1895 Jose do Espirito Santo Rajao

Considered one of the parent instruments, “the mother”, of the modern-day ukulele, the ukulele is believed to have received its current tuning of G-C-E-A from the Rajao, which is tuned D-G-C-E-A. To my knowledge, there are only a few examples of these early historical instruments in existence that have been made in Hawaii.

This extremely rare 1895 Jose do Espirito Santo Rajao is a world-class collectible over 100 years old. The rajao originated on the island of Madeira, Portugal and came with laborers to Hawaii to work in the plantation fields. This instrument was made in Hawaii, being that it was handcrafted entirely out of Hawaiian Koa wood and has a unique oversized rosette handcut from an unknown wood.

A very serious collectible piece that many museums have never seen. The face, back, and sides were handcrafted of Hawaiian Koa wood. It’s extremely light in weight and very resonant. There have been some repairs done to the instrument over the course of its life. All in all, it’s an amazing historical piece with a very unique tone and personality all its own. ID#:250008

Price: NOT FOR SALE