FAQ

Purchasing a Kamaka Ukulele

How can I purchase a new Kamaka Ukulele?

Why can it be difficult to find a retail store that sells Kamaka ukuleles or has them in stock?

I like the traditional look of Kamaka but I also like some of the newer designs of other ukulele makers. What is the best ukulele for me?

Should I buy a new or a vintage Kamaka?

Purchasing a new Kamaka ukulele allows you to begin your own tradition. Because the instrument will be played only by you and perhaps those close to you, it will be more personal to you than a vintage Kamaka with an unknown owner/owners. New Kamakas will normally not require repairs for some time, whereas vintage ukes may need significant repairs. Also, new ukes are covered by our Limited Warranty while vintage ukes are not.

Over the years, we have continuously made improvements in our design and processes that give lasting value to our ukuleles. In recent years, we have upgraded the shape, neck and finish, and replaced the headstock decal with a pearl inlaid logo. As it ages, a well-made instrument will improve and “open up” as long as it is well cared for, and this is certainly true of Kamaka ukuleles.

Many ukulele players prefer the sound of our vintage instruments. A vintage Kamaka that has been passed down in families is a very unique instrument because of the connection to the people who originally played it. If you are considering purchasing a vintage Kamaka, you should verify whether it is in its original condition, play it to see whether you like its sound, and compare it to the sound of other ukuleles you are considering. If you find a vintage Kamaka you like, have fun with it! Kamaka ukuleles never go out of style.

Do you sell factory seconds?

What is the difference between the regular Kamaka models and the “specials”?

Kamaka “Specials” are semi-custom ukuleles with certain features that are added based on your specifications. The features available for “specials” include curly koa wood (Premium 3A and Premium Full Curl 4A), spruce top, rosette (maple, rosewood, koa, or shell), ebony fingerboard and bridge, inlaid fingerboard, “long neck”, and pickups (passive or active). To learn more, see Our Instruments for descriptions of the Deluxe and Deluxe Premium upgrade packages.

My child wants to learn how to play the ukulele. Although I would like to buy her a Kamaka ukulele, I am concerned that she will not take care of it, and that the ukulele may be too high-end for a beginner. Do you have any advice about this?

We regularly supply both public and private schools in Hawaii with our ukuleles, and have done so for many years. With proper instruction, even young children can be taught to care for a Kamaka ukulele. When giving factory tours to children, we teach them about the appropriate care for the instruments and demonstrate the sound quality of the different ukulele sizes.

Because children are naturally musical, they are easily able to differentiate between our models. As our friend Jake Shimabukuro tells his fans, beginners should learn to play on the highest quality ukulele possible. Beginners tend to get easily frustrated if their ukuleles do not stay in tune, or if the intonation is off. If your child later decides she is not interested in the ukulele, there is a huge secondary market for our used instruments. Used Kamaka ukuleles are in high demand, especially if they are in original or mint condition.

Vintage Kamaka Ukuleles

I have an older kamaka ukulele. How do I determine its appraised value?

Can I tell how old an ukulele is by the Kamaka label?

Generally, yes. However, there are always exceptions, particularly since our company has continuously made many kinds of ukuleles since 1916. In order to accurately date your Kamaka, we need to see it.

We are frequently referred to eBay auctions for highly sought after vintage Pineapple ukuleles that contain the item description “Made in 1928.” A closer examination of the Kamaka label may reveal that the ukulele was not made in 1928, but rather was patented in 1928. Many of the Pineapples that have the 1928 label were produced long after Sam Kamaka Sr. obtained the original patent.

How do I verify the authenticity of a Kamaka ukulele on ebay?

You can’t, unless you have someone who is a Kamaka expert look at it in person for you. Certain features such as the “KK” decal on the headstock, the label in the soundhole, the shape or tuners, may identify a uke as a Kamaka, but are by no means conclusive. You will not know for certain if the uke you bid on is the real deal until you receive it in the mail. We have received countless inquiries at the factory about auctions on eBay for used Kamaka ukuleles. Our expert eyes cannot always identify in the pictures any flaws, repairs, modifications, or even counterfeits. Although we periodically scan eBay for irregular auctions for our ukes, copyright infringement, and counterfeits, we are unable to provide 100% reassurance to eBay buyers who choose to purchase ukuleles via photographs without the opportunity to hear the sound of the instrument.

