Vintage Jonah Kumalae Hawaiian Solid Koa Soprano Ukulele

Vintage Jonah Kumalae Hawaiian Solid Koa Soprano Ukulele

I am selling a vintage solid koa Kumalae soprano ukulele that was made in Hawaii and dates back almost a century.

The instrument is quite beautiful and appears to be all original (except for the nut): bridge,  tuners, headstock label, internal label, and finish. It is in good condition.

I originally sold this instrument on Reverb, but the buyer returned it due to a dissatisfaction with the nut (which might have been damaged during shipping). The nut has been replaced. The strings are Martin M600 fluorocarbons.

Due to its age (at least 85 years old), it is not without its flaws. They should be considered.

• There’s a glued and cleated crack on the front of the instrument.
• There’s a glued and cleated crack on the rear of the instrument.
• There's a minor stable crack on the bottom of the instrument.
• There are other scuffs and booboos that you’d expect to find on such an ancient instrument.
• It could use a setup.

This handmade instrument is quite playable as well as quite collectable.

According to an article written by SANDOR NAGYSZALANCZY in the Summer 2022 issue of the online magazine “Ukulele”:

Like most Hawaiian ukes made during this period, the bodies of Kumalae ukuleles were egg-shell thin and had slightly arched backs. Because they were individually handmade, no two bodies are exactly alike. Metal frets were set directly into the necks; no applied fingerboards. All instruments were finished in French polished shellac. Friction wood pegs came standard, but celluloid or mechanical tuners could be fitted for an additional cost.

Jonah Kumalae passed away in 1940 and the company ceased production then. This would make this ukulele at minimum of 85 years old although likely older since Jonah Kumalae began making ukuleles in earnest in 1911.

Please research this vintage Kumalae solid koa Hawaiian made ukulele carefully, study the photos, and ask any questions before purchasing.

Note: We ship to the lower 48 states only.