Kamaka HF-3 Solid Hawaiian Monkey Pod Tenor Ukulele w/Hard Case #210612

Kamaka have carved out a place in the hearts of millions over the last century as the true grandfather company of the Ukulele. Many of the things we take for granted now were developed by Kamaka during a golden period of musical design innovation in the 1920's and 1930's. If you want an instrument that bridges the gap between the Ukuleles humble beginnings as an instrument that arrived on the boat from Portugal in the 1800's to now; you only have to look at Hawaii's current and greatest musical exports Jake Shimabukuro and Taimane who both rock Kamaka ukuleles built in the same South Street factory in Honolulu that generations of the Kamaka family have built ukes since 1958. 

Join us on an adventure in Hawaii where we saw Kamaka building these Ukuleles firsthand.

In early 2025 I visited Kamaka in Hawaii and they discussed the need to offer instruments that retained the DNA of a Kamaka but gave the player a different sound and style. Kamaka first forayed into the world of Monkeypod wood Ukuleles way back in 1930. Monkeypod is a common wood in Hawaii with long tall and wide Monkeypod trees lining the streets all over. If you visited Hawaii as a tourist or have seen photos of the gorgeous landscape of Hawaii; you've probably been photobombed by a Monkey pod tree at some point.

Tonally, Monkeypod has a sound similar to woods like Mahogany or Walnut; it is a soulful wood that looks a shade darker than Koa in most cases and the sound too is a shade darker. The Modern Ukulele players seem to be looking for a thicker sound and the rise of Mango and the use of Low G means that a wood like Monkeypod is set to make the comeback of the Century... No longer will it be a colourful page in Kamaka's early history; it is back in 2025 front and centre!

The HF-3 is traditional standard Kamaka Ukulele spec with a Satin lacquer finish, mother of pearl inlays and dots - this is the model that most closely resembles the early Kamaka Ukuleles but with Koa substituted for Monkeypod. If you are a purest, a purveyor of Hawaiian K brand Ukuleles or want a Ukulele that really sings with deep undertones whilst developing naturally in the years to come. This is a world class option.

Solid Hawaiian Monkey Pod top, back and sides
Tenor Body
Schaller geared Tuners
Indian Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge
Mahogany Neck
Mother of pearl dot fingerboard inlays
17'' tenor scale length
mm nut width (with mm string spacing at nut)
TUSQ nut and saddle
Black Nylon Strings
18 Frets (body join at 14th fret)
Natural Satin Nitrocellulose Finish
Comes in a Hard Case