SleepyheadRooster
Well-known member
Has the Kamaka HF-3 undergone any changes over the last two decades, or has it remained basically the same instrument as it is today? Thank in advance!
Kamaka HF-3?
- Thread starter SleepyheadRooster
- Start date
Bolt on neck in ‘21, but I’d assume the same since 2001 or so.
Ukecaster
Well-known member
Gotoh UPT tuners
merlin666
Well-known member
HF3 tenor has Schaller tuners since 2001.
I don't know about major changes to the finish or bracing like what Kanilea has done, but I have been on the Kamaka factory tour a few times in the last 10 years and I can say the are using more precision machinery now days. I cannot tell if that makes quality better or if it makes quality easier or faster.
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The also changed the de facto finish sometime in the last few years, satin finish is de facto, but high gloss is $500 more, or comes on certain deluxe models.
Ukecaster
Well-known member
Ooops...must have been thinking of the HF-1 & 2. But, wouldn't the HF-3 also look better without ears?
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OP
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SleepyheadRooster
Well-known member
Thanks. I actually did the tour in November, and I tried all the basic models. I suppose what prompted my question is an older (2007) HF-3 for sale near me. I’m curious if any actual structural or finish changes have been made.
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SleepyheadRooster
Well-known member
I’m not clear when they started this, though I don’t have strong feelings about how the neck is attached.
My 2017 HF-3 has a satin finish that is more like a semi-gloss. It has Schaller sealed chrome tuners with Snakewood buttons.
I believe 2017 was the last year for Rosewood fingerboards.
I believe 2017 was the last year for Rosewood fingerboards.
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My thoughts are yes, there have been changes over the last couple of decades and yes, the HF-3 has remained basically the same.
The body shape is every so slightly different and the finish - while still lacquer - is different. In the picture attached, the HF-3 on the right was built in 2005 and the one on the left in 2023. The older design has a gloss finish that fits more the "open pore" type where the finish still shows the original surface contours of the wood. The newer design has a glass-smooth surface. Overall, the newer uke feels solid and very precisely made, while the older version has some rough edges.
The above said, when I close my eyes and listen to the notes coming out of each instrument, I have a hard time differentiating between the two. Both sound very nice and similar to each other.
The body shape is every so slightly different and the finish - while still lacquer - is different. In the picture attached, the HF-3 on the right was built in 2005 and the one on the left in 2023. The older design has a gloss finish that fits more the "open pore" type where the finish still shows the original surface contours of the wood. The newer design has a glass-smooth surface. Overall, the newer uke feels solid and very precisely made, while the older version has some rough edges.
The above said, when I close my eyes and listen to the notes coming out of each instrument, I have a hard time differentiating between the two. Both sound very nice and similar to each other.
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merlin666
Well-known member
I had some questions about finish on the tour. Apparently all the standard types of ukes are semi gloss, and the higher end ones are full gloss by default. They also welcome custom orders directly or through dealer where you can specify type of gloss or if you want different gloss on neck and body. I didn't ask when they changed that.
That sure is a lot of 2Di's and Jake Models!!!
