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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

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: 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: 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:      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: Travis Subject: Martin Style 2 Question: Hey Chuck, Here's the earlier question. Thanks again, I recently bought an early Martin Style 2. Based on the imprint on the back of the headstock and lack of decal on the front, I assume it is pre-1933. Its a fairly clean Martin, but the stress cracks (1 on top and 4 on bottom) concern me. The nut was also detached, but I've already fixed that under the supervision of a local luthier. After looking at it and at first considering repairs, the luthier declined to work on it, suggesting that I send it to Martin. Not gonna do that. My question is how much the cracks devalue an early Martin Style 2 that is otherwise in good condition? What I'm looking for is a lower value range -- I like the Martin, it plays well even with the top crack and I really want to keep it, I just want to make sure I didn't overpay. One more pic will follow this question. For anyone that's into old Martins, I compared the Style 2 to my 1932-33 Style 0 (decal on front of headstock and imprint on back), and it is just slightly more robust than the Style 2. In almost all dimensions the later Stlye 0 is just a tiny bit bigger, by like 1/32 to 1/64 inch. The headstock on the Style O is 2 3/8 at the top, while the Style 2 is 2 5/16. The Style 2 is also much darker than the Style 0 although the Style 2 looks to be original finish. Anyway, I hope someone finds this interesting and thanks for all your help. Travis Photos:      Answer: Travis, your style 2 is from the earliest variety..The wood was darker, the binding turned a yellowish color and the uke was more robust. The saddle should be part of the bridge. It dates from 1918-1925....The cracks devalue it but not a ton. It is still a desirable uke. IF I owned it I would spend the bucks and have it properly restored by a great luthier or by the Martin factory..Historically its worth it. Nice ukes...chuck - Friday, January 11, 2008

Question asked by: Bernard Subject: octogonal banjo uke Question: Hi Chuck I bought this old banjo uke with this what I think is a rare octagonal shape. It is also special to me becuase of the old blondie and mutt and jeff cartoons drawn on the skin by the college kid who played it in the 20s I suspect. Any thing you can tell me about it? I will sent the back photo in next email Thanks! Bernard Photos:      Answer: Bernard, I wish I could agree that the banjo uke is rare. It is not rare. I have had quite a few of them with different names. I had one called the Dandy Line, and one called the Peach. They were made in the 30-s and 40's and distributed by many retail outlets. AS I remember they sound pretty good...so go play and have a ball. If I can help further, please write4 in.....chuck - Wednesday, January 9, 2008

Question asked by: Mike Amato Subject: 1920s Weymann #20 Soprano Uke Question: Hi Chuck, Do you have an idea of what this uke might be worth? I have many other photos as well. I could send them, but this form seems to allow only one image at a time. Thanks! Mike Photos:      Answer: Mike...what a beauty...it is worth, with the original case 400.00 +....Beautiful ukulele.......thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Question asked by: travis vickery Subject: question on Martin Style 2 Question: I sent a few emails in late December with a question about a Martin Style 2. I resent my question, because I had trouble loading pictures and I also wasn't sure that it was ever received. I haven't seen an answer to either email and now I'm wondering if it wasn't transmitted. If you did receive it, was there something wrong with the question? It was strictly aimed at the lower value of an early style 2, something I thought would be really useful for anyone who collects old Martins and looks at the 'collector's uke yak' as often as I do. Thanks, Travis Answer: Travis. I remember question and the email I think you sent to Jim Beloff. If it is the same one, Jim forwarded it to me and I answered the question. I'm sorry, I have no idea what happened to the answer and if I answered it on Uke Yak. I will be glad to try again.Please accept my apology and I will be more than happy to help. I still need a picture...chuck - Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Question asked by: Jeffery A. Berz Subject: M. Nunes Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, Here are some recent pic's of my Ukulele. It says on the tag inside: Made Expressly for Grinell Bros. Detroit, Mich by M. Nunes and Sons Inventor of the Ukulele and Taro Patch in Honolulu in 1879 Manufactures of String Indstruments GUARANTEED Kapiolani Bldg. Alakea St. Honolulu, T. H. I'm looking for history and value. Thanks, Jeff Photos:      Answer: Jeffery, I only got a blow up picture of the sound hole. I'm good but not that good. Please send me a picture of the whole uke front and back and I will help. I know what the label says, I have had many Nunes ukes. He made so many styles, I have to see the entire uke to help you....thanks...chuck - Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Question asked by: Dawn Subject: Great Auntie Annie's Uke Question: Can you see what you need to here? If not, I'll try again. Mahalo again Chuck, Dawn Photos:      Answer: Dawn, I can see what I needed to see. If I were handed this uke and did not know anything about the history you have told me, I would say that it is definitely not an Island ukulele. The heel cap is not part of the back and that is the first give-away. The early makers, especially as early as l917 always made the ukuleles that way. IT is also definitely not a uke from 1917. There were very few makers at that time and I am familiar with all of their work. Again, if this uke were handed to me without the story I would say this uke was made in the 1930's or later as an imitation of a Hawaiian ukulele. The decal on the headstock is also modern and are available to purchase in most Hawaiian shops today. I wish I had better news but I have seen so many of these ukuleles in my 40 years of playing around with them that feel I am right. Also, there were very few ukuleles made that were not made from local woods. This wood does not seem to be Koa but more Mahogany. Sorry it took so long but the picture of the back was the thing I needed. best...chuck - Tuesday, January 8, 2008

