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 (4 of 266) (Chuck "Frets" Fayne has answered the following 5312 questions.)

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Question asked by: Laurel Beckman Subject: CMO uke Question: Dear Chuck, I recently received this uke: it's label says "handcrafted on the big island of Hawaii by CMO, 1999". I can't find anything online about this maker, and a local shop says it is koa wood. Can you tell me anything about the uke, it's quality, or it's maker? thank you very much, Laurel Photos:      Answer: No Idea...nothing comes up under the name CMO..Will check and add to your answer if I find anything. thanks for writing in...chuck - Friday, January 08, 2010

Question asked by: Eric Subject: Kamaka Ukulele Question: I found this site linked in a forum I was reading. I was wondering if you might be able to tell me more about my ukulele and what it might be worth. I don't know much about it and bought it at a thrift store a few years back. I can send more pictures or any other information if needed. I believe it to be dated from 1954- 1969 based on the inforemation I read on the kamaka site. Thanks in advance for any help. Photos:      Answer: Eric..Kamaka pineapple uke 1960's...one of my favorites. worth 400+ on a good day with favorible condition. Lovely uke, I you play it....chuck - Thursday, January 07, 2010

Question asked by: kathy rhein Subject: banjo/ukes Question: I am looking for a banjo ukelele or a banjolele. I do not know what to look for in an instrument that I cannot hear (i.e. the internet) and I don't know how these two differ. I have a beautiful old Kamaka uke. I have owned it for 50 years. I'm used to a great sound and good quality. Can you give me tips on which of these would sound the best and how to select a really good one? Answer: They are the same , just different names. Sound is something I have to hear, I have heard great instruments that sound like crap and crap instruments that sound great. It is something you have to determine yourself. If it sounds great, plays great and makes you feel good and in your price range... buy it. Wish I could help more...chuck - Friday, December 04, 2009

Question asked by: Rick Beets Subject: restoration Question: Old question, but...I have a number of vintage ukes that would be more enjoyable to play with newer style tuners, will I kill the value if I replace the tuners? All are friction type so I'd replace with the same so I wouldn't have to drill or modify the holes in the headstock. Answer: Rick...Keep the old tuners. For those nuts who have to have it all original...You won't kill the instruments by putting tuners that need no drilling. thanks...chuck - Friday, December 04, 2009

Question asked by: Vinnie Mondello Subject: Harmony Aero Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I have this uke in my shop and as you can see, found out the normal stuff on the web about it. My question is that if it is this obscure, why did someone make a repro of it, and not cheap either. I can find nothing on anyone actually playing them View it on my page here http://4stringbanjos.com/HarmonyAer oUke.html and when you have time let me know if you know more about them than the sketchy details. Vinnie Mondello, 4stringbanjos.com Answer: Cant get your site up..please mail me a picture....then I can help....chuck - Friday, December 04, 2009

Question asked by: Yen Oshima Subject: Martin Tenor Uke (1940's?) Question: Hi Chuck, I just acquired a Martin Mahogany Tenor Uke. I think it's a Tenor size and the original owner said it was from the 1940's. It measures 26"h x 9"w. The headstock has a decal "CF Martin & Co. EST. 1833" and there is no stamp on the back. It has 12 frets with 1 dot on the 5th fret, 2 dots on the 7th fret and 1 dot on the 10th fret (you can also see dot markers on the side of the neck). The bridge is white in color and there are black bridge pins holding the strings. The tuning pegs are black. Seen through the soundhole "C.F. Martin & Co. Nazareth, PA". To the left of this logo are the numbers "2178" written in pencil. All parts are original and there are very minor scratches but no cracks. My questions are: 1) Is this a style 1-T? 2) What's the significance of the "2178"? 3) Was it made in the 1940's and if yes, what year exactly? 4) How much would a uke like this cost in today's market? Sorry, I attached only 1 photo (the front) because I don't know how to upload multiple images through Flea Market Music. I can e-mail the rest of the images to you per request. Thank you so much, in advance, for your help and expertise! *big hugs* Photos:      Answer: Ken..it is a standard 12 fret tenor...1000 bucks in great condition. No martin can be dated exctly except for the tiples and guitars that follow a number chart which ukulele do not. Closest I can come is the 1950 on. Lovely instrument and yes it is a Tenor. thanks for writing in...chuck - Friday, December 04, 2009

Question asked by: Teek Subject: Louis Gaspar pineapple uke Question: Hi Chuck, I have only been able to find out a little bit about this uke, so I was hoping you could shed more light. It's a funky little pineapple, has a remnant of Louis Gaspar's label inside, and has solid mahogany top and back over koa sides and likely neck, which seems really weird, like it was made out of scraps. The neck is straight and very thin and flat with a taper to the nut. The intonation is good. It has a bad glue job on back but there are no cracks there, the top is loose, and the frets need dressing. Two top cracks under bridge feel stabilized. Even loose like this I tuned it up just to hear it and it feels and plays sweet. It buzzes on the 3rd sting but I can feel the vibration is from the loose top, when I hold the top down it rings clear. So I want to try to get it taken care of for a player. Is it worth taking to an expert luthier? If so I don't really have the funds right now and it will have to sit. It's in a case being humidified for now. I bought it as an old Aloha to glue up and play as is, but as it's a Gaspar I wanted to check with someone in the know first before I would mess with it. Also, any idea why all his ukes (the other two I've seen plus this) are all wonky? Thanks for any help! Photos:      Answer: Don't mess with it yourself. It is a fairly rare instrument. I have had a few of them and always good players. My guess it was made in the 40's...Don't know who louis Gaspar was or is. Have any work done by a professional....Nice instrument, be sure and play it...thanks for the pic. chuck - Friday, December 04, 2009

