❓ Frequently Asked Questions | UKE Republic 🎶Real Answers. Real People. Real Ukuleles.
📦 Where’s My Order?Once your ukulele ships, you'll get a tracking number via email. Most orders go out within 1–3 business days after setup. If you didn’t get tracking info or something seems off, contact us here and we’ll help you track it down.
🎯 Why Is My Ukulele Out of Tune?Your uke was tuned during our setup, but here’s the deal: new nylon and fluorocarbon strings stretch. For the first few days, you’ll need to retune frequently as the strings settle in.
Pro tip: Don’t pull on the strings to “speed things up”—that just causes weak spots and shortens string life.
🔧 Why Are My Tuners Slipping?If your tuners feel loose or won’t hold pitch, don’t panic—it’s common after shipping. Wood reacts to temperature and humidity changes. Tighten the small screw on each tuner’s gear with a flat-head or Phillips screwdriver.
Important: Do this gently—over-tightening can cause damage.
🛠️ What’s Included in Your Pro Setup?Every ukulele we sell goes through a 32-point inspection and full professional setup—even entry-level models. We check frets, adjust nut and saddle action, intonate, secure hardware, and polish it all up before it reaches you.
👉 See full setup details here
🎵 Can I Request a Custom Setup?Absolutely. Prefer higher or lower action? Just leave a note at checkout. We’ll tailor it to your playing style—while keeping it buzz-free and beautiful.
🎁 Do You Ship Internationally?Yes! We ship worldwide. Note: all duties and taxes are the customer’s responsibility.
👉 View shipping policies
🌡️ How Should I Care for My Ukulele?Keep it out of extreme temps and humidity swings. Use a humidifier if needed. Wipe it down after playing, and store it safely when not in use.
👉 Care tips here
💬 What If Something’s Wrong With My Order?We stand behind our products. If there’s an issue—shipping damage, wrong item, etc.—contact us right away. We’ll take care of it.
👉 Full terms & policies
🙋♂️ Still Have Questions?We’re a small, hands-on family business. When you reach out, you get real support from real people who love ukes as much as you do.
📬 Contact us here
📦 Where’s My Order?Once your ukulele ships, you'll get a tracking number via email. Most orders go out within 1–3 business days after setup. If you didn’t get tracking info or something seems off, contact us here and we’ll help you track it down.
🎯 Why Is My Ukulele Out of Tune?Your uke was tuned during our setup, but here’s the deal: new nylon and fluorocarbon strings stretch. For the first few days, you’ll need to retune frequently as the strings settle in.
Pro tip: Don’t pull on the strings to “speed things up”—that just causes weak spots and shortens string life.
🔧 Why Are My Tuners Slipping?If your tuners feel loose or won’t hold pitch, don’t panic—it’s common after shipping. Wood reacts to temperature and humidity changes. Tighten the small screw on each tuner’s gear with a flat-head or Phillips screwdriver.
Important: Do this gently—over-tightening can cause damage.
🛠️ What’s Included in Your Pro Setup?Every ukulele we sell goes through a 32-point inspection and full professional setup—even entry-level models. We check frets, adjust nut and saddle action, intonate, secure hardware, and polish it all up before it reaches you.
👉 See full setup details here
🎵 Can I Request a Custom Setup?Absolutely. Prefer higher or lower action? Just leave a note at checkout. We’ll tailor it to your playing style—while keeping it buzz-free and beautiful.
🎁 Do You Ship Internationally?Yes! We ship worldwide. Note: all duties and taxes are the customer’s responsibility.
👉 View shipping policies
🌡️ How Should I Care for My Ukulele?Keep it out of extreme temps and humidity swings. Use a humidifier if needed. Wipe it down after playing, and store it safely when not in use.
👉 Care tips here
💬 What If Something’s Wrong With My Order?We stand behind our products. If there’s an issue—shipping damage, wrong item, etc.—contact us right away. We’ll take care of it.
👉 Full terms & policies
🙋♂️ Still Have Questions?We’re a small, hands-on family business. When you reach out, you get real support from real people who love ukes as much as you do.
📬 Contact us here
EXPANDED FAQ
Q: What is a setup?
A: Generally instruments are shipped from all over the world being stored and transported in cargo vessels, trucks, and planes. Then stored in a warehouse until they are shipped to us at UKE Republic. The varying effect of so many environmental changes can include, frets moving, strings going bad, tuners coming loose and more. Ukuleles are constructed of different types of tone woods and glues and are susceptible to these environmental changes such as humidity, and movement. That's why a setup (essential repair and adjustments) are vital to achieve the best playability and sound potential of each instrument. We as professionals at Uke Republic, take the time time to address, remedy, and dial in the tone and ease of playing by means of a setup. These fine tune adjustments are done to insure a great playing and sounding ukulele that the player and the audience will enjoy.
