Uke Fans, I’m particularly thrilled to have Chuck “Frets” Fayne as the resident expert for “Uke Yak.” Over the years Chuck has assembled a world class collection of Hawaiian and Mainland ukes, including some wonderful one-of-a-kind pieces. It was Chuck’s collection that made up the majority of the ukes in “The Ukulele-A Visual History.” He’s also promised to take full advantage of all the collectors he knows in the rare instance when somebody throws him a curve ball.  PLEASE NOTE: If you want a response to your question please send a clear jpeg of the front and back of the entire ukulele. You may Search the Uke Yak, or Ask Chuck a Question now! Yak away! Jumpin’ Jim
Flea Market Music Uke Yak (1 page of 190) (Chuck "Frets" Fayne has answered the following 4747 questions.)

Question asked by: Chris Buttitta
Subject: 20s? Martin Uke
Question: I believe I have a 1920s vintage Martin with original case. Can you i.d. it from this picture? I have more but can't crop into 1 pic. Thanks, Chris

Answer: Its a style 2 koa uke in the original case and its a beauty. enjoy...chuck
- Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Question asked by: Dan
Subject: Tiple
Question: HI , I asked around and was told by the tiki king that you may have an idea of what price I may get for this Tiple. I have inherited a Martin T 18 Tiple. I would like to sell it, but am looking for a buyer who may appreciate it, rather than just put it on E-bay. If you have any ideas please let me know. It seems to be in perfect condition. I don't know where it came from, or where it has been, just that it has been in my uncles cupboard untouched since 1990 in Perth, West Australia. I have more photos if you are interested. According to the serial #425084 Tiple was made in 1980. See attached pictures Thanks for your time Dan Goodridge

Answer: Tiples are not easy to sell. I really like them myself. A few years ago this would have brought about 1200.00 dollars. In todays fluctuating market, its hard to estimate. I would hope it would bring 1000.00 and thats because you have the original case. If anyone out there is looking for a tiple, this is nice as sthey come...best...c
- Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Question asked by: michael
Subject: picture of ukulele label
Question: Aloha frets ....sending the pic again The paper label inside is white (well faded and toned )that says: "Genuine Hand-Made Ukelele's Since 1916 - Kamaka Ukelele Factory, Honolulu 19, Hawaii"...There is no other date on the inside that I can see mahalo..michael

Answer: Kamaka is known for using many label. This is as I said it was but perhaps a little later. Maybe into the early 40's. Nothing else has changed...great uks. c
- Monday, May 12, 2008

Question asked by: Jim
Subject: Robert E. Pearson
Question: I understand this guy designed and made instruments for Schireson Bros. in the late 20s. I'll send the pic of the back next. Is this something people are interested in? I collect guitars. Thanks

Answer: Joe..a Robert Pearson made ukes for Shireson, butI think this was not. It is Robert Pearson but they were British made and not close to the quality of the Pearson Ukes. Pearson made ukes under the name Hollywood or for Hollywood. If you look at JIm Beloff's book you will see pictures of the Pearson....pg 103 5 from the right. best..c
- Monday, May 12, 2008

Question asked by: WARREN ZAMBRA
Subject: Thank you
Question: Hi Chuck, Many thanks for the reply, I forgot to mention also it has it's origional black hard carry case with it, in good condition, does that increase it value by much, it's nice to know that is worth something, as I can remember my dad telling me that he got the uke new and cost him here in Australia the sum of 12 Aussie pounds which is now = AUD$24.00 so will do what you suggest insure it for 2000+ should it be worth more with case,. Regards Warren

Answer: yes...good luck
- Saturday, May 10, 2008

Question asked by: WARREN ZAMBRA
Subject: Ukulele Value
Question: HI, Have this ukulele that my dad left me, he had it since new, it's has a label at the top, which has National Triolian on it, at the end of it it has a serial number #662W, I have done a little research on it and it appears to have been made in 1930 and is a Walnut Sunburst? I have not though been able to find a value of it anywhere, as I would like to have it listed on my insurance if it's worth anything, I've been told by some music shops that it could be valuable but should find out from someone in that field. Thank you for any help you can give me. Best Regards Warren (Australia)

