Ukulele (Royal Hawaiian brand)

human history

Ukulele. This is the well played body of a soprano ukulele. It is made of Koa (Accacia Koa), a native specie to Hawai'i. The strings are no longer present, nor the tuning pegs that would normally be found on the headstock. There are remnants of a brand decal that featured on the headstock. The top of the neck, known as the nut is a ridge with four grooves where strings would have been placed. Following this, on the neck are 12 metal frets. The neck is a composite to the hollow body. The edging of the body is detailed with a fine rope pattern inlay which is repeated around the soundhole or rosette and feathered in a line from the front of the ukulele to the back at the strumming end. Its width tapers out towards the base. Inside the hollow body a paper label features a scene with Diamond head in the background and six people paddling a wa'a (canoe) to shore with the words, "It's a Royal Hawaiian Ukulele, Genuine Koa made in Hawaii". A bridge with a saddle for the strings on the body of the ukulele. The Ukulele is mid brown in colour with a polished surface, and finger marks on the upper frets and body where it has been played.

Although the headstock decal is worn, it is still recognisably a Royal Hawaiian brand ukulele. Made by HMC, the Hawaiian Mahogany Company owned by C. Q. Hop c1927-1939.

Accession number: 1987.121 Last Update: 14 Apr 2026
Other Name

Ukulele (English)

Accession Number

1987.121

Accession Date

15 May 1987

Other Id

52450 (ethnology)

Department

Pacific

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Ukulele, 1987.121, 52450, Photographed by Denise Baynham, digital, 15 Mar 2018, Cultural Permissions Apply Cultural Permissions Apply
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