The hawaii store is the perfect place to shop for hawaiian themed products, ukulele, hawaiian jewelry, hawaiian shirts and dresses, hawaii souvenirs, gifts from hawaii, hawaiian food, hawaii toys and books. The ukulele itself seems to be everywhere, too, showing up in all kinds of music around the world. A few years later, young samuel kaialiilii kamaka began his apprenticeship under manuel nunes more on ukulele history. Samuel kaialiilii kamaka, apprentice for manuel nunes one of the original ukulele makers started making koa ukuleles from his kaimuki, hawaii home and formed his oneman shop in 1916. Of the three luthiers, only one, manuel nunes, trained apprentices. But nothing else comes close to the detailed information presented in jim tranquada and john kings book, the ukulele. This beautiful piece is the very same instrument featured in the ukulele book, the ukulele. Ukulele pros exemplary build and finish terrific volume and sustain classic looks breathtaking breadth of tone wonderful tuners terrific hard case ukulele cons nope, im struggling strings are not for me, but thats it really. It was called kamaka ukulele and guitar works and was operated from kamakas basement.
Vintage kamaka 4 string koa wood gold label ukulele. Nov, 2018 and being a deluxe model, this hf3 has some lovely koa with extra figure. In the mid20s, sam kamaka laid out a pattern for a new ovalshaped ukulele body. The entire sixminute segment by reporter seth doane and producer kay lim featured international uke star jake shimabukuro, the kamaka ukulele factory, and teacher roy sakuma impresario of the. The ukulele hall of fame museum was founded in 1996. Kamaka ukulele is the maker of hawaiis finest ukuleles, and is the home of the original kamaka pineapple ukulele. A history, had a minute of fame on the cbs sunday morning show that aired october 14 across the u. Most of the ukuleles featured in the book are from the worldclass collection of chuck. Tranquada shared that the instrument now widely identified as a hawaiian icon actually was introduced by portuguese. Basically, though the logo and the fret stock changed, this style of kamaka uke is pretty darn close to the companys 1930s models in build, sound, and feel. Get the largest selection of hawaii made ukulele from kamaka, kanilea, and koaloha. New kamaka hf3 lds long neck gryphon stringed instruments. Soprano ukulele beginner kit brown mahogany hawaiian small guitar set with ukulele hard case digital tuner strap for kids students and beginners with blue case 4. The kamaka ukulele is recognized around the world for its quality and beauty.
Kamaka hawaii celebrates 100 years of producing internationally. Kamaka ukuleles are worldrenown, and possess a lasting, rich tone that cannot be duplicated. A superior handcrafted instrument, this kamaka hf3 tenor ukulele offers excellent tone and projection. Kamaka ukulele for sale kamaka dealer made in hawaii uke. The hf2 is clearly in another league to any other concert weve tried to date. In 1916 he instituted the kamaka ukulele and guitar works in honolulu.
The fan book structure is often used in southeast asia. Kamaka deluxe models at um ukulele store, ukulele books, ukulele accessories. Its built with an all solid koa body and a mahogany neck. Kamaka ukulele presents keep strumming 15882074315 cd. We stock all sizes kamaka soprano hf1, concert hf2, tenor hf3, and baritone hf4. Part history, part hawaiian culture, part music but all things ukulele, this tour is well worth anyones time on the island. It is often credited with producing some of the worlds finest ukuleles, and created the first pineapple ukulele. Take a look at the range today and experience some of the worlds best ukuleles available to buy right here at southern ukulele store. Jun 10, 2011 reads kamaka genuine handmade ukuleles since 1916 kamaka ukulele factory honolulu 19, hawaii ive been trying to find out exactly when the first concert size ukulele were made. The kamaka 100th anniversary ukuleles are coming for sale online at. Kamaka is one of the oldest, most esteemed ukulele companies and is arguably the premier maker in the islands, and thus, in the world. First, how many companies do you know that are family owned, on their third generation of family leadership and have survived and thrived for over 100.
Visit our ukulele store and play the best hawaiian ukulele. King kalakaua kalakoah, was a patron of the arts and had a special affinity for the ukulele. Kamaka ukulele hf36, 6string, tenor new ukulele gryphon. It has been a kamaka tradition to honor hawaiian history and music.
In 1921 kamaka opened a store in kaimuki, near honolulu. Samuel kaialiilii kamaka, the companys founder, wasnt present for the birth of the ukulele, but he was around while it was still in diapers. Since each string is doubled, with the third and fourth pairs tuned in octaves, this is the ukulele equivalent of a 12string guitar, and serves a similar function. Kamaka ukuleles, kamaka ukes hawaiian southern ukulele store. The history of the hawaiian ukulele with master luthier joe souza of kanilea. Kamaka kamaka 100th anniversary ebony slotted headstock tenor deluxe hf3 deluxe 2016 curly koa. Nunes trained samuel kamaka, the founder of the kamaka ukulele. This ones a gold label soprano and probably dates to the mid or late 50s judging by the nonfretboard frets in neck build. Kamaka hf3 tenor ukulele elderly instruments youtube. There is a reason they are one of the top luthiers for ikes in the world. In 1968 the firm incorporated in the name kamaka hawaii, inc. In fact they are the oldest family run business in hawaii. These 8string tenor models deliver a full rich sound thats great for backing vocals, for instance, and you really dont have to play anything fancy to sound impressive. Kamaka already had a reputation for making highquality instruments, and the shop thrived through the 1920s and 1930s.
