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#Get expert ukulele advice at the Collector's Uke Yak
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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

Chuck Fayne

Flea Market Music Uke Yak (65 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: Photo 1    

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: 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: Photo 1    

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: Photo 1    

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: Frank Loughran
Subject: C.F. Martin uke apprasial
Question: I would like to know the approx. value for my Martin uke. It is a soprano with push peg tuners. There is no decal or stamp on the back of the neck. There is a Martin stamp in the sound hole. I have had it repaired professionally and there is one tuning peg from a violin. I sounds great and I believe it dates from 1922 to 1926. Can you help me? Many thanks, Frank

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Without the stamp on the back of the headstock, I don't think it is that old. However, the size of the dots is of the earlier Martin as is the Push Peg tuners. I would guess for a style 1 with repairs, 500-600 would be a good price. Its my favorite Martin player. Great tone...chuck
- Friday, January 25, 2008


-->Question asked by: Joel Tebbenkamp
Subject: Mahogany v. Koa v. Spruce Wood
Question: Hi Chuck, I'm looking at three entry-level tenor ukuleles and am wondering about the quality and sound of the woods used in each uke. The Pono PTOE is solid mahogany, the Kala KA-KTE is Koa, and the Kala Spruce Top is Koa with a Spruce top. How will the sound of these three ukuleles differ? Secondly, one of the ukes comes with open-faced gears. What maintenence concerns come with open-faced tuners as opposed to closed-faced tuners?

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Joel, this question belongs on the bulletin board on this site. Ask them, they have all the good answers for new ukuleles. I have none unless Lyon and Healy have gone back in to the uke business. best...chuck
- Friday, January 25, 2008


-->Question asked by: Richard
Subject: Uke Case
Question: Dear Chuck, I recently bought an older Gibson uke. I'm intrigued by the case. It has a textured black exterior (imitation leather of some sort?) over a compressed cardboard-like material with a green felt interior. It is marked "G. and Son. Utility" - see attached picture. Hmmmm. G. and Son....Gibson....I see from a website that Gibson made a "Utility" case for guitars...how about for ukes? Does G. and Son. = Gibson?? Or was someone looking to make Gibson lookalikes? Cheers and thanks for all your wonderful help to the ukers out there, Richard

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Love to see the whole case. I am not a case expert....But I will do what I can...chuck
- Friday, January 25, 2008


-->Question asked by: Becky
Subject: gretsch soprano repair
Question: I just purchases a Gretsch soprano for $100. From what I've been reading here about this brand, I think it was an OK deal. But the little instrument needs some repairs. It has a loose neck and bridge, and one of the tuners is cracked. Would you have anyone to recommend in the Midwest (Ohio) who could do a good job fixing it? I can't wait to play!!

Answer: On this site you will find a player directory. See if there is anyone near where you live and ask them. I am not familiar with Mid West Luthiers...Hope this helps..chuck
- Friday, January 25, 2008


-->Question asked by: Vicki
Subject: buzzing g string
Question: Chuck, I have a beautiful new, old stock Martin baritone uke w/ original tags that I recently acquired. It had never been played and has been in its case for the last 50 yrs. It plays real sweet except that the g and c strings buzz some. I put in new ebony bridge pins and it has helped but still some buzz. Can you think of anything else I can do to stop the buzz? Thanks, Vicki

Answer: vicke...you need a luthier to check the frets to see if they are high or low. It is most likely that is causing the problem...Let me know how it goes...chuck
- Thursday, January 24, 2008


-->Question asked by: kc
Subject: madolin
Question: I was given a mandolin. It looks old & needs some minor repairs. I'm not sure if it's worth being restored. I've tryed to research the history to determine if I should have it repaired and I can not locate online any history. There is inside a paper label reading Cremon Flach-mandoline Made in Czechoslovakin Do you know anything about this instrument? Kc Thank you for any help! I also emailed you sorry for the duplication.

Answer: I know very little about mandolins. This is a ukulele web site. Please look on the web for a mandolin site. sorry...chuck
- Tuesday, January 22, 2008


-->Question asked by: Alex McGibbon
Subject: Mele Instrument
Question: I sent you a note on about January 14 about a MELE instrument that I have. I am sending you more visual info. i.e. photos of the instrument.

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Alex...It is a guitar. It is definitely not a ukulele or a tiple. I am trying to find out if the B&J company actually made this instrument or just distributed it. I will get back to you...chuck
- Tuesday, January 22, 2008


-->Question asked by: Jeremy
Subject: re: what do i have
Question: Sorry, I sent 8 detailed photos and only the one went through. Thanks, Jeremy

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: You have a uke that was made on the mainland around l950 to compete with the Hawaiian market. That headstock is called a violin shaped headstock and was popular with some of the early Hawaiian makers. Nice uke...chuck
- Saturday, January 19, 2008


