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 (46 of 296) (Chuck "Frets" Fayne has answered the following 5919 questions.)

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Question asked by: Dave Hancock Subject: american conservatory uke Question: I inherited an American Conservatory Banjo ukulele and want to know what tear it was made and also what it might be worth.The words American Conservatory are stamped on the instrument's wooden cross member on the back along with a number which is 5078. Photos:      Answer: American conservatory was a small label used by Lyon and Healy. It is still a Lyon and Healy..The little doodad in the headstock gives it away. No date numbers on these instruments but 20's-30's...nice instruments should play well....chuck - Sunday, January 25, 2009

Question asked by: Chris Subject: Martin Uke style 1 Question: Hi Chuck, here's a pic of my new Martin style 1 I was talking about in my last mail. Sending pics to the forum is little complicateted, but I understand that you get lots of questions and don't want to bump your mailbox. If you need other picture, just let me know. The question is the correct date of fabrication of this cutie. Kind regards (this time written without mistake;-), Chris Photos:      Answer: Can't date exactly....50's would be my guess. Cant see the dots clearly...might be real small ones, if so....40's...chuck - Sunday, January 25, 2009

Question asked by: zilla Subject: Pete Bermudez Question: I bought it from a dealer in Nashville. It was owned by my late friend Mike Longworth. It is a 6 string tenor model made of koa. I know nothing about the maker Zilla Photos:      Answer: I know two things about this uke. I know I don't know the maker and I know I wish it were mine. Stunning. Hope one of the yakkers out there knows anything...John King...what is it????? best. chuck - Sunday, January 25, 2009

Question asked by: Patrick Cullie Subject: Swaggerty's Question: check - i remember you answered something about someone who bought up all the Swaggerty's NOS parts. But can't find it on your collector's uke yak. wonder if you could repost. i have a treholipee that is missing a "paddle" tuner and want to know if someone has some they could sell. much appreciate what you do for the uke community. thanks, patrick Answer: I wish I knew where to get the paddles...I have had many questions and I still have no idea. You just have to look around. If I come up with anything I'll let you know. Ask on Marketplace on this site and perhaps someone will write with one...thanks...chuck - Thursday, January 22, 2009

Question asked by: Shiaulou Subject: Lyon & Healy Banjo-Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I've been reading your site for several months now and I really enjoy it - a wealth of knowledge on vintage ukes! I was hoping you can help me find some information on this style of Lyon & Healy Banjo-Uke. This picture is from Intermountain's website ( http://www.guitarandbanjo.com/details/4888.html ) but mine is exactly the same, case and all. It has an 8" pot, 15" scale, resonator, and some snowflake inlays on the peghead and fingerboard. There's also a stamp on the inside rod that says "Washburn 5375". Could you help me date it and how much would you say it's market value is? Thanks! Photos:      Answer: 700-1000 depending on the wind. Its a very collectable instrument. One of the top three instrument manufacturers of their time. If you are thinking of selling try our marketplace on this site. You have a captive audience of people who are just looking to sell or buy ukulele. Free and worth it...best...chuck - Sunday, January 18, 2009

Question asked by: Jack Kelley Subject: Uke identity Question: Chuck: Came across family Uke - I am guessing 90 years old.Label inside sound hole pictures man playing Uke and reads Hawaiian Ukulele made especially for B.L.& F., N.Y. Any info would be appreciated. Hope to teach myself how to play! Thanks, Jack Answer: I can't remember ever seeing a company with those initials. I hope someone out there does. That label usually nsot hawaiian. Please send as pic and I will do my best. chuck - Sunday, January 18, 2009

Question asked by: Chris Subject: Martin Style 1 Date of production? Question: Hi Chuck, after buying lots of vintage ukes in the last years to see what differences are in sound and construction, I finally end up with a wonderful Martin Soprano, Style 1. All the specs say it was built between 1932 and 1934. (bare frets, patent pegs, rosewood outer body binding, decal logo on front of headstock) I read that Martin uses different styles of decals for their guitars of that era. The decal WITH black borders around logo appears mid 1934 on guitars, befor it was silkscreened logo without the black borders. Do you know if this information is also common for the ukulele dating of Martin ukes? My uke is in fantastic shape, great sounding with a most wonderful hard case with purple plush. What strings would you recommand? Worth clear medium? Aquila nylgut? Kinbd regards, Chris Answer: I know nothing about Martin decals but alot about Martin Ukes. Please send me a picture of the uke and I will tell you what you have. I use Kamaka strings personally, and that's the way it should be for you. Use what you personally feel gives you the best sound. The style 1 Martin ( first issue ) is my favorite Martin uke. I think the style one, and I don't know why, always had the best sound. enjoy...chuck - Friday, January 16, 2009

