Ukulele Setup Done Right | Luthier Inspection and Installation Service
The Island Bazaar Professional Ukulele Setup - Three levels of quality control, minor adjustments and full ukulele setup
It’s true that most ukulele manufacturers have their own quality control during manufacturing and final inspection. But there are often minor adjustments that can be made to ensure your new uke is playing and sounding great.
Each ukulele that leaves our store goes through a strict QC and setup process. And while the setup process is fairly similar for all instruments, we spend more time on our more expensive ukes.
Basic QC (FREE)
- Check for Cosmetic Defects
- Check that the Neck is Straight
- Check Bridge is Straight and Firmly Attached
Intermediate QC + Nut/Bridge Adjustment (+$65)
We believe the single most impactful adjust relates to string height; removing buzzing and making it easier to play. This service includes all the Basic QC plus we attend to the Nut and Bridge to ensure best playability. If the strings are too high, the instrument becomes uncomfortable to play, if the strings are too low, it can cause fret buzz. Typically, low and mid-price range ukes have actions really high to avoid fret buzz. This solves one problem but makes playing more difficult. We use feeler gauges to check that the strings are low enough to play comfortably but no fret buzz is occurring.
- Check for Cosmetic Defects
- Check that the Neck is Straight
- Check Bridge is Straight and Firmly Attached
- Adjust Nut Slot
- Adjust Bridge
- Adjust String Height
Full Setup (+$99)
This service includes the Basic QC plus we fix string buzzing PLUS we attend to the heights, shape and finish of the frets and fretboard.
Unfortunately, a lot of new ukes have inconsistent fret shapes. At this service level, we level the tops of each frets to a proper pyramid shape, sand away any sharp edges and polish the frets to a shiny finish. Then, we redress the fretboard for a proper finish. The result is a more functional, better sounding and more beautiful instrument than almost any uke manufacture provides.
- Check for Cosmetic Defects
- Check that the Neck is Straight
- Check Bridge is Straight and Firmly Attached
- Adjust Nut Slot
- Adjust Bridge
- Adjust String Height
- Level Frets
- Remove Fret Sharp Edges
- Recrown Frets
- Sand, polish and Clean the Fretboard
View our complete lineup of ukulele models including Kanile'a Ukuleles, Kamaka Ukuleles, the Best Kala Ukuleles, Ohana Ukuleles, Romero Creations Ukuleles, Flight Ukuleles, Koaloha Ukuleles and regional Luthiers.
- We offer ukulele models in all price ranges: $1,000+, $500 - $1,000, $100 - $500
- Are you interested in ukulele lessons, Ukulele Setup, and a full line of ukulele bags and cases We ofer hand-selected gently used ukuleles,
- We’re a great place for Sing & Strum Groups,
- Take advantage of our friendly, knowledgeable staf
