Uke Yak Fans, Chuck "Frets" Fayne has been the resident expert for "Uke Yak" since 1998. Since that time he has answered almost 6,000 questions related to vintage ukuleles. Over many years, Chuck assembled his own world-class collection of vintage Hawaiian and Mainland ukes, including some amazing one-of-a-kind pieces. It was Chuck�s collection that made up the majority of the ukes in my book, "The Ukulele-A Visual History." Although Chuck has retired from the Uke Yak, his extensive knowledge and unique sense of humor live on in this searchable archive. Enjoy! Search the Uke Yak. Jumpin’ Jim 2015
Flea Market Music Uke Yak (2 of 296) (Chuck "Frets" Fayne has answered the following 5919 questions.)

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Question asked by: Evelyn Anonsen Subject: Please tell me what I have Question: Please tell about this ukulele and what it is worth (what type of ukulele is it?) The inside says "Ukulele O Hawaii, made by Leonard Nunes, Los Angeles, CA. Thanks! Photos:                      Answer: Hello Evelyn again. It is a ukulele made by the son of one of the original uke makers in Hawaii, Manuel Nunes. He moved to Los Angeles, year unknown, and made a very good ukulele. I would be interested to know if the label says " Leonard, or Leonardo...Thanks...chuck - Saturday, April 19, 2014

Question asked by: Jonathan Subject: Can you ID this baritone? Question: A friend of mine picked up this vintage mahogany baritone recently but doesn't know anything about it. Any ideas as to maker and value? Thanks! Photos:                          Answer: Jonathan.. not enough to go on. Dots resemble harmony but shape doesn't seem right. Looks fairly well made. Sorry, Its tough with just a picture....chuck - Monday, October 14, 2013

Question asked by: Faye Subject: Uke strings Question: I have a mini soprano and have been advised to change the strings. I was also advised to google and ask what type of strings it needs. The measurement from the bridge to the nut is 29 centimetres. Would be happy if you have any help for me, please. Faye Photos:          Answer: Faye..the best way to do this is to take it to a luthier in a music shop and ask for it to be done there. If they have it in their hands it becomes easy. I can't advise from here. They will be able to help...chuck - Monday, October 14, 2013

Question asked by: Ginger Subject: Kumalae Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I have been cleaning out my parents attic and found this Uke. It needs some repair. How to I know if it's Soprano, Tenor or other ? Also, Is it better to restore it and sell it or sell it as is ? Any idea on the true market value of such a piece. I do not know the history of it. I do not know of any family member who has been to Hawaii or the west coast. I understand from google searches it is Koa Wood and from approximately the 1920's. I appreciate your input. Photos:                      Answer: Ginger...its going to be tough to sell in any condition. Repaired it might go as a player. couple hundred dollars. You would spend more on restoring it than its worth. Put it up on marketplace as best offer and see what you get. Thanks...chuck - Monday, October 14, 2013

Question asked by: Julien staudt Subject: No name uke Question: Hello, I'm working on this nice vintage ukulele to restore it but I have no idea where it comes from and how old it is. It has only a piece of the sticker left inside where you can read "lifetime guarantee". No mark, stamps or number of any kind anywhere... Do you have any lead to learn more about it? Photos:                          Answer: The little I can tell is...it is not Hawaiian. It is Mahogany, I have no idea who made it. Wish I could be more help...chuck - Thursday, October 3, 2013

Question asked by: Maggie Subject: no name banjolele Question: Hi, I recently got this bangolele on ebay. I got it for a pretty good price since it had no brand name on it. I was wondering if you had any idea of who made it, and it's approximate value. It cleaned up very nicely, and sounds great with new nylon strings instead of the old steel ones it came with. Thanks for your time! Maggie Photos:                          Answer: I have no idea who made it. Many banjo ukes were made that look like alike Its American, Its classy and made well. Not a cheapy...The sound is the most important thing. Value 300 on a good day...thanks...chuck - Thursday, October 3, 2013

