New Uke Day - Kamaka Soprano *sound clip in post #25*

AnnaUK

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OK, OK – UAS has struck again. Ooooops. :rofl:

So as these things happen, I was not searching for a K-Brand uke or anything really. I just happened to notice this one and it was too much of a bargain to pass up. It started at £300 but I got it for £150 in the end. ($239 USD or €170 EUR.)

I emailed some photos to the very helpful people at the Kamaka factory in Honolulu and one of the staff there was massively helpful. She showed the photos to Fred Kamaka Sr who was able to date my uke to between 1975 – 1982. He also attested that the case and tuning pegs are the originals.

It might not be a collector’s piece or a gold label, but I love this uke already. This is the first Kamaka I’ve seen for sale in the UK that’s anything like in my price range. Perhaps I’d get a better bargain in the US – but with shipping and import duty it’s improbable that I could get a similar uke to the UK for less.

Anyway – this uke sounds fantastic. I’ve never quite heard anything like it. A deep, loud, resonating tone with fantastic sustain. The intonation is absolutely perfect all the way up the neck and the action is low and comfortable. As you might be able to tell – I’m super pleased with this purchase.

I’ve included some photos and I will do a video as soon as I can. Just wanted to share the good news with you guys :D

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More pics

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I've got more photos in an album on here, or on my Facebook... :D
 
Wow, that is one gorgeous Uke!! I hope you and it are together for a long time! Something to pass down to any grandkids, should you ever have them :D
 
I've heard him already and can back up just how beautiful it really does sound. Unbelievable bargain.

JEALOUS!
 
Congratulations, that is a beautiful uke, and I'm also impressed you got a response via email from the factory. That is the only thing I don't love about Kamaka - their customer service is hit and miss. I am still awaiting a reply from an email I sent over a week ago! Anyway, it looks beautiful and you got it for a fantastic price! Congrats again and welcome to the Kamaka Klub.
 
Aloha Anna,
I had the same one and mine was in just good condition as your...I paid for mine $385.00 so I think you got an excellent deal...Good score girl!!
And you're right, they do have a really good tone and they resonate very well.. you can tell the age with the black nut and saddle..and all the white
labels come with those shaller tuner with the big locking screws....You must be one happy camper!!!Have fun and enjoy!!!! MM Stan..
 
Thanks, chaps :D

I am a VERY happy camper. The Kamaka people got back to me the next day, so I was impressed with them.

Thank you for the info, Stan. The black nut and saddle is how Mr Kamaka knew the dates, too. I quite like the Schaller tuners, they've settled in really well.

I shall get a Show-and-Tell video up ASAP... :)
 
Wow Anna,

Handsome instrument!! You must have appeased the Uke Gods to have picked that up :)

BTW, is there a special trading system in the UK where the price goes down?? If so, find me a house to move into, I'm going there, lol

Cheers GG
 
HAPPY NEW UKE DAY to you!

What a nice fine. And it's beautiful. Many years of happiness playing that thing. :)
 
Amazing!

Man, I broke out in a grin when I saw what you got! Beautiful, classic 'ukelele, and a terrific bargain to boot.

Enjoy!
 
Beautiful! Enjoy it, play it....may it bring you many years of wonderful music! Thanks for sharing it!
 
Super nice uke Anna, excellent deal.
I am envious.

Cheers.
 
I can't help but wonder if they put more time into the ukuleles of those years, as surely their sales figures were MUCH lower than they are today...

Well, the soldiers are in for a real treat!
 
THANK YOU, once again guys.

I'm absolutely loving this uke. It is most definitely making me smile everytime I play it. I'm now attempting to learn some traditional Hawaiian songs for it.

In a rather awesome stroke of luck, my employer has been over-taxing me for the last year, which meant I got a rebate today of nearly £200. So I guess that this makes it (almost) a free uke :D

Sound clip to follow fairly soon, I hope...
 
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