New Kamaka Models?

[ukeclass]

Has anyone seen two new Kamaka models recently? I’ve seen a very small number of them pop up the last few months. Makes me wonder if they’re a new offered model, or special order? HF-2i and HF-3i, concert and tenor (non-deluxe) models with slotted headstocks.

I’ve inquired to Kamaka, so if anyone else knows before they get back to me, tell me what you know; or I’ll relay their response later.

 

[rainbow21]

Googling the 2i brings up one for sale at the “He who shall not be named “ website. No other listings.

 

[DaddyToge]

According to Corey, it is a new model. They did have a few recently. BTW, ignore the title of the video. It is a HF-3i. Personally, I love it.

 

[Contrails]

When I did the factory tour, Chris Kamaka mentioned that they might build some classical guitars in the future. He said that they did build guitars a long time ago.

 

[Joyful Uke]

For those of us who don't like slotted bridges, it looks like the HF-2i gets you a tie bridge instead of the HF-2's slotted bridge.
But it definitely adds to the cost.

 

[ukeclass]

For those of us who don't like slotted bridges, it looks like the HF-2i gets you a tie bridge instead of the HF-2's slotted bridge.
But it definitely adds to the cost.

I'll be honest, I didn't even notice that!

 

[Smallchewbacca]

Googling the 2i brings up one for sale at the “He who shall not be named “ website. No other listings.

Ive come across similar comments about this individual several times. Can someone explain the backstory here?

 

[rainbow21]

Ive come across similar comments about this individual several times. Can someone explain the backstory here?

Here is a good place to start... you can probably click on any of the 48 pages to get the gist and read through all of it when you have time:

I don't think this is cool at all

OMG, its like a parody of bad coaching, mixed with an adolescent interpretation of Randian pop psych motivational drivel. Painful to even watch.

forum.ukuleleunderground.com

 

[ukeclass]

I'll also be upfront. I was the one who purchased his HF-2i. And at 15% off, I had to have it. All of that ^^^ happened before I started doing any business with him. However, he has always taken care of me very well and I will continue to keep buying instruments from him and any stuff for my classes. At the end of the day, he's a dealer, and he has what I want, and I'm a customer that he continues to take care of very generously.

 

[merlin666]

Unfortunately it looks like the distinct Ohta San signature model was quietly discontinued.

 

[ukeclass]

Unfortunately it looks like the distinct Ohta San signature model was quietly discontinued.

If thats the case, I find it odd. Many dealers received quite a few of those models this year. Unless that was to be the final batch?

 

[merlin666]

If thats the case, I find it odd. Many dealers received quite a few of those models this year. Unless that was to be the final batch?

I have not been able to find it on the website for quite some time. But it is quite possible that the website is not best reflection of everything they actually do.

 

[Joyful Uke]

Unfortunately it looks like the distinct Ohta San signature model was quietly discontinued.

TUS has 7 Ohta Sans on their site right now.
3 are the HB-2 version and the others are the HB-2D models.

I see one new one of the Gryphon site, and Elderly has one. Didn't check elsewhere, but Ohta Sans are still available.

Unless you were meaning a different model than the HB-2 or HB-2D?

 

[peanuts56]

I was in the Kamaka shop yesterday and didn’t see anything last me that.

 

[ukeclass]

I was in the Kamaka shop yesterday and didn’t see anything last me that.

Per Kamaka -

“Thank you for contacting Kamaka Ukulele! Yes, we officially started to make HF-2 I and HF-3 I from 2023. Some dealers should have them in stock, however, you are welcome to make an order with us too.”