Kamaka Deluxe ‘Monkeypod & Sinker Redwood’ Tenor Ukulele
Preowned. Excellent condition. A stunning Kamaka “Monkeypod & Sinker Redwood” Tenor Deluxe Ukulele, expertly handcrafted by the world-renowned Kamaka Ukulele Co. in Hawaiʻi. This exceptional instrument offers a distinctive interpretation of the classic Kamaka voice, making it an ideal choice for players who appreciate the company’s legendary craftsmanship while seeking a bolder, more nuanced tonal character.
Among the most respected and sought-after names in the ukulele world, Kamaka has set the standard for quality, tone, and craftsmanship for well over a century. While the company is best known for its iconic all-koa instruments, special wood combinations such as Monkeypod and Sinker Redwood are produced only in limited numbers and are rarely found on the preowned market. This unique pairing of premium tonewoods delivers a warm, responsive, and harmonically rich voice with exceptional projection, sustain, and dynamic range, offering a distinctive alternative to Kamaka’s traditional koa sound while preserving the impeccable build quality and playability for which the company has been renowned since its founding in 1916.
This beautiful Kamaka Deluxe Tenor features striking Hawaiian Monkeypod back and sides paired with a premium, musician-grade Sinker Redwood soundboard. Sinker redwood comes from old-growth redwood logs that were harvested decades ago and transported by river to processing mills but sank before reaching their destination. Resting beneath cold, oxygen-poor waters for many years, these rare logs developed unique structural and tonal characteristics that have made them highly prized among fine luthiers. The distinctive darker streaking found throughout the wood is a hallmark of genuine sinker redwood, while its exceptional stiffness and light weight make it an outstanding choice for a responsive, resonant soundboard with remarkable clarity and projection.
Hawaiian Monkeypod has long been appreciated for its attractive grain, stability, and warm tonal qualities. In fact, Kamaka incorporated Monkeypod into select instruments during the company’s early years—particularly throughout the 1920s and 1930s—as a beautiful and sustainable Hawaiian tonewood. The combination of Monkeypod and Sinker Redwood creates an instrument that is both visually distinctive and tonally captivating.
The appointments are equally impressive. A 14-fret neck joint with 18 total frets provides comfortable access to the upper register while maintaining excellent tonal balance. Elegant wood purfling accents the top and sides, complemented by a premium ebony fingerboard and bridge. The matching Monkeypod headstock veneer features Kamaka’s ebony inlaid logo and coordinating Monkeypod position markers, creating a refined and cohesive appearance. A beautiful rope marquetry top purfling and matching rope rosette pay tribute to Kamaka’s earliest instruments and celebrate the company’s rich heritage spanning more than a century. Completing the build is a solid Honduras mahogany neck for added stability and sustain, professional Schaller geared tuners for exceptionally smooth and precise tuning, and a silky satin finish that enhances both the instrument’s natural beauty and playing comfort.
Tonally, this ukulele is every bit as impressive as its appearance suggests. It delivers a bold, open voice with exceptional projection, impressive sustain, and a wonderfully responsive feel. While offering a tonal character that differs from traditional Hawaiian koa, it unmistakably retains the warmth, balance, and musicality that define the classic Kamaka sound. The Monkeypod and Sinker Redwood pairing produces a rich, full-bodied voice with outstanding clarity, broad dynamic range, and remarkable balance across the entire fingerboard. Beautifully handcrafted, visually striking, and rarely encountered, this is an exceptional Kamaka tenor that offers collectors and players alike the opportunity to own one of the company’s most distinctive and uncommon wood combinations. ID#:200037
Price: $4,300.00