The Magic Fluke Timber Bass ukulele is a beautiful instrument, but its unique strap attachment system presented a frustrating problem for many players. The standard button at the bottom contrasted sharply with a non-standard, fixed attachment near the neck, leading to uncomfortable playing positions and limited strap adjustability. This significantly detracted from the overall playing experience, leaving users searching for a solution. This article details a simple, inexpensive, and effective modification to rectify this issue, restoring comfort and enhancing the enjoyment of this otherwise stunning instrument.This straightforward hack, sourced from Stones Music, utilizes a readily available bolt modification kit to replace the problematic neck attachment. The process involves a careful replacement of the original fitting with a standard strap button, allowing for the use of any standard ukulele strap. The cost-effective solution provides a remarkable improvement in playability, offering complete adjustability and a much more comfortable playing experience for a fraction of the instrument's cost. Read on to learn how you can easily implement this transformative fix for your Magic Fluke Timber Bass ukulele.
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The Problem: Low-Hanging Strap
My Magic Fluke Timber Bass ukulele, while gorgeous, had a frustrating issue. The strap, attached via a standard button at the bottom, used a unique, non-standard attachment near the neck. This resulted in the ukulele sitting too low for comfortable playing.
The existing strap couldn't be easily adjusted due to this unconventional attachment. This made playing less enjoyable and impacted my overall experience with the instrument.
The Solution: A Simple Bolt Modification
Mark Pugh from Stones Music, a UK instrument distributor, provided a clever solution: a simple bolt modification. This involved replacing the existing neck strap attachment with a new bolt incorporating a standard strap button.
The process required cutting the original cord attachment, which was glued under the neck. Fortunately, a small kit containing the new bolt, strap button, and plastic collar was provided to simplify this process.
The Process: Step-by-Step Instructions
First, loosen the ukulele strings to release tension. Then, carefully remove the original bolt from the neck.
Next, insert the plastic collar provided in the kit, followed by the new strap button and bolt. Tighten securely, ensuring no damage to the ukulele’s wood. This was the most delicate part of the process.
Results and Conclusion: A Successful Modification
After the modification, the ukulele’s strap now sits at a much more comfortable height. The new strap button allows for the use of any standard strap, offering complete adjustability.
This simple hack is an excellent solution for improving the playability of the Magic Fluke Timber Bass ukulele. For less than £8 (including shipping), the modification significantly enhances the user experience. The added adjustability is a remarkable improvement.