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 273) (Chuck "Frets" Fayne has answered the following 5450 questions.)

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Question asked by: Steve Pepper Subject: Shrine Uke Question: Hi Chuck here's a couple of pictures of the Shrine uke it has a repaired crack (visible) on the front soundboard, missing 1 original pegs but otherwise not in bad condition. It also has a case. the vendor wants £700 which may be too much but thinking of making an offer on it. Comments appreciated. Thanks Steve Photos:          Answer: Steve..that is about 1500 dollars USD and I think its high. Its got the original case which helps, but still....500 pounds would be nearer. good luck...good uke....You have to decide if you will get a better chance at a better uke. If not..Its your call......hope I helped, I think I confused myself. chuck - Thursday, June 10, 2010

Question asked by: Wm. Subject: Gibson TU-1 Question: Hi Chuck...Any ideas as to the year this one was made? The previous owner thought it was early 60's, but that was admittedly just a wild a$$ guess on their part. Thanks in advance! Love your show. Wm. Photos:                          Answer: Dear Wm...I agree, the deco script was used in the 60 but who knows how early. good uke, good luck...when I want to disquise the word ass I use the more obscure Touchas.....c - Thursday, June 10, 2010

Question asked by: Erica Subject: 10 stringed Ukulele? Question: Hello, I have recently been given this instrument. I was guessing that it may be a 10 stringed uke, yes? It seems to have a lot of nice mother of pearl inlay on the fretboard and head stock which you can see in the pictures. I was wondering if you knew anything about this particular brand and the instruments value? Many thanks, Erica Photos:                      Answer: Erica...its a tiple. Its really a four stringed instrument. The tuning is the same as a ukulele except instead of 1 2 3 4 its 2 3 3 2. The exact tuning can be found on- line. I find it difficult to explain. Its not mother of pearl its mother of toilet seat. Its plastic. I have seen the name before but know nothing about it. My guess at value 250+ dollars. good luck.. - Saturday, June 05, 2010

Question asked by: Joseph Hoh Subject: No name uke w colorful inlay Question: Duh, I obviously uploaded the Kay pictures instead of this. Sorry. I believe you may think that this is a Regal production model. What is the insurance value of such a creature? Thanks for your help. The info about the Kay is useful too. Photos:                  Answer: It is a Regal. Value about 250-300 bucks. thanks for writing in. chuck - Thursday, June 03, 2010

Question asked by: David Ginter Subject: The Gibson Uke Question: Trying to figure out what Gibson uke model and what year it is? I think it is a Uke-3 but I am not sure. I have looked everywhere for a serial number and have had no luck finding it on the outside. It is in great conditon. I hope you could help me find out more information on it. If you need more picture I can send more.. Thanks David Photos:                          Answer: David it is a style 3 gibson uke from the l920's...you won't find a serial number because there isn't one. best...chuck - Thursday, June 03, 2010

Question asked by: Steve Pepper Subject: Shrine Uke Question: ChuckI've got the opportunity to purchase the plain version of the Lyon and Healey Shrine uke (the one with the green binding) It is in reasonable condition with case and has one stable repair on the front of the uke.Any idea of what would be a fair price for this rare uke? Steve Answer: 500 dollars without seeing it. If you send a picture of front and back I can come closer. Good uke...chuck Hard shell case??? if so, add another 100 bucks. - Thursday, June 03, 2010

Question asked by: Rob Subject: 1920's or 30's Kamaka Question: Hi Chuck, It looks like my question of few weeks ago never got through but if it did and you've receieved it twice my apologies. I've read your column for a long time now but until now have never had reason to ask my own question. I've recently acquired this old soprano Kamaka and was hoping you could tell me a bit more about as I've only managed to find one other reference to a similar looking uke. From what I know it's a late 20's or early '30's model which is in surprisingly good condition. The headstock logo is worn but you can still clearly see that it says Kamaka Hawaii. There are a couple of tight hairline cracks on the back that are barely noticeable and the tuners look to be non original but are still the wooden violin style pegs. Have you any idea of teh value? Should I upgrade the tuners to more modern friction tuners or would that effect the value? Photos:                          Answer: Rob, it is a Kamaka from the teens or 20's. It needs a good cleaning, other than that it is in decent condition. I wouldn't replace the tuners with modern ones, I would look for another set of push tuners. Perhaps Kamaka can help you you. They are still in business and good folks. Value about 300 bucks. thanks...chuck - Thursday, June 03, 2010

Question asked by: Ron DeLacy Subject: Dandy Line Question: Wondering what strings to put on this. From nut to bridge it's the same distance as a ukulele, but it has 3 more frets (15). Has steel strings now, one of them broken, and it looks to me like the top two are the same thickness and so are the bottom two. I'm thinking uke strings maybe better. Whaddaya think? Photos:          Answer: Its a banjo uke...use ukulele strings. thanks...chuck - Thursday, May 27, 2010