-->Question asked by: Lori
Subject: Age of this Gretsch?
Question: Hi Chuck, I've enjoyed reading your chat about old Gretsch ukes and wanted to share with you. I came across this one in an antique shop and rescued it. It is in sound excellent, playable condition, a few surface scratches but no cracks at all. It is plain jane, it has no inlay dots on the neck nor does it appear to have any kind of wood overlay on the neck. The pegs are in excellent shape and to me appear to be original. The bridge and saddle are one wood piece, no other material involved there either. I have been playing and enjoying it and think it sounds very nice. In addition to the stamp on the back of the head there is a stamp inside the body that you can see through the sound hole that reads Gretsch American. The inside does have kerfed linings on top and bottom. Have you any idea what year this may have been made and out of what kind of wood? Thank you so much, Lori

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Lori, The uke is made of Mahogany and the tuners are top quality. The uke was made in the 30's to the 50's...Probably closer to the 30's . Its a beauty ..thanks for the question..chuck
- Saturday, January 19, 2008


-->Question asked by: Christine Ikeakhe
Subject: Duke Kahanamoku uke
Question: Hello, I would like to know the worth of this collectable uke. It's from the fifties and has the crest of Hawaii on the top and the Duke's name on the body. The wood is a blonde colour. Tks. Christine

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: It is worth about 300 dollars. Its in very nice condition. It was made as a tourist uke and rumor has it it was made o the mainland. Sorry it took so long. chuck
- Saturday, January 19, 2008


-->Question asked by: Dan Frank
Subject: Mystery uke
Question: Hi Chuck, I recently found this ukulele and I was wondering if you could give me any more information on it. It has a generic-type label on the inside of greenish paper that reads "High grade Hawaiian Ukulele Warantee 6-S" It has nice appointments, with the rope binding and the back extending over the heel joint. It has crowned brass frets, not bar. Any suggestions? Thanks, Dan

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: It appears to be Hawaiian and the heel cap makes me think it definitely is. It is a very nice uke. The body shape is more like the early Hawaiian Ukes. I will look at my pictures for who I think it is. I think I know but can't think of the name...chuck
- Saturday, January 19, 2008


-->Question asked by: jim
Subject: SEKOVA Baritone Uke
Question: Is this a poor, good, better than ave, great, etc,..Uke?? old uke looks great condition, but i've not played it..only seen detailed photos..

Answer: Jim...need picture, not familiar with the name..thanks...chuck
- Friday, January 18, 2008


-->Question asked by: Steve Campbell
Subject: Hanalei, Royal Hawaiian or Neither?
Question: Newbie here (to your site, anyhow). I've had this uke for a long time and, on a whim the other day, got out my Fiddlebright and cleaned it up... and was astonished by the glowing golden wood! Is this Koa? It has a label (depicted in photo)with both "Hanalei" and "Royal Hawaiian" on it - I thought these were two different makes? It matches the pics I've seen online of Royal Hawaiian ukes, except for the violin tuning pegs (all the pics I've seen have full-on tuners). This uke was missing two pegs when I got it, but I think the ones I have are original (the wood matches, anyhow). Sooo - what do I have here? Is it real and worth lots of money, or a knock-off of some kind? Thanks, Chuck.

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Steve, I have seen another of these ukes. It is not Hawaiian and it is not Koa. It is made of pine and made in the United States to make people think it is hawaiian. I'm sorry it isn't better news but the uke looks solid and I would imagine it plays...see ya and thanks for writing in..chuck
- Friday, January 18, 2008


-->Question asked by: victor
Subject: Banjo/uke
Question: I just inherited this banjo uke. It has no ID marks other than "Concert" engraved on the rim of the resonator below the tailpiece. The back is all metal. Any ideas? Pic of back coming. Thanx for your time! Mahalo. Victor

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Victor, I am familiar with this uke. I have no idea who made it. Concert is a name used on many uke parts. It is a good uke and not common with the matching metal back. I would guess it was made in the 30's and by a known manufacturer. If there is more I can help with, I will. I will look at my catalogue collection and see if I can come up with a name...best..chuck
- Friday, January 18, 2008


-->Question asked by: Sarb
Subject: Weymann Uke - possible Martin?
Question: Hi Chuck, I'm pretty new to Uke playing, but I'm having fun learning. I am learning on a cheap entry model - a Mahalo soprano, but I have the opportunity to buy a Weymann Soprano. I wonder if its possible to identify whether its a Martin- made Weymann from these details: It hasd a serial number on it apparently - Serial # 31668 and has # 20 stamped on the head of the Uke. It has replacement Grover tuners and Martin strings, but will come with original tuners too - one of which is loose. What do you think? Thanks ever so much - great site, and a new find for me.

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: It is not a Martin made Weymann uke...But Buy it fast. It is a beautiful uke and as good as any martin. I have not seen another in that condition with the original case. Please write me and let me know how it goes..If you don't buy it let me know....as I said, its a beauty......chuck
- Friday, January 18, 2008


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Flea Market Music offers an on-line community for ukulele players, informative books on the ukulele, ukulele CDs,songbooks, videos and information on our instrument manufacturing of the FLUKE ukulele. Brought to you by "Jumpin" Jim Beloff. -