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

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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: 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: Douglas Gaither Subject: Echo Uke Repair Question: Dear Chuck, I wrote you last fall about an Echo Uke that needed repair. I was having difficulty finding a luthier to repair it. You suggested Duane Heilman with high recommendations. I received it back a few weeks ago. Duane did a fabulous job for a resonable price. He strung it up with Aquila soprano strings and he was surprised at how loud and mellow it was. Thanks for the advice! Oh, and I also ran across a few pictures of his Black Bear Ukulele's and they were beautiful. I would certainly like to have one of them babies! Answer: thanks for the update....duane makes great stuff....love his work..frets - Sunday, June 6, 2004

Question asked by: BRUCE REID Subject: KUMALAE UKE Question: Hi Chuck, Being a keen musician, I have taken a great interest in a ukulele I was given by a relative. It was manufactured by Jonah Kumalae and has a motive on the head stating, Kumalae Gold Award, P.P.I E. 1915. It is perfect condition but is missing a peg. I was interested in its value even though I intend keeping it. Also, any thoughts on getting a suitable peg. Answer: depending on the model, a few hundred....send me a pic of the peg and I will send you a matching one..I have hundreds.....fets - Sunday, June 6, 2004

Question asked by: Sue Melton Subject: uke Question: My Aunt passed away at the age of 91 in August. She had a uke (she has had this since I was a small child. I don't know if I should sell this uke to a collector, garage sale etc. Can you tell me what to do thanks sue Answer: A pic would help alot. Also, sorry to hear about your aunt..no need to send as pic of her...frets - Sunday, June 6, 2004

Question asked by: Uke Skywalker Subject: Kumalae Uke with crack Question: Frets, see my entry from 2/9. here are some photos in a few emails. thanks. Photos:      Answer: whats the question...it didn't make it, I don't think...frets - Sunday, June 6, 2004

Question asked by: Jack Jenkins Subject: Silvertone Uke Question: Chuck, Hey Chuck! While rummaging through my grandparents house, I stumbled upon what looks to be an old, slighty-sed, and rather cheap uke. It has 14 frets, has a sticker on the back of the head that reads "Made of Genuine REAL Mahogany," and has "Silvertone" written across the top. I can get you a picture, but I was just wondering if you had any idea as to the value/and/or playing quality of this uke? Answer: Jack a cheapie uke made in the 40's and carried by Sears. value...not much..playing quality..*I'll leave it up to you..It might sound great...thanks for writing in...frets - Sunday, June 6, 2004

Question asked by: Jim. Subject: EGBD tuning for Tenor Question: Hi. I have a tenor/concert ukulele the free string length is 15" it has 12 frets to the body and it,s 7.5 " from the neck bridge to the body and 2 frets after that. Will these string,s work on this model....#NYGT-BARI Aquila NYLGUT Tenor Ukulele, - Baritone Ukulele Tuning - same as guitar, Key of G, 2 Wound String (3rd & 4th)..Thanks for any help.Jim... Answer: Jim....you might as well have written that in Greek....I am not well versed in string length. If it is long enough to get in the hole and make the sound I want, it is the right string. I know there are people out there in uke land who know this kind of stuff and they will save my butt...writ in guys...thanks...chuck - Sunday, June 6, 2004

Question asked by: Brad Subject: Arthur Godfrey Vega Baritone Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I have a Arthur Godfrey Vega Baritone Ukulele. I was wondering if you knew about what year it was made? There's no lable inside the Ukulele, it just says Arthur Godfrey Vega on the headstock. It's made of mahogany and has a really nice tone. Any Info will be appreciated. Thanks, Brad Photos:      Answer: 1050's late......thanks for writing in...chuck - Sunday, June 6, 2004

Question asked by: Tom B. Subject: Old Rope-bound Hawaiian Uke Question: Hi again, Sir Frets. Regarding my question of 1/21/04, in which I forwarded some photos of an old Hawaiian uke being offered to me for sale, I have now taken possession of said uke. At first, I didn't see any markings anywhere. But peering into the soundhole, I can make out the Tabu stamp and, below it, a penciled signature that reads "Aka..." The rest of the name is wiped out, but I found a picture of an Akai on John King's site, and the signatures match. So, I guess I have an Akai. Can you tell me anything about this maker or this uke? (Yes, I've searched your past answers on the subject, but I just like hearing you talk!) Mahalo --- Tom P.S.: Sure is a small uke! Answer: They are really graceful...I like them alot..Not a big sound but a sweet sound...usually really nice dark wood. Never sure who really made them because they are a different shape than most hawaiian ukes..Lots of them thru the years....thanks for writing in, I wish I had more info.frets Thanks for the kind words - Sunday, June 6, 2004