Question asked by: kirk fuhrmeister Subject: baritone uke tuned as a soprano? Question: I have a Kamaka Baritone uke and would like to tune it like a soprano uke. What guage strings should I use? In inches please not mm! Thanks Chuck Answer: I'm not sure what you are asking. I would not tune a baritone uke up to sporano pitch. Buy a set of baritone strings, that is what the uke was made to take. If you mean, tuning it adf#b or Gcea, that is the way it should be tuned but with the proper strings. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Thursday, May 27, 2010

Question asked by: Joseph Hoh Subject: No name uke w colorful inlay Question: Hi Chuck, Found this no name soprano. Reasonably mint condition Has evidence of having been in the tropics--smell and bloom marks. I was wondering if you know it's vintage and it's present value? Many thanks for your help. Joseph Photos:      Answer: Joe, first of all it is not a no name uke, it clearly says Kay. If you smell blooms and see marks, perhaps you should talk to someone about that. It is a 40-50 KAY Soprano ukulele and is worth about 200 dollars to a kay collector. My guess is that uke has little history of being in the tropics...However I have spent a little time in the tropics and now know why I smell like blooms. Thanks for clearing that up...chuck - Sunday, May 16, 2010

Question asked by: Dave Bedell Subject: Martin Style 2 Question: Frets: I bought this nigh-perfect Martin Style 2 on eBay a few years ago. The seller said it was from the "20's or 30"s"; but, when I received it, there was an old receipt for the ukulele in the case. It's in pencil and very faded but it says Martin 2 w/case and the date, I think is 5/31/1928. I wouldn't question that except I've read that the Martin name was stamped on the back of the peg head until 1934 and the Martin decal did not appear until after WWII. It doesn't really matter, I guess, but I was born on May 30, 1928 and it would be fun to know if we're both 82 years old this month! Can you offer any explanation? Thanks. Photos:      Answer: Dave...The Martin decal was not always very reliable. I have seen them used on early ukes and the stamp on later ukes and no markings on others. This uke appears to be the small dot early model which should have a stamp. I cannot hold the ukulele in my hanads which would help alot. Regardless, its an early one but maybe not from the 20's. I know I have been of little help but the best I can do without seeing it in person....chuck - Friday, May 14, 2010

Question asked by: Brad Frostic Subject: 1927 Gibson UKE-1 Question: I have recently purchased this gem for only 10 bucks at a second hand shop last week. I know its a rare Gibson uke-1 made in Kalamazoo, MI in 1927. Im interested in selling it but the only thing I have to compare it to is a 749 dollar uke online. I just want some insight as to how much I could get for this instrument. Everything is totally original and his nearly no body damage except a slight crack down the back which i've been told is not an issue and is barely visible. Any info would be greatly appreciate. Photos:                  Answer: Brad...it is a rare price but unfortunatly not a rare ukulele. It is a good uke and the beginning of line of gibson ukes. They made many many of these ukes. The higher the style number the less they made. They three syles and variations of each. The style three being the most valuable. You uke is worth about 400-500 dollars so a good return on your money. The vintage market is not as strong as it has been in the past, but the uke should do well. Nice pickup...chuck P.S. any crack is an issue..Have it repaired before it splits further. Its already stressed, and it won't take much to hurt it more... - Thursday, May 13, 2010

Question asked by: VERLAND BLANEY Subject: banjo ukulele Question: Would you know anything about an American Conservatory Banjo Ukulele with the numbers 535 AND 335 STAMPED ON THE WOOD CROSSBAR INSIDE THE BACK.I BELIEVE THIS WAS ORIGINALLY OWNED BY MY HUSBAND'S GRANDFATHER. THE TUNING PEGS LOOK LIKE IVORY. Answer: please send picture..... - Monday, May 10, 2010

Question asked by: chuck fayne Subject: Southcoast Ukes Question: Hi…frets (Chuck Fayne) here…I have been involved in the ukulele world for most of my life. I always wondered if I would ever come across a ukulele that had a sound that surpassed all others. In my lifetime I have owned and played hundreds if not thousands of ukuleles. I have always answered the question, “What makes a great ukulele?” with the following: “A great ukulele is one that makes me sound better than I know I am.” Through the years I have had my favorites, and I still have them. Recently, I saw an instrument advertised on our Marketplace and was fascinated by it. I wrote the seller, who wrote me back advising me to purchase his ukulele. At first, I thought his urging was nothing more than wanting to make a sale. He advised I go to the site and read about the ukulele. I was more than interested, I purchased his uke. It arrived and all my questions were answered the first time I played it. The company is called Southcoast Ukes (http://www.southcoastukes.com). I urge all of you to take a walk through this wonderfully constructed site and realize that the ukulele they promote has the same dedication. Dirk Wormhoudt, the owner, has asked me to mention certain aspects of the site such as, “Guide to Tuning and Strings” and “Who we are and What we do,” but the best thing I can say about Southcoast Ukes is that I have finally found what I have been looking for, a ukulele that makes me sound better than I know I am. If you have any questions, Dirk is the man to ask P.S. This is an unsolicited personal endorsement. I have no monetary affiliation with south coast ukes. Answer: I hope you all get a chance to play one of these wonderful instruments. I have one now and can't put it down...chuck - Thursday, May 06, 2010

