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

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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: Jon Allyn Subject: Uke tuning/strings Question: Hey Chuck, my friends gave me a Lanikai saprano uke for my birthday, and I am having difficulty getting it to stay in tune. Could this mean I need to replace the strings?..or is it something else? Answer: I would start by replacing the strings. Its the least expensive of the experiments. However, let the strings have time to adjust. I hate new strings for just that reason. I have to tune often. I would go for a set of Kamaka Black..they seem to break in best. see ya...frets - Friday, May 21, 2004

Question asked by: Greg Subject: Dulcet Question: Dear Chuck I'm trying to find info on a Baritone Uke, it has the name Dulcet on the headstock , the guy trying to sell it is asking $200 I think he's dreaming, if you could shed some light it would be much appreciated sorry I can't get a photo. Thanks Greg Answer: Don't know dulcet.....hope someone out there in uke land does....will let you know if I hear anything. 200 for as decent baritone doesn't sound expensive. No chance for a pic????? frets - Friday, May 21, 2004

Question asked by: Fred (PhonoFred) Williams Subject: Unknown Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I have tried to attach a .zip folder with three pictures. I posted a few days ago about an Uke that I purchased in Nebraska. You asked me to send a close up to help identify it. Thank you for the compliments on some of our antiques in the background of the first pic that I sent. My wife, and I have some nice collections. I collect antique phonographs, and she collects antique dolls. We have lots of other cool stuff too. If you are ever in the Denver, CO area please look us up. I'd love to have you over to see the stuff, and have beer. Thanks, Fred Answer: Thanks for the offer of the beer. You have to send me an airplane ticket. I live in Melbourne and its a long walk...frets - Friday, May 21, 2004

Question asked by: rush mcallister Subject: Tabu Question: Dear Chuck, Thank you for answering our questions. Based on what you've written so far, can you say that if the Tabu symbol is on the inside of the back of the uke that it is an Akai uke? Mine does not have a signature. Rush McAllister PS Right after I wrote you about my Ernest Kaai uke, I noticed a faint Tabu symbol right under the sound hole. Answer: I'm lost...are we talking about two different ukes and whats the question. Sounds interesting..Thanks for writing in...frets - Friday, May 21, 2004

Question asked by: JW Subject: Calace Ukulele Question: Sorry, I thought I had sent 6 pictures total. I will send the rest now. Appreciate your input. Jane Photos:      Answer: Japanese...modern...the trim around the saoundhole gives it away...anything else I can do to help....frets - Friday, May 21, 2004

Question asked by: Jim Subject: Player Question: I have a Weymann soprano uke in a Howe of Boston soft case with the name G. C. Noyes on it. Was Noyes a well known player back in the 20's? Answer: Jim....I have noy idea....never hoid of him....frets - Friday, May 21, 2004

Question asked by: Josh Gibson Subject: Baritone tuning on a Tenor uke? Question: Hi Chuck, I recently bought my first uke -- a Braddah Tenor. I would like to tune it DGBE (low D), but I'm not sure which strings to buy to achieve the proper tension. I tried a standard set of Baritone strings (not sure which brand - they were from a friend's Bari), but they were way too floppy. I like the Nylguts that are on the uke now - Is there a Nylgut set that would work for my needs? Any other brands I should look for? Thanks a million! Josh Gibson http://www.whollycatsband.com Answer: A baritone tuning on a tenor uke???? I have never heard it done sucessfully. They always sound murky....see ya...frets - Thursday, May 20, 2004

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