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 of 268) (Chuck "Frets" Fayne has answered the following 5347 questions.)

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Question asked by: Frank Abrams Subject: Is a case for a banjo-mandolin also good for a Ludwig Wendell Hall Banjo Uke Question: Hi. Will a Ludwig Wendell Hall fit well in case that originally held a mandolin banjo (similar to Vega Style K and others that are around)? Answer: The Ludwig banjo uke came with a fitted case. I have no idea if it will fit in a a banjo uke case I can't see the case...Good luck....c - Thursday, March 11, 2010

Question asked by: Michael Subject: Dorothy Dean Regal Uke Question: Nearly 30 years ago, I picked up this Regal ukulele at a flea market. I cleaned off the dust, and put on new strings, then it ended up as a wall hanger. I haven't been able to find anything about it, but it appears to be an artist model. There was (is?) an actress named Dorothy Dean. It appears that the name is factory-applied, or it could possibly have been painted on by someone with a very steady hand. Any information and/or a guess- timate on value? Thanks! Photos:                      Answer: My guess is that it came with the name on it. I have no information, first one I have ever seen. I'll look aroung and see what I can fine..Perhaps one of the uakkers will know...thanks..chuck - Thursday, March 11, 2010

Question asked by: François Subject: dating Weymann uke Question: Hi Chuck!I just bought a keystone state uke very similar to a Martin style o with wooden pegs Answer: hard to date anything without knowing a little bit more PICTURE PLEASE...C - Thursday, March 11, 2010

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Bob Isaaks Bari uke Question: Hi Chuck and a belated Happy New Year. Just had a look at the photo of Bob Isaacks Baritone ukulele Feb.19, 2010. From the photo, I can identify it as being pre 1953. No serial numbers before 1953. 1953 to 1957 had a serial number stamped inside (visible through the sound hole). After 1958 Gold label inside with model and serial number. Until next time..be well Tom Photos:      Answer: Tom...thanks...What would I do without you. I have the Tom file of information. Happy and healthy new year to you as well. Its always a pleasure and I am always touched by the fact that you take the time to help...Always appreciated. - Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Question asked by: Thom Subject: Miami Uke Question: Hi Chuck: To answer your question, the wording under MIAMI is REG US PAT PEND. Is this a Regal under a different name? I think the headstock bling was added by an owner. Any idea of it's maker and value? Many Thanks! Photos:              Answer: I would think that it is a regal becuase of the headstock. I have no idea of its value because its home decorated. Its hard to tell from pics. If it sounds good play it....chuck - Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Question asked by: shannon Subject: ukulele Question: Can you tell me more about this ukulele? Photos:                          Answer: I was distributed under the Ukulele Ike theme. I can't tell much about the uke because the pics game in such a large format I can't down load them entirely...Please size down the pics and send again...also what does the label say exactly...the one inside the sound hole...chuck - Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Question asked by: David Subject: Tabu ukulele Question: Hi Chuck - Acquired this lovely little uke some time ago. There are no maker's marks on the uke other than the Tabu stamp. The ukulele has wooden rope binding on the front and soundhole rosette, two- piece neck, slightly bowed back, heel cap, and wide cigar band at the tail block. What else might you be able to tell me about it? Do you any ideas about age, possible maker (based on shape)? Also, I'm thinking of putting it on the marketplace -- what do you think the value of this uke is? Photos:                          Answer: David...made around 1915 in Hawaii is what the tabu stamp means. It was to be a able to tell a mainland instrument, claiming to be made in Hawaii and a genuine hawaiian uke...Maker could be any one of 25 makers using that stamp at that time...thanks...chuck - Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Question asked by: Mike MacLeod Subject: Treholipee Bridge info Question: Chuck; I have acquired an otherwise fine Swagerty Treholipee. However it is missing it's bridge. If there is another collector out there who can photograph and measure one for me, I would certainly be grateful. Thanks for uke-yak. Answer: Mike...put this question on the bulletin board on this site. Someone out there will be a collector and help out. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Question asked by: Bill Florence Subject: Unidentified banjo-ike Question: Hello Chuck. This banjo-uke has no name on it but seems to be a good quality old instrument. The headstock shape is different that any I can find info on. Any clues as to who may have made this? Thanks! Photos:                          Answer: Many banjo ukes had that headstock..Its called the violin headstock. I can't tell much about it from the pics except , as you say, its well made. Did you look at the stick inside the banjo uke. Sometimes on the underside, where you can't see, is a mark of some sort. You need a mirror to do that one. write me if you dan see anything.....chuck - Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Question asked by: Wichita Sam Subject: Lindell Baritone Question: Dear Chuck, Just picked up a Lindell Baritone Uke. I'm not familiar with this model, but the owner said that it had been in the family @ 30 years. It has a mahogany neck, and mahogany (ply?) top, bottom and sides. 14 frets to the body, 19 total. No other marking than the "Lindell" on the headstock. It frets out good and has a much better tone than modern "economy" ukes. Can you tell me any more about it and what it might be worth in very good condition (only a couple scratch marks) with a fiberboard case? thanks, Wichita Sam Photos:                          Answer: Sam...I have seen many Lindels in all sizes and really don't know who made them. It was not an expensive ukulele and made during a time when the Baritone was more popular. I would guess it was made in the 50's and as far as value, its whatever you can get. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Question asked by: Peter Subject: Martin Question: Hello Chuck, I've been wondering is there any difference in sound between a 30's Martin soprano and a 60's Martin.? Were there any years to avoid? Thanks Answer: Not much difference, I would opt for the 30's uke if I were given a choice. The one to avoid is the modern made uke called the SO... I still don't understand why Martin put on the market this latest batch..Stay away from then no matter wht the cost saving is....see ya...chuck - Tuesday, March 09, 2010

