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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

Question asked by: Bruce Mann Subject: Martin year? Question: Hi Chuck. More on my mother in laws Martin. The picture shows the headstock. The back does not have the inprint. The inside says C.F. Martin, Nazarith, Pa. No "made in USA". What confuses me is the friction tuning pegs. I read that they were discontinued in 1928 or so. She had two uke's and one was from the 30's and one was from the 40's. I think she has them mixed up. It is a long story..... Thanks for the help. Bruce Photos:      Answer: This is not 30's uks....Later. Keep strummin..c - Monday, February 25, 2008

Question asked by: kamel Subject: about my regal uke Question: Thanks Chuck for the quick answer- sorry but my american isn't great so I wasn't really clear about my uke .I bought a gibson A3 (1913) mandolin and the seller proposed me this uke for 100 us dollars . So this is a Regal ! Nice .. Being a new member of the uke community , is it a soprano one ? I bought the great book by Jim Beloff and would like to know if this is :birch body or mahogany . I saw a few models from 1935-40's ( estimated 300- 500 dollars) , can mine be a bit older than what you thought ? A luthier is restoring my uke right now so I'll come back to you with pictures of the original hardcase and the 3 tuners . Thanks ( merci beaucoup !! ) for your help ! If you come to Paris one day I'll be pleased to pay you a beer ( or tea, juice,bourbon ect..) Best regards ...kamel Photos:      Answer: Your English is fine. It is a Regal but not worth 3-400 dollars. It is worth about half of that. It is a soprano (21 inches long)...It is hard to tell the wood, it is either Mahogany or Koa. Can't wait for the drinks...I'll be there someday..chuck - Monday, February 25, 2008

Question asked by: Jim Ravoira Subject: Harmony Baritone Question: I purchased a Harmony Baritone Made in Japan RB-3225. It appears to have a 18.5" scale length. It needs a bridge I estiamted it from the fret spacing using a scale caclulator on stew mac. I thought Harmony went out of business in 74 it says 11-78 on the sticker. I was wondering if it was originally a GCEA uke? Any info? Thanks, Jim Photos:      Answer: Jim..The Harmony name is being used by two different companies today and they are both located in Japan. I have had many questions. I don't know if the bought the name or not...chuck - Monday, February 25, 2008

Question asked by: Paul Kimball Subject: Kumalae Uke Question: Chuck - would appreciate info on this uke which I plan to sell on line. It's been in the family since it was probably purchased new in the 1920's when my parents were in college. Can you pin down the age? It measures 21" x 5 3/4" x 2 1'4". Can you tell me what type it is? A soprano? Model type? It is in overall good condition except for a crack on the back near the bottom and a hairline crack on the front. It sounds great. I think I can attach only one pic here so will send 2 more (the back and the 1915 logo) separately. What do you think this uke might be worth? Many thanks. Photos:      Answer: Paul...it is a style 1 kumalae soprano ukulele made sometime after l9l5 and before l925. It is a very nice example and for that reason will command a premium price. It should sell for 400 approx. The market is soft right now and most. if not all. serious collectors have one of these. However, it is a player's instrument and hopefully someone looking for a reasonable vintage instrument would snap this one up. If you want the best exposure put it up on the market place on this site. It's free and only read by uke nutz. Look at the menu on the left and you will find the marketplace. thanks..chuck - Sunday, February 17, 2008

Question asked by: Victor Patron Subject: koa soprano mainland Question: Hi Chuck. Really enjoying the forum here and the great stuff that goes thru these pages. I picked up this koa soprano on Ebay recently. Inside sticker reads "Genuine Koawood Ukulele Material Workmanship Guaranteed". The back of the neck has a very pronounced ridge. The ridge is very sharp at the heel and slowly feathers into the neck to the headstock. I've not seen or felt an uke like this one before and am wondering if you have any ideas of who could have made this and time period. It needs some repairs like taking the screws out of the bridge and repairing the soundhole, but it is a really fabulous player and the sound is amazingly warm at all volumes. It's a keeper for sure. I'll be sending some pix of the back and the label to ya also. Keep up the great work. Your efforts are much appreciated by this uke junkie! Vick Photos:      Answer: Victor, I know the label says Koa but I would bet my butt its Mahogany. I could be wrong, I have been in the past. The heel cap as part of the back is the island way of making ukes. I would guess it was made in the 30's. I have no idea who made it but I would do as you are going to do. Fix it up and play it. IF it sounds great that is all that counts...keep strummin...chuck - Sunday, February 17, 2008

