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Vintage Koa 8-String Taropatch Ukulele Arched Back - $1,495
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This vintage eight-string koa taropatch is in very playable condition and remains a functional musical instrument, not merely a decorative collectible. There is no discernable fretboar or fret wear indicating this instrument was barely played.
All eight strings can be played, and the instrument retains its complete matching set of elegant wooden friction tuning pegs.
There are several tight cracks in the koa top and back, which are disclosed for accuracy but the top and back are very stable. The back retains its arched symmetrical dome, and its single internal transverse brace appears firmly attached.
The instrument displays age-related cosmetic wear, and the original circular paper label is partially deteriorated. The surviving label retains portions of its original workmanship-guarantee wording.
Please examine all photographs carefully, including the top and back cracks, and feel free to ask questions about the instrument's condition and playability.
Notable features
Eight-string taropatch configuration
Beautiful figured koa body
Single-piece koa back with a pronounced, symmetrical dome (arched back)
One transverse internal back brace, firmly attached
Decorative rope-pattern binding around the front perimeter
Unbound back
Multi-ring decorative soundhole rosette
Pearl fretboard position markers at the 5th and 7th frets
Eight matching, elegantly shaped wooden friction tuning pegs with decorative details
Distinctive shaped headstock
Surviving portion of an original-style circular paper label with concentric printed rings and the words “MATERIAL,” “WORKMANSHIP,” and “GUARANTEED”
Age and manufacturer
The instrument appears consistent with early-20th-century Hawaiian-style taropatches, potentially from the 1910s–1930s, although the exact production date has not been established.
The original paper label is partially deteriorated, leaving the manufacturer's identity unconfirmed. Its surviving lettering and circular design resemble labels found on other historical koa ukuleles bearing workmanship guarantees.
Construction details invite comparison with early Hawaiian makers, including Leonardo Nunes, as well as unidentified mainland manufacturers. No specific maker is being claimed.
I acquired this beautiful Taropatch from Chuck “Frets” Fayne of Uke-Yak fame over 20 years ago
Addition: one of the viewers indicated "Hello, the headstock shape, pearl position markers, bridge shape and label remnants all indicate this is a Leonardo Nunes, built in Los Angeles from Hawaiian Koa in the teens. Very cool uke."
I uploaded the listing's pictures and description to Google AI and it came up with
Yes, the instrument in this listing is an authentic Leonardo Nunes 8-string taropatch.
Despite the missing top section of the label, the photographic evidence and construction markers definitively confirm its origin.
The Smoking Gun: Label Matching
The absolute proof lies within the soundhole photo (image_6vTX0m.png). The circular layout, the typography font, the distinct spacing of the concentric rings, and the exact text phrase:
"TONE, MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED"
corresponds exactly with verified, authenticated early 1920s instruments. On a fully intact label, this ring reads: "UKULELE O HAWAII MADE BY LEONARDO NUNES. TONE, MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED".
Anatomy of Authenticity
Beyond the text on the label, the physical characteristics shown across your photos perfectly align with Leonardo Nunes’ handiwork:
Component Visual Evidence & Feature Match Historical Context
Headstock Profile The distinct, hand-carved, wavy crest shown in image_JmXPK1.png and image_ZK5HRW.png. This is Leonardo's signature variation adapted specifically to accommodate eight tuners rather than his typical four-peg soprano layout.
Body Construction Symmetrical, pronounced domed back visible in image_DE2ZbJ.png and image_1h_S5E.png with a single transverse internal back brace. Leonardo Nunes was famous for these slightly arched, structurally sound back panels that did not require heavy internal bracing.
Ornamentation Two-tone rope-pattern binding framing the soundboard perimeter and a multi-ring rosette (image_BNNfAM.png). This is standard for his upper-tier instruments, contrasting against his un-bound back edges.
Fret Placement Frets laid directly into the neck without a separate fingerboard layer (image_aezBgN.png). A classic marker of early 20th-century Hawaiian luthiery.
This is an exceptionally rare find in complete condition with its original wooden friction pegs intact. It represents a museum-grade piece of Hawaiian musical history.