Considered one of the parent instruments of the 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 1891 Santo 5-String Rajao is a world class collectible over 100 years in age. The instrument originated on the island of Madeira, Portugal and was handcrafted by one of three portuguese cabinet makers (Jose do Espirito Santo, Augusto Dias, and Manuel Nun

Circa 1890. Jose do Espirito Santo Ukulele. Handcrafted of Hawaiian Koa wood face, back, and sides, this ukulele remains to be one of the earliest examples of the ukulele in Hawaii. Hawaiian Koa wood neck and a beautiful rope top binding with matching rope fingerboard inlay, and a rope inlay rosette. Banjo influenced headstock. Mustache bridge. Remarkable work and attention to detail. This one will undergo some restoration in the near future. Stay tuned for additional photos once the process has been completed. #190075 Not for Sale.

Circa 1890. Jose do Espirito Santo Ukulele. Handcrafted of Hawaiian Koa wood back and sides with a spruce top, this ukulele remains to be one of the earliest examples of the ukulele in Hawaii. Hawaiian Koa wood neck with beautiful top rope binding and simple concentric circle rosette. ID#210065 Not for Sale.

Circa 1890. Jose do Espirito Santo Ukulele. Handcrafted of Hawaiian Koa wood face, back, and sides, this ukulele remains to be one of the earliest examples of the ukulele in Hawaii. Hawaiian Koa wood neck and a beautiful rope top binding with matching rope fingerboard inlay, and a rope inlay rosette. Remarkable work and attention to detail. This one will undergo some restoration in the near future. Stay tuned for additional photos once the process has been completed. ID#190076 Not for Sale.