Question asked by: p mickelsn Subject: buzzing Question: I got a "nice" uke on e-bay, made by a reputable manufacturer that I won't name here. Anyway, it retails at about $800.00, made of koa, nylon Aquilagut strings, real pretty. I am not much of a collector, I bought the thing to PLAY, and as I did, I noticed the notes on the a string sounded flat as I played up the neck. I took it to a local luthier with a great reputation, and he said that the problem was strange, because it was a really well built instrument, but it was as if the template got shifted 1/16th of an inch during the manufacture,and this threw the intonation off after the second fret. He was able to fix it so it was "almost perfect," and to my ear, the problem was resolved. Now, only a couple of months later, I'm getting this strange buzzing, on the e and a strings. It's sometimes subtle, sometimes less so, but always annoying. I can't tell if it's at the bridge, at the nut, inside the uke itself or what. I understand that there is a "break-in" period, and maybe I should just "chill out" and let the instrument "loosen up." Or maybe I should just unload the sucker--maybe it's a lemon and I should stop throwing $$ away. So disappointing, though. I really started to bond with the thing. I'm thinking about naming it Ruth Buzzy. So, Mr. Frets, whaddayouthink? Should it stay, or should it go now? Thx for your attention, Petr M. Answer: once crap like that starts, its difficult to stop. I would change luthiers..The problem does not sound that bad. You need someone who really knows ukes. Where are you and perhaps I can suggest someone...fretrs - Sunday, June 6, 2004

Question asked by: Jack Subject: Reconditioning Question: Hi Chuck: Quick question - what do you recommend for cleaning and/or polishing older ukes> Answer: Hired help.... - Sunday, June 6, 2004

Question asked by: Allan Subject: Tenor Guitars Question: Hi Chuck. I've read some of your letters that say you can string up a tenor guitar with uke stings and play it like a uke, and the same with a tenor banjo. So, the frets are the same, I can play a tenor guitar just like I play a uke if the strings are tuned uke style? Thats cool, just wanted to confirm and be more specific. Do you use low G tuning? thanks chuck Answer: I use low g tining, but my tenor is made to be tuned to soprano tuning. Be very careful...It is an unattractive sight to see a man with a tenor bridge in his forehead...best...frets - Sunday, June 6, 2004

Question asked by: Quinten Subject: Info on old Koa uke? Question: Chuck, I got this uke off Ebay recently. It came from a Hawaiian residents grandfather. It is 20.5" long Soprano KOA ukulele plays loud and pretty without buzzing or problems right up to the highest notes, has "1924" pencilled on the stamp inside it- has been played for sure but in very good condition- no cracks or repairs to the front or back although binding fell out for 7/8" on the front with front edge having purfling of a black wood (ebony?) alternating with a light wood (?koa) then a binding of alternating black wood and koa on the back the alternating black and Koa binding with purfling on either side goes right down the middle of the back of the body looks like original tuners, neck is mahogony, body is Koa. Tag inside says "guenuine Hawaiian Koa wood". There's a repair to the neck where its been reset with a pin going right through the but of the neck on into the body with a 1/4" long repaired crack on the side of the body where the but of the neck connects with the body. Just wondering if you could give me any information on this uke. I think I payed a fair price for it ($140.00)and am very happy with it. It's my first real uke. My other is a Hilo tenor. I have more pics if needed. Photos:      Answer: Quinten..I need a better pic and a good pic of the back neck joint to tell you have...I suspect that it is not hawaiian at all , but as regal copy...send pics...frets - Sunday, June 6, 2004

Question asked by: rubberdog Subject: Restoration of Banjo Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I know this is a cheapie, but back in the roaring 20's, my father-in- law used this uke to croon to his soon to be wife. A real woo- pitcher! We inherited this old girl with no bridge or tailpiece. I got a grover bridge and a banjo tailpiece from Roy Cone at ukuleleworld.com. I strung it up with Nylguts, but the bridge made the strings way too high. I had to cut off the legs and take it down to about 3/8 inch. I had to rig a special peice under the string attachment (a finish nail carefully cut and filed to fit under the attachment for the strings to pass under in order to get adequate angle over the bridge) It plays! Really sounds neat. Intonation is proper. Volume is OK but would be better with a higher bridge - so here's my question: Looking at the neck attachment, is this meant to be adjustable for the neck angle? I figure if the neck angle was greater, I could have a taller bridge and get more volume. PS: Look close at the flapper girl pics on the skin! Photos:      Answer: Get a higher bridge for more volume or stronger strings..I know so little about banjo ukes, I string them with gut strings and save my fingers for important things like pain free use...best frets...That little piece of wood is not for adjusting the neck angle... - Sunday, June 6, 2004

