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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

Question asked by: chuck fayne Subject: update Question: Just to make it clearer...you will find the words Cole Clark under my picture on uke yak page. Just click and you will enter the site. Look around, they have some wonderful stuff. thanks....chuck Answer: thanks again......all feedback desired. best...chuck - Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Question asked by: chuck fayne Subject: New Uke News Question: I told you all that I would let you know when something terrific came along. Well here it is. I met Brad Clark of Cole Clark Guitars when he still worked for another guitar company here in Melbourne. In 2001 he left and opened his own company. Cole Clark Guitars which is now also making ukuleles. The ukes are made in a style that dates back hundreds of years. You will be able to read all about it on their site. I helped with the ukulele by suggesting a couple of small changes in the standard soprano. I can only suggest that those of you who are looking for a traditionally shaped ukulele that sounds great out of the box, try this one. I have been playing my Cole Clark for about 2 years now and love it. I know you will too. Those of you who try or buy one, please write in and let us know your thoughts...Thanks ...Frets Answer: PLEASE READ ABOVE................. YOU WILL FIND THE LINK UNDER MY PICTURE HERE ON THE UKE YAK PAGE. ............ - Monday, November 17, 2008

Question asked by: Jerry Rubin Subject: chornd formations (hand) Question: Hi, chuck: Can you give me some advice on how to hold my left hand when forming 4-note chords so that I don't screw up the sound. I have a baritone Uke. When I tried the 4-fingered F chord, I get some very dead sounds! Thanks! Jerry Answer: Jerry, I wish it was as simple as a explanation. It really is just trial and error. If you try to get your hand arched enough that the inside of the fingers don't rest on the strings that will help you get a clear four note sound. If I was there I could adjust your hand. I would suggest you go to a guitar shop and explain the problem, your not the first to have it, and ask someone who plays to help, I'm sure they would be glad to. Good luck and don't give up. It will happen. - Monday, November 17, 2008

Question asked by: alan smollen Subject: can you give me some information? Question: Hi Chuck would you have any information on this ukulele? sorry just the head stock, I wonder if you had ifor on the company that maked this. Photos:      Answer: Alan....I need a picture larger than my thumbnail. I would like also to see pics of the whole ukulele. I can help if you will do these two things You can send multiple pics. Please have someone help with the size of the picture. Thanks for writing in..chuck - Sunday, November 16, 2008

Question asked by: Carol Subject: KoAloha pineapple sunday ukes Question: Hello, Wondered if you have any information ooon the KoAloha pineapple sunday ukulele. If so, is it easy to play? How do you like the sound? Is it worth the money? Thanks for any help you can give me. I'm thinking of buying one. Answer: I have no information, but if you write on the bulletin board on this site and ask the same question, someone will help out. There a great bunch....thanks...chuck - Sunday, November 16, 2008

Question asked by: stephen masty Subject: first uke Question: dear chuck, if i bought a banjeaurine or an old banjo uke with a somewhat longer neck, would i likely be able to use the same tunings, and use the same chord formations as everyone else? with many thanks indeed, steve Answer: Yes, the tuning is the same. let me know how it turns out. chuck - Sunday, November 16, 2008

Question asked by: Frank Abrams Subject: Taropatch Case Question: Hi Chuck, Does anyone you know make or sell Taropatch cases? Lower bout 7.5" Upper bout 6.0 Body, 10 3/4" Total lenth, 25.5" If not, please let me know if you would recommend a case for a tenor uke (has much more room for body section, I would have to give it extra padding) or make a case myself? (perhaps a wooden coffin case)? Thanks, Frank Answer: Frank, I would contact the Kamaka Company. They have ukes of strange sizes and I am sure they would have a case that would work. I don't know of anyone who make a case especially for a taropatch. thanks...chuck - Thursday, November 13, 2008

Question asked by: Sheila Subject: AW Uke Stowe Vt Question: Oh I stumped the expert! My sis and I have been doing more research on this uke and she called the Stowe historical society, they were very excited to hear from her because they weren't completely sure this company ever existed. They are looking into it and I will let you know anything else that they can tell us. I have more pics available at: http://www.mountpleasantpa.com/ebay/uke1.jpg http://www.mountpleasantpa.com/ebay/uke2.jpg http://www.mountpleasantpa.com/ebay/uke3.jpg http://www.mountpleasantpa.com/ebay/uke4.jpg http://www.mountpleasantpa.com/ebay/uke5.jpg http://www.mountpleasantpa.com/ebay/uke6.jpg Thanks for replying. Photos:      Answer: Sheila. I can't szit to learn all about the company. I get stumped regularly and it just serves to remind me that anyone claiming to be an expert is not wise enough yet to know that no matter how much you think you know.......you've just scratched the surface. Always happy to learn. chuck - Thursday, November 13, 2008

