Kamaka 8 string HF-800

hoosierhiver · Jun 21, 2019

Anyone ever heard of this model? I got an email from a guy who found a Kamaka 8 string when he bought the contents of a storage locker. It is in mint condition and was accompanied by the purchase receipt from 1988 listing it as a HF-800. (sorry for the typo in the thread title)

keenonuke · Jun 21, 2019

Mim has a video from 2015

https://youtu.be/hAp72n2xjzg

Here's another one with Aaron playing for MGM for a video from almost 7 years ago (August 2012)
https://youtu.be/4T-XpLKqpmY

You could reach out to Kamaka to verify if they were building 8 strings then.

But if it's been sitting in a storage locker I would be concerned about the condition of the Ukulele. I guess you'll check it out in a public place. Good luck.

hoosierhiver · Jun 22, 2019

It's not a HF-36 which is their standard 8 string model, this one says HF-800. The guy lives in New Zealand so I don't think I'll be checking it out in person, but I'm curious as I can find nothing about the Kamaka HF-800.

keenonuke · Jun 22, 2019

Oops I guess nice try but not the answer

merlin666 · Jun 22, 2019

The model numbers have changed since then possibly in the 90s. I think my old 6 string is a HF-600. How much did it cost in those days? I assume white label?

hoosierhiver · Jun 22, 2019

merlin666 said:
The model numbers have changed since then possibly in the 90s. I think my old 6 string is a HF-600. How much did it cost in those days? I assume white label?

That's very likely the case, it appears to be the same uke as the HF-36. I don't know what it went for, from the pic I saw, it looked like a white label.

Arob54 · Jun 22, 2019

I think you guys are right about the model name change. Here is a thread with a similar sounding uke. Post 12 shows the original Kamaka receipt from 1979 which also lists the model as “HF-800 Liliu Ukulele”

https://forum.ukuleleunderground.co...-Vintage-Kamaka-8-string-Lili-u-tenor-(HF-38)

Jerryc41 · Jun 22, 2019

8-string ukes have a very nice sound. I got a cheapie, a Baton Rouge. It cost $133 delivered from Thomas Mann in Germany. Very nice.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vQqEATw9Hek
https://www.gotaukulele.com/2017/01/baton-rouge-v2-t8-sun-8-string-tenor.html

hoosierhiver · Jun 22, 2019

Any guesses what the HF means, Hawaiian Factory?

UkeStuff · Jun 22, 2019

Are you looking for a template for a new Mainland 8-String?

I have a short list of ukuleles that I'd definitely want to have...a Kamaka (Concert) is on that list, but also not a pressing purchase.

On a side note, I had a chance to meet you again in Nashville and to buy a Baritone Mainland...I love it. Thanks for doing all that you do!

hoosierhiver · Jun 22, 2019

Choirguy said:
Are you looking for a template for a new Mainland 8-String? I have a short list of ukuleles that I'd definitely want to have...a Kamaka (Concert) is on that list, but also not a pressing purchase.

On a side note, I had a chance to meet you again in Nashville and to buy a Baritone Mainland...I love it. Thanks for doing all that you do!

No immediate plans for an 8 string, maybe down the line sometime.

efiscella · Jun 22, 2019

Hf-800

That 1979 Uke was mine. The receipt did say HF-800. Here is a pic of the receipt. Hopefully it comes out facing the right way. I sold the uke a few months ago. I had it for 40 years in like new condition.

Kamaka 8 string HF-800

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