Answer: It is valuable. I have seen these go from 1000-`1500. For insurance purposes I would insure it for 2000.00. Dad left you a nice thing. The market is wacky these days and I am not sure what you would get if you listed it for sale. But I am confident if tried to purchase one, it would hurt the pocketbook. best..chuck
- Friday, May 09, 2008

Question asked by: Jeff Mercer
Subject: weissenborn uke
Question: Hi Chuck , hope this finds you well! I just noticed Joan McKees' query re: Weissenborn ukulele. If Joan is able to send a pic, could you please post them, or send them on to me ? I have a kinda ongoing research project on these ukes, a have amassed a large file of images & info, so would be much appreciated..Incidentally, Joan, if you are reading this, the only two W/born ukes without rope-binding were the Style 0- Exremely rare, I know of only one example- which had no fingerboard markers & a single inlaid ring around the soundhole, and was made somewhere between 1929-37, & the Style 1, which had 2 f/board markers parallel to frets 5 & 7, and an ivoroid soundhole inset (I've documented only 4 of these). As for value? There is an obviously refinished Style 10 Tenor on e-bay that the seller wants $16,000 for !! Somewhat more realistically, I've seen a Style 1 at $2,199 and a Style 2 at $1950. The Vintage Guitar Price Guide-which unfortunately has pretty poorly researched vintage uke info-lists around the $12-$1400 mark,but given the rarity of ANY W/born uke, I'd think no less than $2000+ for a style 1 in really good shape. Hope this is of some help , & would LOVE a photo if at all possible! Cheers,Chuck, many thanks for doing what you do..it's appreciated..best, Jeff

Answer: I'm posting this for Joan to read. Joan , if you need any help reaching Jeff, let me know and I will be the matchmaker...best to you both and I hope you will be very happy on your joint quest for weisssenbornknowledge...c
- Saturday, May 03, 2008

Question asked by: Geoffrey Rezek
Subject: Tenor ukulele nut and bridge spacing
Question: What would be the correct center to center string spacing at the nut and bridge for a tenor ukulele banjo for me? I measure some tenor ukuleles 3/8 at the nut and 9/16 at the bride. I have a large XL glove size.

Answer: Geoffrey, ...out of my range of expertise. This question needs to be asked of a fine luthier or if you put the question to the guys at Bulletin board, someone who makes will answer it. I'm from the old school..if it doesn't sound right, I just keep adjusting either me or the uke till I can get a tune out of it. best to ya..chuck
- Friday, May 02, 2008

Question asked by: michael
Subject: needy help with ukulele date n value
Question: Aloha...this old kamaka is tuff for me to date can you help . the only pic of a label i hav found like this 1 and its only 1 was shown as a 1920's era .. however the shape and style seem closer to later ukulele's in the late 30's however the ones i found all hav the pineapple label inside..the ukulele is in great shape and frets show no use or next to none ..Is it Koa or monkeypod ??? kamaka should be koa rite......So I put on new strings ukulele sounds great but a little quiter than my son's kamaka saprano . the pineapple wood is a bit thicker might be why ... A guess as to value please.. And Are there strings that r louder Hee Hee so son dont drowned me out...mahalo michael

Answer: Michael, it is exactly as it should be. The only other thing it could have is the pineapple decal under the strings. It is what's known as the style 3 of the Kamaka pineapples. If I am correct the inside label says 1928 and that should help date it. It was made a few years after that but not many. It has the high sound hole and the wide body, but Kamaka was know for variation in size. I have had them very narrow with the sound hole lower. I like this uke very much. It is Koa, not monkey pod. The label should also have a pencil serial number and if you get that to me I can give you a better date. I would string this uke with the original Kamaka black strings and you can get them from Kamaka. Go to their site and order them. Of all the Kamaka styles this has always been my very favorite. If you appreciate this message as much as you should, you will send me the uke for my birthday. It's only fair. The value is a hard one today because of the fluctuation of the market. It should bring easily 750+. It's very collectible. thanks for sending it in and good strummin',,,frets
- Friday, May 02, 2008

Question asked by: Jim krutz
Subject: washburn Uke
Question: Chuck, could you tell me anything about a Washburn uke with #5315 on the headstock? It's not a fancy instrument but sounds good and has a nice hard shell case. Any idea when it was made? thanks!

