The Setup

Am I the only one who questions just how much "setup" is involved in a "free setup"? (or even a $30 add-on setup)

I've only bought one uke from an online specialist shop, and it was supposed to be "set up for Low G". I question whether they did anything other than fit a Low G string to it. (despite the fact that I specifically told them NOT to do that, but to instead use a particular set of Worth Brown strings rearranged for Low G)

Just because they SAY they're doing a setup doesn't mean they're actually doing anything. And if they are, they're going to be very conservative about the adjustments that they make both to limit their risk and their investment in time. They might CHECK the instrument to see that it's not completely knackered, you're not gonna get junk. But, I expect that "yeah, that's good enough" if a very big part of their vocabulary. And most of their customers will be fine with that, as most people really aren't that picky.

Just my thought.
Well, my experience is different than yours.

First, why should you assume that your experience applies to Mim and that she does not spend the time to ensure that all is done well for every ukulele she sells (I understand she does it at festivals that she attends). You conclude others are doing poorly or the minimum because of the one experience you have. And yet numerous others here have cited their positive experience with her work. So perhaps if you had purchased from her, you would think setups are great, but you might wrongfully conclude that everyone that perform setups do an equally good job.

I have purchased a few ukuleles from TUS. The free setup had level frets without any sharp corners (like I have seen in other shops with K ukuleles. One included a free change of strings to Uke Logic and the action set to a specified height at the 12th fret (and not the 3 mm often seen in ones preceding setups). There was some dye irregularity that they observed which led to a discount (not by my request). And I personally observed an employee working on a setup at their Kakaako store for a rush pickup that day.

They have a video on their website showing the setup process, which they are rightfully proud of. So to answer your question: I do not question whether they follow this process on all the ukuleles that they setup.
 
Uh... I didn't want to say it, but it was Mim.

And I was just presenting a possibility. As I stated, it was just a thought. I could be wrong in assuming that a lot of sellers are cashing in by either charging for or proudly offering for free a "setup" on a uke that really didn't need any setup for the average person to enjoy it. Thus, they're not REALLY doing much other than a quick check. (which should have been done before it left the factory)

To be clear, there's nothing WRONG with them taking a perfectly good uke that DOESN'T need any additional setup, doing a thorough check-out on it and sending it on its way.

I was just disappointed that I didn't get what I specifically asked for with my Ohana. I got what Mim wanted to give me. HER idea of what Low G should be, when I specifically asked for something else.

Interestingly, the best setup uke I've ever received was an Oscar Schmidt purchased from Amazon. Perfect intonation, very low action, super easy to play. I just didn't like how that uke sounded, and it was HEAVY. Eventually, gave it to my sister.
 
Gryphon does free set ups, I think.
Music Emporium as well.
 
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