Question asked by: Darbie Subject: My first Uke Question: I know what to look for when buying a used guitar, but what do I look for in a used Uke? I am going to go take a look at a used uke in the morning (Standard Gold Label Kamaka) most likely 40 to 50 years old. The purpose of my buy is to have a quality brand that offers great sound. Solid koa was also important to me. Anyway, is there anything that I should be looking for to make sure I'm not getting a "tainted" uke? You look like the guy to ask and this is my first uke so I am really hoping I'll be happy. Any suggestions or advise? Also, what do you think this uke may be worth. The pics look like it is in great shape. We finally agreed on 275.00 Mahalo, Darbie Mahalo, Darbie Answer: You should have a monoey back gurantee if you can't play it before you purchase. It might look good but the sound is more important. It is a good price for a kamaka gold label uke. Look for cracks, straight neck, good intonation up the fingerboard. Always look for what"s wrong first. Let your ear be your guide. let me know how it turns out...chuck - Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: K&K ukulele query by Frank Abrams Question: Hi Chuck, Happy New Year. Just read the query by Frank Abrams, seeking information about K & K ukulele. K&K was a small Manhatten based music instrument importer and wholesaler. Absolutely no connection between the ukulele shown and a Favilla instrument. For a time in the early 1960's they did distribute some Favilla instruments but these where all clearly labeled with our trademarked crest. Best wish's Tom Favilla Photos:      Answer: Thanks Tom as usual. Happy New Year to you ahd yours...chuck - Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Question asked by: :omda Subject: Reso Uke Question: Thanks for getting back to me. I am located in Huntington Beach, CA. Answer: Call McCabes guitar shop in Santa Monica and ask them about a local luthier. 310-8284497...thanks..chuck - Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Question asked by: Alf Houck Subject: Barclay, made for Targ + Dinner Baritone Question: Chuck, I recently bought an old Japanese baritone uke with Barclay, made for Targ + Dinner on the inside label. Do you know anything about this model; approximate age, type of wood or charactoristics? It appears to be something like mahogany. Thanks for any insight. Alf Answer: Al...not familiar with the label...Please send a pic....I just do magic no mentalism...thanks...chuck - Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Question asked by: Ukezilla Subject: Pete Bermudez Question: Chuck can you tell me any thing about this uke that was made by Pete. Zilla Photos:      Answer: How much do you know about it...thanks...chuck - Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Question asked by: Randy Gibbs Subject: Harmony Ukulele decal Question: Chuck- I'm restoring a Harmony Ukulele and was wondering if you know a source for finding the old Harmony water decals that were put on the headpieces. Mine is the green and tan one which supposedly dates to the Harmonys produced in the '50s. I would really appreciate your help. Keep up the good work. Randy Gibbs Answer: Randy...I think your findind an unusued decal from the 40's is going to be like finding the pot of gold. good luck..will let you know if I hear anything...chuck - Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Question asked by: Karen Roy Subject: Nakanishi Question: Hi, Chuck. I have a Nakanishi soprano that I bought from a friend. I enjoy it so much that I'd like to learn more about the luthier. I found a mention of him on the Kiwaya site, and a mention on musicguymic's, but not much information. Do you know how I could learn more about the maker of my (perhaps favorite...) ukulele? Thanks so much, Karen Roy Answer: Karen. Hope this will do the trick. Perhaps one of the yakkers will have some information. Try this question on our bulletin board also. Someone there will know...thanks...chuck - Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Question asked by: Andy Subject: L&H Question: Hi Chuck�I�m a bass player for the last 40 years. I bought an old L&H uke about 20 years ago for 10 bucks at a garage sale. Big bucks back then�Ha!. It had one string. It sat in my attack until a few weeks ago. It�s a basic soprano with 17 frets, all mahogany and stamped model 700. I finally put new strings on it with the intentions of giving it to my daughter for Christmas. So I strung her up, learned a few cords and had fun with this little uke for a few weeks and then I�m starting to think...do I really want to give her away? The answer was no but I did anyway and my daughter loves it. Now I�m feeling a bit lost without her� the uke� not my daughter. I got on the internet and started to browse for another one...this time it�s for me. I found a 701, 703 and a UF model but no 700 like the one I gave away. The UF looks like just like mine in the photo. There is little to no info I could find on the different L&H models. Can you give me a little insight to the different models? Especially the UF. Also these L& H�s look just like the all mahogany Martin basic sopranos�.do they sound like them too? How do the L& H�s compare with others at the time and today? Many thanks, Andy Answer: L&H is one of my favorite makers. Fabulous sound...very collectable. Please send me a pic and I can answer your question. There is a very bad book , but the pictures are good, of the L&H factory. Go to a good music store and see if they have a copy. Please send the picture. chuck - Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Question asked by: Linda Subject: Resonator Uke Question: Just got a custom koa resonator uke. I realize resonators sound different that regular ukes. But the sound on the the first string sounds kind of distorted - bouncy/loud, compared to the other strings. It came with Hilo strings on it. I was wondering if a different type of strings would make a difference. Also does the brand of cone that is used - say a continental or a national - effect the sound in a dramatic way. Answer: The question about the loud string must be adressed by a good luthier. I can't without holding the uke in my hands. Strings might help, but again I can't tell. The sound can vary greatly between instruments made by the same company. Yes, the sound can be very different company to company....You are asking me questions that need to be answered by someone who is listening to the uke. I wish I were there I would be in a better poition to help. Where are you located and I can help you get to a good luthier? Don't fret ( HA HA ) all these problems are easily solved. chuck - Friday, January 9, 2009

