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

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Question asked by: Nate Subject: mele ukulele Question: I found an old uke in my grandfathers attic. I dont know what it is. It says "meleukulele" on a paper in the soundhole. The headstock says "mele" and "b&j NY, NY" it also has a woman playing a ukulele on the headstock. On top of all that, it is skinnier than a regular uke and has artwork on it that looks like feathers. Answer: Nate send pictures. That woman on the headstock must be uncomfortable...chuck - Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Question asked by: grouch Subject: old banjo uke Question: g'dy, Chuck!..grouch here..and a question (or 2?)..had this old thing over 20 yrs..it ain't a player..in looking at the body, do you have any idea what wood it is?..just curious..thought it might be birds-eye maple..any notion how old it might be?..there- -that's 2 questions!.. thanks..have a good one...Grouch Photos:      Answer: It is maple and it is 30's. And I agree, they don't sound all that terrific...keep in touch...chuck - Monday, December 4, 2006

Question asked by: Dave Demaree Subject: Tuners for Martin Ukes Question: I have a Martin Soprano Type 1 (thanks to your ID of it) that has two different types of tuners (tuning machines) on it. Two are of one style and two are of another. I think they may both have been Martin original style tuners, but I would like to get all four to match (one set has a spacer under the knob, the other does not). So I am willing to buy a set of four or two each of one of the types on my uke. Any suggestions as to how to find/acquire them? Thanks again for your help. Photos:      Answer: Go to the C F Martin site and order a set of Martin tuners direct. They will work....thanks for writing in...chuck - Monday, December 4, 2006

Question asked by: Frank Burnworth Subject: Arthur Godfrey Solo Lute Question: I would like to thank you for the rapid response to my previous question. I appreciate any information I can gain on my "Lute". I have another question I would like to ask. I have the original case for it and I intend to keep it---but I would like to store it in a more substantial case. Since the "Lute" is longer than a normal Baritone, Where can I obtain a hardshell case for it? Thank you, Frank Burnworth Answer: Put an ad on Marketplace on this site looking for an oversized case. You will probably have to settle for a tenor guitar case which would probably fit it perfectly. Try it and see what happens....chuck - Monday, December 4, 2006

Question asked by: DOUG Subject: ORLANDO UKE Question: I HAVE AN ORLANDO THAT I CANNOT FIND ANY INFORMATION OR VALUE. IF ANYONE CAN DIRECT ME ON WHERE I CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION, I WOULD TRULY APPRECIATE IT... THANKS Photos:      Answer: I have a cataloge that shows Orlando being distributed by about 5 different companies. Probably made by regal for sale to retailers. Thanks for writing in. NOt a bad uke....chuck - Monday, December 4, 2006

Question asked by: chris young Subject: Aloha Royal Uke Question: Dear Chuck, Do you know who makes (or made) Aloha Royal ukes? My neighbor has one – real nice (looks like my gold label early 60’s Keiki Kamaka but I doubt Kamaka made them). I offered to buy it and told him I’d get a price. Any ideas on who might know how to value them? Aloha, Chris Answer: Aloha Royal pop up all the time. I'm not sure who made them...The decal was available in stores at that time. Some sound really good. Would still like picture to be sure its not mainland with a hawaiian sticker...chuck - Monday, December 4, 2006

Question asked by: rubberdog Subject: Follow up - ropebound soprano Question: Hi Chuck - follow up with picture - you asked about the neck to body joint on this solid mahogany rope-bound soprano. Nothing unusual from the outside, except a very V shaped heel. Neck block inside is rectangular with a thick dowel. Kerfed lining, wood nut and saddle. The tuners seem unusual - brass, with the small buttons in settings like jewelry, marked (I think) "pat pend". No 12th fret. Sounds mellow, loud, not bright. Intonates well. Any idea what it is? Thanks. Photos:      Answer: mainland made. Perhaps harmony or regal or one of the other Chicago makers. I have seen those tuners before, they are more rare than the uke. Not bad tuners. Nice looking uke, hope it sounds good. l930's-50's.....chuck - Monday, December 4, 2006

Question asked by: Tony Kimball Subject: Dixie Uke- all steel Question: Chuck-Bought this new in the '50s and need some parts but cannot find a source nor OEM...any help? thanks Tony Answer: advertise your wants on the marketplace on this site. It will not be an easy one to find. best...chuck - Friday, December 1, 2006

Question asked by: Dorthy Subject: Ukulele Pic Question: Hi. I emailed you last night. Received a picture of the ukulele this morning. Made me even more excited about it. It is 24" long. Concert ukulele? Does it need any particular type of strings? Thanks again, Dorthy Photos:      Answer: Yes it is a concert. Are you sure of the age. Looks marvelous. good luck...chuck - Saturday, September 2, 2006

Question asked by: Dorthy Subject: strings Question: Hi,I am receiving a national ukulele. It belonged to to my uncle's uncle. He played it in the 1930's. I am a harmonica and mountain dulcimer player. I know alomost nothing about ukuleles. I am very excited about playing it. I have not seen it yet but it has been described as mint condition. What do I need to know to purchase strings for it? Thanks, Dorthy Answer: Dorothy, take it to a good music store or a good luthier and have them professionally installed. You can use gut or metal strings. I prefer gut. NIce instrument........Is it difficult to play tshe harmonica and the dulcimer at the same time?...thanks for writing in...chuck - Saturday, September 2, 2006

