experimentjon
Well-known member
Epic Collection Downsizing: Kamaka, KoAloha, Kanilea, Pono, Fender, PRS
Photos are posted!
Photobucket Album
Hi UU. I love the ukulele, and love music. And despite this sale, I will still have quite a bit of gear...more than I should...all of my paychecks and some have gone into my instrument collection. But a downsizing and recapitalization is long overdue, especially since I am saving for the next generation of the Kindle DX, the next iPad, and a pair of Bose Quiet Comfort 15 headphones (my other hobby is reading...and if you have a pair of Bose QC15, I'd be willing to work out a trade.) And really, I feel guilty and think that these instruments should find a home where they get played...seriously, some of this gear has not been touched in over a year.
I want to limit this sale to Oahu, since I'm very busy with school and work (even over winter break) and don't want to have to deal with shipping--especially for the guitars. (However, let me know how much shipping costs, let me know where to find a box, and if you're willing to pay for the shipping, and cover the paypal fees, we can work something out.)
I thought I'd offer these up to UU first, if there's anyone on Oahu interested in these before I throw them up on Craigslist later this week. IDK how many of them I have pictures of already...need to take some, but I'll put them up as I find them. (Turns out I have fewer pictures of these than I thought...guess it's picture taking time tomorrow.)
SOLD!!! Kanilea K1 Baritone Ukulele ($750>$700)
I’m selling my beautiful Kanilea K-1 Baritone Ukulele as part of my collection downsizing efforts. The instrument is beautiful, nice bookmatched solid Hawaiian koa wood with a hint of figure, and Kanilea’s UV Gloss finish—which is the most stunning production ukulele finishes on the market…yes, better than Kamaka. I can’t find any chips, dings, or scratches on the ukulele. The only flaw I can find on it is on the abalone inlay on the 3rd fret, where it just isn’t 100% perfect with the way it was inlaid. I don’t think the inlay will fall out, but I mention it for full disclosure. I also made a slight pressure mark on the first fret, between the B and E strings. It’s only noticeable at a certain angle under light. And that is one of the reasons for the discount.
The sound is also the best Baritone ukulele sound I have ever heard, especially set up with the very balanced, all-nylon Worth Clear strings (best strings for Baritones, in my opinion). Action is nice, smooth, and low all the way down the fretboard, and the instrument is set up with excellent intonation. I will include an extra set of Worth baritone strings free. And of course, the instrument comes in a protective zipper-closure hard case.
The retail price for the ukulele is $1130. The string upgrade, extra set, and setup is valued at $50, and the hard case is another $50. My price is just $750 for this excellent condition ukulele. It will make an excellent gift for the ukulele player in your life…even if that’s you, yourself!
SOLD!!! Kamaka Concert Ukulele Curly Koa White Label ($550)
This Kamaka concert is probably the hardest one to part with in my collection downsizing, because it truly is one of my favorites, and has been since ever since I bought it. But I have two Kamaka concerts, and one has to go. This is a white label, conceived on Aug 30, 1997 and has been lovingly played until today. But aside from the natural aging and opening-up of the wood (which gives it an amazingly resonant tone), the ukulele also has advantages over the Kamakas that you can find on the shelves today—the instrument is 100% koa, even the fretboard. They don’t make them like this anymore. The neck has a nice flame pattern in it on the top part facing the player, something that I haven’t seen in any of my other two-dozen ukuleles. And the back is a stunning piece of AAAA grade koa. Meanwhile, the top is a dark piece with some interesting figure in it too. But overall, aesthetically, it is a beautiful instrument.
More important than the way it looks is the sound. I have it strung with Worth Clear strings, and it just sings. Admittedly, it sounds better than my other Kamaka concert from the 2000’s. And because of the great sound, it has been played. So yes, there are some light scratches in the finish—but nothing that affects the sound. A new Kamaka concert, with plain, non-curly wood has an MSRP of $870 today, and they do NOT make them like this anymore. You can have this one for just $550 and enjoy it, then pass it on to your kids. These Kamaka ukuleles are great heirloom items that hold their value like crazy. I’m letting it go for a good price for a quick sale, and will even include a vintage case with it.