Question asked by: Yvonne Gluyas Subject: What is it? Question: Thanks for you earlier reply. IS this a uke or a banjo? It is only 530cm long. The metal tag on the top says "John Grey & Sons London. Roy Smeck Junior Model". what is the best way of selling it and what price should I ask for it? Photos:      Answer: Yvonne, It is an English banjo uke. Made by the John Grey company which made tons of ukes, banjo ukes, banjos, etc. It's a good instrument and I would place it on the marketplace on this site. It will get good exposure here. I would expect it would bring 200+...good luck..chuck - Sunday, February 17, 2008

Question asked by: Dennis Arnold Subject: Regal?? Question: Hi Chuck, Hope this finds you well. Well, here we go again. I have just acquired this little beauty and am in need of some information on it. Obviously, it's a Regal. It's 24" long, 9.5" wide, 2" deep and has a 14 7/8 scale. I think it's at least from the 30's, maybe even the 20's, but that's what I am hoping to find out from sending this picture. I have never seen one like it and was wondering not only how old it might be, but anything else you or your other avid fans can tell me about it. I appreciate all you do for us lowly strummers. Take care, my friend, and I'll be back again when I find another ukulele mystery. Mahalo nui loa Dennis Photos:      Answer: Thanks for the kind words. You have most of the answers already..It was made in the 30/40 era. Harmony had the exact use which always made me wonder who made for whom..I think they were both made by Regal. Thanks for writing and I hope the yakkers will have something to add...best...chuock - Saturday, February 16, 2008

