a great looking uke. I hope to play one some day.

 

[plunker]

Yes the marker dots are only 2mm dia, so I redrill In the correct position and fit larger dots... or I can remove the fretboard and fit another.

I hope you discussed the options with the customer, sounds like OCD at play.

 

[plunker]

I've just had a uke returned cos the marker dots were 1mm off the centre line ... it's true I'm human....I can't let that happen again can I ? So I've made this drilling fixture so I can't go wrong In the future.... remind me to get a new pair of specs

14166703-D4CA-454A-949D-8F5E559A1EA3 by Ken Timms

I think the response should be, return that immediately, that one was for the Royal Coronation expressly ordered by his Majesty that way.