Question asked by: Larry Murphy Subject: Bequeathing your role to someone with more time? Question: Frettie, While you are hyperknowledgable, it sounds like you are also hyperbusy in your day to day life. Would you consider taking a sabbatical & letting someone else do the Yakkin'? It could be like one of those TV shows where they rotate in various candidates for a set period of time. Then, if you decided you wanted to resume, you could. If not there could be an election via the Bull-Board or you could hand pick your successor. At least think about it. My belief is it could breath some fresh air into the BB; I think that Yak drives a lot of people to the BB. Do think about it. I personally am not a candidate for the position. What I will do is that if you don't respond to this email [or on the Yak page], I'll post a similar proposal on the Bull-Bd. If for no other reason than to get a Bullish discussion cooking. Let me know what you're thinking. Larry Murphy [Muttzukii] Answer: Larry...I can't tell you how much I appreciate your email. Since the Uke Yak is my property, and I am able to make my own decisions, I will. I have been hyper ill and that accounts for some of the absence. I have also been doing this since l997 and If I feel I would like take some time off, I will. As I said, It is my decision. As you stated in your threat, If you feel that this is not being done to your liking, Please post this anywhere you feel will satisfy your desire to meddle. Please remember, My decisions far outweigh your opinions. Your friend forever....chuck - Thursday, October 3, 2013

Question asked by: Lester Brandt Subject: ID old handmade Koa Ukulele Question: Aloha Chuck. Found this at flea market today. Seller said it was hand made. Koa body and neck. Bridge is made of Milo wood. The date 1936 is written inside under the sound hole. The word Hilo is engraved in the head. Looks like a nice hand made homemade plantation uke to me.Great tone. Uke wood seams are tight. Any thoughts to share? I'm sure its is worth the hundred bucks I paid. Mahalo from Lester inPuna, Hawai'i Photos:                          Answer: Lester, any time you need to bail out please let me know. You are correct,this is a home made ukulele and perhaps the best I've seen. I love it. It looks like it sounds great, as if looks could tell. Hundred bucks. Highway robbery. Let me know how it sounds. Will add the pics to my best of...file....chuck - Thursday, October 3, 2013

Question asked by: Ryan Subject: Antone Abreo Ukulele Question: Hello Chuck, I am at it again, always on the search for early ukuleles.... Can you tell me anything about Antone Abreo, a Portuguese immigrant building in Pai'a, Maui around 1910 - 1920? I was recently able to buy this ukulele, and it turns out there is VERY LITTLE information out there about the builder. Searching Uke Yak there are two previous questions about the builder. Tom Walsh tells me he has seen several other examples, and shared photos, each one being unique. One label has his name is spelled Abreo, another Abrew. Jim Tranquada told me that Abreo came to Hawaii in 1886 in the wave of Portuguese immigration. Seems his ukuleles are almost unknown. Can you tell me anything else about this builder and have you seen other examples? The headstock on mine is really unique. Photos:          Answer: Ryan. I have seen two other ukuleles by this maker. You know as much as I do about it. You have gotten your information from the most knowledgeable. I didn't know he was among the early immigrants. Thanks for sharing. chuck - Thursday, October 3, 2013

Question asked by: bonnie Subject: vintage kamaka Question: Can you give me a general idea of the value of a 50's gold label baritone Kamaka w. orig case. Saw one one local craigslist and don't really know what a fair price would be. It appears to be in good conditon. Answer: Bonnie. I really don't know for sure. All baritones are hard to sell. The Kamaka name helps some. I would think 500 would be a fair price in today's market. good luck chuck - Thursday, October 3, 2013

Question asked by: spoefish Subject: Kinney & Mossman Uke Question: Well, no thanks to the nice label inside there is no doubt about what this uke is. A Kinney and Mossman - I guess from the 1914-1918 time period. I have had it a long time, and only recently found it again. Seems to be very original except for the friction tuners, and in pretty decent shape. Plays easy and sounds very nice. But I don't really know much about these, and what the opinion of them is. I don't think it will replace my Pohaku soprano, so am trying to decide what to do with it. Photos:                      Answer: Heard of Mossman...not Kinney. Mossman ws an early builder of decent instruments. I would think your dates are correct. I don't know what you should do with it, I know what I would do with it...Play it. I'm sure there are a lot of early Hawaiian uke collectors out there who would be anxious to own it. - Thursday, October 3, 2013

Question asked by: Axel M�ller Subject: unknown Uke Question: Hi, have You ever seen such a ukulele? No name, no sign, no idea, perhaps "Vogtland". gregorio domingo was a music-teacher in honolulu and he tried to sell hawaiian ukuleles in germany at the fair in Leipzig fall 1928. He also edites a ukulele method, I have one. He had an adress Hamburg, Brennerstr. 31 and also an adress in Berlin. Axel Photos:              Answer: Axel...Well it will have to remain unknown. I have never seen one like it. I would love to see one like it in my collection...It is superior craftsmanship and the attention to detail is wonderful..Thanks for sharing. I'm envious....c - Monday, July 29, 2013

