Kumalae Style 1 Model Soprano Ukulele, c. 1920, made in Hawaii, natural varnish finish, koa wood body and neck.
An very nice early Kumalae ukulele, relatively plain but extremely clean. The Style 1 was the lowest graded Kumalae, having no ornamentation except a contrasting wood soundhole ring triple line inlay. This is a fairly early example bearing a wonderfully preserved "Gold Award P.P.I.E. 1915" headstock decal. A very fine-sounding Hawaiian uke from the beginning of the first ukulele craze!
Overall length is 21 in. (53.3 cm.), 6 1/4 in. (15.9 cm.) wide at lower bout, and 2 1/2 in. (6.4 cm.) in depth at side, taken at the end block. Scale length is 13 in. (330 mm.). Width of nut is 1 5/16 in. (33 mm.).
All original, including the oft-missing carved violin-style tuning pegs. Some typical Hawaiian construction anomalies, a small back crack, and a spot of slightly stained finish on the top, but overall a nicely preserved early uke! Excellent + Condition.