SOLD!!! KoAloha Concert Ukulele ($450)
I’m a huge KoAloha fan. After owning over a dozen instruments from the top ukulele-builders in Hawaii, including Kamaka, KoAloha, and G-String, I can say that KoAlohas are my favorite. But I am downsizing my collection, and am trying to find new homes for all of my non tenor-scale instruments. But why do I love KoAloha? It’s the sound. It’s not as traditional as Kamaka, but has amazing treble brightness, and astonishing projection. Also, their jumbo frets just make them super fun to play.
This concert was born in June 2003, and has been lovingly cared for ever since. This one is especially rare because the top is a single piece of non-bookmatched Hawaiian koa; the back is the same way. Even more impressively, the sides are a single long strip of koa…and there is no purfling, which gives it even better resonance. Today, with the shortage of Koa, almost all instruments are bookmatched because boards large enough to build the way that KoAloha prefers to build just aren’t available. So you really would be hard-pressed to find one like this today. I would say that the condition on this one is good. There is light wear on the fingerboard at the first fret, and is one tiny ding on the back. Overall, I’d rate it at about 95%.
The KoAloha concert has an MSRP of $780. And I will include a $40 foam hard case for free. Pay less than you would in a store, and get ukulele construction that’s hard to come by today. Take this entire package home with you for just $450!
SOLD!!! Epiphone Cabellero Acoustic Guitar Vintage USA Solid Mahogany ($200)
I’m selling this very rare Epiphone guitar simply because I do not play it any more. The guitar is vintage, and from the serial number (433723), it is from the 60’s or 70’s—I don’t quite remember, but I know you can find out with some digging on the internet. The guitar is constructed from all solid mahogany, with tortoise binding on the top, and was built in Kalamazoo Michigan.
Naturally, as a vintage guitar, it isn’t quite perfect. There is a lot of natural checking of the finish, and there is a bit of bellying on the top. There’s also your normal dings and scratches. But the tone is still all there. The instrument has a very traditional mahogany sound, with all the sparkle of a nicely aged and played-in guitar.
I’m letting this one go for $200, and am open to reasonable offers. Thanks for looking!
SOLD!!! Vintage Madiera A-30M by Guild with pickup AAA Flame Maple Back/Sides Japan Made
($200)
This is a RARE Madiera A-30M dreadnought steel string acoustic guitar from the 1970s. It was made by hand in Japan, and imported to the US by Guild. Back then, they cost about $200 new, and today, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything with this sound quality for under $1000. All of the reviews on Harmony Central rave about the sound quality of this guitar. And I’d agree, it does have some an awesome sound, especially strung with Elixrs, as it is now.
The spruce top helps give it a nice bright sound. However, the real showstopper on this guitar is the stunning AAA FLAME MAPLE back and sides. There is also a passive pickup installed. However, it takes a 3.5mm headphone jack rather than a standard 1/4 inch guitar cable (however, you’ll still need a preamp and cannot plug headphones directly into the pickup, since it is passive). Another feature is the adjustable bridge which seemed to be the trend back then (action can be adjusted up and down at the saddle by turning two screws). It also has plastic binding on the top, back, and fretboard. But it is just a BEAUTIFUL blonde guitar. Just take a look at the pictures.
The guitar has gentle wear on it as expected from a guitar of about 30 years old which has been played but loved. If you want to glam it up, you could use Meguiars ScratchX, Quik Detailer, and Caranuba Wax to remove the light scratches and shine the body. The stuff works great. I am keeping it vintage-looking and letting the buyer decide. The guitar also comes with a hard case, which is the same age as the guitar.
The only reason that I’m selling is because the guitar is not perfect—it does have some problems. First, the frets are a bit low for my liking, and I can’t figure out how to lower the action any more on the adjustable bridge. The finish also does not seem to be OEM. If you are willing to take it to one of the local shops and get it set up, or fix it up yourself, it’d be a great player. Like I said, you can’t get this type of quality in both guitar aesthetics and tone without spending over $1000 today. Take this rare and beautiful instrument home with you for just $200. This price includes a hard case.