Question asked by: Shawn Y. (ukulelefriend.com) Subject: 1968 Kamaka Brazilian Rosewood Guitar Question: Aloha Chuck, Just wanted to share a few photos with you and the Uke Yakers of a rare 1968 Kamaka classical guitar handcrafted with Brazilian rosewood back and sides and a cedar wood soundboard. Plays great! all the best, Shawn Y. ukulelefriend.com Photos:                  Answer: Shawn...what a beauty...Thanks for sharing. I am jealous..chuck - Monday, July 29, 2013

Question asked by: ERNEST LONGWORTH Subject: Mike's ukuleles Question: have ukulele question Answer: Mike...easiest question I have ever answered. - Friday, July 26, 2013

Question asked by: Cindy Mitchell Subject: L. Viohl's HAWAIIAN UKELELE Question: Can you please tell me anything about this Ukelele? It belonged to my husband's Grandfather (he remember's him playing it quite well in the 60's for sure but knows he played for years before that). I am curious about the year, quality and general value. If it is even remotely possible, I would appreciate having this information today. Thank you for any help you can offer. Cindy Photos:                          Answer: Cindy Easy...never heard of this ukulele before your question..If anyone out there knows about it...please write in...c - Friday, July 26, 2013

Question asked by: jay cleveland Subject: Kamaka pineapple uke Question: Chuck, I have been told this gold label Kamaka pineapple uke is a rarity due to the round 1 piece bottom. Can you comment and suggest a value of this instrument/ Thanks JC Photos:                  Answer: Jay...the pics you sent come in so small I can't tell what it is. I have no idea what you mean by a round 1 piece bottom as it applies to a ukulele. Please send pics I can see and especially of the rare part. Thanks...c - Friday, July 26, 2013

Question asked by: Eric Anonsen Subject: Martin Eukulele Question: This is the second eukulele I inherited from my father-in-law. Would appreciate any information and an approx. value. The only marking is photographed and says "C.F. Martin & Co.; Nazareth, PA. Thanks in advance! Photos:                      Answer: Eric...it is a style 2 martin ukulele, early 1930's. It appears to have been refinished at some time. A little to glossy. Doesn't it also have cf martin on the inside of the uke? If it does not let me know. thanks for writing in...c - Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Question asked by: Eric Anonsen Subject: Leonardo Nunes Ukulele Question: Inherited two eukulele's from my father-in-law and was wondering if you could provide any history and the approximate value. Have had a couple of offers but not sure if they are fair. The inside says "Eukulele O Hawaii Made by Leonardo Nunes; Los Angeles, California Photos:                      Answer: Eric..It is a very rare pin bridge soprano ukulele in what appears in lovely condition. If I owned this uke, I would not take less than 1500 for it. The wood is wonderful and all in all, a rare bird. thanks for sending it in....Id like to make an offer, but then I have already estimated myself out of my market. best...chuck - Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Question asked by: Dan Marek Subject: Old Martin? and Kamaka tiples. Question: Hi Chuck: I have these two tiples I would like some information on. The first I believe is a Martin but it has no markings besides the number that reads something blotted then 11 the 705, the second is made by Samuel Kamaka in 1971 and is number 1. I was wondering the date of the Martin and if any more were made by Samuel or the Kamaka company. I would also like to know any value. Dan Photos:                          Answer: Dan...The first tiple is definitely not a martin for many reasons. Martin did not make instruments, unless they were employee made instruments, without identification. Decal, impression of headstock back or label. The kamaka is quite nice. The first tiple has some value...400 in today's soft market. The kamaa is worth 1200+. A quite nice example of an early Tiple. - Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Question asked by: Dee Subject: Age and type of Favilla uke Question: Greetings, Chuck! Could you tell me the style and date of this Favilla uke? Also, is this the original finish? There's some flaking around the sound hole-- is that wax or the original finish? Thanks so much for your time and expertise! Kind regards, Dee Photos:                          Answer: tom...can you help out as usual...I am asking Ton Favilla, old friend and Favilla expert guess why...thanks again..chuck - Saturday, July 6, 2013

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