Comments on: Kamaka HF‐3 Tenor Ukulele Review

By: Lewis Shepard

Lewis Shepard — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 00:00:19 +0000

I’ve had a Kamaka tenor (the same model) for four years. The sound has improved and the lacquer odor is gone.The extra string tension took a bit of adjustment.
It is sweet and loud, as loud as my National, with that great koa sound. I got rid of my Martin soprano as it no longer measured up in sound quality, but it was easier to play.
I have tried various strings. I used Ko’olau gold for a couple of years andd I’m now using Aquila Nylgut.
I’m not sure which I prefer, the Aquila’s seem louder and the Ko’olau seem sweeter. It’s so subjective.
I’ve tried GHS on my National and they were a mistake. I’ve used Aquila’s on it but I’m going to try the Ko’olau. On my Kepasa Little Mac I only have used Aquila.

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:54:05 +0000

I’d like to add that the Kamaka came with Kamaka strings on it, which sound great, after a few days though I switched to AQUILA ALL NYLGUT strings (no wound string)and the sound is soooo much better, brighter and rounded. Although Aquila strings, I find only sound their best on SOLID KOA instruments. I put Aquila strings on my old ARIA soprano (solid Mahogany) and the sound is not so good – a bit abrasive – sooo I have found that D’addario strings sound better on Mahogany ukes. Try it out and see what you think. ;-{))

By: Ben

Ben — Tue, 09 Sep 2008 08:37:46 +0000

Hello Nate – thanks for the support and also thanks to Julie too.;-{))
The price of the Kamaka HF-3 Tenor at most retail outlets is around $1040 but if you buy direct from the KAMAKA factory in Hawaii then you can pick it up for $900 (the last time I looked they were offering an additional 10% discount). I recently got a Koaloha KSM-00 Soprano uke but I don’t get to play it much since the Kamaka arrived – it is a joy to play – it getting me into trouble as I would rather play my uke than work (I do work from home so I do manage to get to work at least).

By: Julie

Julie — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 21:11:01 +0000

Nate: I didn’t write this review, Ben did. Hopefully he’ll respond to your question about price
I agree that he did a great job on the review!

By: Nate

Nate — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:05:09 +0000

That’s a beauty, Julie. Thanks for the review. What was the price?