Hey all. You're going to love this.
This is my upcoming birthday present. My mom let the cat out of the bag early and I can't contain my excitement. It's sat untouched in my grandpa's basement for 40+ years. Yes, it's a Kamaka and it was purchased back in the 1930's by a relative who was there as a missionary. He gave it to my mom when she was a kid and she is handing it down to me.:smileybounce: She knows I have a thing for Ukes and she remembered it sitting on her shelf as a child. She went to my grandparents basement, and there it was, all shiny and bright, with no cracks but a light coating of dust. (I'm shocked, really. I do not deserve such a thing of beauty.) All it needs is a a wooden peg and some Aquilas.
But I do have a few questions. Has anyone seen a Kamaka pineapple with that kind of painting on the front? I suppose it could have been done by Kamaka but I doubt it. I'm guessing it was done later by my relative or a friend of his.
Second, is it Koa? I've never seen Koa in the flesh before so I'm not sure how to tell.
Third, do I dare play this thing. It's worth more than any of my other ukes and I'm terrified it will melt in my hands. But, what's the purpose of a Uke you can't play? I'm conflicted.
Many glorious pictures below.
Enjoy!
This is my upcoming birthday present. My mom let the cat out of the bag early and I can't contain my excitement. It's sat untouched in my grandpa's basement for 40+ years. Yes, it's a Kamaka and it was purchased back in the 1930's by a relative who was there as a missionary. He gave it to my mom when she was a kid and she is handing it down to me.:smileybounce: She knows I have a thing for Ukes and she remembered it sitting on her shelf as a child. She went to my grandparents basement, and there it was, all shiny and bright, with no cracks but a light coating of dust. (I'm shocked, really. I do not deserve such a thing of beauty.) All it needs is a a wooden peg and some Aquilas.
But I do have a few questions. Has anyone seen a Kamaka pineapple with that kind of painting on the front? I suppose it could have been done by Kamaka but I doubt it. I'm guessing it was done later by my relative or a friend of his.
Second, is it Koa? I've never seen Koa in the flesh before so I'm not sure how to tell.
Third, do I dare play this thing. It's worth more than any of my other ukes and I'm terrified it will melt in my hands. But, what's the purpose of a Uke you can't play? I'm conflicted.
Many glorious pictures below.
Enjoy!