Found a Kamaka

Found a Kamaka Gold Label Pineapple with the small soundhole, yesterday in a coastal village on the Saint-Lawrence River in Quebec, Canada. That a gizzillion miles from Hawaii, the last place I'd ever think to find such a 'uke in perfect condition.

Best thing is the owner of the shop let me have it for $250. Not a steal but a great deal, none the less.

Here's a pick of the Three K's: a Kumalae fron 1915 to 1919, the Kamaka and a 2009 Koaloha soprano:



Restrung it with Nylgut's. I'm one happy guy!

Nicely done!

Aloha Ukedan,
What a cool score, and a great arsenal....thanks for sharing....anyone would be proud!!!!
Have Fun and "Keep strumming them strings" MM Stan...

I giggled at 'not a steal'. Ahnko Honu would drool at this.

Congratulations on such an excellent find!

Thanks all. having a great time breaking in the Nylguts.

There's one on ebay and I think it's a gold labelled, according to the pictures:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=350390208697

One day left and it's at $157.50. I'm not sure about the neck being mahogany, though. Although when I look at mine, it looks like mahogany... But I was under the impression they were all koa, like the one shown on Kamaka's site (the one from the 60's):

http://www.kamakahawaii.com/ukegallery.html

Although they don't mention the wood used for the neck...

I'd have a bid in my sharpshooter for that pineapple if I hadn't just got one a couple of weeks ago. It has the same heartwood at the back as this uke, funny to see something so unusual in two Kamaka pineapples for sale so close together. Mine is older and needs to see a luthier for fret work but as it's been nicely humidifying in its case the belly is dipping which is usual for the thin tops and the action is changing, so now it has more clearance and the sound is awesome! I see a belly dip on this one too by the angle of the bridge from the side.