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

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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: 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

Question asked by: kamel Subject: Is this a gibson uke ? Question: Hello Chuck- Great website ! could you help me finding the type (and model) of the ukulele I recently bought ? I saw pictures of very old gibson with the same kind of peghead .And I bought it with a gibson A3 mandolin of 1913 so it might be a valuable and very old instrument . Best regards from Paris-France ...kamel Photos:      Answer: Kamel. I got the other pic of the headstock, I know for sure it is not a Gibson and it is hard to believe that it is a 1913 vintage. It looks like a regal knock off from the 50-60's....Are you sure it was purchased in 1913....Thats a very early ukulele and this looks nothing like a uke from that time...plese write back...chuck - Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Kiwaya KTS-7 Question: Mahogany Soprano Ukulele Martin 3M copy Chuck I wondered if you'd ever heard of these or had a look at one. I would love a real 3m or 3k but will never have enough money unless I win the lottery. Any ideas on what they're like and if they're worth the asking price (approx. $800 inc shipping)? Regards Steve Photos:      Answer: I know nothing about the 3m copy but the folks on the bulletin board might..post it as a question...Good luck, I will tune in and see the answers. best..chuck ' sure looks nice..... - Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Question asked by: Allen Hopkins Subject: Mele guitar/B & J Question: I believe Buegeleisen and Jacobson (B & J) was only a distributor, never a manufacturer. According to the Harmony guitar website, B & J was founded in 1897 in NY City. They were still active in the 1960's. They distributed a wide variety of brand names, including Harmony, Kay, National, S.S. Stewart etc.; they also imported instruments from Europe (e.g. Hagstrom) and from Asia. I have a "B & J Victoria" bowl-back mandolin that I believe is from around 1910. I doubt that the guitar in question was manufactured by B & J, but they did put a "B & J" label on some of the instruments they distributed and sold. Answer: Allen, thanks for the update. useful information...best and stay tuned to uke yak......c - Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Question asked by: Alex McGibbon Subject: MELE instrument Question: I recently required a MELE guitar at a yard sale. It has a small lable on headstock that reads MELE B&J NY. On the inside of the back , there is a note that states the following: The Use Of Metals In Civilian Articles Is Now Severely Restricted. 1. Ease peg out slightly until required pitch is obtained 2. If peg slips, remove and roughen slightly with a file or sandpaper 3. Be sure peg has bearing in slot at both ends 4. If peg or slot wears and peg becomes loose, cut quarter inch off end of peg. These pegs will tune your guitar as easily as a violin with care and a little practise. This is a war NECESSITY. However, the headstock has metal tuners. Is it possible that this instrument originally had friction pegs and they were later changed. Also, since I could find any evidence online that MELE made anything but ukuleles, could this instrument be a ukulele or possibly a tiple? Photos:      Answer: Very interesting..don't know what to say..I have never seen a mele guitar. I am posting this in the hopes some of the yakkers will know something about it. I think I know what you know..It is a war time machine and has taken all of the precautions that were needed to be taken during war time. I think you have an historical treasure. I would do some more digging...It might be very rare. thanks..chuck - Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Question asked by: Joel Leder Subject: 1919-1920 Question: CHUCK: I am trying to keep a shoet story I am writng historically accurate. I your opinion, which were the top end models for a professional player to buy those two years. It looks like the L&H shrines, bells, goldleaf, as well as the teardrop (L& H or Favilla) were all introduced in the mid 20's. Was the Martin3 the best uke for pros in those years? Thanks, Joel Answer: The professional player of those years would have either played a Martin or a Gibson. Lyon and Healy was not really a force in the uke business until a few years later..hope this helps...chuck - Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Question asked by: Mike Subject: Kamaka ID Question: I have read here that Kiki ukuleles were made in Japan... what do you know about the Koa soprano Kamakas that carry the "Fabricated by Kamaka Japan, Ltd. Hand-finished by Kamaka Hawaii" decal behind the head, but carry the normal KK decal and have the normal gold lable? Example photo attached... Photos:      Answer: Since the waters are muddy about this problem, I would write Cris Kamaka at the factory. Go to their website and ask them. They are the best historians about their instruments..thanks...chuck - Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Question asked by: Ginger Subject: Blackstone Baritone Uke Question: Do you have any information about a Blackstone baritone ukulele that was purchased in the early 60's by mailorder? There is a serial number, which is 73125B. Thank you for your time. Answer: Ginger...I am not familiar with that name...hope someone out there is and will write in...thanks....chuck - Monday, February 4, 2008

Question asked by: Kenny Plank Subject: Martin -question/value Question: Hi Chuck, I found this yuk at my parents house, and know nothing about ukuleles. Could you please give me any information that will help determine the value and age of the yuk. Thanks for your help I look forward to your response. Kenny Answer: Kenny I'm good but not that good. I'd have to be a magician to pull this one off. A pic would help..thanks..chuck - Monday, February 4, 2008

Question asked by: robert Subject: Photo request please Question: Hello Chuck....could you send me a good close up photo of the gold tuners on a Marvin airplain koa uke. I need to find a set but dont know what to look for...Thanks Bobtheuke Staffordshire England. Answer: Robert...ask this question on the bulletin board...someone there might have one to photograph...sorry I couldn't help..chuck - Monday, February 4, 2008

