Soprano ukulele
Date1973
Place MadeHonolulu, Hawaii, United States, North America
ModelStandard Pineapple (HP-1) Model
SignedPrinted on white paper label in orange and black ink: k / kamaka / ukulele / HONOLULU, HAWAII, U.S.A. Stamped in black ink on neck block: AUG 3 - 1972
DescriptionThe Kamaka Pineapple model was created by Samuel Kamaka in 1928 and is one of the most iconic Hawaiian ukuleles, still in production by the original Native Hawaiian-founded company. Early versions were painted with the typical pattern of the fruit, though plain ones are still made today. The oval body is intended to produce a more mellow sound than a traditional guitar-shaped instrument.
Stringing: four nylon strings
Soundboard: one-piece koa
Back: one-piece koa
Ribs: two-piece koa
Head: koa; integral with neck; shield-shaped upper end
Neck: koa; integral with head; neck heel is separate piece
Heel cap: integral with neck
Binding: none
Fretboard: koa; 12 nickel-silver bar frets; small white plastic dots behind 5th, 7th, and 10th frets; white plastic side dot behind 7th fret, inlaid into both fretboard and neck, larger than fret marking dots
Nut: bone
Bridge: koa; bone saddle; strings fit in notches on lower edge
Tuners: nickel-plated steel tension pegs with white plastic heads
Rosette: none
Finish: clear
Linings: light hardwood
Neck block: koa; slightly chamfered corners
End block: koa; slightly chamfered corners
Top braces: two spruce transverse braces with slightly tapered ends above and below soundhole; light hardwood bridgeplate extends to edges; medium hardwood square piece glued over and in front of center of bridgeplate
Back braces: one softwood transverse brace with slightly tapered ends at center
DimensionsTotal ukulele length: 510 mm (20-3/32″)
Back length: 228 mm (8-31/32″)
Center bout maximum width: 155 mm (6-3/32″)
Rib height (including edging) at heel: 58 mm (2-9/32″)
Rib height, at waist: 60 mm (2-3/8″)
Rib height, at end block: 62 mm (2-7/16″)
Head length: 108 mm (4-1/4″)
Head width, top: 54 mm (2-1/8″)
Head width, bottom: 48 mm (1-29/32″)
Neck length (nut to ribs): 175 mm (6-29/32″)
Neck width, nut: 35 mm (1-3/8″)
Neck width, heel: 42 mm (1-21/32″)
Soundhole diameter: 49 mm (1-15/16″)
Vibrating string length (nut to bridge edge): 345 mm (13-19/32″)
Scale length: 346 mm (13-5/8″)
ProvenanceAcquired by the donor in 1978 when she and her husband moved to Hawaii as part of his military service. Played by Richard Plante, her husband.
Credit LineGift of Cleo G. Plante, in memory of Richard L. Plante, 2024
Object number15795
On View
Not on view
1920 ca.