Enya concert ukulele 23 inch solid mahogany top with ukulele starter kit includes online lessons, case, strap, strings, capo, sand shaker, pick,polish cloth euc25d 4. History of kamaka ukulele vintage hawaii, history, maui, hawaiian, memories, american. Jan 22, 2014 kamaka ukulele or just kamaka is a familyowned. Portrait of samuel kaialiilii kamaka in 1916, he formed his oneman shop, kamaka ukulele and guitar works, and soon established a solid reputation for making only the highest quality ukuleles. Ukulele magazine published a great article on the birth of the. Kamaka ukulele 100 years ukulele magazine ukes hawaii jake. Kamaka ukulele honolulu 2020 all you need to know before. Kamaka ukulele or just kamaka is a familyowned hawaiibased maker of the. Kamaka is the most famous and longest standing ukulele company. Auto suggestions are available once you type at least 3 letters. May 27, 2015 now, nearly 100 years later, the kamaka ukulele and guitar works on south street in honolulu carries on the legacy of three portuguese emigrants who forever changed hawaiian music and gave the world the gift of the jumping flea. Enjoy the lowest prices and best selection of kamaka ukuleles at guitar center. Gorgeous book matched koa body resonates wideranging tones.
Inside tag is white, which we believe indicates that this was made between 1969 and 1978. And no, im not affiliated at all with that company i just compulsively watch their stock. And inside tag is markedhandcrafted kamaka ukulele made in honolulu, hawaii, usa. These hf38 model kamakas are strong and stable, and there. These instruments have a special 100th anniversary headstock logo. Learning ukulele with curt lessons, songs, books, links and. Dating your kamaka ukulele unofficial kamaka ukulele blog. Jim beloff set out to promote the instrument in the early 1990s and created over two dozen. Never strummed a ukulele before but was intrigued by the building process. Like the ukuleles, the company itself continues to withstand the test of time.
There is much to admire in a book that gives the ukulele its proper due and thereby makes a fine contribution to cultural history. Historians say that only a few of these vintage kamaka cigar box ukuleles were created by samuel kamaka jr. Kamaka ukuleles are not only beautifully crafted, great sounding musical instruments, they are an integral part of the ukulele s history. Kamaka ukulele is one of the wellknown ukulele companies in the world, producing topoftheline, quality instruments that seem to get better with age. The heritage of ukulele making at kamaka hawaii is preserved by second and third generation hawaiian luthiers, as well as the many talented craftsmen at the kakaako factory in.
There is a focused nucleus to the sound, giving definition, but the overtones are spacious and beautiful. Samuel kamaka was building ukuleles from just after turn of the 20th century. Nunes trained samuel kamaka, the founder of the kamaka ukulele and guitar works. Kamaka hawaii, incorporated, also known as kamaka ukulele or just kamaka is a familyowned hawaiibased maker of ukuleles. Kamaka ukuleles are world renown, crafted from hawaiian koa lumber which makes their ukes very light to handle, offering a full sound, great volume and sustain. Rare made in japan model, circa 1950s gold label 4 string soprano, size approx 20 12 inches long, this ukulele has long hairline crack in front and front panel needs glue off side also has eatched name in back of neck,needs strings et, still looks strong with nice. This wonderful piece remains in original condition with normal strum and play wear. The museum is a nonprofit organization with federal 501 c nonprofit status.
Limited edition, includes charts for the songs, the new cd, photos, uke tips, etc. Meet the hawaii family that makes the worlds most famous. Playing on the streets of waikiki with the beach boys, taimane was discovered by legendary crooner, don ho and became a featured performer in his show. Kamaka hawaii was established in 1916 in the territory of hawaii, and is a familyowned and operated business. Over 40 years later, weve grown into one of the worlds most respected sellers of. The history and progress of the company is marked by a neverending process of design, redesign and experimentation in order to produce instruments with the many and varying tonal and playing characteristics required by professional and amateur musicians alike. By the font of this label, i would assume this concert was made in the 1920s. A book documenting the companys first 100 years is in production. O ne hundred years in, kamaka hawaii is busier than ever. At the age of five, taimane picked up her first ukulele and began her future in performing.
Since then, kamaka ukulele has established reputation as producing highest quality ukulele. Tour started with a half hour presentation given by fred kamaka 94 years with his life in the ukulele. The entire sixminute segment by reporter seth doane and producer kay lim featured international uke star jake shimabukuro, the kamaka ukulele factory, and teacher roy sakuma impresario of the annual ukulele festival hawaii. If youre in honolulu, you can tour the facility daily. The 6string version of the popular kamaka tenor offers a unique sound thanks to the 3rd and 1st strings being doubled and tuned in octaves. Our most popular crest design features our kk logo and the words kamaka ukulele against a hawaiian crest shaped background. Large groups more than 5 and schoolsupervised groups must schedule special tours in advance by calling 808 53165. Unofficial kamaka ukulele blog unofficial kamaka history blog.
