Winter NAMM 2015: Kalei Gamiao Dazzles on His Custom Kamaka

Next year, Honolulu’s esteemed Kamaka Ukulele company is turning 100 years old. For many players out there, Kamaka’s ukes are among the finest available.

At this year’s NAMM show, we were quite fortunate to have a session with the great Kalei Gamiao, a proud Kamaka player. In addition to the wonderful tunes, check out Gamiao’s magnificent custom tenor uke, which was made by master luthier Casey Kamaka. Featuring Brazilian rosewood back and sides, bearclaw Sitka spruce top, gorgeous shell purfling and rosette, cutaway design, and KG’s initials inlaid on the fingerboard, this one-of-a-kind instrument is as extraordinary as the musician holding it.