Question asked by: Don Subject: uke shipping to Australia Question: Hi Chuck wondering if you can give me any hints on shipping a uke from the US to here in Oz. I am getting Dave Means from Glyph ukes to make me a Concert, he won't start it till Feb '05, & I'll need to organise shipping for completion around April. I assume you've been through all this before, can you recommend any freighters & do customs bugger around with the uke at all? regards Don Answer: send its ems....u.s. 3 days, special handling, door to door...best they have...don't go for freighter, it will take 3 months if not 5......pleae write if you need more help...frets - Saturday, June 5, 2004

Question asked by: Brudda Bu Thompson Subject: Sam Chang Uke Question: Aloha Frets, Can you tell me a little about Sam Chang ukes? There's one for sale (see pic). Are the good ukes? Photos:      Answer: they are very good ukes....they were made in the 30's ...two good makers worked next door to each other...One was Sam Chang and the the other was antu kam.....both fabulous...The chang is a little heavy but a great tone..a..nice yakking with ya....frets - Saturday, June 5, 2004

Question asked by: Rav Subject: Concert Martin vs. Graziano Question: A local store has a 1950's Concert sized (mahogany? definitely not koa) Martin in good condition for about 1k - for a couple hundred more i can get a brand new Tony Graziano Concert Koa (I've already got a Soprano Graziano that I love but it is spruce and cedar and a little small for my large hands) What's the smarter buy as far as performance goes - I'm not a collector...? Answer: Its an impossible question to answer...Tony makes a hell of a uke as you already know. His reputation is tops. The Martin Concert is probably the best sized uke they ever made. It depends on your taste. I don't know that I could make that choice. I'd like to have to ....What ever you choice, you will be smart.Let us know what you decide and how your doing...we care...frets - Saturday, May 29, 2004

Question asked by: Gina Gibson Subject: SS Stewart Peanut Question: Hello....I tried writing to you before but it never showed up on Uke Yak (probably my error). I have an SS Stewart peanut uke with an ivoroid plate on the back that says "SS Stewart - New York". I've had some very helpful info from the folks from the Bulletin Board and the websites but everyone says "Ask Chuck "Frets"....he will know". My question is do you think that it was made by Turturro for Stewart? It is stamped Patent Pending which would put it in the right time frame. If it is a Turturro, would it be more valuable? How do you know if the name Turturro is under the name plate? Are there many Stewart Turturro's still around? It does need some TLC and has a crack on the back of the "Peanut" body that has been filled with glue. I'm going to try and send a picture. Any help greatly appreciated. Photos:      Answer: It was absolutly made by tuturro. YOu will find that name under the name tag. He was the only one to make this uke..It doesn't matter who distributed it, the value is the same. He made two models..one with no trim and one with white trim...Good luck and If I can help further, I will....They are fun to look at , but I never had one that sounded good., Hope yours does....frets - Saturday, May 29, 2004

Question asked by: Ernie Subject: Favilla Question: Hi Chuck! This isn't a question, but rather a "show-and-tell". I just received yesterday, what to ME is truly a "Holy Grail" uke. I know that it is generally held that Favilla never actually made a concert uke. Several months ago, I put the question to "Big" Tom Favilla himself, and this is what he said: "Ernie, the family did build concert ukes but not after 1940. They are quite rare and I have only seen four or five in my life". Well, yesterday the UPS man delivered a BEAUTIFULLY preserved Favilla concert, in a vintage canvas case. How this ukulele has remained so immaculate since it's creation in the 1930's in a canvas case somewhere in the Bronx, NY, is beyond me, but it's gorgeous, with only a bit of finish crazing. No cracks, no separations, no wear! It looks as if it's never been played. (you can bet it is being played now!) I sounds and plays as good as it looks. I've been glowing with excitement since yesterday morning, and I just had to share! ( I haven't had a chance to take a photo yet, but I'm sending the pic from the seller. I hope it comes through). Thanks for all your answers and insight through Uke Yak- I always enjoy it! ---Ernie Photos:      Answer: Ernie...thanks for sharing. Its the first one I have ever seen as well...Its beautiful...good score and good luck...keep us informed...frets - Thursday, May 27, 2004

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