Question asked by: Becky Subject: Favilla tuners Question: I recently purchased a Favilla baritone and I think the tuners are original. Sometimes when I'm tightening the strings, the tuners don't seem to hold tight. My brother, who plays guitar with geared tuners, says it would help to change out the friction tuners to geared. I don't think I want to do that; I'd like to keep the original tuners. Is there a repair that can be done to the friction tuners that would make them not slip? Thanks! Answer: By friction tuners I assume you are referring to peg tuners. You can get larger tuners or re-bush the holes and use the same tuners. If you are talking about standard tuners, and I have never seen a Kamaka Baritone with peg tuners, then I wouldn't worry about changing them. Just keep the old ones so you keep the originality. thanks///chuck - Saturday, January 5, 2008

Question asked by: Dawn Subject: Great Auntie's Annie's Uke Question: Hi Chuck, here are some better pictures. Mahalo, Dawn Photos:      Answer: Dawn..I need to know if the heel cap, that is the little piece at the top of the back that covers the end of the neck, is part of the back of not. I cannot tell from the picture. Thanks...chuck - Saturday, January 5, 2008

Question asked by: clem Subject: Uke value ? Question: Hi Chuck, I had a genuine Hawaiian uke, (about 1930 vintage)in its original case,given to me by an uncle.From memory it had some ROYAL sticker inside.The name started with a K...Anyway I loaned it to the Taree Councils art gallery for an exhibition of antique musical instruments some years ago & it was "lost".They have asked me to find out its value;I have "how to play" & songbooks that were with it & was planning to learn to play it(I`d forgotten I`d loaned it & they hadn`t contacted me).If you could help with some idea of it`s value (apart from the sentimental value),I`d appreciate it.I`ll probably get a Brad Clark when I get compensated. yours.....Clem Collier. Answer: clem..I couldn't help without a picture...if you have one send it...chucik - Saturday, January 5, 2008

Question asked by: LESLEY Subject: open headstock/Sam? Question: Hi Chuck, Sam wrote in asking who makes the traditional classical style slotted headstock for uke. Tony Graziano does have that as an option on his headstock styles. Look on the styles and details page on his webite. Happy New Year! Lesley Answer: thanks and happy new year...chuck - Saturday, January 5, 2008

Question asked by: Mike Prado Subject: Gibson soprano,Style 1or 2? Question: Chuck, I cannot decifer the style changes and model #'s of Gibson ukes. Is this uke a style 1 or 2? It has single tortoise binding on top & back, genuine pearl fret dots. The neckblock contains some numbers: 3737 20. Does this date or identify the uke? Thanks for your help. MP Photos:      Answer: The numbers don't help at all. No way of knowing who put them there. It is a style 2 late model (40-50's). Real good uke. Thanks for writing in..chucik - Saturday, January 5, 2008

Question asked by: Dawn Subject: Great, Great Auntie's Uke Question: Aloha Chuck, my mom just handed down her great aunt's ukulele. Do you know what it is? My grandmother seems to think it was prior to 1917 (when she was born). It looks like it's all 1 wood, has the Hawaiian Crest but no markings of any kind with wooden pegs. Mahalo Nui Loa, Dawn Photos:      Answer: Dawn..it doesn't look island to me. I need to see the same picture of the back and the front of the headstock. thanks..chuck does it say anything on the inside. best - Friday, January 4, 2008

Question asked by: Guy Bellingham Subject: martin varnish Question: Hi Chuck! I am enquiring about repairing a 1929 Martin (Style 0). What finish did they use on these? I need to fix a couple of cracks on the back, my local luthier would like to know what he should use to strip the varnish so he can make the repairs? Thanks so much! Photos:      Answer: Your going to the wrong luthier If he doesn't know what to use to strip varnish. I would write the martin company, you will find them on line, and ask for a Martin luthier in your area. It's worth the call. See ya..chuck - Thursday, January 3, 2008

Question asked by: Becky Subject: favilla baritone uke Question: I'm thinking about tuning my baritone uke to standard "My Dog Has Fleas" ukulele tuning, but I don't want to stress or harm the instrument in any way. Do you think this tuning will hurt it? I have a vintage Favilla (burned-in logo without serial number) - possibly made in the early 50's I think. Thanks! Answer: If your talking about tuning a baritone up to the pitch of a soprano, it will hurt...Its a baritone......happy new year..chuck - Sunday, December 30, 2007

Question asked by: Larry Subject: Martin T-15 Tiple Question: I am in pocession of a 1963 Martin tiple serial# 193300 with original case and tags. What would be it's value and the best way to sell it? The circle is around a very small scratched area on the back, and no the tags aren't hiding any problems. Thanks, Larry A HAPPY, HEALTHY & SAFE NEW YEAR!!! Photos:      Answer: The market is soft on tiples....don't know why..its worth about5 800 with the hard case. thanks for writing in...happy new year...chuck - Sunday, December 30, 2007

Question asked by: Suz Doyle Subject: antique uke Question: Hi; Thought you'd enjoy seeing a picture of an antique handmade banjo uke that I recently sold (too many ukes!). It was a pretty fun one, and well made according to my local uke expert . . . :-) Glad to have discovered Jumpin' Jim's web site. Have always enjoyed his books. E-gards, Suz Photos:      Answer: thanks for writing in...and welcome to the site...chuck - Sunday, December 30, 2007

Question asked by: Christopher Mink Subject: Eisenhower Question: Hi, I teach music in Osprey Florida. One of my students showed me a really nice nice collection of old Martin ukes that have been well preserved. His grandfather was the body guard/driver for President Eisenhower. He says that when Eisenhower died he willed them to his grandfather. Have you ever heard anything about President Eisenhower playing the ukulele? Thanks, Chris Mink Answer: Never.....for some reason it makes me laugh....Thinking of Dwight marching into battle with his uke in his knapsack. I would say on my list of unlikely Presidential uke players, Eisenhower would be right behind Abe Lincoln who played a mean toilet paper and comb. Thanks for the question and happy new year to you...chuck - Sunday, December 30, 2007

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page