Question asked by: pahu Subject: last(I promise) Baritone pic Question: Fretboard appears to be M.O.T.S. or similar, making me believe its pretty old. Thanks Photos:      Answer: It is 40's made by the Kay company. They came with and with out the Kay Chord. A device that pushes down the correct string which is never correct. Nice instrument. chuck - Friday, December 04, 2009

Question asked by: Jeff Mercer Subject: Hekili Collection Question: Hi, Chuck, As always, hope this finds you well.. Just wondering if you'd heard anything from Ken G. Bailey recently ? We seem to have "lost" him again :o) Are you aware of any plans to resurrect "The Hekili Collection" website ? It was a great resource, ( not to mention wonderful "eye candy"), & I miss it, particularly as my own collection of vintage koa ukes has grown... Heard anything ? Many thanks, Chuck All the best, Jeff Answer: Look now. he is back up...good guy ken. glad he's back...chuck - Friday, December 04, 2009

Question asked by: Pukulele Pete Subject: tuners image Question: Here's an image of the tuners. I've also noted the some Roy Smecks have the name in black and some in gold. Am I correct in thinking the gold lettering is older? Thanks Photos:      Answer: I don't know which on is older Pete, I have seen it both ways on all models. Wish I could be more help...chuck - Friday, December 04, 2009

Question asked by: gerard sulc Subject: GRETSCH UKE Question: HI GRETSCH AMERICAN SERIAL #426 SEEMS TO HAVE A V NECK! IT IT A TENOR AND WHAT DO YOU THINK IT'S WORTH?I PAID $400 Photos:      Answer: Please send pic of full front. chuck - Friday, December 04, 2009

Question asked by: eastmountain Subject: Islander uke Question: I saw a Maccaferri Islander uke at an antique mall the other day. It is in pretty good shape, no cracks but a bit dirty, and it has the original pamphlet and chord do- hickey that goes on the neck (although one of the nibs that the rubber band goes on is broken off). No original box. I don't really have an interest in collecting plastic ukes but I was wondering if the $40 price tag was reasonable or not. Thanks. Answer: it is reasonable. the brsoken keychord is a worry. I would pass - Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Question asked by: Ernie Subject: Concert Banjo Uke Question: Did Slingerland make a Concert Banjo Uke? Thanks Answer: Ernid...I am not sure. The concert banjo uke has always means a larger than normal banjo uke. I have had them in all sizes. Unlike ukuleles, where 21 inches is norm, banjo ukes can be almost any size. thanks..chuck - Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Question asked by: Rick Pfrogner Subject: Maker of Tiple ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I know this one may not be possible for you to name because the uke has been modified. But can you tell me who you think may have originally produced this tiple? The spruce top has been painted, and a mando style bridge replaces the original (someone had destroyed the original bridge by bolting it to the top). I have to tell you that the gentleman I purchased it from did a great job, and it plays like a dream. I can send more photo's if it will help. Sincerely, Rick Photos:      Answer: No idea rick..I would have to hold it in my hands to get any idea. Too much alterations. thanks for writing in..chuck - Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Question asked by: Rick Subject: Manufacture date of Martin 1K Question: Hi Chuck, Can you tell me the year my Martin 1K was made? I can send more photo's if you would like. My "guess" is early to mid 20's? Sincerely, Rick Photos:      Answer: If it has no decal and an imprint on the back of the peghead....20-40's...thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Question asked by: terry dennis Subject: Gumby Kamaka Question: Chuck, This photo presents a better view of a Kamaka soprano w/ a Gumby headstock. Can you tell me how this fits into the Kamaka line of Koa ukes? Thanks, TD Photos:      Answer: Terry. I don't understand what you mean by fitting into the Kamaka line. They are not as common as the regular headstock but were made on and off for years. They also made it in a Concert size. What is yours...chuck - Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Question asked by: Mick Dow Subject: gibson 2 ? Question: I am sending some photos individually as I am not sure if you can send more than one at a time Mick Photos:      Answer: This is Gibson doing what they did best..Confusing you. They would make whatever asked. I have seen this uke before and many other variations. I have a gibson style one with the extended fingergoard, spruce top and extra fret. Great players. Nice uke and as you might have suspected...rare... - Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Question asked by: Mick Dow Subject: unusual Gibson 2 Question: Hello Chuck this is the second time I have been looking to you for some enlightenment. I have here what I think is an early gibson 2 ukulele except it has the extended fret board of the number 3 The gison logo is in silver and slightly larger letters than on other gibsons I have seen. Three layer edging on the front but none on the back. Did Gibson offer custom models? as it most resemble a 2 model with the addition of the extended fret board. It is in great condion, hardly played! Patent tuners and a wooden period case I'm thinking it is early 30's and was wondering if you could enlighten me further as I havent seen another one like it. I will send a further picture or two. Best regards Mick Photos:      Answer: Mick..It is what Gibson did best. Confuse. They would make whatever was ask of them..I have seen this uke before and many other variations. Very nice uke and as you might expect.....quite rare. thanks for writing in....chuck - Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Question asked by: Kenneth G Bailey Subject: Lucky me Question: Sir, No question. Look what the cat dragged in. Finally got my 3K Taro. oxo, Kenny Photos:      Answer: Its beautiful congrats...have been trying to reach you for months. Nice to year from you ....best..chuck - Sunday, October 25, 2009

Question asked by: eastmountain Subject: Bass Ukulele Question: Regarding bass ukuleles, I just thought I'd mention that there is a solid body 18-inch fretless bass with silicone strings that I think could qualify as a bass ukulele. It's the Ashbory bass. http://www.largesound.com/ashboryto ur/ Answer: thanks for the info. always handy...c - Sunday, October 25, 2009

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