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 (67 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: 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: Gene Amadio Subject: Banjolet mfr. dates Question: Last spring I rescued a Gretsch - American (on back of headstock) banjolet from a dumpster. I was some distance away and happened to notice the person as they put it in. Even at a distance I could tell it wasn,t just a toy. The headstock has "Clarophone" at the top in gold script.I was wondering if the tuning pegs have bone or ivory knobs. I do not see any molding lines and they are yellowed like aged piano keys. there are a couple of cracks either side of the neck where it meets the body. solid back. Missing 2 hooks to hold the rim. Chip on the end of the top nut by 1st string.Seems to be the original black painted finish. Did I find my 1st collectable, should I string it? Thanks,Gene Answer: I still need a picture....chuck - Sunday, December 30, 2007

Question asked by: Jason Williams Subject: Purchasing A Uke Question: Hello Chuck, I'm looking to buy my first uke and I've narrowed it down to two in my price range. It's between the Applause UA10 Mini Uke and the Mitchelle MU100. Any help is much appreciated. Thanks!! Answer: Jason..Please post this exactly the way you have on the Bulletin board . You will find the board on the menu to the left. You will get the answer you want. I am not familiar with either of the ukes, my specialty is more the vintage ukes. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Thursday, December 27, 2007

Question asked by: terry dennis Subject: Washburn uke? Question: Chuck, I'm trying to identify the maker and model# of a uke I think may be a Washburn. It has several identical features to my Washburn model 1515, but I was wondering if the makers used this peghead on other retailers brands. The uke on the right is not identified, but has a circular paper label stating that it is "Genuine Koa Wood" , and "Material and Workmanship Guaranteed". (Very similar wording to the Washburn). The anon. uke has an acute v neck. They are both top drawer for tunability and playability. Thanks a lot. TD Photos:      Answer: Interesting....I have seen that headstock ( referred to as the violin headstock) on many different brands. As far as whether or not it is a Washburn, I would love to see a pic of both ukes side by side. The dead giveaway for a Washburn/healey is the pat appl'd for...Does either one have that. Please send the pics and I will do my best. chuck - Thursday, December 27, 2007