Photos are posted!
Photobucket Album
Hi UU. I love the ukulele, and love music. And despite this sale, I will still have quite a bit of gear...more than I should...all of my paychecks and some have gone into my instrument collection. But a downsizing and recapitalization is long overdue, especially since I am saving for the next generation of the Kindle DX, the next iPad, and a pair of Bose Quiet Comfort 15 headphones (my other hobby is reading...and if you have a pair of Bose QC15, I'd be willing to work out a trade.) And really, I feel guilty and think that these instruments should find a home where they get played...seriously, some of this gear has not been touched in over a year.
I want to limit this sale to Oahu, since I'm very busy with school and work (even over winter break) and don't want to have to deal with shipping--especially for the guitars. (However, let me know how much shipping costs, let me know where to find a box, and if you're willing to pay for the shipping, and cover the paypal fees, we can work something out.)
I thought I'd offer these up to UU first, if there's anyone on Oahu interested in these before I throw them up on Craigslist later this week. IDK how many of them I have pictures of already...need to take some, but I'll put them up as I find them. (Turns out I have fewer pictures of these than I thought...guess it's picture taking time tomorrow.)
SOLD!!! Kanilea K1 Baritone Ukulele ($750>$700)
I’m selling my beautiful Kanilea K-1 Baritone Ukulele as part of my collection downsizing efforts. The instrument is beautiful, nice bookmatched solid Hawaiian koa wood with a hint of figure, and Kanilea’s UV Gloss finish—which is the most stunning production ukulele finishes on the market…yes, better than Kamaka. I can’t find any chips, dings, or scratches on the ukulele. The only flaw I can find on it is on the abalone inlay on the 3rd fret, where it just isn’t 100% perfect with the way it was inlaid. I don’t think the inlay will fall out, but I mention it for full disclosure. I also made a slight pressure mark on the first fret, between the B and E strings. It’s only noticeable at a certain angle under light. And that is one of the reasons for the discount.
The sound is also the best Baritone ukulele sound I have ever heard, especially set up with the very balanced, all-nylon Worth Clear strings (best strings for Baritones, in my opinion). Action is nice, smooth, and low all the way down the fretboard, and the instrument is set up with excellent intonation. I will include an extra set of Worth baritone strings free. And of course, the instrument comes in a protective zipper-closure hard case.
The retail price for the ukulele is $1130. The string upgrade, extra set, and setup is valued at $50, and the hard case is another $50. My price is just $750 for this excellent condition ukulele. It will make an excellent gift for the ukulele player in your life…even if that’s you, yourself!
SOLD!!! Kamaka Concert Ukulele Curly Koa White Label ($550)
This Kamaka concert is probably the hardest one to part with in my collection downsizing, because it truly is one of my favorites, and has been since ever since I bought it. But I have two Kamaka concerts, and one has to go. This is a white label, conceived on Aug 30, 1997 and has been lovingly played until today. But aside from the natural aging and opening-up of the wood (which gives it an amazingly resonant tone), the ukulele also has advantages over the Kamakas that you can find on the shelves today—the instrument is 100% koa, even the fretboard. They don’t make them like this anymore. The neck has a nice flame pattern in it on the top part facing the player, something that I haven’t seen in any of my other two-dozen ukuleles. And the back is a stunning piece of AAAA grade koa. Meanwhile, the top is a dark piece with some interesting figure in it too. But overall, aesthetically, it is a beautiful instrument.
More important than the way it looks is the sound. I have it strung with Worth Clear strings, and it just sings. Admittedly, it sounds better than my other Kamaka concert from the 2000’s. And because of the great sound, it has been played. So yes, there are some light scratches in the finish—but nothing that affects the sound. A new Kamaka concert, with plain, non-curly wood has an MSRP of $870 today, and they do NOT make them like this anymore. You can have this one for just $550 and enjoy it, then pass it on to your kids. These Kamaka ukuleles are great heirloom items that hold their value like crazy. I’m letting it go for a good price for a quick sale, and will even include a vintage case with it.
