King FarUke
Well-known member
I have returned from a two-week trip to Hawaii with a new uke. While on Maui I purchased a Kamaka HF-3 Tenor at Bounty Music. I had stopped in several music shops during the trip and played several of the K-brand ukes. The Koalohas were very nice, but I found them to be a bit too light in weight (fragile feeling) and loud for my taste. They do have a unique sound from the other ukes that is nice and pleasing in its own way. I can understand the vast appeal they have. I played a really nice Kanilea, but at $2100 I had to pass. I came across a lot of G-Strings, but did not find any that struck me except for a $2500 custom. The few Ko'olaus I saw were nice, but again none really stood out. After a lot of consideration and searching, I decided to purchase a Kamaka Tenor HF-3. All the Kamaka's I played were very consistent in build and had similar sounds. I decided on the Kamaka for a few reasons. 1. I wanted a Hawaiian Koa uke made in Hawaii. 2. Kamaka is the original with a long history. 3. I liked the mellow sound and solid feel of the Kamakas. The Kamaka fret board and neck thickness also felt "the most" right to me. Bounty had offered the uke for $100 below list ($880) and I was going to purchase one that I had played that was on a hanger when the sales clerk told me he had one that was still in the wrap and had never been opened. He brought the uke out still taped in the bubble wrap and opened it in front of me. Fortunately, it happened to be (IMHO) the best looking and best sounding of the tenors I had played. The price was the best I had been quoted. Most stores were between $950 and $1050. The uke was made on Jan 21, 2010 with serial number 100151 (151st uke made in 2010). The finish is perfect and build is superb in my opinion. To my ears it has a sound that I would expect an Hawaiian uke to make - if that makes sense. On my last day I decided to take a tour of the Kamaka factory. Fred Kamaka Sr. happened to be there and I asked if he would sign my uke. He was very friendly, signed my uke, asked me to play the uke and stood for some pictures with me. He then talked with me for some quite some time until I told him I had to leave to check out of my hotel. At this time I feel that I would probably go for a Koaloha next time I take the plunge. I have included a few pics for those who care to see the uke. Thanks again for all those who gave advice prior to my purchase.