Question asked by: Richard Subject: Stringing...... Question: Dear Chuck, Thanks for such a speedy reply, and on Christmas Day, too. The problem is not that the slot is too big, and hence will not catch the string knot....the slot is too small, and the smallest knot that I can make in a Hilo C will not even go part way into the bridge slot to catch....it just slips off the back. I guess that a lighter gauge set of strings should have a C string that will form a knot small enough to catch in the slot.....can you make a recommendation? Thanks again, Richard Answer: Richard, try the Kamaka black strings. IF you bite the end of the string and flatten a small part it will probably fit. I guess the real players out there are cringing, but I have had to do that on more than one occasion . Please let me now what happens. chuck - Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Question asked by: Richard Subject: Stringing An Older Gibson Uke Question: Dear Chuck, I am a newish uker in Australia, but I have managed to acquire 5 of them so far! With a guitar background, I am finding the uke fascinating to play and research. My latest addition is an older Gibson soprano (The Gibson in script, small fret markers at 5,7 and 10, short fretboard). Surface crack from C string part of the bridge to the base, but no real issue. However, there is a stringing issue, and I hope that you can help me. The string slot for the C string is very narrow, with no real "hole" for a knot to rest. I had a set of Hilo standard soprano strings around, so I thought that I would put these on the Gibson. G, E and A went on OK, but the C string knot will not catch. Should I use lighter gauge strings, or.....does the uke need surgery? I hope that the attached picture shows the story. Cheers, Richard Photos:      Answer: The uke does not need surgery, it needs a bridge. You might try a little bead on the end of the string and that may be large enough to catch. I would go on this site to the marketplace and the bulletin board and ask if anyone has a Gibson soprano bridge for sale. That would be the first thing I did. best of luck...chuck P.S. Its interesting that you are a "Newish Uker in Australia....I am a Jewish Uker in Australia....strange that..... - Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Question asked by: Kim Subject: Banjo Uke? Question: Is this a banjo uke? It has no resonator - Looks like it says "Concertina" stamped on the wooden brace in the shell on the back - I can send a pic of it if you like. Thanks! Kim Photos:      Answer: It is definitely a banjo uke. I can't make out what the stamping is. It is not unlike hundreds of others I have seen. The fact that it has no resonator is not a determining factor. Many banjo ukes were made without them. Get a new head ( the uke not you), tuners and strings ...tune it up and play it...If you want to send me a smaller image of the stamping, please do and I will try to figure out what it says. best...chuck - Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Question asked by: Dennis Arnold Subject: Ka-Lai Pineapple Uke Question: Hi Chuck, First, let me wish you and all of your kindred spirit, ukulele loving readers Mele Kalikimaka. Second, I want to say mahalo nui loa for your response about two weeks ago (Dec. 11) on an unknown brand of uke I sent a picture of. Did you ever have any luck finding another headstock like that in your picture files? Third, I have another question about another uke. I now also own a Ka-Lai Pineapple uke. I understand its tie to Kamaka through Johnny Lai, and as you can see in the picture it is in excellent condition. My question concerns when it might have been built. I have noticed some differences between mine and all of the other Ka-Lai Pineapples I have seen pictures of. Mine does not have the rope purfling or rosette all of the others have. Mine has no dot inlay position markers on the fretboard. Mine has carved wooden friction tuners like those pictured on the original 1928 Kamaka pineapple patent, while all of the others have metal tuners. And, I have just noticed that the pineapple decal on mine is different from any other 1930's Ka-Lai I can find. It is also different than the one on the 1930's Kamaka Pineapple on the Kamaka website. However, the decal on mine is just like the ones on the 14- string tenor and the late 1920's pineapple soprano pictured on the Kamaka website. The only other marking I can find is a red letter "A" stamped on the almost triangular end of the neck I can see through the soundhole. I don't know if these differences will help or hinder you in finding out about how old mine might be. Hopefully the picture is good enough to be of some help. I hope you have a great "Holiday Season", whatever that my mean to you. Aloha Dennis Photos:      Answer: Dennis, it is a standard style one kamaka/kai-lai (the original spelling). There are some things you should know. It was made after l928 and before 1935. The Kamaka company made many, many different styles. Yours does not have rope trim because it is a style one. The more you go up the line the more trim. It is made of Mahogany not Koa as most of the Kamakas were. There were other Kai Lais and they were made of Monkey Pod and Kamaka was not involved in their manufacture. It appears that your ukulele has been refinished and the decal is not the original one. It is a replacement decal, which can be purchased today. The tuners are, if not original, are what the ukulele would have had originally. Of all the instruments I have ever played, except for my over sized soprano Sonny D, the style one Kamaka pineapple uke has been my favorite. I have owned every variation they made and have loved them all. It is amazing to think that after all these years they are still churning out Instruments of High Quality. I wish I could say that of all the vintage companies still in business. Thanks for the kind words and happy holidays to you and yours...chuck - Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Question asked by: JOHN LETHAM Subject: SIX POINT MARTIN TUNER BUSHINGS Question: HI CHUCK,I RECENTLY PURCHASED A MARTIN STYLE 1 UKE IN EXCELLENT CONDITION WITH NO USA STAMP AND TORTOISE SHELL BINDING TOP AND BACK.WHAT YEAR DID MARTIN START USING THE SIX POINT TUNER BUSHING?THANXS,JSL. Answer: John...I am really rusty on my 6 point tuner bushing knowledge.....If you send me a picture of the uke I will do my best to date it for you. There are things to look for but sorry, I no nothing about tuners. thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Question asked by: Douglas Riley Subject: Kamaka question Question: I'm sorry about the blurry pics but I lifted them off of ebay. I was wondering if you could give me an idea about when this Kamaka soprano ukulele was made. Thank you. Photos:      Answer: Hard to tell...My guess with the white label it was made in the 70's or later. chuck - Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Question asked by: Amanda Subject: tenor Question: Hello Chuck, I am upgrading from a cheap soprano and want to buy a tenor for around $700. Any recommendation would be much appreciated. Amanda Answer: My immediate suggestion would be to exhaust the vintage market and see if you can fine a decent older one. If that doesn't work, you can go to the major music dealers,..Bernunzio Vintage Instrument, Mandolin Brothers, Gruhn Guitars and have a wander around their sites. If you go on the marketplace and bulletin board on this site and ask the same question, you will get more answers than you imagined. good luck..keep in touch...chuck - Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Question asked by: maddog Subject: xmas Question: Chuck, get happy. even the old and senile still luv ya...do it good this season.... Answer: dear doggie..thanks for the holiday message....I will just settle to be able to do it at all..let alone good. This would be an excellent opportunity to wish all a Happy and Healthy Holiday from all at Uke Yak and the entire population of Mt Idy....chuck - Friday, December 21, 2007

