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

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Question asked by: Doug Oaks Subject: Regal? Question: Hi Chuck, I sent this earlier but maybe the image was "as big as a barn". Here's another try. Got this for $40 from an antique shop. I think its a Regal but I'm not sure. The wood is curly like koa but red like mahogany. Can you tell if its koa. Only had two wooden tuners.The back has a nice radius. I want to try selling it in the Marketpolace with some vintage tuners. Any guess as to value? Best, Doug Photos:      Answer: Doug...it is Koa and it is a Regal. They play fairly well. I have had a couple of them and am familiar with the uke. My guess is it would be worth, depending on the condition, 150+200. Good luck..chuck - Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Question asked by: philippe Subject: Martin 3K 20's Question: hello, M Fayne I'm in France and I bought this beautiful old 3K in a very good shape from a friend and would like to know little more about it. It has the "bow-tie" in the fretboard but no "kite on the peghead. It has the 3 ply nut. Is it possible to have a precise datation of it ? I did not have the original tuning machines but put some old (20's?) black buttons Grover on it (with no problem because the head has little holes - so it means the uke never had violon wooden pegs !). What sort of pegs were on it when it goes out the Martin factory ? Thanks a lot. Excuse my english !Philippe Photos:      Answer: Your English is fine...please excuse mine. Your uke is beautiful. I can't explain the missing kite, however I have seen hundreds of variations of Martin ukes through the years. It is a 20's uke and, as I said, beautiful. Your right, it did not come with violin tuners...I can't tell what it did have but Martin used many different types. What you put on is very nice. It is impossible to date exactly because Martin did not number the later ukes. Good luck...If you sell it, don't let it go for little. It is a very nice example...chuck - Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Question asked by: Darren Subject: Kamaka Pineapple Question: Hey Chuck - I found a Kamaka Pineapple at a antique store and got it really cheap. It has the original Kamaka "coat of arms" logo on the headstock, the pineapple decal (about 90% intact) and rope binding. it has 2 repairable cracks (3" long each). Any idea what year? and possible value? Answer: Darren...I am going to need a picture of the full front and back to help. Kamaka made so many variations, its hard to tell by just reading the specs. thanks..chuck - Monday, October 20, 2008

Question asked by: Cindy Faber Subject: price quote of ukulele Question: Could you please tell me the value of this ukulele? I want to sell it. Thank you. Photos:      Answer: It is a late model style 2 Martin mahogany ukulele. In the condition its in about 500 bucks. Sell it on our marketplace here on this site. It will sell and the marketplace is where all uke buyers look. best...chuck - Saturday, October 11, 2008

Question asked by: Don Subject: Martin Uke Question: Hi...an acqauintence of mine is going through his parent's stuff and found thi s Martin, as well as another uke made in Hawaii, but broken severely. I was hoping to find out if it had any value in today's market. Thanks in advance! -Don Photos:      Answer: Don...early Martin 12 fret tenor...1000-1500 if it is in fine condition. I can't see the back. chuck You might want to list it on the marketplace on this site. All uke nuts read it and someone will be looking for a nice tenor....c - Saturday, October 11, 2008

Question asked by: joseph Subject: leonardo nunes ukulele Question: the white thing below the bridge is a piece of tape a previous owner put there to label the strings. heres a picture of the label. i only have a cell phone camara, so its hard to read. from top to bottom it says, ukulele o hawaii made by leonardo nunes especially for kohler and chase san francisco". i'd be more than happy to send any pictures you want. Photos:      Answer: I am familiar with the label. This uke in great shape would sell for 300 bucks or more. Its very hard to tell the condition from the photographs. But it is a good maker. good luck. chuck - Saturday, October 11, 2008

