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 (104 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: 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: Kuni Subject: Uke ? Question: Aloha, Chuck. It is very nice island day here. I have a question on this uke. Are you able to recognize who made this ? or, at least maybe who? has small T frets, the bridge is not original. no decale but has a label said HARMONY MUSIC CO, LA ( I questioned before but), exact Kumalae scale, but don't look like Kumalae to me. The inside is very clean well construction. The finish is I think lacquer not french polish. My suspect is maybe around 30's . Mahalo, Kuni Photos:      Answer: I agree with 30's. I also agree not kumalae. I'm not even sure it is hawaiian. It might be a mainland fake. I would look to see if the heel cap is part of the back of neck separate. thats a good test. If the heel covering is part of the back, it is island. wish I could help more..chuck - Saturday, July 8, 2006

Question asked by: Nelly Subject: Genuine Conservatory Quality Ukulele Question: Chuck, I can't send a pic cuase when I do the message dosn't go through. Please email me for the pics. Anyways... The brand on the label is "Gunuine Conservatory Quality Ukulele" thhe number "1917" is written on the label too, I believe it to be the date. I'm not sure of the wood, but I swear the back is a different kind of wood or from a different set. Also the back is laid up over the bottom of the neck. ANYTHING you can tell me about makers, history, and value would be greatly appreciated. Answer: Nelly, find someone who can get the pic to us. It is so simple you wouldn't believe it. I need to see the front . back , and headstock and a pic of the entire uke. I will tell you what it is. I could be a dozen different ukes. thanks..chuck - Saturday, July 8, 2006

Question asked by: joe Subject: martin ukes Question: Dear Chuck, Could you let us know what are the distinguishing characteristics that allows one to tell how old a martin style O ukulele is. You mentioned that the tuners do not help you. Thanks. John Answer: There are a few. Older uke have shorter headstocks. possible maple saddle in the bridge or all one piece. small dots on the fingerboard, stamping c f martin on back of headstock. these are all old features. new features are , large dots, longer headstock, and a decal on the front of the headstock all later l950's. Its unfortunate , but martin did not number ukes after the first 100 or so and so there is no definitive way to tell. Tuners will not help, they used what they had., best...chuck - Saturday, July 8, 2006

Question asked by: jeanette bos Subject: yesterday's vintage ukulele Question: Dear Mr. Faynes, Yesterday I sent you pics of a vintage ukulele and asked you if you could maybe identify it and give an indication of the value. Today I have to ask you a more specific question: Do you think you can give me an indication of what would be a decent amount to pay for it? The owners offers it to me for any price I like. A most surprising turn of events. Thank you for giving me a clue! Kind regards and greetings, Jeanette Bos Answer: Jenette, I have no idea who made it, but I can tell you it is a quality ukulele. It is beautifully made and I hope it sounds as good. It can be worked on to help the sound. It was made in the 30's would be my guess and possibly hawaiian but I cannot be sure without holding it in my hands. I would expect to pay in the 500 dollar range due to its exquisite craftsmanship. perhaps a little high, but you get what you pay for. its a beautiful thing..thnks for writing in...chuck - Saturday, July 8, 2006

Question asked by: albert varosi Subject: dating by tuners Question: Do you have a rough guide to when differant tuners were used in order to estimate the date of the production. I have already seen data regarding fret type, decals, pressure stamps and binding Answer: Albert...tuners are a little out of my line. I'm not sure you can date an instrument by the tuners...perhaps some but there were more tuners made than instruments. It would be very difficult, but a job you should perhas take on. A guide to dating ukes by the tuners. best...chuck - Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Question asked by: Glenn Lampinski Subject: Martin Uke Question: Chuck, My neighbor just gave me his mother's Martin Uke as a gift. I'm a guitar player by nature and I'm at a loss as to the history of this particular uke. While it is technically a 4-string instrument it does have 10 strings. The first and fourth strings are doubled and the second and fourth strings are tripled. I'm wondering if this is ethnic in nature or a stock Martin model. Any info or contacts would be greatly appreciated. I'd very much like to buy strings for it and play away. Regards, Glenn Answer: without a picture, I can't tell you which one you have..Its a tiple.. designed after a south american instrument called a tiplay. They are beautiful. Not easy to play because of the number of strings. You have to take it to a luthier to have it strung because of the number of strings strange things sometimes happen to the neck. please send me a picture and I can tell you which model you have. I love them...great sound.....thanks for writing in..chuck - Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Question asked by: Dominator Subject: Banjo Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, A friend found this banjo uke and asked me if I knew anything about it. I don't have much information to help you out here since the uke is in Colorado. He said it measures a little over 13" from nut to the Grover Nontip saddle. There are no other markings of anykind that are visible on the inside or outside. It's missing a fret. What other information would you need (measurements? etc.) to be able to get a ball park estimate of value? Thanks Dominator Photos:      Answer: It looks like a Keech. I cant tell from just the front. need back picture and I need you to look for any marking like scratching in the wood that might say alvin or kelvin keech. I have seen them before and because of their great trim they are worth more than regular ukes if it is not a keech. My guess is that you would have no trouble at 300 bucks..let me see more pics and I will help....chuck - Tuesday, June 13, 2006

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