Question asked by: Frank Abrams Subject: Washburn/Nunes Taropatch Question: Dear Chuck, I cannot thank you enough., F.A. Answer: Your welcome...always happy to help...c - Thursday, November 13, 2008

Question asked by: Sheila Subject: AW Ukulele, Stowe, VT Question: Any info on this ukulele? It has a label inside the has a ship and "AW Ukuleles, Stowe, Vermont" Stowe is also on the back of the head. I will send a couple more photos. Photos:      Answer: Shiela. thats the great part about this job. After 30 plus years a uke come around that I have never seen. Not as many these days, but there it is. Have no idea who made itand hope someone out there does. Pretty uke not original case. best. Please send me a pic of the back, that may help....chuck - Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Question asked by: Charlie Subject: Mystery Baritone Ukulele Question: G'day to you Chuck, Can you help me with a bit of info please ? I'm trying to identify a Baritone Ukulele that I've just purchased..It is Mahogany ...18 fret,29 1/ 2" Long...10" Wide...Scale length 19"...and has no binding.. What I'd like to ask you is... The logo on my new 'old' uke is obliterated and only a few letters remain (all in Upper Case)...and the ones that DO remain seem to say Martin....or something similar..Underneath the 'name' is a circle in which the letters are all nearly gone...I can just make out the word 'Deluxe' in there...do you think this is possibly a Martin Uke ?? I sure would like to know who made this old Uke...I think it will be a good player when fixed (the neck is loose) .... I've enclosed a pic......I hope it will help.. Thank you very much for your time...all the best.....Charlie Forrest.....Australia...... Photos:      Answer: Charlie..it is definitely not a Martin but I recognize the stamp. As soon as my brain works again I will think of who it is. Please send me better pictures of the whole uke front and back and any other markings it may have. thanks...chuck - Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Question asked by: Dave Gordon Subject: Beginner Question: I am a beginner. It was recommended that I learn on a Tenor Uke. Is that the right way to start and what is the best method to learn how to play. Answer: I think you got very bad advise. IF you learn on a tenor, going backwards to a soprano will be difficult. Just the opposite is true. Learn on a soprano and then decide which is more comfortable. The best way to learn it to go to our on- line store and buy books. There is one for you. There is one for each level you reach. Take a look, get a soprano and start plucking. c - Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Question asked by: Frank Abrams Subject: Washburn Taropatch Front Question: Here is the front. Someone had tried to make a triangular shaped bridge, but the footprint under the bridge he had is clearly rectangular (an shows three screw holes). Photos:      Answer: Frank..It is a confusing one...It has the headstock and the fret markers of a Nunes. It has the shape of a Nunes. Washburn imported Nunes Taropatches according to the Terrible Teagle Washburn Book. It is definitively an Hawaiian Ukuleledless, it has the piece to cover the neck attachment as part of the back. I wonder whats under the label.ow the strange part. I have never seen a Nunes, Manual or Leonardo that had that binding on the uke. Their trim was almost exclusively purfling. I am now convinced it is a Nunes and if you look at the Beloff book you will see examples of all the Nunes Taropatches . They were my ukes and I am very familiar with Nunes. I would say this is absolutely a Nunes with an odd twist. Regardless, A look at the pictures in the Beloff book will also give you the exact bridge that went with the Taro. That thing they sent you is horrible. good luck and let me know how you come along. chuck - Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Question asked by: Frank Abrams Subject: Washburn Taropatch Question: Hi. I have a Washburn Style 1915 Taropatch and need a bridge. First Question, other than making one myself, do you know of any sources. Second Question, This is apparently a very rare Taropatch as I have not even been able to find a picture of this or any Washburn Taropatch. It has some similarities to Nunes models. Do you have any information as to manufacturer or what the bridge looked like? It appears to have been held on by 3 screws. Thanks, Frank Photos:      Answer: Frank is there any chance you can send me a picture of the full front top to bottom and the same of the back. also a really good picture of the label and a side view of where the neck joins the body . I can tell you a lot more when I have those pictures. From the shape of the area where the bridge was, it is not a typical Washburn bridge. thanks...chucik - Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Question asked by: Michael Allen Subject: Mystery De verkey Question: I have more pictures of this mystery De vekey like ukulele but hink I can only post one at a time. Is there another way to send more pictures? Regards Mick. ps sent about 5 pics to steve who posted the pictures of his collection. Answer: Make a collage of the pictures and send them as one. You can send multiple questions with just a picture per question. thanks, chuck - Monday, November 10, 2008

