Non-humidified KoAloha spreading between sides and back

[Shaw]

I'm considering buying a used KoAloha soprano based only on pictures that I won't have a chance to see in person. The issues is that the ukulele was not properly humidified in a dry climate, which lead to some separation between the side of the ukulele and the back. I've read that simply humidifying the koa can get it somewhat back to its original shape and that this is not a difficult repair job for a good shop. How serious/costly do you think this issue might be based on the photos? Should I steer clear or take a risk to get a good deal? Thanks!

 

[merlin666]

One of the features of KoAloha is their better than the weather warranty that moves with the uke, but excludes ukes that were not properly humidified. This means that for many issues you can just trade your uke in for a new one which helps KoAlohas maintain their value. So unless you can get this for dirt cheap it may not be a wise purchase.

 

[Shaw]

One of the features of KoAloha is their better than the weather warranty that moves with the uke, but excludes ukes that were not properly humidified. This means that for many issues you can just trade your uke in for a new one which helps KoAlohas maintain their value. So unless you can get this for dirt cheap it may not be a wise purchase.

That's the trick... it's a good deal, but not dirt cheap. Probably $150 or so less than comparable used ones I've seen, which could get wiped out quickly in repair costs.

 

[rainbow21]

That's the trick... it's a good deal, but not dirt cheap. Probably $150 or so less than comparable used ones I've seen, which could get wiped out quickly in repair costs.

Not good enough… you don’t know if the repair will make it equal to the undamaged ones. And the resale is likely possibly lower than you pay before the repair.

 

[kkimura]

That's the trick... it's a good deal, but not dirt cheap. Probably $150 or so less than comparable used ones I've seen, which could get wiped out quickly in repair costs.

Might be worth it if it's considerately less than a new one. A serial number would tell you if it's a recent build or not.

 

[Kenn2018]

It can easily cost you $150 to get this repaired properly. Depending upon how well the top re-seats. The back may have shrunk a bit and the edge won't exactly match the side.

But as you say, you will have to re-hydrate the instrument first.

Frankly, I'd demand half off the cost of a good used one. But that's me. Even then, it's a crap shoot...

 

[Shaw]

I appreciate everyone's responses. I pulled away from this one, but then the seller reached out to me and said they don't have any other interest and would entertain offers. I'm open to a little risk, but my family does have other financial priorities right now so I can't be reckless.

What do you all think would be fair but worth my effort? The same ukulele in excellent condition is on Reverb right now for $750. Assuming $150 for repairs and then the time/risk, would offering $400 be crazy?

 

[ukuevey]

I appreciate everyone's responses. I pulled away from this one, but then the seller reached out to me and said they don't have any other interest and would entertain offers. I'm open to a little risk, but my family does have other financial priorities right now so I can't be reckless.

What do you all think would be fair but worth my effort? The same ukulele in excellent condition is on Reverb right now for $750. Assuming $150 for repairs and then the time/risk, would offering $400 be crazy?

Ha! That KoAloha face down in those photos makes me think of a ukulele morgue. Pass on it.

 

[rainbow21]

Nice one listed here in Marketplace that is no risk from a trusted member for $650 that is a much better value and ready to play.

 

[Eggs_n_Ham]

Ha! That KoAloha face down in those photos makes me think of a ukulele morgue. Pass on it.

Definitely. I purchased a near mint vintage kamaka soprano for about half the asking price of this uke. Unfortunately as nice as it was, I'd give this one a hard pass as well.

 

[Shaw]

These responses solidified it for me. I've said no thank you to this one. I'm a sucker for a bargain, but I think there are too many unknowns to make this one worthwhile.

 

[Ukecaster]

Is their construction more prone to separations like this? Do these have kerfing to help hold it all together? Some ukes crack under low humidity, these seem to separate. Come to think of it, I don't ever think I've seen a crack on a Koaloha, but I've seen a few examples of these separations lately...like this one on Reverb:

Koaloha OPIO concert series Solid Acacia 2018 Needs work https://reverb.com/item/62140286?ut...are&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=62140286emanate.

 

[pmorey]

I'm certainly no expert, but I have owned a few KoAlohas and I have toured the factory (but did NOT stay at a Holiday Inn last night.) Anyway, I believe their production models have a little bit thicker sides with more gluing area and therefore are not lined - at least my recent vintage tenors are not. But I believe the Special Issues, Red and Black Labels, depending on the build, may be lined. As far as I know, they only use solid lining, not kerfed lining.

This is all to the best of my knowledge, I happily stand corrected if something I said here is inaccurate!

 

[Ukecaster]

Maybe answered my own question. Found this pic of Koalaha bracing, showing their unique uni-brace design, but no kerfing or lining at the edges, and as pmorey said above, the sides do look thicker than many others. I guess the bottom line is to take good care of your solid ukes, any of them will develop some type of problem if heat and humidity are not monitored.

Found another old thread on this topic:

How good is a ukulele without kerfing (the inner edge bracing)?

How good is a ukulele without kerfing (the inner edge bracing)?. For a short period of time Kala made laminate (for example Makala MK-B, Kala KA-BG) baritone ukuleles without kerfing (inner linings). Kala said the side thickness was increased therefore there was no need for kerfing. Attached a...

forum.ukuleleunderground.com

 

[merlin666]

Indeed each time I visited the KoAloha factory I was wondering about the durability of their construction. As can be seen in the picture above, there is also no mortise cut into the neck block and the neck is simply glued to flat surface. But the family stands behind their product and with warranty assurance it did not stop me from buying an old KoAloha. However when warranty is voided through neglect then passing on the instrument is good decision.

 

[Eggs_n_Ham]

Maybe answered my own question. Found this pic of Koalaha bracing, showing their unique uni-brace design, but no kerfing or lining at the edges, and as pmorey said above, the sides do look thicker than many others. I guess the bottom line is to take good care of your solid ukes, any of them will develop some type of problem if heat and humidity are not monitored.

Found another old thread on this topic:

How good is a ukulele without kerfing (the inner edge bracing)?

How good is a ukulele without kerfing (the inner edge bracing)?. For a short period of time Kala made laminate (for example Makala MK-B, Kala KA-BG) baritone ukuleles without kerfing (inner linings). Kala said the side thickness was increased therefore there was no need for kerfing. Attached a...

forum.ukuleleunderground.com

I guess the bottom line is to take good care of your solid ukes, any of them will develop some type of problem if heat and humidity are not monitored.

I learned this as a hard lesson with an aNueNue uc-10 laminate uke with a painted solid spruce top. I didn't think I had to humidify it and it now has a crack (doesn't affect sound) at the sound hole. Blah. Now I'm indentured to my uke humidifiers, keeping them filled and in their place.