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

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Question asked by: Mark J. Hulme Subject: Leonardo Nunes - Birkel Question: Hi - I inherited a koa uke with the following paper label " "Ukelele O Hawaii made by Leonardo Nunes especially and exclusively for Geo. J. Birkel Co. 446-448 S. Broadway Los Angeles. Cal. Copyright 1917 by L. Nunes". No Headstock decal, flat top & carved back. I have given it a once over with Lemon Oil, but some of the aged schmutz wont come clea. Any idea of value or suggestions for restoration? Thanks. Photos:      Answer: 350+ and dont do any more. Its only worth that if you leave it original If you try to get the dirt completely off, you might get into the finish...a no no...thanks for writing in...frets - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: Gabe Subject: Martin Uke Question: Chuck I wasn't sure if you received this or not. Still trying to figure out this computer thing. I was wondering if you had any info on this uke I received from my grandfather. I know it is any early Martin, but that is about it. I would like to have some work done on it, but not ruin the originality of it. Let me know your thoughts on it. Thanks. Photos:      Answer: It is a style O martin uke. What kind of work and for what reason????....If it doesn't need anything don't do it. frets - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: sean Subject: uke id help Question: hi chuck, can you help me id this uke? i bought it from a man who said he bought it in 1954 and it was already old then. it has no label, appears to be koa wood, arched back soprano, 17 frets (12 to body)rope binding with black thin purfling inside it on the soundboard, rope rosette with black on either side and light wood or gold inner and outer ring 1/8th inch separate from rope rosette inside and one outside. the rope binding looks like ebony and lighter wood and there is a butt joint piece or either rosewood or ebony 1/4" at top and 1/8" at back. i was told that it was a hawaiian made instrument. if you have any clue, i would appreciate your thoughts. also, i can take more pictures if that would be helpful. mahalo & aloha sean Photos:      Answer: Sean...Mainland made probably Regal..Made to look hawaiian but it is not. NIce uke...The headstock is typical Regal and Not Island. Best...frets - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: soybean Subject: Tahitian Question: Chuck, as you say, the Tahitian/ Maori "ukes" are really more of a percussion instrument. Is it possible they are not ukes at all but simply called ukes by the Tahitian tourist industry to dupe the uneducated traveller? Let's get a petition signed and start legal proceedings against these imposters! Something must be done! (tongue firmly planted in cheek.) Answer: Great Idea...everyone needs a cause...Nice to hear from you Dan...keep them comin" frets - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: Stan Subject: Antique Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I bought this on ebay (buy it now $49.95 I think I had a great buy).there is no label but it is beautifully made and sounds incredible. it measures 20 1/2 inches and has a centre rope binding down the middle of the back which is rounded. I believe it is very early 20th century. Have you any idea of the maker and the value Photos:      Answer: Great buy...No idea who made it...Looks like regal again. Hard to tell, many were made that look just like that. Sort of a Martin copy. Great score...start playing...frets..... - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: Andy Subject: roy smeck concert uke Question: Hi Chuck, Just wanted to know if $300 is a bit much to ask for a Roy Smeck concert uke. The uke in question looks exactly like the one pictured under the logo on the FleaMarket Music website (minus the extreme scratches). The local shop that is selling it typically prices it's stuff kind of high. Thanks Answer: Its an ok price, not great. Good instrument and good player...best and thanks for writing in...frets - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: adam bastien Subject: i just got my uke... Question: I just got my own uke to play and i bought it for 30$ original price 60$... the first day i got it i tryed tightening the top string and it broke... i put a small guitar string on it and i was wondering if that were ok? i also wanted to know if i should slowly let the string stretch or just look for a better string? Answer: Get a set of really good strings. It will make a great difference. bests to ya...frets - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: Jennifer Grimes Subject: Gibson Uke 1? Question: I was wondering if I might bother to ask you if you are familiar with something called a Gibson UKE 1? My grandmother gave me this ukelele in the original case (albeit it needs a little loving care down on the place where the strings hook in) and I'm just wondering what the story is? I wanted to put it in a shadow box (it was my great-grandmother's) and I'd like to have a notecard with some "story" to put in there. Thanks if you can help me! Photos:      Answer: made in the l950's-60's late model Gibson style 1 uke...Pur a pic of your Grandmother in a Shadow Box and Hang the uke on the wall next to it. Play the uke...Don't put it in a box. It was meant to be played, its not a picture. Enjoy...frts - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: Tom B. Subject: Unidentified Koa Uke Question: Dear Frets: I purchased this uke from an antique dealer who was selling it as a wall- hanger. After replacing one missing tuner and stringing it up, I was delighted to hear one of the loudest soprano ukes I've ever played. Can you shed any light on who made it and/or whether it's a real Hawaiian instrument? There's no marking other than the Aloha shield at the top. Thanks! Photos:      Answer: It is definitly a hawaiian uke and a nice one at that. It could be anybody. It is a fairly common uke. But a very nice one. nice score....frets - Wednesday, February 2, 2005

Question asked by: Douglas Gaither Subject: Colored Strings for TV Pal Question: Hey Chuck, Last fall you recommended I hook up with Duane Heilman for a repair to my 1920s Echo Uke. He did a great job! Thanks for the recommendation.... I purchased a TV Pal Uke on eBay just because I wanted one. It came with colored strings that I think may have been original. The uke sounds a little thin, would new strings perk this puppy up or is it just destined to be thin? And what about the colored strings? I'm not really concerned about the collectability of it. I just wanted a plastic uke. Oh and one last thing, the top is deformed right in front of the bridge due to continual strain. Can I just heat it up and kinda bend it back out? Answer: Glad duane could help..don't strain..you could pop a blood vessle in your eye. put on new strings and see how you like it..you can always put old ones back on. hope i helped....frets - Wednesday, December 22, 2004

