Vintage Jonah Kumalae Hawaiian Solid Koa Soprano Ukulele - PLEASE READ ENTIRE LISTING

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.

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.
• There is a buzz on the open 1st (A) string. This is likely caused by the 1st string slot on the nut requiring attention.
• The bridge could use a reset.

This handmade instrument is quite collectable and is playable as it is with the understanding that there is a buzz on the open A string.

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, note its flaws, and ask any questions before purchasing.

Note: We ship to the lower 48 states only.