Question asked by: John Sutliff Subject: Martin Baritone value Question: I purchased a Martin baritone about 1960. Played very little at family reunions for a few years. Excellent condition with one slight scratch/delam (?) I wish to sell it and would appreciate you estimated value. Thanks, John Answer: Baritones are not easy to sell. I should be worth about 750-1000 but its a tough market. good luck...c - Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Question asked by: Hank Subject: Banjolele strings Question: Howdy, Chuck. I recently purchased a Gold Tone banjolele. Can you tell me, does one use different strings on a banjolele than on a uke? Answer: Some use metal strings but I use uke strings. I like the sound. You can use any uke strings you like....thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Question asked by: Thom Subject: That Miami Question: Chuck: Is that Miami I sent you pics of possibly a Regal? It sure plays well, and I'm certain it's mahogany. Perhaps higher end, c50's? I can't find any mention of Miami ukes as Regals, but the headstock looks it, huh? At any rate, I love the sound. Thanks Thom Photos:              Answer: thom...what is the word under miami on the back of the headstock..I can't read it...thanks...c - Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Question asked by: Kevin Senzig Subject: Vintage Harmony Uke Question: Hi Chuck, any luck on the history of your Harmony uke? Jim B. referred me to you because the photo in his book is of your uke. It's the only one I have seen like mine. Photos:      Answer: I have had a few of them. However I know little about why it is. I always thought it was a uke made to look like a mandolin..Wish I could be more helpfull. I know mine was a really good player, hope yours is as well....chuck - Tuesday, March 02, 2010

Question asked by: Lindell Vecchio Subject: Arthur Godfrey Solo Lute Question: Where can I find an Arthur Godfrey solo lute ukalele, dark mahogany. I lost mine in the early 1950's. What would be a fair value for one of these in excellent condition? Answer: I have not seen a solo lute offered for sale in years. Your just going to have to search all uke sites. I would guess 500 would be a good price...thanks...chuck - Friday, February 26, 2010

Question asked by: Thom Subject: Martin Style 1 & 2 Question: Hi Chuck:An update on my Martin I question, and a complication:I'm now comparing a style 1 and 2 in the shop. The 1 has a decal headstock, frets look like bar frets,and has a repaired crack in back that is tight. Inside I can see diamond wooden pegs of mahogany, which I assume is the repair. Finish is good, price $875.The 2 has no decal and Martin name stamped on back. Pegs are not wooden, frets again are bar. No crack, no finish issues, price $1275.All things being equal (which they never are) do you have an opinion on which would be the better value? Both play like a dream.Do I stay away from the uke with a crack, or doesn't that matter?Again, no pics because I haven't bought. Yet.Thanks! Answer: I would spend the difference and purchase the style2....I may be wrong but I think 875 for an instrument that has cleated repairs is expensive. Remember this is just an opinion. I always, in my years of collecting, tried to upgrade any uke that was in better condition than the one I owned. Good luck and let me know what happens.....chuck - Saturday, February 20, 2010

Question asked by: micheal carey Subject: martin 3m uke Question: hey there chuck i just stumbed upon a martin 3M uke from the 20's, i payed 1200 for it. this uke is in fantastic condition can you tell me how much something like this could go for in this market? Answer: michael...can't tell you anything without seeing a picture. Martin made many variations of the 3m and each a different price. Please send pics of whole front and back...chuck - Saturday, February 20, 2010

Question asked by: Al Holbert Subject: George Washburn banjo ukuelel Question: I have just bought a banjo ukulele that's a George Washburn # 852, round drum is 11" in diameter Neck w/frets length is 9" Top with string knobs is 5" Overall length is 23", Depth chrome portion is 3" 4 tuning keys and a star on the headstock. It has 24 brackets.Do you have any idea what it is and when was it made? Answer: I need pictures to help...thanks..chuck - Saturday, February 20, 2010

Question asked by: David Subject: Johnny Marvin bridge Question: Hey Chuck - Greetings from Austin, TX. I think that the Johnny Marvin bridge pictured in a recent post is actually ok. If you look a little more closely, you can see that the bridge pins are casting a rather long shadow. The difference in color (in my opinion) is really just a weird lighting thing. I would probably ask the seller to send another pic taken in different lighting. I've owned 3 of these ukes and other than the color, the bridge looks pretty normal. On a related note, I also wanted to share with you the excellent craft of luthier Mika DaSilva -- Mike brought my beautiful Prince of Wales koa JM tenor back from the grave (see pictures). You answered a question about this uke in its "before" condition sometime ago. Hard to believe they are one and the same. What do you think the uke is worth in its restored condition? As always, keep up the awesome work! Photos:                  Answer: thanks...for the message.I am familiar with Mike DeSilva and agree he is a first class luthier. Thanks for the reminder to all at uke yak..... - Friday, February 19, 2010

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