I recently saw a vintage Kamaka at a pawn shop with exposed fretwire ends. Why such poor fretwork?

We have seen some of our vintage ukuleles come in for repair with the same problem. The condition is most likely the result of dry climate and wood shrinkage, rather than a reflection of the craftsmanship. Drastic weather changes may affect your ukulele in this way. If you live in a dry climate, we suggest purchasing an instrument humidifier from a music store. If properly maintained, your Kamaka ukulele will provide you with many, many years of enjoyment. We have a proven track record for building lasting instruments.

Repair and Maintenance

What if my Kamaka ukulele needs to be repaired?

Are there any authorized repair persons on the mainland who can do repairs on my Kamaka?

Why do I need to contact the dealer I bought my Kamaka from if I believe my ukulele has defects covered under the limited warranty? Why can’t I contact the factory?

What kind of strings should I use on my Kamaka?

The “Double K” decal on the headstock of my ukulele is scratched off. Can I purchase a replacement decal from the Kamaka factory?

What kinds of cases are recommended for my ukulele?

All new Kamaka ukuleles come with a custom Kamaka branded hard case that is designed for your specific ukulele model. We recommend two types of ukulele cases; hardshell and Protec. The hardshell cases offer greater protection for ukuleles and are a higher-grade case. The Protec cases are sturdy, light, water-resistant and perfect for traveling. Protec cases are utilized by many of our customers who are professional musicians. Cases are also available in our online store.

How should I clean and care for my ukulele?

Kamaka ukuleles have a lacquer finish and can be cleaned with a damp cloth, not wet. We recommend buffing your Kamaka with a dry, soft, clean cloth such as 100% cloth baby diapers. You can also use a commercial instrument cleaner like Martin Guitar Polish or GHS Guitar Gloss. We do not recommend that you use a cleaning product that has wax in it. Oil should only be used on the fingerboard and not on the lacquer finish of your ukulele.

Kamaka ukuleles are built with solid wood, which is directly affected by temperature and humidity. Gradual changes in temperature and humidity will generally not be harmful to our instruments. However, rapid changes in temperature should be guarded against. Keep your ukulele in a good case when not in use. Avoid storing it near heaters.

Serial Numbers

How will my serial number be used?

Custom Orders

What is a custom ukulele and how do I order one from Kamaka?

First and foremost, we aim to produce superior-sounding instruments made with only the highest-quality materials and craftsmanship. The bottom line is the sound, and to keep the sound quality consistently high, we instill pride of workmanship in our employees. Kamaka craftsmen are highly trained in performing specific tasks that are essential to the ukulele building process. From our assembly and parts line, to our sanders and sprayers at our factory in Honolulu, we could not ask for a better team. Our workforce has vast experience in ukulele building with many of our staff being employed with the company for more than 10 years. Our most senior employee has been with Kamaka for nearly 50 years.

In addition, multiple quality checks are performed daily by the floor supervisor to ensure adherence to Kamaka standards until the ukuleles are completed. Finally, prior to being delivered to our retailers and customers, every new instrument that leaves the factory is personally checked for quality assurance and played by Kamaka Hawaii President Chris Kamaka. Learn more about our craft.

Craft and Construction

How is Kamaka able to produce consistently high quality musical instruments?

What kind of wood does Kamaka use and where does it come from?

Kamaka Hawaii selects only the finest quality wood for its instruments. The primary wood used by Kamaka is Acacia koa, the largest endemic tree in Hawaii. Koa is one of the most desired woods for ukuleles because of its beautiful color, grain patterns and tonal quality. Koa wood is generally grown on the Big Island of Hawaii in areas that were once fields of molten lava.

After purchasing koa lumber, Kamaka Hawaii naturally ages the wood for at least five to six years at the factory. The natural aging of koa wood is a vital and time-consuming step of the ukulele making process at Kamaka Hawaii, and sets the highest standards in the ukulele industry. See the Our Craft and Sustainability pages to learn more.