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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

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: Scott Subject: tonk brothers sterling banjo uke Question: I am wondering about this very nice banjo uke. It has a label That has T.B.Co and below that is has sterling. can you tell me anything about this uke, when made, by who, etc. Thanks for any info Photos:      Answer: Scott, regardless of the label, it is one of thousands of banjo ukes made that look exactly like this one..They were mass produced on the thousands. They were distributed by most companies. Does not mean they can't be good, they usually are as long as you don't put metal strings on them.....thanks..chuck - Sunday, April 16, 2006

Question asked by: Dave Subject: Follow-up to Martin question Question: Chuck, really enjoy your input. Thanks so much for taking the time to enlighten the rest of us. Recently you wrote in reply to a question that "the attempts at the Mexican Martin left alot to be desired". Could you explain further? What is/was the problem with the Mexican ukes, and have they corrected the problems? Answer: They sounded like crap in a word. They went the cheap way and had a uke assembled in Mexico. It is known as the SO...if you come across one run. I hope they didn't do the same thing with the new 5k they are making. You'd think that when ukes are as hot as they are, they would want to make the best product they can. they didn't...chuck - Monday, March 27, 2006

Question asked by: roger Subject: calvert parker uke Question: hi -- i have come into possession of a calvert parker koa wood ukulele. the quality seems extra nice. it has five ply binding and a O fret for good intonation. anyway, has anyone EVER heard of calvert parker? he uses the "peerless" brand name on his label, which bacon used from time to time. any help would be much appreciated. it is a regular martin pattern uke with ivoroid machine pegs. thanks!! Answer: Help...anyone ever hear of this uke..I have not..please send me a picture, perhaps I can recognize something about it that will help...best..chuck - Monday, March 27, 2006

Question asked by: harry Subject: jake shimabukuro Question: Not a Question. Please log on to http:www.collegehumor.com/movies/15 9572/..You'll see and hear Mr. S play his uke...Mahalo Answer: Thanks harry. Please help me get onto the site...what you gave me won't work..chuck - Monday, March 27, 2006

Question asked by: Magnus Subject: An old Levin uke Question: Hi! I found this uke at my dads place. Levin is such a regular brand for guitars here in Sweden. Every household has an old Levin guitar in a corner somewhere. But the ukes aren't that common. Since my dad has no idea on how or when he got it (he never played it, thats for sure) I was wondering if you could say approximately how old it could be? Also I am curious if you know anything else about Levins production of ukes, this is the first one I've seen. It doesn't play too well (even though I've got crappy Martin strings on and probably should change to something better...), it's kinda heavy and everything but loud. Still it has it's moments. Anyway, I'm curious about this uke and any information would be great! thanks Magnus Gyllenberg /Stockholm Photos:      Answer: Magnus..send it to me at once. I have never seen a levin uke. Had the guitars and mandolin but never even heard of a levin uke. What a wonderful find. Levins were heavy by nature and my guess, judging from the style of manufacture, it was made in the 50's. Love to own it......Its a real find. thanks for sharing I will put the pic in my file of great stuff....chuck love those tuners.... - Monday, March 27, 2006

Question asked by: Steve Pepper Subject: De Vekey Question: Chuck Jim Pooley was asking about Style 4 De Vekey ukes. It was generally reputed that only 6 style 4s were ever produced. I probably know where more than 6 of these at the moment, so it is likely that there are a few around. They were not made in the UK but imported from Europe You don't see many of them around. The last one I looked at was mint and went for about £600 from a dealer if that gives Jim an idea of value. Both George Harrison and Joe Brown had De Vekeys in their collections. They were imported by Aladar De Vekey who was also the first person to import Martins (or was it Gibson) guitars into the uk. James De Vekey (grandon of Aladar is still in the UK and has a Style 4. I have tried to contact him but got no response. I did manage to get hold of a picture of him with the Style 4 that he owns. I am trying to get as much history of these lovely ukes (I have a few styles 1-3 in my modest collection) if anyone out there has any info no matter how small I would be extremely grateful Steve Answer: steve, thanks for the update. hope someone out the in ukeville knows more. I always like the ukes, they were well made. best and thanks for sharing...chuck - Monday, March 27, 2006

Question asked by: David R. Subject: Mystery Uke, Part II Question: Chuck, check out ebay item #7398363176. It looks to be the same maker as the uke I own but can't identify. There is a label on the front of the headstock that reads "Aloha Hawaii" and "Koa Wood" on the back. No inside label. Any more ideas? Answer: David...the pcs are too dark and I can't see the decal Please send new stuff and I will do the best I can....chuck - Monday, March 27, 2006

Question asked by: Marie Harris Subject: info on Martin ukelele Question: Could you please tell me more about this CH Martin ukelele. It's 22" and has CH Martin & Co, Nazareth PA stamped inside the body, as well as a CHMartin & Co decal on the top. I don't see any other markings. Also, about how much is it worth. It's in good condition. Thank you. Photos:      Answer: Marie...looks like a l950's martin style O. Pic so dark I can't tell alot about the condition, but in excellent condition 600 would be a good price. best..chuck - Monday, March 27, 2006

Question asked by: BeachBumTom Subject: Kamaka Strings Question: Hi, Chuck, had a new Kamaka Tenor 6-String for 3 months and now need a new wound low-A. As I start to buy a new set are you still as sold on Kamaka strings as you used to be? I notice they no longer sell them on Flea Mkt. How do you compare them to the new Aquilas and Worths? Please, help. Thanks. Tom Answer: I like the Worths alot. Give them a try....thanks for asking and Kamaka still make a great string. chuck - Monday, March 27, 2006