Question asked by: David Subject: Kumalae Uke? Question: Chuck - I just bought this lovely little ukulele from a woman who received it as a gift some years ago from an esteemed local octogenarian in Portland. I tried to capture in my picture what I think are all the relevant details: generic Hawaii decal, three rings around the soundhole, back that extends over the neck, skinny wood piece connecting upper and lower bouts, headstock shape, etc. There are no markings (inside or outside) other than the crest. What are the odds this is a Kumalae (or who might it be)? Also, what general era do you figure this to be from and what kind of value would you ascribe to it? It is a sweet little uke with a BIG voice! Photos:      Answer: It is not a Kumalae, but it sure is nice looking. I would expect it to sell for 300-400. Its very well made, and about the 20-30's. I think it will be very hard, if not impossible, to name a maker. Too many possibilities. good luck. - Saturday, October 11, 2008

Question asked by: Jeff Mercer Subject: Photo Question: Hey, Chuck, no question, just a pic you might like. This is Sam, the "curator" of my ukulele collection..asleep on the job, as usual.. Photos:      Answer: thanks for sharing. Nice pic. keep well..chuck - Saturday, October 11, 2008

Question asked by: Bryan Bradfield Subject: Kamaka tuners. Question: I have a mid-1960�s Kamaka soprano uke. One plastic tuner button cracked and fell off. Are plastic replacement buttons available, or is it necessary to replace the entire tuner? The shaft onto which the button must fit is 0.138� in diameter (just under 9/64�).What make of tuner is this, and where can I find a distributor? I�ve attached a photo of the tuner. I also have a photo for the uke itself, if this would be helpful. Bryan Bradfield. Canada. Photos:      Answer: Bryan...go to the Kamaka web site and order whatever you need. They are still in business and can supply you with what you need. best...chuck - Thursday, October 9, 2008

Question asked by: Clay Subject: Mystery banjolele Question: I picked up this 8-string banjolele on Marktplaats (Dutch version of craigslist) last year. There are no labels or markings anywhere. It's in pretty bad condition, missing a few frets, no edging on the veneer, covered in scratches. Do you think it is worth getting it restored to playable condition, or should I just keep it as a pretty decoration on my mantle? Photos:      Answer: Clay, it is a banjo mandolin not a ukulele. It is interesting only because of the mother-o-toilet-seat trim. They do not make great players, but yours is odd enough to be a nice looking wall hanger. don't spend a lot. ...chuck - Thursday, October 9, 2008

Question asked by: arthur lumpkin Subject: L. Nunes ukulele Question: i'd like to send 12 pics of this instrument so you can get a full look at it. very good condition (1 repaired crack at side binding), case (deteriorated); curious as to date and aapprox. value, please. arthur Photos:      Answer: 1920's....approx 350-400 dollars...thanks for writing in....chuck - Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Question asked by: joseph Subject: leonardo nunes Question: my father bought a ukulele at a garage sale in upstate n.y. in the eighties. i recently noticed a label on the inside that reads "ukulele o hawaii made by leonardo nunes especially for kohler and chase san francisco". i've taken it to a few antique dealers and nobody can tell me anything. i was wondering how many ukuleles nunes made for kohler and chase. i'd hate to sell this ukulele not having any idea of its worth. any information you could give me would be much appreciated, thanks. Photos:      Answer: The number of ukuleles sold has nothing to do with the price. I cannot tell anything about this uke with the picture you sent. What is the white thing below the bridge. Please take better pictures and send them to me. I will be glad to help chuck - Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Question asked by: Bruce Baird Subject: The West German uke you were asked about Question: on Wednesday, Sept. 24 is a Hilo. I've got one. Not great, not bad. Expremely light as it has no kerfing, thus good for backpacking, if you're into that sort of thing. I paid $10 for mine. cheers, b Answer: Thanks Bruce...I can't seem to see it, but I will look again...always welcome the input...chuck - Sunday, October 5, 2008