Question asked by: Jim Lawler Subject: keech Question: Hi chuck A complete non musical person of 63 I bought a cheap Uke because my grand daughter was learning. I'm hooked on it and was amazed that I'm able to play a number of tunes after a short period. Question, I've been presented with a Uke to value and possible buy, it's a Keech all looks good with no signs of extensive use (I know it's not been used in 30 years) and has all the marks and numbers.Only problem I have found I can't tune it, possible because the strings are so old. Next question is it worth buying and at what kind of price? If you can help me it would be much appreciated. Jim(a brit in Spain) Answer: Jim...Keech is a good name. To answer all your questions I have to know if it is a banjo uke or a wooden uke. The keech brothers are responsible for the banjo uke as we know it today. The problem with the tuning is not a brand problem but a problem with the tuners or the strings. A good luthier should be able to straighten that out immediately.. If you will send a picture I will let you know..thanks chuck - Friday, December 21, 2007

Question asked by: Angela Subject: Bushman ukuleles Question: Purchased a "home grown" Bushman uke on l5/dec./07 - excited -need to install low A string - pse. advise type and size that you would recommend to ensure proper replacement - Seasonal Best Wishes and a sincere "thanks" Angela Answer: Angela...you can go to the on-line-store on this site and find exactly what you are looking for. Any set will do.....Best to you as well...chuck - Thursday, December 20, 2007

Question asked by: Kim Subject: Gretsch uke Question: Any idea if this was made by Gretsch of if it's an outsource? It has Gretsch America stamped on the back of the headstock - but nothing on the front. Thanks! kim Photos:      Answer: Its a Gretsch...I can't imagine a company like Gretsch outsourcing anything. Thanks for writing in..chuck - Thursday, December 20, 2007

Question asked by: Tom King Subject: Gretsch Ukulele Question: My father purchased a Gretsch Ukulele after serving in the islands during ww11. It is solid mahogany and in perfect condition. no scratches or marks. Any idea what the value would be? Answer: I need to know which gretsch uke it is...please send a picture...chuck - Thursday, December 20, 2007

Question asked by: Cyrus Subject: banjo uke ID Question: I have a banjo uke that has no markings on it except for a single white star inlayed in the headstock. Any idea who the maker is? Answer: MAYBE....I NEED A PICTURE !!!!!!! - Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Question asked by: Marie Zappio Subject: Martin Ukulele size from top to bottom Question: Hi Chuck, This Martin ukulele measures 21" from top to bottom. The case is unmarked, therefore I do not know if it is the original one. Both the ukulele and case are in excellent condition. Thank you once again for your opinion and prompt reply. Marie Zappio, Amherstburg, Ontario Canada Photos:      Answer: I really need to know the size and it is a soprano..the first answer stands. nice uke , enjoy and play it alot...chuck - Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Question asked by: Dennis Chong Subject: Koa Uke (Echo-Uke) Question: Chuck: Earlier you requested a clearerr picture of the front in order to place a value the uke. I submitted it earlier but it may have been misplaced. As I earlier indicated, it has no fingerboards and the fretwires are placed right into the neck wood. I have a profile picture of the neck but it is hard to distinguish the lack of a fingerboard. Not having a fingerboard may have caused the finger indentations at the top three frets. I would appreciate more info on this uke as well as its probable value. Thank you in advance for your help. Dennis Photos:      Answer: its an echo uke as you know and if it has the twanger it is worth about 300 bucks. It looks as if it is refinished which will not help the value. thanks for writing in...chuck - Wednesday, December 19, 2007

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