Question asked by: Lucas Bernstein Subject: Kanile'a Ukuleles Question: Hi again, Chuck! I made my decision on my new ukulele. I was very lucky to find Lanikai ukuleles and one last Fluke at my local music store, Wright's Music. I took your advice to listen to them both. They sounded magnificent, especially for the price, but I went with a Curly Koa Tenor-sized Lanikai. The tone was a bit more rich in quality even though it was more expensive, but I couldn't be any happier with it, so they get my seal of approval. Anyway, on to my question. I recently came across the website for Kanile'a ukuleles, and I've been looking at some of their models. They're very flashy, they look fantastic. In the future, I was thinking of moving up from my current Lanikai to one. I was curious if you had any experience with them? Are they as nice as they look? Thanks a bunch, Chuck. Still learning, Lucas Bernstein Answer: Lucas...ask this question on the bulletin board. I know little about the lanikai ukuleles...heard good thinks but someone over there will have one...frets - Wednesday, October 13, 2004

Question asked by: terry keady Subject: Royal ukulele Question: Dear Chuck...thanks for your time and service to the uninitiated...my neighbor, an elderly lady, asked me if her Royal brand ukulele was worth any money. I am just an ignorant guitar player, and my usual info sources (Gruhn book, various Blue Books, my buddies at Zone Music, Cotati, Ca.) have yielded me nothing. Any hints? Any links? Best of everything to you . Thanks...Terry Answer: Terry .,...send pic...Royal was used on some great and some not so great ukes....need to see it...frets - Wednesday, October 13, 2004

Question asked by: Yuka Yonebayashi Subject: Low G string for this Martin 0 Question: Hello. I am considering purchasing this ukulele, but I wanted to know if I would need to make any modifications in order to get a low G string on this ukue. I have a very inexpensive student ukulele that I re-strung with a low G, but part of the bridge popped off in the process... (I super glued it.) I didn't want that to happen to the Martin. Thank you so much for your time! Photos:      Answer: Nothing need except a low g string.....How did the bridge pop off tuning lower...thats a new one...frets - Wednesday, October 13, 2004

Question asked by: Ed Salvador Subject: Lanikai Ukes Question: I just purchased a Lanikai CK-TEQ and am really happy with the overall sound and clarity of the notes in the upper fretboard. These are crafted in China but the websites say they are certified koa. Can that be right? What is your opinion of these ukes and the quality of ukes coming out of China these days? Answer: Its easy to get koa in China...They buy it. Not really familiar with the progress in Chinese ukes.....They are making better violins that before, but you are not intrested in a violin. Frets - Wednesday, October 13, 2004

Question asked by: Mozo Subject: Skinny Old Kamele Question: Greetings Friend Chuck...Some time ago, I asked if you could I D this old #...Like prostate surgery without gas, I have finally managed 2 send you a decal pic...Apart from the grime, this uke is in good crack free nick,,,Could U please refer to my previous email & if poss, give me a clue as 2 its value? Sorry 2 hear U were again hospitalised & hope U R now your usual gregarious self....All The Best ! Mozo Photos:      Answer: Haven't got a clue...but I'd like to own it....looks intersting...old hawaiian but not ordinary...frets - Wednesday, October 13, 2004

Question asked by: Milan Subject: Koa or not? Question: Here's a uke I got in recently. It is an early 20's Style "1" in extremely good condition. I don't feel it is mahogany and was wondering if it is Koa. The grain patterns are very subtle and the sides look almost like mahogany. Why I feel it is Koa, is the sound. What's your opinion, Chuck? Could it also be some other type of wood? Was Martin leary of using highly flamed Koa on their early ukes? Photos:      Answer: It is definitly mahogany...light, but mahogany. Martin was not leary of using flamey koa on their early ukes. I have seen some very early ones that look like tiger stripes. Thanks for writing in, always good to hear from you...frets - Tuesday, September 21, 2004

Question asked by: Roel Kerkhofs Subject: Harmony Ukulele Question: Hello! I was curious whether you would be able to say something about this ukulele. I found a site which describes the head decals of Harmony, but this one doesn't have one. I was wondering how old it is, whether you could hint something about its quality, and whether you'd advice me to buy this uke at a proce of 70 euros? I hope you can help me. Much obliged, Roel Kerkhofs Photos:      Answer: what does the label say. I don't know what euros are worth, but this uke is worth about 75 american dollars. I hope I've helped...frets - Tuesday, September 21, 2004

Question asked by: Christopher Subject: martin 5k Question: Just to let you know Gruhn is selling a martin 5k uke for 9500 dollars that once was owned by eddie connors. --Christopher Answer: thanks.......perhaps someone will want it....not me...frets - Tuesday, September 21, 2004

Question asked by: Christopher Subject: wabash uke Question: Hello! Quick question! I can get a wabash uke with the funny shape for 350 dollars. I need to make a decision quick. Is this a good price? Thank you. Answer: no....its too expensive...i know the uke, it looks like a cigarbox with steps in it...don't buy it....frets - Tuesday, September 21, 2004

Question asked by: Dan Mowrey Subject: who made this uke Question: This vintage uke looked good to me, but it has no label or brand. Inside the soundhole penciled on the back are the letters D.R. I'd be very grateful for any info you can give me. Thanks in advance. Dan Mowrey Photos:      Answer: it looks like a regal copy of a hawaiian uke..That headstock is all wrong for hawaiian. I've seen many of these and they all use inferior koa.....thanks for the pic....frets - Tuesday, September 21, 2004

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