Jake Shimabukuro’s Ukulele
May 11, 2008 · Print This Article
Here’s a random selection of emails I wake up to in the morning:
- What type of ukulele does Jake Shimabukuro play?
- What sort of uke is that Jake uses in While My Guitar Gently Weeps?
- Where can I buy a ukulele like Jake Shimabukuro plays?
OK, I’m exaggerating. But I get enough enquiries to make it easier just to write a post.
Shimabukuro plays a custom Kamaka tenor ukulele by Casey Kamaka. His first ukulele, at the age of 4, was a Kamaka and he’s been using them ever since.
If you want to buy one, you’re pretty much out of luck. In 2006, Kamaka made 100 Jake Shimabukuro Signature Model ukuleles. These ukes were made to Jake’s specifications and individually inspected and signed by him.
Despite a hefty price tag of $5,500, demand for them was over whelming. So much so they decided to have a raffle to determine who could buy the ukuleles. By January 2007 they were all gone. If you manage to find one for sale, expect to pay much more than the original price (at least double would be my guess).
The Nerdy Stuff
Body: Curly Koa
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge Ebony: Ebony
Binding: Rosewood
Inlays: Mother of pearl and abalone
Tuners: Gold Schaller tuning keys
Pickup: Fishman Acoustic Matrix
Photo: BotheredByBees
Do they all have slotted headstocks?
You’ve got me stumped with that one, Seeso.
They’re fucking ukuleles. 5500 for any kind of instrument short of like a piano or something is completely ridiculous.
Hey Bernie, looks like you don’t understand how a signing can increase an instrument’s value. Jake is like, the ukulele master. This is like the equivalent of a signed Satriani guitar. Plus, what’s wrong with ukes anyway?
I don’t really understand having the same exact instruments as famous musicians…like my friends Gibson Les Paul…
I mean, you gotta make it your own!
Get a kick-ass quality uke and rock it yo’ own style…
I don’t like copying.
Bernie: I don’t think the size of the instrument has any influence on its value. Making a high quality ukulele is a very skilled job. Getting a slim, even width of wood is incredibly important - much more so than something like piano.
Rilrod: Having Jake’s seal of approval definitely adds a huge amount to the price.
Nelson: Me neither. But Jake fans do seem to want to be exactly like him. It makes me cringe seeing players doing Jake impressions.
I’d be more interested in what type of pickup he uses. I’m sure whatever pickup it is can make any uke sound good.
I feel the same way about all these guys trying to be like Jake. Although, if I were any good I’d try and play just like Roy Smeck, so to each his own.
Randy: I believe he uses Fishman Acoustic Matrix NT1 pickups.
Min: Hmm, me too probably.
Here’s a photo of Jake playing in SF, where you can more clearly view the ukulele — http://www.flickr.com/photos/inkvision/1358342571/
Thanks for the photo, Paula. Nice shot. And great blog you’ve got there.