Question asked by: Esther Subject: Framus Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I inherited this uke from a Hawaiian friend. The only information I have found is that it was made in Germany. I haven't been able to find any history or other information about it. I also a tuner key part. Any ideas? Thanks! Photos:      Answer: Esther, you have about the same information I do. IT was made in the 50's and from the looks it seems to be a Baritone. They are fairly well made and not valuable. 150 bucks tops. I'd play it if I were you...Wish I had more...chuck - Sunday, November 9, 2008

Question asked by: Mark Barber Subject: Wurlitzer/M. Nunes Uke Question: Aloha Chuck. I just aquired this Ukulele made by M. Nunes & Sons expressly for the Rudolf Wurlitzer Co. (Cinti/Chicago). I have been reseaching the Wurlitzer Brand on the internet and believed this Uke was going to be made by the Martin Co, but to my surprise it was made by M. Nunes. Which is more rare? Can you please give me an idea of it's value? It is in very good condition. Mahalo! Photos:      Answer: Mark...It was very common for Nunes, both father and son, to make ukes to be distributed by other music companies. Many companies did that, Gibson, Martin, Regal, Harmony..etc...I have seen Nunes made ukes made to be distributed by dozens of companies. Your uke is very nice and should be worth 500+ in a very strange market. It could bring more on the right day. Thanks for writing in. chuck Oliver Ditson company had Martin make a variation of their uke called a dreadnought. - Sunday, November 9, 2008

Question asked by: Brad Subject: Who makes this Question: Howdy Chuck, Here is a picture of the front of the ukulele that you asked for. Once again, any info would be much appreciated. Photos:      Answer: Brad..It is not a Ukulele. It is a South American Quarto. A five stringed instrument made for rhythm not melody. Most countries in South America make them. This is a fancy one, and made from the same poor quality wood they are known for. It is tuned as five sets of two strings. I like the sound of them but in an orchestra. Thanks for writing in and thanks for the pic..It is interesting. chuck - Sunday, November 9, 2008

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Kamaka Question: Chuck I wonder if you could tell me how old and exactly what model this Kamaka is and an idea of value. It has had some pretty serious repairs but plays beautifully. apart from the headstock there is no other label or marking on the uke. The pegs look like they are off a 50's Harmony but I could be wrong. This is currently my all time favourite playing uke. It has a wonderful sound and action, the really slender neck just blew me away when I got it. I even took it to the world famous "Lounge" to play it in Lerwick earlier in the year. The Shetland fiddlers there hadn't even seen a uke let alone know what they were but I managed to keep up and I think impressed them playing the chords as backing to their traditional Shetland tunes. A magical evening to remember for a long time to come. Steve Photos:      Answer: Steve...It is a very nice style 3 Kamaka soprano from the 30's or 40's, hard to tell without other markings. Other than the pineapple of the same vintage, this is one of my all time favorite players. Kamaka has always seemed to have a handle on what sounds good. They have remained consistent throughout their almost 100 year old history. I have not seen a style 3 for many years, they are not common. Value is a problem. It should be worth around 1000 dollars but because of the soft market on vintage ukes it may not bring that much. My advise...if your starving sell it...if not play it..I would...thanks for the memories..chuck p.s. ditch the tuners. Go to the Kamaka site and write them for a decent set of replacement. Perhaps push pegs. c - Friday, November 7, 2008

Question asked by: Steve Subject: DeVekey Question: Chuck Just to follow up on Mick's request for the "DeVekey". Unfortunately it isn't one of the usual Style 1 to 4 instruments. It looks remarkably similar build and it could be from the same place that DeVekey sourced his from but without a label and very limited info on the man himself we'll probably never know. I managed to complete my set this year and got a style 4 that needed repairing but all OK now (see picture Styles 1 to 4 left to right) Mick if you email me off list I'll let you have what little info I have on Aladar and his ukes. Steve Photos:      Answer: Steve...again , thanks for the help. Its always appreciated. I have not seen all four together in many years. They always fascinated me and I think if you land a good one, it can have a terrific sound. The depth of the uke, I felt, always dampened the sound a little bit. But they are great eye candy and wonderful to see them. I will add your pic to my collection. best..chuck - Friday, November 7, 2008

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page