Question asked by: Michal Subject: What's the wood? Question: Hi! I've just bought a nice looking old Luna uke on a Japanese auction. I'll have to wait a bit until it gets here to be able to clean it up, string it and check the sound, but I'm happy already. :) Now for the question - what do you think is the wood it's made of? Is it a fancy wood or a common wood? :) Thanks, m Photos:      Answer: I have no idea what the wood is...Looks exotic to me. The uke is a Luna and that was conne4cted someway to the Kamaka company at one time. The story has never been clear. I have had a couple luna's and they have been really good. Please write me back and let me know how it is. Thanks. Chuck - Friday, January 9, 2009

Question asked by: Frank Abrams Subject: K and K ukulele, (Musical Instrument Company Inc., New York Question: Dear Chuck, as my collection of ukuleles grow, so does my collection of questions! Heres a uke I found in Waynesville, North Carolina. It is labeled "K and K" (side by side)(not like Kamaka). The rest of the label says in small print; "MUSICAL INSTRUMENT COMPANY INC., NEW YORK 3, NY" This is a decent ukulele made of mahogany. It has a fretboard and is a comparatively well made. In some ways similar to Gretsch or Favilla. Any idea as to this company? Or who may have manufactured this ukulele. Thanks as always, Frank Abrams Photos:      Answer: Well Frank another first. Never have seen this marking on a ukulele. I will do some research and if I find anything I will add it to this response. I hope one of the yakkers out there will know....best...chuck - Friday, January 9, 2009

Question asked by: William Subject: 5000 posts and climbing Question: Thanks Chuck for your invaluable contributions to the uke community...It is truly a great resource. I for one really enjoythe almost daily reading your column and especially your subtle yet opinionated sense of humor. I too look forward to post 10K. Best, William Answer: William...thanks for the kind words. It's nice to be recognized for my masny attributes. ....subtle, yet opinionated with a sense of humor. I like that....it fits me to a tea.....I'm glad you like the column and I will remember and dedicate my 10,000 answer to you....look for it. Please stay in touch....I care....Happy Holidays to you and yours....chuck..... - Sunday, January 4, 2009

Question asked by: CHUCK Subject: 5000 Question: "WHY"???????? Answer: First....a very happy New Year to all of you in yakland...... Now the answer to the question.. Why?.... Because I enjoyed all 5000 questions. I am blessed to have made hundreds of friends, most of whom I will never meet personally. However, you are all more than just words on a page. I have voices for you all and I have a picture in my mind of what you look like. It's always fun to finally see a picture of someone I have been writing to for years. Sometimes they look like I imagined, but most of the time I am surprised. It is also a wonderful feeling to know that I can get up in the middle of the night and write a friend thousands of miles away. I'm never alone. I have bought, sold, designed, collected and written about ukes for many years. I have had a love affair with the ukulele since my first one 63 years ago when I was 7. The uke is my friend, and therapist but most of all I enjoy the look on peoples faces when they see a ukulele or hear it being played. I am convinced all wars should be fought with ukes. It is hard to shoot a person who is singing "Five Foot Two". I want to thank all the people who wrote in questions and also to those who wrote in with information. You made me look good when I didn't know the answer. To Jim and Liz a special thank you for allowing me this forum to yak. I will sign off for now and return to answer my 10,000 th. From high atop Mt. Idy....bye bye for now, Chuck - Saturday, January 3, 2009

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