Q: What does UKE Republic's Pro Setup include?
A: No two ukuleles are alike. Each will have their individual needs and adjustments to be address. Also each ukulele, depending on the quality of the initial build and materials used has their ultimate potential that can be expected once setup properly. Every ukulele coming from UKE Republic, no matter the price point will be thoroughly inspected and needed adjustments made, so that playing and sound potential is achieved.
UKE Republic's 32 Point QC (Quality Control and Pro Setups include:
FINISH & CONSTRUCTION
A: Yes! While UKE Republic keeps to a standard range for the best tone and playability, we gladly will setup the string height to accommodate personal preference, but will go no lower than 2.25 mm at the 12th fret because it will more than likely cause string buzz. Just make a note in the Special Instructions field when placing your order.
Q: Does UKE Republic install pickups?
A: Yes! We install the Mi-Si Acoustic Trio Uke system which features an active, battery-free preamp designed specifically to work with the L.R. Baggs ukulele pickup. The preamp for this system uses Mi-Si’s custom piezo linearization scheme – allowing for the most truthful and accurate sound from the pickup. All you have to do is power up for 60 seconds using the Mi-Si Power Charger (included), providing you with up to 16 hours of performance time. *Includes charger**THIS IS A CUSTOM ADD-ON FEATURE, ONCE INSTALLED THE ITEM IS NONRETURNABLE UNLESS THERE IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT**
**PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA TIME IN THE SETUP PROCESS FOR INSTALLATION
Q: Where is my order?
A:
Q: What do I do if my ukulele was damaged in shipping?
A: UKE Republic's Resolution Process
We regret to hear that your ukulele sustained damage during shipping. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused, and we are dedicated to making things right. To expedite the resolution process, please follow the instructions outlined below:Document the Damage:
Q: Why won't my new ukulele stay in tune?
A: Your ukulele has new strings made of either nylon or fluorocarbon, both of which need time to properly distend before they will settle in and stay in tune. That is the nature of ukulele strings in general, unlike metal guitar strings.
We do not recommend stretching them. This will only make the strings have uneven thickness and will wear them out prematurely and can cause intonation problems. We recommend patiently tuning and re-tuning your instrument until the strings settle in. The more you play and tune the quicker they will settle in.
Pro Tips:
**HOW TO TUNE AN UKULELE**
A: Generally instruments are shipped from all over the world being stored and transported in cargo vessels, trucks, and planes. Then stored in a warehouse until they are shipped to us at UKE Republic. The varying effect of so many environmental changes can include, frets moving, strings going bad, tuners coming loose and more. Ukuleles are constructed of different types of tone woods and glues and are susceptible to these environmental changes such as humidity, and movement. That's why a setup (essential repair and adjustments) are vital to achieve the best playability and sound potential of each instrument. We as professionals at Uke Republic, take the time time to address, remedy, and dial in the tone and ease of playing by means of a setup. These fine tune adjustments are done to insure a great playing and sounding ukulele that the player and the audience will enjoy.
Q: What does UKE Republic's Pro Setup include?
A: No two ukuleles are alike. Each will have their individual needs and adjustments to be address. Also each ukulele, depending on the quality of the initial build and materials used has their ultimate potential that can be expected once setup properly. Every ukulele coming from UKE Republic, no matter the price point will be thoroughly inspected and needed adjustments made, so that playing and sound potential is achieved.
UKE Republic's 32 Point QC (Quality Control and Pro Setups include:
FINISH & CONSTRUCTION
- Top - check for dishing, cracks, etc.
- Upper Bout symmetry
- Lower Bout symmetry
- Back - check for dishing, cracks, etc.
- Check for any book-matching issues
- Strap Button (if installed)
- Check for bracing issues
- Check for finish flaws
- Check for neck twist
- Proper tuner placement
- Nut width
- Bridge alignment and adhesion
- Tune to pitch
- Check string height to fret (action) at 12th fret and 1st fret (set within range 2.25 to 3 mm at 12th, 0.50 to .75mm on 1st fret)
- Check for buzzing open and all notes up entire fretboard (address issues accordingly)
- Truss rod adjustment
- Rock frets on entire fretboard - check for uneven frets (address uneven frets accordingly)
- Nut slot width
- Check for sharp frets (file if necessary)
- Dress & Polish frets for smoothness
- Intonation check
- Condition fingerboard
- Clean and polish ukulele
- Tighten all tuner screws
- Lubricate tuners
- Tighten pickup screws
- Battery tests
- Charger tests
- Pickup sound check
- Snug up jack
- Even output across strings
- Check all controls
A: Yes! While UKE Republic keeps to a standard range for the best tone and playability, we gladly will setup the string height to accommodate personal preference, but will go no lower than 2.25 mm at the 12th fret because it will more than likely cause string buzz. Just make a note in the Special Instructions field when placing your order.