Question asked by: Nitro Newman Subject: minor cracks Question: Hi Chuck: I have some minor cracks on the top surface of an old Kamaka I purchased that are due more from dryness and age rather than anything else. Should I take it to a luthier or is there something I can do to seal them? Super glue, plastic wood? Answer: take it to a luthier..too good a uke to do yourself....chuck - Thursday, August 31, 2006

Question asked by: PETER FOX Subject: Mauna Loa Ukulele Question: Sir, I thought this lyon and Healy ukulele to be unusual.It has the signature lyon and healy treatment, except with the a hawaiian neck set up. and a stamped peg head the says Mauna Loa. what can you tell me about it? Thank You Peter Photos:      Answer: Easy answer. Mauna Loa was made by Lyon and Healy......Hope I have helped. chuck - Tuesday, August 8, 2006

Question asked by: Daniel Subject: help identifying a uke Question: hi chuck, i'd appreciate any help in identifying (model, maker, current value) of an uke i picked up. it's a very short scale: 34cm nut to bridge, and no identifying marks anywhere on it. thanks for your help. daniel Photos:      Answer: By the trim my best guess would be a regal. They used that trim a lot. chuck - Monday, August 7, 2006

Question asked by: naomi Subject: etching a ukulele Question: I want to decorate a ukulele as a gift. How would I go about doing that without risking damage to the instrument? I've just purchased a ukulele off ebay and I want to make it personal. First time posting...really nervous. Naomi Answer: Stand it up and hang balls and tinsel on it and call it a ukesmas tree. I would say the best way to decorate a uke without damaging it would be any way except carving in it. I'm really not sure what you are asking. I'd love to help you but I can't wrap a package. I would be lost if someone ask me to decorate a uke. Intresting question....a first...chuck - Monday, August 7, 2006

Question asked by: Santa Barbara Roger Subject: dominator's 6/13/06 banjo uke question Question: In case you haven't heard from some one else, Dominator's friend's banjo uke is a Sherman,Clay & Co. Model 32 Banjuke (per their 1922-23 catalog). There's a great copy of the catalog page at John Kings web site (www.nalu- music.com/nalu/sherman32.html) There's also an example on page 17 of the 1993 Catalog of The Honolulu Academy of Arts exhibition entitled: Extraordinary Ukuleles:The Tsumura Collection from Japen. the one that I have is remarkably loud for the small 6" head but as I'm sure you know and have often said, it's far more percussive than melodic- also the neck is very narrow (1 1/4" at the nut) and it's hard to finger. I still haven't a clue who made these for Sherman Clay. After you see the enlarged catalog photo you may some later thoughts in this regards Any way, I Hope this info helps. Best regards, Santa Barbara Roger Answer: Thanks alot Santa. I want a 5k for xmas.....Thanks for the information. Its always appreciated when a yakker sends in his knowledge. It makes me look good when I answer the next question about a Sherman and Clay Banjuke. Again thanks and keep that info coming. chuck - Monday, August 7, 2006

Question asked by: Michael Subject: uke price Question: just wondering what a good price to pay for a good condition 1920's kumalae uke would be? The one I saw had the nice checkered inlay around the soundhole and around the body's outter. Cheers, Mike Answer: a good price would be 250-350....a great price would be 10 dollars. grab it if it is in good condition. Condition counts for a lot.....frets - Monday, August 7, 2006

Question asked by: ibbbh Subject: Banjo Mandolin Question: The stock says Clarophone. Thanks for identifying what it is. Strange instrument, me thinks. Would you say the 20s or the 30s? I will check with a banjo mandolin site, should I find one. Thanks for your help. Photos:      Answer: Yes, I would say 20's or 30's...more toward the 30's.....chuck - Monday, August 7, 2006

Question asked by: ibbbh Subject: Please identify this, please Question: I have recently gotten this from a family member who passed and cannot identify it nor does the family left know anything about it. Can you help me? Photos:      Answer: Its a banjo Mandolin. Sounds like a drum, tuned like a madolin. Never a popular instrument even in it's day. I have no idea who made it. What does it say on the top of the headstock or on the block that runs through the centr of the back under the skin head? There might be a name there. You might do better to see if thre is a bnnjo mandolin site where there are actual collectors of them. I know very little. I only know a banjo uke, which looks the same but has 4 strings, tuned with metal strings cuts your fingers, I think with 8 it might cost you a finger or two. Nice instrument......frets - Wednesday, August 2, 2006

Question asked by: Brian Subject: Gretsch Tenor Question: Hi Chuck, I have tried sending pics a number of times But like many posters they turn into giant pieces of the uke. Any advice on adding pics? My question is that I bought a Gretsch tenor, with "Gretsch American" stamped on the back of the headstock ,for $100 but it has numerous cracks in the back. They were repaired but don't look that great. I wonder how much I should spend on repairs? I don't want to spend more than the uke is worth. Thanks, Brian Answer: Its a medium value uke. How much you spend is up to you. If it were mine, I would spend the least possible. Its not valuable as far as a collectors item goes. Try to send a pic again. I would like to see what it looks like. chuck - Wednesday, August 2, 2006

Question asked by: sonny lerner Subject: Dandy Line Uke Question: 7/29/06 Hi, I came across this Dandy Line uke. Can you tell me anything about it? Thanks, Sonny Lerner Photos:      Answer: They were made by regal and carried by almost every distributor in the world. If it sounds good, its a good instrument, if not trade it in. I have seen a few of them however either yours is black or the pic is a little too dark. Any chance of getting one a little lighter. thanks for writing in..chuck - Wednesday, August 2, 2006

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