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 (106 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: 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: Lee Gordon Subject: Banjo uke Question: Hi Chuck, I would appreciate some info on this uke. How much it's worth? History? Who made it? Whatever you know would be good. Love you Uke-Yak! Lee x Photos:      Answer: Lee , unfortunatly not a rare instrument. It could have been made by 50 companies. Stock banjo uke...value 150.00....chuck - Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Question asked by: Bernie Klepper Subject: Uke Question: I have my fathers Martin uke and I can't match it to any Martin. On the back where the tuning pegs are, is stamped Martin, it's just legible. In the sound box is with the name and address. I don't have the Uke avaiible now, I am nothome.It also has 18 frets to the sound box. Answer: Bernie need pic to tell you..With a pic I can tell you i a second...chuck - Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Question asked by: Russ Morin Subject: Mysterious Man in Plaid Skirt Question: Yet another photo. Enjoy. Russ Photos:      Answer: don't have a clue....put up pic of label i hope that someone does...chuck - Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Question asked by: Kuni Subject: D'Angelico Question: Aloha, Chuck. This is a rare D'Angelico uke I took picture at my friend house. I will also send headstock image later. Question is, Do you think he used guitar inlay material on this? because, it looks didn't fit well to me. What do you think? Photos:      Answer: does it have a label...I would love to see it and more pictures...chuck - Friday, May 19, 2006

Question asked by: Ken Subject: 6 and 8 string Ukes Question: I play a tenor uke with a low G string set up. Can you tell me how the 8 string is tuned and the 6 string ? Is the 6 or 8 good for "picking" jazz single line solos or are they used mostly for louder,fuller, heavier "comping"? Thanks, Ken Answer: They can be used for both. Its just a matter of can you do it???? I like to tune the strings exactly the same. Others tune them an octave apart. try both and see what you like. I prefer the 8 string for a fuller sound rather than solo. The six is easier for solo...hope I've helped....chuck - Friday, May 19, 2006

Question asked by: Jerry Subject: Martin Style 0 Tuning Pegs Question: Chuck, do you know if there is any way to figure out the age of a Martin Style 0 ukulele by the type of original tuning pegs on it? My Martin has tuning pegs similar to the ones shown in the attached photo. (I should add that it also has no "Made in USA" stamp inside the uke under the stamped Martin logo and also has a decal on the front and no logo or serial number stamped on the back of the headstock). What do you think? Photos:      Answer: This is 1950'60's and has nothing to do with the pegs. I have seen these tuners on many martins. thanks for writing in...No serial number because Martin did not number any except for a few in the early teens. best...chuck - Friday, May 19, 2006

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Mis-typed web page location Question: Hi CHuck, In my haste, I mistyped the correct Favilla Web page location, it is as follows... Thanks again, Tom http://hometown.aol.com/bigtom5/in dex.html Answer: Thanks as usual.,.,...more for you to see down the line...chuck - Friday, May 19, 2006

Question asked by: Bill Hilditch Subject: Martin Soprano style 1 Question: Good day Chuck, I received my uke new in 1949. It has the Tortoise shell bindings, original strings and soft case. I never learned to play it or take care of it so it has a few scratches and 3 starting hairline cracks (light doesn't shine through) on the top & bottom - i.e. needs a little finishing work to be new again. Should I invest in having it refurbished before selling it on eBay or whatever? Thanks, Hilditch Answer: Dont do anything, buyers like to buy as is and do it themselves. None of what you described would stop me from buying it. Put it up on the Marketplace on this site and you will get the action you want. Thanks for writing in....chuck - Thursday, May 18, 2006

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