Q: Does UKE Republic install pickups?
A: Yes! We install the Mi-Si Acoustic Trio Uke system which features an active, battery-free preamp designed specifically to work with the L.R. Baggs ukulele pickup. The preamp for this system uses Mi-Si’s custom piezo linearization scheme – allowing for the most truthful and accurate sound from the pickup. All you have to do is power up for 60 seconds using the Mi-Si Power Charger (included), providing you with up to 16 hours of performance time. *Includes charger**THIS IS A CUSTOM ADD-ON FEATURE, ONCE INSTALLED THE ITEM IS NONRETURNABLE UNLESS THERE IS A MANUFACTURER DEFECT**
**PLEASE ALLOW EXTRA TIME IN THE SETUP PROCESS FOR INSTALLATION
Q: Where is my order?
A:
- Please remember, here at UKE Republic, we quality check and setup our instruments to ensure optimized sound and playability. This process takes time which depends on the needs of each ukulele.
- You should receive a tracking number via the provided email address that is associated with the order, once your order is ready to be shipped. Please make sure the provided email address is correct. Sometimes email host will send these tracking notice emails to your junk/spam file. Please check your email junk/spam folder if you have not received a tracking number in a reasonable amount of time from when you placed your order.
- Please keep in mind the date and time of your order in conjunction with our operating days and hours, as well as any national holidays, or times we may be off site as vendors at festivals (please refer to our calendar posts or social media notices)
- Shipping transit times are not under the direct control of UkeRepublic.com, and UkeRepublic.com is not responsible for shipping delays due to weather, natural disaster, or causes beyond our shipping carrier's control.
- Please check the following service disruptions from the major shipping carriers:
- If for some reason you have NOT received your order after 14 business days, please contact our customer service department via e-mail at [email protected].
- Our order operations hours are Tuesday - Friday 11:00 am to 6:00 pm, we are closed Sundays & Mondays
- FREE SHIPPING OFFERS: We hold the right to choose shipping carrier services for Free Shipping Offers - which may have slower delivery times/routes. Free Shipping Offers are valid only for addresses in the 48 contiguous United States.
Q: What do I do if my ukulele was damaged in shipping?
A: UKE Republic's Resolution Process
We regret to hear that your ukulele sustained damage during shipping. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused, and we are dedicated to making things right. To expedite the resolution process, please follow the instructions outlined below:Document the Damage:
- Capture clear and detailed photos of the damaged ukulele from various angles, ensuring the extent of the damage is visible. Additionally, include images of the outside of the package with the shipping label, the inside of the box, and packing material. **Especially images of the box that shows any damage to the packaging (dings, bends, crushing).
- Reach out to us promptly via email at [email protected]
- Provide a concise description of the damage, attach the photos, and include your order number in the email.
- Preserve all packaging materials, including the box and any protective materials. We may require evidence of the packaging for resolution purposes.
- After receiving your information, we will take the necessary steps to file a claim with the shipping carrier on your behalf.
- Await further instructions from us. We may ask for additional information or guide you through the return process if needed.
- Once the claim is processed, we will expedite the shipment of a replacement ukulele to you.
- Maintain records of all communications with UKE Republic, including emails, and any communication with the shipping carrier.
- Record the names and contact information of the individuals you speak with during this process.
Q: Why won't my new ukulele stay in tune?
A: Your ukulele has new strings made of either nylon or fluorocarbon, both of which need time to properly distend before they will settle in and stay in tune. That is the nature of ukulele strings in general, unlike metal guitar strings.
We do not recommend stretching them. This will only make the strings have uneven thickness and will wear them out prematurely and can cause intonation problems. We recommend patiently tuning and re-tuning your instrument until the strings settle in. The more you play and tune the quicker they will settle in.
Pro Tips:
- Check that your tuner screws are snug tight. Sometimes the tuner screws can be loose due to wood shrinkage brought on by environmental changes. This is mostly seen in friction tuners.
- We recommend using a good quality accurate digital tuner to make it easier and quicker to tune, with consistant readings.
- If you are using a digital tuner to tune you ukulele, make sure the batteries are not weak or it has a low charge. This will affect your readings while tuning your instrument. So keep your batteries fresh and/or charge you tuner for more accurate readings.
**HOW TO TUNE AN UKULELE**