Kamaka Ukes with arched backs ? Anyone have one ?

Kamaka taro Patch · Oct 28, 2020

Anyone have a Kamaka with a arched (curved) back ?I have a few old white label Kamaka 8 string ukes that have flat backs. I have another one about 10 years old and it has a very arched back. I called Kamaka in Hi. they said the new ones are flat. They said this one might have been made to order for the original owner. Ive never seen anther Kamaka with a back like this. it sounds great with lots of volume.

Brad Bordessa · Oct 28, 2020

My 2006 HF-3 has a slight bubble to the back. It's not pronounced, but it's not flat.

arpie · Oct 28, 2020

I have an old 60/70s Kamaka Soprano and it has an arched back.

Just out of interest - the Kala Travel Ukes also have a pronounced arched back, that helps with the great volume that they have too!

kkimura · Oct 28, 2020

Kamaka taro Patch said:
Anyone have a Kamaka with a arched (curved) back ?I have a few old white label Kamaka 8 string ukes that have flat backs. I have another one about 10 years old and it has a very arched back. I called Kamaka in Hi. they said the new ones are flat. They said this one might have been made to order for the original owner. Ive never seen anther Kamaka with a back like this. it sounds great with lots of volume.

You made me look, and yes my HF3 serial number 150225 has an arched back. Of all my ukuleles this one has the best dynamic range.

clear · Oct 28, 2020

My 2020 Kamakas have arched backs. It is slight but still noticeable. So, I'm curious why Kamaka says they have flat backs?

Kamaka taro Patch · Oct 28, 2020

clear said:
My 2020 Kamakas have arched backs. It is slight but still noticeable. So, I'm curious why Kamaka says they have flat backs?

Thanks for the replys. Mine has a lot of curve to it a little over a 1/2" from one end to the other. it does have a lot of volume and sounds great.

Kamaka taro Patch · Oct 28, 2020

Photo of HF 38 arched back. If you in large the picture you can see how much curve there is.

clear · Oct 28, 2020

Kamaka taro Patch said:
Thanks for the replys. Mine has a lot of curve to it a little over a 1/2" from one end to the other. it does have a lot of volume and sounds great.

1/2" sounds like a lot; is it a soprano?

My soprano (2020 model) has ~1mm at its highest (it is hard to measure so I just estimated) arch on its back. I don't have my concert (also 2020 model) handy, but I think it is also about the same.

Here's a photo of the arch:

clear · Oct 28, 2020

Kamaka taro Patch said:
Photo of HF 38 arched back. If you in large the picture you can see how much curve there is.

View attachment 130348

I can't see the arch in your photo. Perhaps you are referring to the curve from bottom to top of the bout? That is generally not called arched back; an arched back will have a convex back.

Kamaka Ukes with arched backs ? Anyone have one ?

Kamaka taro Patch

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