SOLD!!! KoAloha Concert Ukulele ($450)
I’m a huge KoAloha fan. After owning over a dozen instruments from the top ukulele-builders in Hawaii, including Kamaka, KoAloha, and G-String, I can say that KoAlohas are my favorite. But I am downsizing my collection, and am trying to find new homes for all of my non tenor-scale instruments. But why do I love KoAloha? It’s the sound. It’s not as traditional as Kamaka, but has amazing treble brightness, and astonishing projection. Also, their jumbo frets just make them super fun to play.
This concert was born in June 2003, and has been lovingly cared for ever since. This one is especially rare because the top is a single piece of non-bookmatched Hawaiian koa; the back is the same way. Even more impressively, the sides are a single long strip of koa…and there is no purfling, which gives it even better resonance. Today, with the shortage of Koa, almost all instruments are bookmatched because boards large enough to build the way that KoAloha prefers to build just aren’t available. So you really would be hard-pressed to find one like this today. I would say that the condition on this one is good. There is light wear on the fingerboard at the first fret, and is one tiny ding on the back. Overall, I’d rate it at about 95%.
The KoAloha concert has an MSRP of $780. And I will include a $40 foam hard case for free. Pay less than you would in a store, and get ukulele construction that’s hard to come by today. Take this entire package home with you for just $450!
SOLD!!! Epiphone Cabellero Acoustic Guitar Vintage USA Solid Mahogany ($200)
I’m selling this very rare Epiphone guitar simply because I do not play it any more. The guitar is vintage, and from the serial number (433723), it is from the 60’s or 70’s—I don’t quite remember, but I know you can find out with some digging on the internet. The guitar is constructed from all solid mahogany, with tortoise binding on the top, and was built in Kalamazoo Michigan.
Naturally, as a vintage guitar, it isn’t quite perfect. There is a lot of natural checking of the finish, and there is a bit of bellying on the top. There’s also your normal dings and scratches. But the tone is still all there. The instrument has a very traditional mahogany sound, with all the sparkle of a nicely aged and played-in guitar.
I’m letting this one go for $200, and am open to reasonable offers. Thanks for looking!
SOLD!!! Vintage Madiera A-30M by Guild with pickup AAA Flame Maple Back/Sides Japan Made
($200)
This is a RARE Madiera A-30M dreadnought steel string acoustic guitar from the 1970s. It was made by hand in Japan, and imported to the US by Guild. Back then, they cost about $200 new, and today, you’d be hard-pressed to find anything with this sound quality for under $1000. All of the reviews on Harmony Central rave about the sound quality of this guitar. And I’d agree, it does have some an awesome sound, especially strung with Elixrs, as it is now.
The spruce top helps give it a nice bright sound. However, the real showstopper on this guitar is the stunning AAA FLAME MAPLE back and sides. There is also a passive pickup installed. However, it takes a 3.5mm headphone jack rather than a standard 1/4 inch guitar cable (however, you’ll still need a preamp and cannot plug headphones directly into the pickup, since it is passive). Another feature is the adjustable bridge which seemed to be the trend back then (action can be adjusted up and down at the saddle by turning two screws). It also has plastic binding on the top, back, and fretboard. But it is just a BEAUTIFUL blonde guitar. Just take a look at the pictures.
The guitar has gentle wear on it as expected from a guitar of about 30 years old which has been played but loved. If you want to glam it up, you could use Meguiars ScratchX, Quik Detailer, and Caranuba Wax to remove the light scratches and shine the body. The stuff works great. I am keeping it vintage-looking and letting the buyer decide. The guitar also comes with a hard case, which is the same age as the guitar.
The only reason that I’m selling is because the guitar is not perfect—it does have some problems. First, the frets are a bit low for my liking, and I can’t figure out how to lower the action any more on the adjustable bridge. The finish also does not seem to be OEM. If you are willing to take it to one of the local shops and get it set up, or fix it up yourself, it’d be a great player. Like I said, you can’t get this type of quality in both guitar aesthetics and tone without spending over $1000 today. Take this rare and beautiful instrument home with you for just $200. This price includes a hard case.
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