Question asked by: Samantha Subject: Harmony Plastic Fretboard Question: What is the plastic fretboard made of? I have one of those 1950s harmony ukes with the plastic fretboard and although it is in GC (had a crack on the side I repaired it) is there somewhere I can buy a replacement or get one made? Photos:      Answer: Call me crazy, but as far as I know the plastic fingerboards are made of plastic. My suggestion would be to run an ad on the marketplace and the bulletin board on this site. Someone will have an extra one. - Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Question asked by: D Subject: 20's Kamaka Question: Hi Chuck, About a year ago I sent you a picture of a 1920's Kamaka special concert ukulele, I was going to go buy the next day. After 5 years of being in the shop, I kid you not, 20 min before I got there someone called from England and bought the ukulele. Since that time I had been looking for another like it. I even posted a wanted post on the flea marketplace. So I found this one on ebay, and bid on it and won it... This uke has some pretty bad damage, but it is stated that it is actually playable. I work under a very experienced luthier who will do all the repairs at no cost. I won the Kamaka it at $563.00, did I pay way too much? I want an honest and blunt answer..... And you are the guy that I know i'll get that from. Thanks, D Photos:      Answer: You did great....I will bail you out any time you need the dough. Its a rare and beautiful ukulele. enjoy...chuck - Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Question asked by: Bill Martino Subject: Name of German uke brand Question: Chuck, The German uke that Craig Wilde enquired about (September 24) is a Br�ko. Cheers, Bill Answer: Bill...Thanks a lot. I couldn't think of the name to save my soul. You are absolutely right. Its nice to know help is nearby. best...chuck - Tuesday, September 30, 2008

Question asked by: Jeff Mercer Subject: H & S ukulele Question: Hi, Chuck, H & S ukes were almost certainly from Hafner & Suthpin, a Philadelphia company in existence from at least the late 1800's..probably one of the many "Music Houses" that dealt in everthing from sheet music to band instrument to ukes, once they became so popular, but probably unlikely to have been an actual instrument manufacturer..hope this helps ! Regards, Jeff Answer: Jeff..thanks a lot, a name I am not familiar with. Will add it to my list. Keep the info coming, it will help me look good in the future...best...chuck - Sunday, September 28, 2008

Question asked by: Bill Subject: H & S uke? Question: Hi Chuck! I love your column. It has educated and helped me greatly...Long time viewer, first time caller... I see you have one question about this brand in the archives. I was wondering if you ever gleaned anything on them? I got it for $8 on ebay. Besides being scratched up, everything is in decent shape but the back. The label reads "Hand Made, Hawaiian Ukulele, H&S, Philadelphia" It seems to be solid wood. The one gut string it came with strung to the wrong peg actually sounds pretty good. What do you think? What do you know? Photos:      Answer: Bill..I have no more today than I did when I wrote about it before. Its still a mystery. It is not hawaiian, that I can poromise you. Hope it sounds good. great buy...chuck - Saturday, September 27, 2008

Question asked by: Dan Cooper Subject: Kumalae green decal Question: Hi again Chuck, Here is an interesting response I got from Tom Walsh at the Ukulele Hall of Fame, concerning the green headstock decal: "Hi Dan - Sorry for the slow response! That's an interesting ukulele you have. I agree that the headstock decal and pronounced crown are unusual characteristics for a Kumalae ukulele. I assume your paper label on the inside say PPIE, and my following comments are based on that assumption. There is evidence that your headstock decal and interior label were both used for just a few years sometime within 1915-1920. Of all the Kumalae ukuleles I've seen, the pronounced center point on the crown has only been present on those made prior to the introduction of the PPIE Gold Award headstock decal, which was used by Kumalae starting sometime around 1919-1920. Let me know if you have any other questions. Thanks for your interest! Tom Walsh Ukulele Hall of Fame Museum" That's new for me because I always assumed that the Gold headstock decal was used as of 1915 - 1916. Cheers and thanks again for your valuable service. Dan. Photos:      Answer: Dan...thanks for forwarding the message to me...Tom, thanks for the response. How are you and the family..best chuck.. - Saturday, September 27, 2008

Question asked by: Kenneth Subject: Close Up Question: Per your request. Photos:      Answer: Not a bad looking uke. Hope it sounds good. It seems to be built better than most of the Japanese uke of that time. Thanks for sending in the pic of the back. Still no idea what the wood is. Looks like a little of everything,. best....chuck - Friday, September 26, 2008

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