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

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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

Question asked by: Rich Leufstedt Subject: TV UKE Question: Chuck, Thanks for the response . Here's a pic of the headstock . Rich Photos:      Answer: Thanks....Standard Wendal hall TV Uke. good player. I just wanted to see if the label was any different that I remembered. best..chuck - Thursday, September 25, 2008

Question asked by: Kenneth Subject: Ukulele ID? Question: Chuck, I purchased this uke at a yard sale for $5.00 US many years ago, the friction tuners were shot so I replaced them with geared tuners out of my parts box. It plays like a dream and has a sweet warm sound. There is no label inside and JAPAN is stamped into the back of the headstock. I was curious if you could provide any info on the approximate year it was made and what kind of wood it is? More pictures available on request. Many thanks in advance. Kenneth Photos:      Answer: It is most likely 50's by the look of the shape. I can't tell about the wood, it sort of resembles Koa. Send a close up pic of the back and I will see what I can do. You said its most important function" It plays like a dream"...thanks for writing in..chuck - Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Question asked by: Botch Rutner Subject: Harmony Ukulele Question: I have this Harmony Ukulele that my wife gave me a few years ago. Even though it was my first ukulele and a gift and everything, I'm not sentimental and it seems a shame to just let it gather dust in the closet. I'd rather if it could find someone out there to appreciate it. I think she paid around $50 for it, and I doubt it's anymore than that, but I thought I'd show it to an expert before I put it up for sale. (I'm happy to provide more pictures, but I didn't know the form would only take one at a time...) Thanks! Photos:      Answer: Botch...don't retire just yet. It is a harmony but not a good one. I think it would be worth a few more bucks over 50, but not much. It has the replaceable plastic fingerboard. Not a great feature. Wish I had better news...but..........chuck - Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Question asked by: les lyons Subject: Kook A Lay Lee price range. Question: I cant find any thing about the value of these Instruments. This has a Swagerty label on the end. Any help will be much appreciated.Les Lyons Dallas TX Photos:      Answer: If you hunt around of the net under the name Surf-a-lay lee you will find collectors. Also , if you write the bulletin board on this site and ask the same question, you will get answers. I have seen the sell for 100 dollars up to 500 for the double necked..good luck hunting....C - Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Question asked by: Rich Leufstedt Subject: Wendell Hall TV Concert Uke Question: I just got this uke from a yard sale and was curious what the TV stands for on the headstock. I've seen "red-headed" models but not many of this model.I know Jim has an picture of a TV headstock in his "Visual History" but that was the only other reference I could find of this model. Did I do good for my $25 bucks ? Photos:      Answer: I cant see the other side but thanks for the back picture. It should have a TV shaped white little doo-dad on the front near the YV. It was out around 50's. you did great for 25 bucks..You can't get a good dinner for 25 bucks and by the same token you can't eat the ukulele. I have no idea what that means. I have owned this uke and remember it as a good payer as were all the Wendell Halls. Good strummin"..chuck - Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Question asked by: Mike Cohn Subject: Kamaka ukulele Question: Mr. Chuck, I have my uncle's Kamaka uke that I need to get ID'd and priced for a court sale. I'm pretty confident it was made between 1975 and 1978. It's in perfect condition but lacks a case. Can you verify it's age and give me an approximate value? Thanks. I can send more photos if needed. Photos:      Answer: 50-60's.....350 approx...good luck in court. C - Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Question asked by: Craig Wilde Subject: old Ukulele Question: Chuck, About 12 years ago my anunt gave my some Ukuleles. She has since past. However, I just cleaned out my storage and came across them again. One is a Gold Lable Kamaka from the late 50's, and this one. My daughter who is 4 wanted to jam on it and I said no. I wanted to know if you anything about this one. The only marking are inside and say "made in western Germany" I know it was made in the 50's or 60's and in Germany but thats it. Thanks for taking a look Photos:      Answer: I know the name but it escapes me right now. Will write when my mind starts working again..They were not particularly good ukuleles, cheap wood and not much sound. Other than that they are great. Will rack my brain...Anyone out there know the name, please write in..thanks...chuck - Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Question asked by: chad covino Subject: 50+ year old Uke Question: This ukulele came from my grandfather who says it's atleast 50 years old. He ordered it through the mail from Hawaii after the war and kept it wrapped in a brown paper bag. Could you please tell me what model this is as there are no markings of any kind. For more shots please visit my Flickr Link. http://flickr.com/photos/covinoch/sets/72157607267891136/ Photos:      Answer: It is not a Hawaiian uke. He probably ordered it from the Regal company of Chicago. It has very distinctive markings around the sound hole. Never saw another brand with it. It appears to be a soprano, not sure what you mean by model, should be about 21 inches long. best..... - Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Question asked by: william Thompson Subject: Pacific Ukulele made in Aus Question: Is the company still in business? If so, do you have any sort of address? Thank you. Answer: William...trying to track them down. They were in business about 8 years ago, but I have heard nothing about them since then...Will write when I have more.....c - Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Question asked by: Robert Subject: Vintage Mele banjo uke Question: Really enjoy your website. I have a vintage Mele banjo uke, made for B&J, New York. I'm told from the 1920's. More pics at http://picasaweb.google.com/badgett/BanjoUkulele Any thoughts on value? Photos:      Answer: 200+ on a good day...Usually good players, use gut strings...chuck - Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Question asked by: John Bushey Subject: Question On A Ukulele I Have Question: Could you maby tell me about the years of these two UKL i have-One is called The Dandy Line-And the other is a Roy Smeak Thank You And there in perfect condition- Would it be worth it to have them restrung Photos:      Answer: Absolutly...they are both good ukes. The Roy Smeck is a little higher on the pecking order, but both solid instruments. Have them restrung and pay them...chuck - Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Question asked by: Ally Subject: UKE old one Question: Family hand me down ready to be sold on ebay. Im just wondering can you give me an idea on the age of it. Label located inside body, visible through soundhole, 'MADE IN AUSTRALIA BY/JMG INSTRUMENTS/PATENT PENDING 2869/46' Label on handle is Nicholsons Pty LTd Sydney "the music centre" has all strings and works fine case is old and bit tattery on outside but strong protecting still. Not sure if you can help but thought worth a try. Photos:      Answer: I see them once in a while down here. They were made by a violin maker who had an idea to make a little cave type area around the inside of the uke to trap the sound ans direct it towards the sound hole. A miserable failure. They came in their own odd shaped flight case. If you track down the patent number on the inside you will get information about the uke. I did, but I can't remember what year. This one looks in fantastic shape. It seems bigger than a soprano..should be 21 inches. Let me know..I'd keep it..its a real rarity. I would value it, in that conditon...700+.....thanks for writing in...c - Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Question asked by: Steve Pepper Subject: Ian Anderson Question: Chuck In response to bassclar's query re Ian Anderson's guitar he apparently plays a range of travel guitars. He is attributed to own one by Ozark, which I find strange as this is a fairly cheap range of instruments. The one on here is probably a "Taylor" of some description they make fine travel guitars. Travel guitars are tuned the same but built smaller so people can "backpack with them" Martin do one as well but its probably the same quality of the new uke made in Mexico i.e. not with a ten foot barge pole, I know I own one. NB did you get the pic I sent of the model 4 De Vekey you seem to have lost about 4 days of posts the other week? Steve Answer: Thanks for the info, I got the pics and believe I answered you question...Will check...If you don't see an answer, write again. Once I delete or answer them they are gone forever. Thanks again..chuck - Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Question asked by: Jim Bailey Subject: Uke ID Question: Hi Chuck, I was just gifted an uke for my house-sitting services. It was received by my boss from a friend several years ago. Looks nice & sounds nice. The head has "Kamalani" across the top. The back of the sound hole has "Fresh Ukuleles, Kimo of Kailua" burned into the wood. Its highly polished and seems to be good quality. I can't find any info on the internet. Ever heard of them? Thanks, Jim Bailey, Ojai, CA Answer: Have no idea...perhaps one of the uke yakkers will know. They know lots of stuff don't....Anyone Know....thanks...chuck - Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Question asked by: Arlen Moore Subject: Banjo ukulele Question: Hello Chuck, I have an old banjo ukulele with no head and no obivous way of attaching a replacement. I would like to restore the uke. Can you tell me how the head is supposed to attach? There are no markings on it. Many many thanks in advance. Arlen Moore Photos:      Answer: Arlene..I can tell you but it would take forever to type it out. It will take a good repair man about 10 minutes to do. Take it to a good luthier.....thanks...chuck - Monday, September 22, 2008

