Kamaka dating question

Rkrout

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Aloha everyone. First time on the UU forum, and it looks like folks share a lot of great info.

I have a Kamaka white label tenor and am trying to date it - no SN - any suggestions would be welcomed!
 

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I also have one with similar features such as the friction tuners. Mine also has a maple strip on the back of the bridge and I thought this was a repair, but if it was actually a feature of bridges in some years it might help to determine the age. So far I was only able to figure out that it was likely made sometime in the 70s or 80s.

The white colour at the end of the fretboard is ominous. Is that glue from a repair? Also please change strings, that clear C among black strings hurts the eye.
 
I also have one with similar features such as the friction tuners. Mine also has a maple strip on the back of the bridge and I thought this was a repair, but if it was actually a feature of bridges in some years it might help to determine the age. So far I was only able to figure out that it was likely made sometime in the 70s or 80s.

The white colour at the end of the fretboard is ominous. Is that glue from a repair? Also please change strings, that clear C among black strings hurts the eye.
Thanks for the info - this is actually an uke I just purchased on line and do not have possession of yet - yes, a strings change is job #1. Didn’t notice that weird blue/white color till you mentioned it, but will examine as soon as it arrives. Cheers
 
Kamaka introduced the white label in 1969. Yours has the older tuners. I believe Kamaka changed over to the Schaller tuners with the thumbscrews in the mid to late 70's. So... 1970's
 
Kamaka introduced the white label in 1969. Yours has the older tuners. I believe Kamaka changed over to the Schaller tuners with the thumbscrews in the mid to late 70's. So... 1970's
Wow - thanks for that great info - you all are awesome - so glad I joined the UU Forum!
 
Kamaka introduced the white label in 1969. Yours has the older tuners. I believe Kamaka changed over to the Schaller tuners with the thumbscrews in the mid to late 70's. So... 1970's
Thanks. Mine has bigger metal dials at the end of tuner knobs so assume these are the Schaller. Did they go to geared tuners on tenor after these?
 
My first thought was: First, make sure they aren't married.

Glad someone could help you figure it out. The members here are a fount of knowledge.
 
Hi @Rkrout. Great opening to joining UU!!! I had to click this thread. Dating a Kamaka?? My intial thoughts were "are they dating someone from the Kamaka family and wanted some advice, or do they want to date someone from the Kamaka family?"

Welcome to the group!!
 
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