At The Ukebug, we are very selective about the instruments we choose to bring into our store. While we do occasionally select multiples of a given model at one time, this is actually quite rare. For the most part, we choose to order one at a time as a way of controlling quality, ensuring diversity, and preserving the uniqueness of each ukulele you will find here.

I make a point of sharing this because we want you, our customer, to know that something special is happening here at The Ukebug. Here’s a little peek behind the scenes.

The Check-In Process

When instruments first arrive at our store, they are individually taken through a very precise check-in process. Even though each instrument is brand new when we receive it, we want to make sure it lives up to our standards. We want it to be more than “just” an ukulele - we want it to be an Ukebug ukulele!

Because of this, we begin with a comprehensive visual inspection, right out of the box (before it ever finds a temporary home on one of our showroom walls). Each ukulele is thoroughly checked for visual defects of any kind in the finish or in the design of the instrument itself.

The tuners are checked, the strings are checked, the frets themselves are given multiple checks. Do any frets rock? Are they smooth down the side of the neck? Are any frets too high or too low? How is the action at the nut and the saddle?

If anything is found to be lacking, a note is made of the observation and placed back in the box along with the ukulele. Cases such as these require an extra step or two before making their way to the showroom or our website.

Special Attention

Once an ukulele has been marked for special attention, it moves on to the luthier station for Greg to work his magic on. It is at this point that Greg will smooth the tops and sides of the frets, fix any frets that rock, and adjust the action to a comfortable playing level.

This usually means lowering or adjusting the nut or saddle, and assuring that the strings move freely when tuning. When everything is as it should be, Greg polishes the body of the ukulele, removing any unsightly swirl marks or blemishes.

Final Prep!

The final step, which every ukulele receives, is the oiling of the fretboard. Greg will wait to complete this step until after an ukulele has been purchased. As our final stage of preparation, this step is like icing on a cake, ensuring that every ukulele will be moisturized and fresh and ready to arrive at its new home.

A Note From Barb

The precision and care that Greg takes with each ukulele can sometimes feel a little frustrating for me, because he does invest real time in every ukulele that we sell, and sometimes I just want to keep things moving quickly!

But the reality is, when Greg is finished, whatever ukulele he’s spent time with really does become a piece of artistry, fine-tuned for you!