Question asked by: harry Subject: Cyclon Question: Good Morning, Just hoping that the cyclon did not effect your place of abode and that everything and everyone is O.K.. Answer: Thanks harry...We made it. It was up the coast from us, but they took a horrible hit. Lots of damage. Just reminds us all how good it is when its good. thanks again...chuck - Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Question asked by: Ken Arroy Subject: Martin ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I have a style 3 Martin ukulele that I would like to get refinished for my personal collation. I would like to send it to Martin company to get it done. Would you have there address or any suggestions ? I live in Northen California. Answer: Ken, go on line and put in C F Martin & co Nazareth Penn. Their site will come up and you just follow the directions. If you need more help,just yell..thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, March 21, 2006

Question asked by: Alex Subject: New Martin 5K Question: Frets, Any word on the new Martin 5K? Have you heard it, seen it, touched it? I know it has to be made in the US with that price over it's head. Let me know what you know. TKS, AD Answer: I hope its made in the US because the attempts at the Mexican Martin left alot to be desired. I have not seen it, touched it or even heard that much about it. Will keep in touch and let you know when something happens....thanks...chuck - Thursday, March 16, 2006

Question asked by: David R Subject: Mystery Uke Question: Picked-up this unknown ukulele recently. There are no markings on the body/headstock and the label is virtually destroyed. What is left of the label is 2 small snippets of aqua blue surrounded by a geometric pattern. On the label is what looks to be a figure of a cartoon man sitting on a chair playing uke. Also, there remains the letter "E" on the left part of the label and the letters "NT" on the right. The uke had terrible repair work done (neck reset and bridge re-glue) but otherwise seems to be reasonably well crafted. Black and white binding on the front and black only on the back. The back is slightly bowled in shape. There is also a piece of greenish felt on the headstock north of the nut. Any ideas about maker, vintage, worth? As always, I'm interested in playing the doggone thing, so would it be worth repairing (I'm currently into it for only $35US)? Photos:      Answer: Its very interesting. don't recognize the headstock nor the fingerboard extention which is usually a give-a-way. Would like to see a pic of the label closeup and the headstock decal. The man sitting in the chair is interesting, and familiar..if someone out there out there knows, let me know. I seems to be decent wood and not a sloppy job..write me and send me a pic... thanks for an intresting set of pics...send more....chuck I just noticed it has the hawaiian neck..) two piece)...thats even more intresting. - Thursday, March 16, 2006

Question asked by: Ukulele Ray Subject: Our Museum, Cinema & Music Society Question: Have loved your writings here, for years, and thought you might like to see what we're doing in San Francisco and pass this information onto anyone you know in the Bay Area that would be interested in joining or visiting our society museum. As far as we're concerned, you have a lifetime membership here, and are welcome anytime, Chuck. Here's a link to our site. God bless you and all the fine work you're doing for the ukulele community. Here's a link for our site: http://hometown.aol.com/habitat4ukulele/ index.html Answer: Thanks for the all the kind words. I'm honored to be a member of your museum. For you folks in and out of the bay area please take a look at the site and help support this vine venture. Good luck and let us know what we can do to help.....chuck - Thursday, March 16, 2006

Question asked by: Keith Subject: Can you ID this banjo uke please Question: I'm having trouble finding out anything about my banjo uke. The picture shows it with my Favilla mahogany soprano. It has a light colored wood stripe around the middle of the side of the resonator and two F holes on the back of the resonator. The same lighter wood inlay stripe down the middle of the fretboard. No brand name anywhere on it. I replaced the skin head, and got a bridge and tailpiece (actually a mandolin tailpiece) from the Stewart McDonald catalog. I realize it is no Holy Grail prize, but I am curious as to its origin. Anything you can tell me would be appreciated. Photos:      Answer: Kieth...I wish I had some exciting news for you. It is one of thousands of inexpensive banjo ukes made in the 40's and 50's. Although they were made for their affordability, they can still sound good. Don't use metal strings, as suggested by the early manufacturers, unless you want to shorten your fingers. best.. and thanks for writing in...chuck - Sunday, March 12, 2006

Question asked by: Benjamin M. Workman Subject: rare ukulele? or old junker? Question: heeeeeelllloooo! My name is Ben, my grandfather passed down this ukulele to me when I WAS VERRY YOUNG. Ive taken wonderful care of it , but can find nothing on its history or value.I would like to insure it for future restoration. I had it restored 2 years ago. Some damage to the body in the back. I had a few questions about the peice but to no avail. All I know is that DiGiorgio made guitars, violas ,and exct. Ive found there web sight but it is verry breif. there is no mention of Di Giorgio Ukuleles ANYWHERE on the internet.CAN U PLEASE HELP ME!!! Any ideas would be appreciated. p.s. His first name was , Romeo . Photos:      Answer: Nen....I am posting this in the hopes someone out there knows something. I have never heard of this uke. The pic is exactly what a uke should look like when made by a guitar maker. I like the name " Romeo De Gerogio better than the uke. Its got to make an interesting story. I'll let you know if I find out anything....Help.......chuck - Sunday, March 12, 2006

Question asked by: John Subject: How do you tell them apart? Question: How do you tell whether you have a sorporano, a tenor or a baritone? Thanks Answer: Ask them to sing....... A soprano is about 21 inches long, a concert about 23, a tenor about 27 and a baritone about 30....these are approximate but they will help.... chuck - Sunday, March 12, 2006

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page