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Original Post By:
Carl-vB
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Date: 6/24/2015 3:07:55 PM |
Hi, I'm not looking to advertise this instrument for sale, as I have a possible buyer, but rather to get advice on how much I should charge for it.
Here's a picture: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2FKgauPMV63bVJWUndkUGY2LVE/view?usp=sharing
It's one of very few of these instruments made for Rigk Sauer at RISA in 2004. It is solid walnut with high gloss finish. The top has sunk about 2 mm near the bridge but not at the soundhole.
The sound is bright and loud with good sustain. The intonation is fine in lower ranges, but not perfect higher up; each string played at the 12th fret is about 5 cents sharp.
It cost �260 which, adding customs duty, was about US$450.
What do you think is a fair valuation for this as a used instrument? Higher because it's a collector's item, or lower because of the intonation issue?
Thanks for any advice! |
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Posted By:
Frank B
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Date: 6/24/2015 4:35:26 PM |
The intonation may just need a change of strings to correct it. I have a similar instrument (purchased in 2003)with the spruce top, and I have had similar problems. New strings make a tremendous difference.
Won't advise you on the price. Good luck.
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Posted By:
Carl-vB
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Date: 6/24/2015 5:09:07 PM |
Can you say more about the strings before and after the switch, Frank? I have Aquila Nylgut on it now, and they do tend to be a little slack. Thanks.
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Posted By:
Ukulele Rob
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Date: 6/25/2015 1:41:12 PM |
Carl: I agree with Frank B that when intonation issues arise, the first place to look is the strings. Over time rubbing on the frets, strumming, etc., actually changes the dynamics of the strings, and a new set (of any brand) can bring things right again. But in my personal experience the problem manifests itself with just one string first becoming a problem, or problems arising in first position chords, etc. That it appears to you that you have equal intonation problems at the 12th fret raises the possibility that it isn't the strings, but that shifts in the wood or neck require some readjustment of the nut or the bridge by a qualified luthier. And that raises the question of whether the expense of having the uke updated by a luthier can be recovered in the sale.
As for value, I note you're selling in Euros, so I assume you're in Europe somewhere. That affects value (vs. local experience here on the west coast of the USA, where Frank and I are both located), so like Frank, I can't help.
Good luck. It's a cool looking instrument that someone's going to have a ton of fun with.
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Posted By:
Frank B
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Date: 6/25/2015 7:48:26 PM |
| Carl,I took Aquila strings off and replaced them with a set of Fremont low G fluro-carbons. I also like the Worth fluro-carbon strings. They are a little pricey, but they are long enough to be cut in half and make two sets. The only thing I've had done to my Risa was to have the frets dressed (smoothed). Yours might benefit from that as well. I would try the new strings first though. If that doesn't improve things a visit to a luthier is in order. It doesn't cost anything to have someone look at the instrument and recommend work be done. Good luck.
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Posted By:
karl
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Date: 6/26/2015 4:15:05 AM |
The 'bean' or 'kidney' Risa acoustic isn't made anymore, but the only shop that has new stock left now sells them for 360 �. They're rare, unusual and of good quality. One optimistic seller has a second-hand one (with pickup) for 530 euro: http://www.leboncoin.fr/instruments_de_musique/777610045.htm?ca=12_s.
On the other hand, it's in a very competitive price bracket - lots of good choices around 200-400 euro - and I doubt that rarity in this case enhances the price.
I was offered one second-hand recently for 220 euros. I wouldn't go much lower than that.
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Posted By:
Carl-vB
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Date: 6/26/2015 3:33:21 PM |
Thank you all for the information and advice above.
I am in Winnipeg, Canada. Ukulele Rob, if that changes things for your value estimate, I'd be happy to have your opinion.
Agree about switching out strings. Worth fluorocarbon strings have rescued other instruments I have on which Aquila were too slack in C6 tuning, though perfect in "Canadian" D6-low-A tuning. What's a good online source for fluorocarbon strings?
I think, pending other opinions, I'll stick to a price around US$300 for now, and advise my potential buyer that she might be able to get better value on a new Kala or whatever.
Thanks again!
Carl
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Posted By:
Frank B
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Date: 6/26/2015 4:53:46 PM |
I buy my Worth Strings directly from the factory. Even with the shipping charge the price is much better. A Google search will give you the URL.
Fremont strings seem to be "fair trade", because the price seems to be the same for all vendors. I like Elderly Instruments, because they have a good selection, the orders are filled promptly and I've never had a problem. I don't buy locally, because the local selection is poor. Our music stores in Merced, CA have never heard of Worth or Fremont strings. There are financial considerations for this from the store owner's viewpoint (String sellers very often require the initial order to include things the local stores will probably never sell). The end result for the consumer is to buy online. Probably more than you ever wanted to know: I tend to get wound up on this subject.
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