Question asked by: David Bartell Subject: Ancient Uke? Question: What is this uke? It seems to bear the image of an ancient Hawaiian totem of some sort. Also, there is what looks like writing on the figure's headgear. Is this really old, or an anachronistic artifact? Photos:          Answer: I'm torn...its either a genuine ancient totem or a tiki fluke signed by Jim Beloff..either way, don't piss it off or you be unable to chord five foot two eyes of blue. An ancient curse...c - Thursday, May 06, 2010

Question asked by: Debi Kerner Subject: unmarked Vega baritone Question: I just bought a mahagony baritone uke on Ebay that is unmarked. The headstock shape looks like a Vega. It has black and white inlay around soundhole and a wood saddle. Do you know what brand this is? Thanks Photos:                      Answer: Debi...my first instinct says Regal and the more I looked at it... European. Unfortunatly, there is nothing specific about it that makes me say exactly what it is. The black and white around the sound hole is typically Regal, however the headstock is not. I wish I could be of more help, but such is the life of a ukulele answer man. Good luck and thanks for the question. chuck - Monday, April 19, 2010

Question asked by: Christoph Subject: Dating Martin 51 Baritone Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I know, Martin Baritones were built since 1960. Do you have any idea, when this Uke, I bought last week, has been fabricated? Perhaps the case will help.. Great do read all your posts, good work! Thanks, Chris Photos:                  Answer: Christoph....Since all baritones look about the same, it is impossible to give you a date. In the Longworth book, it says that they were first priced in 1960 and at the time of the printing (1988) they were still in the Martin Line. The case is beautiful...I think there is more demand for that case than the uke. Always one of my favorites, however I find them too big for me to play comfortbly..Lovely instrument...Thanks for the kind words and please keep writing in and reading the column...chuck - Monday, April 19, 2010

Question asked by: Vincent Subject: Miami Professional Question: Hi Chuck, I was looking at the question on the Miami Professional that Thom asked last month. I'm 99% certain these were made by Harmony, not Regal. I've seen Harmony ukes that are identical to mine, same three neck dots, same neck heel shape, headstock, body shape and bridge. 1925 or so. Nice little player, really fun warm tone. Not plunky the way a lot of the later spray painted Harmonys can be. I had a Regal from this era, and the body is quite a bit bigger. Were these meant to copy Martin and be less expensive, or was it just a style of the time thing? For value... I paid $120 for mine. Not sure if it is worth that? How should I care for the finish? It needs a cleaning. It could use a polish too, but I'm afraid to clean it with water/soap or use any kind of polish on it. Vincent Photos:                      Answer: Vincent. thanks for the info, always appreciated. As far as cleaning your uke, I would go to a good luthier and see if they have Gibson guitar cleaner. I would stay away from soap and water and polish. Also, a violin luther would have violin cleaner and that works as well. Thanks again for the info...chuck - Monday, April 19, 2010

Question asked by: tomas kubinek Subject: Jack Morse's Mom's uke Question: sorry for the bad web link chuck. some of the characters get distorted in the copy/paste. you can find this page of images of this fancy uke by googling '1920's wurlitzer ukulele (martin 5k)' - it's the first thing to come up and on that page the uke images are archived halfway down on the right. it looks very much like jack morse's mom's uke and it has a 'wurlitzer' label. (i'm including a couple of cruddy photos of my computer screen of the archive page of this uke). the photos of the second, less fancy uke i'm including (of the same shape but no pearl), is my own. i rescued it from a pile of cracked pieces in a junk mall and made a new bridge and it has had a very successful 2nd career. all the best, tomas Photos:                  Answer: Thanks Tomas. We here at the Mt Idy Uke Alp are always happy to have information. Please drop by if you are ever in Mt Idy..Best to yaa....chuck - Monday, April 19, 2010

Question asked by: Dan Subject: N. Turturro Question: Hi, Chuck, I am the proud owner of a N.Turturro peanut uke in amasing condition for its age, I recently moved from my house to live on a house boat, and I am afraid it will get damaged or destoyed, Do you know anyone that might be interested in taking it off my hands, I would rather see it go to a collector then damaged or destroyed...Dan, spectrumprodec2@aol.com Answer: Dan...my first suggestion would be to put it on the marketplace on our site. It is read by only Uke Nuts. What do you want for it and then I will tell you if its realistic. Thanks...chuck from uke yak - Thursday, April 15, 2010

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