Aug 11, 2018 a history of the ukulele would not be complete without mentioning king david kalakaua, and his role in bringing prominence to the instrument. Soprano up for auction is a beautiful hawaiian koa wood ukulele by kamaka. The kamaka family has been dedicated to building skillfullyhandcrafted ukuleles for nearly a century. Founded in 1972, elderly instruments started as a small store with a handful of instruments. Kamaka ukulele hawaii ukulele guide koa ukes, ukuleles. The story begins in 1916 when samuel kaialiilii kamaka established the. Meet the hawaii family that makes the worlds most famous ukulele kamaka hawaii celebrates 100 years of producing internationally renowned ukulele. A king kamehameha historical marker guards the front entrance of the shop. Taimane gardner is a virtuoso ukulele player and composer. Our mission is to document, preserve and promote the history of the ukulele, its players, and makers, as well as to inspire and engage people everywhere in the perpetuation of the ukulele and ukulele music through performances and exhibits. The ukulele is featured on page 83 and is the top instrument there are two pictures of a kamaka cigar box ukulele on the page. The story of the kamaka ukulele special 26m 7s for nearly 100 years, kamaka and sons ukuleles, produced from their tiny shop in honolulu, have been the gold standard for.
Our mission is to document, preserve and promote the history of the ukulele, its players, and makers, as well as to inspire and engage people everywhere in the perpetuation of the ukulele and ukulele music through. Kamaka have decided to keep the modern 1980s headstock as standard on this model, perhaps in homage to george harrison, who was a proud owner of a kamaka concert ukulele himself. This puts the string tuned to the lowest pitch as one of the 1st string pairs, and the result is a haunting highandlow sound unlike any other uke. The ukuleles size and shape were based on the machete, but its tuning gcea was taken from another portuguese instrument called the rajao. The process of making a kamaka ukulele is an art that involves design, redesign, and experimentation to produce instruments with outstanding tonal and playing characteristics. There are several varieties to choose from, so check out the information below for tips on how to choose the best one for your needs. And being a deluxe model, this hf3 has some lovely koa with extra figure.
Various artists kamaka ukulele presents keep strumming. Kamaka proved to be a quick study and in 1916 he left nunes and started the company that bears his name. A free guided tour of the kamaka factory is given every tuesday friday at 10. Check them all out, mixed into non100th anniversary models, read more. In 1921, kamaka ukulele established a shop at 1814 south king street.
Kamaka cigar box ukulele unofficial kamaka ukulele blog. Sandor nagyszalanczy is an avid ukulele collector and woodworking expert residing in santa cruz, california. In 1910 sam kamaka apprenticed with manuel nunes, one of the three portuguese luthiers who brought the the ukuleles ancestors, the braguinha and machete, to hawaii in 1879. Because of the demand for ukuleles samuel enlisted his sons samuel jr. Kamaka ukuleles are not only beautifully crafted, great sounding musical instruments, they are an integral part of the ukulele history. For over a century, kamaka ukulele has been a family owned and operated business. Now, nearly 100 years later, the kamaka ukulele and guitar works on south street in honolulu carries on the legacy of three portuguese emigrants who forever changed hawaiian music and gave the world the gift of the jumping flea. Kamaka ukulele hf38 8string, tenor new ukulele gryphon. The celebration continues sunday with a concert, the kamaka ukulele. Its a great time to upgrade your home music studio gear with the largest selection at. Kamaka handcrafted pineapple uke up for sale is a vintage kamaka ukulele. Then click on historic kamaka ukuleles and look for historic sopranomidfifties made in style of sam kamaka jr. A visual history of the ukulele by jim beloff has been cut up and pasted onto a ukulele, the. This heritage has been preserved by a second and third generation of hawaiis finest luthiers.
Renos music, in fishers, indiana, is proud to be a kamaka ukulele dealer, the maker of hawaiis finest ukuleles, and the home of the original pineapple uke. The kamaka family still owns kamaka ukulele and guitar works, located in honolulu, hawaii. The centennial of kamaka ukulele is monumental for at least two other reasons. Kamaka ukuleles are not only beautifully crafted, great sounding musical instruments, they are an integral part of the ukuleles history. In 1910, samuel kaialiilii kamaka apprenticed manuel nunes to make ukuleles. Sixstring liliu model tenor, brand new and direct from the hands of sam kamaka.
Samuel kamaka, the companys founder, wasnt present for the birth of the ukulele, but he was around while it was still in diapers. Interesting tour even if you arent a uke enthusiast. Its a bit easier to play than the 8string version the hf38, and of course if you dont want that high. Eddie vedder ukulele songs the book just saw on the pearl jam site, eddie did a book with the new cd. A musical history of ukulele in hawaii, an excellent companion to some of the contemporary players performing today.
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