Question asked by: Marsha Subject: L. Nunes Uke value? Question: I recently came about owning a Leonardo Nunes ukulele. It has a paper label inside, but none on the outside or neck. The copyright year is hard to read, but it is, I believe, either 1915 or 1919...I would guess 1919. There are three tiny inlaid rings of wood around the sound hole (I don't know the official word for this hole). Where the split is, there is a bit of the inlay missing. Otherwise there is no damage. The wood is beautiful, the uke sounds very good, and stays in tune nicely. It is a plain instrument compared to other Leonardo Nunes ukes that I've seen online. Can anyone help me determine a value on it, just a general ballpark idea? Also, is there a way to find a buyer other than on eBay? I appreciate any help I can get! Answer: Marsha...You can sell the uke on our marketplace..look to the left of this site page and you will see it. Its free...It requires a picture and so do I. Leonardo Nunes made many, many different ukes, I would have to see a picture to tell you the value. I can ,if you will send the pic. Thanks...chuck - Saturday, September 13, 2008

Question asked by: Jim Tranquada Subject: Leonardo Nunes Question: Chuck: Leonardo Nunes first appears in the Los Angeles city directory in 1914, listed as a ukulele maker. However, George J. Birkel was advertising "the famous L. Nunes Native Hawaiian Instruments" as early as October 1913. Answer: Thanks Jim and how are you . Always a pleasure to hear from you...chuck - Saturday, September 13, 2008

Question asked by: Dan Cooper Subject: Kumalae decal Question: Hi Chuck, I have just finished restoring this wonderful Kumalae ukulele. My question concerns the green Kumalae headstock decal. I have seen several others with the same green decal and was wondering what significance if any, there was to this type of decal instead of the more common PPIE 1915 one. The label inside my uke mentions the highest award at PPIE 1915, and pencil marks inside suggest 1929 as production year. If needed, I can send a closeup picture of the decal. Thanks for your input. Dan. Photos:      Answer: I have seen this decal but on a kumalae concert owned. What are the dimensions of this uke. I would like a close -up of the decal and the label. thanks..chuck - Saturday, September 13, 2008

Question asked by: Daniel Bradbury Subject: Ukelele O Hawaii Question: Here is a uke I have had for many years. the label says Ukelele of Hawaii Highest Grade For Tone Quality and Workmanship (in script) Kaholas and Co. (and below that, a sort of coat of arms. It has very nice tome. What might you be able to tell me about it and its origins? Thank you, Dan Photos:      Answer: Made in the 20's always had a problem with the shape. Usually out of round..Wonkey, as they say down her in Australia. Decent uke, usually with a good tone. Collectible, they don't come up that often. thanks for writing...cuuck - Saturday, September 13, 2008

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