Question asked by: Jeff Mercer Subject: Singers Uke Question: hey,Chuck,many thanks to you and Ken Bailey for reply.obviously the headstock close-ups did'nt go thru,so re-sending(the H/stock on right is a Kumalae,for comparison).Apologies if the pics are'nt up to scratch,Ken-i'm as uncomfortable in the digital/computer world as you- which probably explains my attraction to the Ukulele- simplicity!Do you have an existing image of your Singers Uke that you could post?Many thanks,Ken.Thanks heaps,Chuck! (been doing some research into Weissenborn ukes,found some very interesting stuff!will write.) Cheers,Chuck.Jeff Photos:      Answer: Jeff. thanks posting this for Kenny to see. I'm sure he will have something to add. best...chuck...Please have someone show you how to reduce a picture. Its about the size of a small building and takes days to come thru.....see ya - Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Question asked by: Freddy Valentin Subject: tenor bridge pins on Martin Tenors Question: Hi Chuck,On the Martin tenor 1-T, what would the orignal bridge pins been made of?I came across a tenor 1-T and the bridge pins are plastic. Also one of the bridge pins seem to have come from a Martin guitar. I want to replace those pins with something similar to what originally came with the uke.AS I am a newbie, where can I get replacement pins and are they a particular size that I must get? Thanks :>) Answer: Go to the Martin site and order them. They will have what you are looking for. thanks for writing in...keep in touch...chuck - Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Question asked by: Vicki Subject: Princess Banjo Uke Question: Hi Chuck, Do you know the company who made this banjo uke? It has a 7 inch head and says Princess on the dowel stick underneath. Looks like the bridge and tail piece have been replaced. Thanks, Vicki Photos:      Answer: Don't know who made it, but this model was carried by many stores who put any name they wanted on them...Play it ...it should sound good...gut or nylon strings....metal cuts you fingers...best..chuck - Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Question asked by: Preston (Pres) Taylor Subject: Uke PICK idea Question: Chuck, Is there a place where a guy can submit an idea for a great pick design for the ukulele? I've made one of black rubber, shaped it where it's VERY easy to grip without slipping, and I think everyone would love one. Great for straight-out strumming. Thanks! Pres in San Antonio Answer: stick it on marketplace on this site. You will find interested parties. Also ask this question on the Bulletin board...I'm sure you will get lots of response...chuck - Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Question asked by: Lee Fisk Subject: CU-3 Ukulele Question: Hi, The CU-3 uke is in the center of group in the back row. I know some one asked earlier about this model. It just won't go away. J/K. If you don't mind I can send some more image if you let me know what e-mail to send them to. I'm interested in figuring out who made it. Thanks, Lee Fisk (Bend, OR) Photos:      Answer: Have no idea. The dots in the bridge and the lard dots on the fingerboard make me this it was made in Japan...How does it sound..thanks..chuck - Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: mystery uke Question: My dearest Watson, Here's one for your personal edification.... Soprano size. All Koa with a bookmatched 2 piece front and back. Slightly arched back. The parend at the top of the headstock and star on the bridge suggest Portuguese. No label, decal, stamp. The inlay on the fret board and headstock is alternating Abalone and MOP. Do you or any of your knowledgeable readers have any maker in mind? I'm at a loss. Kenny Photos:      Answer: Its old....Hard to name a maker. Never seen that kind of inlay on a fingerboard. Curious....Perhaps..rather than Portugese..how about Ernest Kaii....just a thought..hope someone out there will know..John King...what do you think...best kenny..chuck - Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: Singers Question: Aloha Chuck and Jeff, More pics would be nice, but just by Jeff's description the uke in question is a Singers. Exaggerated arched back, wide piece at tbe butt joint, headstock looks identical to mine. My Singers has a paper label inside, but no Tabu stamp (possibly hidden under label?) or Hawaiian Flag. I'm inspired by your photographic skills Jeff, as I thought I was the worst. Answer: Thanks Ken...nice to have you back yakking. thanks for the info..best..chuck - Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Question asked by: Jeff Mercer Subject: Question Question: Hey Chuck, a question for you and Ken Bailey(now he's back with us- Hi Ken!), I've taken a stab in the dark at identifying this unlabelled uke, as made by the Singers Ukulele MFG Co. c. 1917. Do you still have one in your collection Ken? Three things stand out; it has an extra wide (bamboo?) butt strip, about twice the width of Kumalae, Akai, Royal Hawaiian etc, a REALLY exaggerated arched back, far more pronounced than my other vintage Hawaiians, and it's notable the way the pegs are kind of cramped together on the headstock (the top and bottom string pegs could've come back an inch or more easily). Aside from the Hawaii emblem and a Tabu stamp (back of headstock), no other labelling. Does all this match with the one in your collection Ken? Many thanks in advance for any info you can offer. Cheers, Jeff; Thanks Chuck Photos:      Answer: chuck here...my opinion is it looks like a kumalae style body and sound hole rings, I cannot get a good perspective on the headstock. The lack of dots on the fingerboard are a bit strange. I would like pictures of the back, butt, and the tabu mark. I think I can do a better job. Kenny, if you read this would love your opinion. Thanks for writing in...love doing this sort of think. Kenny is Holmes and I am his Watson......best, chuck - Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Question asked by: Jeremy Subject: luthier Question: Hello Chuck, I was wondering if you or anyone out there knew of a good luthier in Austin Texas. My uke needs some help! Thank you for this wonderful site, I always enjoy reading. Take care! Jeremy Answer: Jeremy...I am in Melbourne Australia. My suggestion is to go the player list on this site and find names of people in your area and give them a call. Somebody must know. Maybe one of the yakkers will write in with into...chuck - Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Question asked by: Sam Subject: identify an Ebay treasure Question: Chuck, Do you have any idea about this one? I paid $ 12 ($21 including shipping) so not expecting much. Would you try to save it, you just use the bones to support a new top? Thanks, Sam in Wichita You can see the entire listing at: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d ll? ViewItem&rd=1&item=130192030879&ss PageName=STRK:MEWN:IT&ih=003 Photos:      Answer: Don't spend alot on it. 21 is pleanty. Put a new top if the rest is strong. Who knows, it might be a player...best..chuck - Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Question asked by: ech-cheikh Subject: Is this a gibson uke ? Question: Hello Chuck- Great website ! do you have any idea what this ukelele could be ? It might be a valuable instrument because I bought it with a 1913 gibson A3 mandolin . I also saw pictures of old gibson uke with the same type of peghead ...Thanks Photos:      Answer: can't help from that pic. Need more...chuck - Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Question asked by: Yvonne Gluyas Subject: Roy Smeck autographed uke Question: I have an AUTOGRAPHED Roy Smeck ukelele and was wondering if it had any resale value to a collector? I have a few pics of it.... Many thanks, Yvonne Photos:      Answer: Yvonne...the only way to find out if it is desirable, is to put it up for sale. I have no idea what the signature will do for you as far as added value goes...What does the decal on the headstsock say, I can not read it. good luck..Will help all I can...chuck - Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Question asked by: Bruce Mann Subject: Martin Uke Question: Here is a picture of the front of the Martin. My mother in law says she bought it in the 1940's. Thanks for the help. Bruce Photos:      Answer: Bruce....I may have been purchsed in the 40's but I doubt it. It is a later model Martin style 1. It has the large dots which dates it about the 1950's or later. I have forgotten, does it have a decal on the headstock and what does it say on the inside. later.....chuck - Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page