Answer: If you send me a picture, I will tell you exactly what you have. There is a Washburn book with bad pictures of every uke they made, almost. Thanks and send pic....c
- Friday, May 02, 2008

Question asked by: joan mckee
Subject: weissenborn uke
Question: hi chuck, i'm joan. i'm a student of fred thompson in san diego ca. i have a weissenborn uke that i'd like to know the value of. i'd like to send you images in the mail...do you have a po box or something? ii don't have the ability to send photos on the computer. it doesn't have the rope binding. it's in tact and signed inside. i hope to hear from you. sincerely joan mckee

Answer: IF you have pics you can take them to any Internet cafe and they will scan them to me. If you can't do that, please send me a detailed description of the uke. length, number of dots on the fingerboard (if any)...small little piece of what looks like ivory on the side of the fingerboard. I would prefer the pics but that will help and I will help you..thanks..chuk
- Friday, May 02, 2008

Question asked by: andy
Subject: Baritone harmony question
Question: Hello CHuck, I am looking into purchasing a good condition Harmony Baritone Ukulele for me and my son to learn on. The instrument needs new strings - any suggestions? Any help you could offer would be appreciated. Also for fun we would like to build our own uke a concert size or tenor - any recommendations for decent sounding kits once they are done? Best regards, Abndy and Thomas Basso

Answer: If you are going to play only Baritone uke, it is fine to learn on. But it's sort of backwards. I suggest learning on a soprano and once thats done, switch to the larger ukes. Its hard to go backwards when you are used to the size of the larger baritone. I don't know who carries kits but if you type your wants into google, I am sure you will find what you are looking for. Best ....chuck
- Friday, May 02, 2008

Question asked by: Joel eckhaus
Subject: martin 3m
Question: A customer just brought in her mother's late 20's martin 3m, in excellent condition, w/original case, for repair. There's a couple unrepaired hairline cracks in the top, and one in the side, lower bout. I want to give her an accurate current value on it. What are these going for these days? Thanks

Answer: Hey Joel....750+ depending on the severity of the cracks. The market is nuts now and it could sell for more or not sell at all. Depends on the wind. Best and nice to hear from you....c
- Thursday, April 24, 2008

Question asked by: Jeff Wolf
Subject: Harmony Tailfin tuner
Question: Hey Chuck, Did Harmony make more than on type of "tailfin" tuner? In the attached pic the top one is the type I’ve always seen. The bottom one is from a set I am selling on Ebay which I pulled off a vintage Harmony Roy Smeck soprano that had been refinished. I have no idea whether they were original to the uke, or even if they are Harmony. They do look to be of better quaity, which leads me to believe that they are older, possibly prewar. Could you please shed some light on this?

Answer: both vintage both ok ..seen them both and they are just variations. The color of the white is different and the feel of the knob is different. Don't know much else...chuock
- Thursday, April 24, 2008

Question asked by: John
Subject: Long Term Storage
Question: I'm going to be putting two of my Kamaka ukes away for a while, maybe as much as a year, while I concentrate on other instruments. I live in Southern California about 10 miles from the beach and I wanted to get your suggestions on any appropriate storage techniques for that period of time.

Answer: I lived in Los Angeles 10 miles from the beach for 50 years. Had hundreds of ukes in cases and nothing ever happened to them. Seems that they agree with the climate. They will be be ok...c Mine were in cases, I would suggest you store them that way. Need help go to McCabes guitar shop in Santa Monica on Pico Blvd. They will help you...best....c
- Thursday, April 24, 2008

Question asked by: William K Hackman
Subject: Martin Uke
Question: Third times a Charm. 1920's Martin I think. Appraisal please.

Answer: William, I am not avoiding you honest. YOu need someone to help you send a picture. They are not coming through. Please try again and I will be happy to help....c
- Thursday, April 24, 2008

Question asked by: Curtis
Subject: old C.F. martin need info.
Question: Hello, Can you tell me around what year this uku was made and what is the value of this uku.If you need more photos i can send more. Thank you.

Answer: I appears to be an early (1920) martin style 0 without the position dots. 400+ if it is a soprano..Have seen them without dots before. c
- Thursday, April 24, 2008