The ukulele has a distinct sound, but have you ever thought about what it would sound like if it were to come from the late 1800s or early 1900s?

Shawn Yacavone is owner of Ukulele Friend, selling specialty vintage and custom ukulele.

He first became interested in collecting ukulele as a kid. His dad is Italian from New Jersey and his mom is Filipino from Kauai. The story behind the ukulele — with its unique mix of cultures — was similar to his own.

Today, Yacavone acquires and restore these vintage instruments — made as far back as the late 1800s.

In the latest episode of Island Beat, Billy V sits down with Yacavone, as well as musicians Halehaku Seabury-Akaka (with the group Na Hoa) and David Woodward (from the group Walea). They recently performed a benefit concert for Aloha United Way at Kapiolani Community College using some of the historical instruments.

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