A happy sound

Kamaka Ukulele Company was founded in 1916 by Samuel Kaialiilii (really) Kamaka.  The first shop was called "Kamaka Ukulele and Guitar Works" and was run out of his basement.  In 1921 he opened a store in the town of Kaimuki near Honolulu.  In the 1920's, Sam started making a new oval design of ukulele that made a more mellow sound than the normal figure-eight shaped ukulele.

Vintage Kamaka painted pineapple

Kamaka Hawaii is considered the most venerable and prestigious ukulele manufacturer in the world, making about 3,000 instruments per year with a backlog of over 12 months.  They still make the pineapple, but also the classic soprano, concert and tenor sizes. Almost all of their ukuleles are made out of solid Hawiian koa, an exotic wood with an unusual curly grain that gives them a wonderful shimmering look that needs no extra adornment. Kamaka ukuleles have had a big renaissance recently, thanks in part to Jake Shimabukuro.



George Harrison also played the Kamaka, and a music shop on Maui said Harrison would purchase all the Kamakas in stock to give to his friends as gifts.  Everyone knows George Harrison was a very nice guy and that proves it.

One of the most interesting facts about Kamaka is that more than half of their employees are hearing impaired. This is not a handicap in making fine instruments, because these ukulele makers use their heightened sense of touch to determine the exact thickness of koa by thumping the wood and feeling the vibrations. Two master craftsmen recently retired after being with the company for over 40 years.  Both were deaf since birth.

 Have you guessed where I'm headed with this post?  Yes, I walked out of Dusty Strings this week carrying a case with a new Kamaka soprano inside.  I sat in their little closet playing room and basically fell in love. It has an indescribably happy, rich sound and easy feel.  Well, playing it feels exactly like a Hawaiian vacation. I know I don't deserve such a fine instrument, but with hard work I hope I can grow into it.