Question asked by: Joey Subject: New uke Question: Hi Chuck, I'm prepared to make my first uke purchase, a tenor, with a budget of $400.00 tops. Could you give me 4 brands I should consider. Thanks, Joey Answer: Joey..this is also a question for the bulletin board on this site. Those guys know all about prices and ukes of today...thanks for writing in and write on the bulletin board....they are great. thanks...chuck - Monday, February 4, 2008

Question asked by: Bob Subject: Regal Tenor Guitar to Baritone Uke? Question: Hi Chuck: I have an old Regal Tenor guitar that is kind of a combination between a flat top (the top is flat) and an archtop (tailpiece and bridge). It has a spruce top w/koa back and sides Its about the size of a Baritone Uke, but the scale length is longer. Would this convert to a baritone with nylon guitar strings or would the arch top configuration make this a sonic flop? Photos:      Answer: Bob, nice to the your guitar. It is my favorite all time tenor and yes you can convert it. The pitch will have to be determined when you get it strung..You will know when its right. I had many of them and I converted them easily. It will sound great. Love the neck..narrow and easy to play....thanks for writing in...chuck - Friday, February 1, 2008

Question asked by: Neil K. Subject: broken Favilla key Question: I've got an old Favilla soprano uke that has a broken key. It originally had had the older style black keys but now has two newer white keys (one broken). My problem is that the all the new keys I've found are too large for the hole. I don't want to ream them to a larger size and would really like to replace it with an old key (black or white). I don't mind buying a set of four. Any idea where I can find one? thanks, Neil K. Answer: Any good music store with a decent luthier. You may have to have the holes drilled to the new size. Dont try it yourself...best..chuck - Thursday, January 31, 2008

Question asked by: scott Subject: abreo ukulele Question: Hello Chuck,Saw your question about Abreo ukuleles and am wondering if you ever found more information on this maker? it just so happens that I have one of these ukuleles,the label says Annon Abreo maker of all string instrumemts,especially guitars, Paia Maui,april 26,1917.The ukulele was really in bad shape when i purchased it,I had it restored at a local repair shop,would be glad to send photos of it to you if your interested, Scott Answer: Thanks Scott, I would love a pic...chuck - Thursday, January 31, 2008

Question asked by: Bill Knowles Subject: Favilla Ukulele Question: I inherited a Favilla Style B 2 Baritone, Serial #500816. Anyway to tell when it was manufactured? Thanks. Answer: Not without seeing a picture of the whole ukulele from the front. The decals vary as does the trim..I will do my best if you send a pic..thanks....chuck - Wednesday, January 30, 2008

Question asked by: Bruce Mann Subject: Martin Uke Year made? Question: My mother in law has this Martin and I am confused as to the year it was made. It has peg tuners and a front decal and the name inside the sound hole. She purchased it in 1944 or so. Thanks, Bruce Mann Photos:      Answer: Bruce...It is impossible to know the year of Martin ukulele. They didn't number any after a few of the very first ones. The rest are just a guess. I can tell you your uke, if it does have a decal and no name on the back of the peg head, it was almost surely made after 1950. The exact date will remain a mystery. I would like to see a picture of the whole ukulele as the inside of the sound hole, as interesting as it is, looks the same on almost all models. I can tell you more if you send me a picture of the whole front of the uke. This is all so coincidental...My mother in law's name is Martin....Well Well...chuck - Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Question asked by: Billy Canary Subject: Hopf (?) Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I picked up a uke on EBay listed as a Hopf. It has a crack that runs the entire length of the lower bout and the neck is not in alignment. My local luthier says it'll be about a $200 dollar repair. Is it worth it or should I plant a Staghorn Fern in it and hang it in the yard.? Thanks, Billy Answer: Go buy the dirt. That's the best I can do without seeing the uke. Send the pic, get an opinion. chuck - Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Question asked by: Drew Subject: swapping tuners on a flea Question: Hi Chuck, I'm the new owner of a Flea uke and I'm enjoying it. However, I would like to upgrade the Grover 2B's to geared Grover 4B's. Do you know by chance how much modification of the holes is necessary? It looks to me as if I may need to enlarge the side of the tuner hole that is on the inside of the maple headstock loop. If so, how on earth would I get in that confined space to enlarge the hole to accept the 4B's bushing? Any idears? Thanks! Drew Answer: Drew....as much as I'd like to help you with your hole problems...I am the wrong man...Write this question on the bulletin board and you will get more answers than you expected. They know every thing about everything. Just ask them...I do often...chucik - Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Question asked by: Sam Subject: Painted silvertone Question: Hi Chuck, Just bought this old painted Silvertone on ebay. Can you tell me anything about it. It arrived yesterday in very good condition, but the tuner bushings are deteriorated. Would it be worth the effort to replace the worn tuners with originals or would it hurt it to install modern tuners? Thanks for all you do for us Uke'rs. Sam in Wichita, Kansas Photos:      Answer: Sam...thanks for the kind words. I would put new tuners on if I didn't have to expand the holes to do it. You need a good luthier to advise you. If you can do it easily, I would keep the old tuners in case you want to make it original or sell it. I think that is the nicest one of that model I have ever seen. Nice score. Let me know what works...thanks for writing in...chuck Ps..if the holes are already too big for the tuners, you can have them rebused and re-drilled. see ya - Tuesday, January 29, 2008

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