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 (101 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: Tom Favilla Subject: Marca Aquila label on early Favilla's Question: Hello Chuck, Hope all is well down under. Hope the image I'm sending came out okay. Its a Marca Aquila label, used mostly prior to 1915 on early Favilla instruments. (The penciled in date on the label has nothing to do with its actual date of use, someone probably had some other reason for it). Got this image from my friend "Catfish" Carl Schnieders website. Best as always, Tom Favilla Tom Favilla Photos:      Answer: As usual, thanks for the information. Its always nice to hear from you. chuck - Monday, July 24, 2006

Question asked by: Liam Russell Subject: Stella (Oscar Schmidt) uke Question: Hello, I'm currently trying to restore this old Oscar Schmidt made Stella "Gambler" uke. I've already reglued one of the braces and the top in a couple of places and stripped off some paint down to the original finish. As you can see, the bridge is not original. Couild you tell me (or send me a photo)showing an original bridge on a Schmidt ukulele? I would be much much obliged. Thanks Liam Photos:      Answer: No..I would love to help, but I have no pictures of an oscar schmidt bridge. I do however have a picture of my uncle Harry's partial if that will help. Best on your quest. Come one yakers, send pics of oscar schmidt bridges. Kinda looks like three playing cards are glued on the face of the uke..First time I have seen that. Oscar Schmidt was known for decals and yes he did make them for the stella company which was Harmony at one time. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Monday, July 24, 2006

Question asked by: jim franklin Subject: KAY UKE Question: HAVE A VERY OLD KAY UKE FROM THE CHEEK FAMILY OF MAXWELL HOUSE COFFEE FAME IN NASHVILLE. THE KEYS TO TIGHTEN THE STRINGS ARE ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE HEAD. IT APPEARS TO BE MAHOGANY OR SOME REALLY NICE RED/BROWN WOOD. DEALER SAID VALUE WOULD BE NEAR 1500.00 WHAT KAY UKE MODELS WOULD BE WORTH NEAR THIS KIND OF DOUGH??? THANKS IN ADVANCE JIM FRANKLIN Answer: Ones made of coffee...I have no idea. Ask the dealer how he knows the value. My guess that he doesn't know his uke from a hole in the ground. or something like that...chuck - Monday, July 24, 2006

Question asked by: David Helmore Subject: Gibson Uke Question: Hi Chuck! Love the site! Picked up this Uke on ebay recently, was totally black when I got it, but cleaned up really well! I added a new nut, but haven't changed the tail piece as I reckon it looks quite good! It's been well played over the years and now I'm starting to get to grips with the uke it's starting to sound half decent! And now to the question - can you tell me roughly the age and model? I know it's a soprano (total length 53cm and width 16.5). 'The Gibson' is written in gold and it has white (ivory?)grover tuners which overhang slightly on the headstock) Thanks for all your help! David Photos:      Answer: It seems to be a long fingerboard style one gibson l920's uke...nice score...there are not alot of them around...chuck - Thursday, July 20, 2006

Question asked by: Vern Maddox Subject: William King/Chantus Ukuleles Question: Re: the question from Jeannie Ceciliani - I have a William King tenor uke with a koa body and cedar top. It is absolutely first class in sound and craftsmanship. I visited William in Austin, Texas and was lucky enough to play a couple of concerts, a cyprus(sp?) top tenor and the best sounding soprano I have ever heard. William is an innovative craftsman and goes the extra measure to assure the very best sound. All are spectacular looking and sounding.Being a long time Ken Potts fan, I would have to say that I would rate them 1 and 2 in the custon uke world.My newest KP is a spectacular tenor with an Englemann spruce top, koa sides and a curly maple back. The sound is awesome and, as always, the workmanship is best in class, world class that is.I also have a fine Lo Prinzi mahogany tenor and a beautify old Kamaka tenor. I can't stand to part with any of them because they all have their own special voice. But again, the KP and King are 1 and 2 for sure. Thanks for the great site and I hope this helps. Answer: Vern...my thanks to you. Not only does it help, I will keep it in my file so I lookj smart the next time someone writes in about the uke...thanks again for everything....chuck - Thursday, July 20, 2006

Question asked by: Leo Sugue Subject: Kamaka Cigar Box Uke Question: What is the Kamaka Cigar Box Uke valued at? My uncle has one in Hawaii and I have one in California. Thanks, Leo Answer: Leo, it depends on when it was made. There are two versions. Can you send me a pic...I will tell you for sure...chuck - Thursday, July 20, 2006

Question asked by: Wendell Guthrie Subject: Susan's baritone Question: Chuck, Susan can search the Yak for reference to baritone Silvertone ukes as well as Harmony. They are the same in every case I know of. I have one of these and it is 30" long and is baritone. The bridge and finger board are different woods, bridge unknown, finger board pretty surely rosewood, but all else is Mahogany. The color can vary a lot in Mahogany. The picture Susan offers looks like Mahogaony to me the same as mine. These are consistently fine instruments. Answer: Thanks Wendell always appreciate any help I can get.....chuck - Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Question asked by: Diane Subject: Uke or Mini Guitar? Question: What is it? Photos:      Answer: doesn't matter. just trace around it, dig a hole and lower it in. It's an abimination. I think it must be someone's idea of what a uke should look like...If I had that growing on my body, I would not give myself much of a chance of life. Sorry , I wish I had better news. The good news is that in 10 years of doing this column, it is the worst example ever sent in. chuck - Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Question asked by: Jeannie Ceciliani Subject: King Chantus custom ukes Question: What is your opinion of William Kings custom ukuleles? King Chantus - I only know one person who has one. I'd love to hear what you know about Mr. King and his custom ukuleles. I think they are collector ukes ? Answer: Don't know Mr King and don't know his ukes. Perhaps someone out there will so I will post this and see what happens..thanks for writing in...I once went to a Halloween party dressed as King Chantus...I won first prize.......frets - Wednesday, July 19, 2006

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