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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

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: Mo Bernstein Subject: Unmarked Uke (Koa?) Question: Hi Chuck - I've been enjoying your column for a couple years now, but this is my first time writing to you. The attached picture is of an unmarked uke I bought at the Folk Shop in Tucson recently, while on a visit to the in-laws. It's kind of beat up (the uke, not the shop or the in-laws), but is a pretty good player, especially since I put Worth Fluoro Carbon strings on it. The wood is actually a bit darker than what shows in the picture. What is your educated guess about the age, maker, and type of wood? Thanks. Photos:      Answer: Mo....know the people at the Folk shop very well...nice couple. Uke looks ar first glance like a mainland copy of a hawaiian uke...Nicely made..How does it sound...Looks like the 50's....frets - Thursday, April 15, 2004

Question asked by: Felix Subject: ABBM UKE Question: This was my granddad's uke back in the day (propably 1920-ish) It has a label that says ABBM UKULELE. Can you tell me anything about it? thanks Fel Photos:      Answer: Felix, can you send me a pic in a format that I can open. I can tell you they can be very nice ukes, but I would like to see a pic of it., I can do a better job that way..A BBM ..isn't that a medical condition?.I can't believe I wrote that...frets The pic just came thru..its beautiful...please let me know what it says on the inside and if thre is a label on the top let me know that also. I would love a pic of the neck at the back where it connects to the body. I can tell alot about where it was made..thanks for writing....frets - Wednesday, April 7, 2004

Question asked by: Felix Subject: Manini uke Question: What can you tell me about this 1/2 size uke I found? It is all Koa and branded MANINI on the neck block. thanks Felix Photos:      Answer: They are being made to day. I know little about them except they are little. I know some of the yakkers out there will help out. I have heard of them, but I have enough trouble playing a soprano, this would be impossible for me. best ...frets - Wednesday, April 7, 2004

Question asked by: AndyW Subject: Favilla information Question: Chuck, The Favilla website is at http://hometown.aol.com/bigtom5/myhomepage/ and don't forget Catfish Carls Favilla site at http://www.catfish1952.com/favilla.html or the favilla pictures at the ukediner http://ukediner.ukulele.org/favilla.html. PS I recently acquired a favilla bari, great uke. Answer: Andy...thanks for the info....glad you like the bari..good instrumet. I will keep the sites in my file, so I can look real smart next time someone asks...frets - Wednesday, April 7, 2004

Question asked by: Cheezer Subject: Processor? Question: Ok, I know you're not a big fan of the electric ukuleles, but I hate to break it to you- I own one. Hehe. Anyway, I'd like to hook it up to a processor if I can, and experiment with some sounds. Question is, what kind of processor would I use? A regular guitar processor? Thanks. Answer: The only thing I know about a processor is I sounds like as guy that serves a summons. Never take an envelope from a stranger. I would pose this question on the bulletin board, they know everything. Thanks for writing in....Let me be the first to wish you a happy new year...frets - Wednesday, April 7, 2004

Question asked by: Geoff Menzer Subject: Broad Horizons Baritone 8 string uke Question: Hi Chuck,hope you're well! Remember I bought an 8 string ornate Broad Horizons Baritone uke from you a few years ago,with gold tuners etc,but old strings.Had a few problems getting new good ones that were long enough,as it has a long head. However I just got sets from KO'OLAU company in Hawaii.They are nylon that looks and feels like gut,and they kindly sent me extra long ones. The sound is FABULOUS now,also it is so well fretted that with these strings you can play a G chord an octave up(12th to 15th fret) and it is perfectly in tune. If you PICK(not strum the octave 4th and 3rd strings and play WALK RIGHT IN you would swear you were hearing a really good 12 string guitar. It just has to be the best Bari (unless you know better) Any info on the people who made it? I do not think I will actually use this size uke a lot as I play tenor uke and guitar,so if anyone really wants THE BEST,I MAY consider selling.However,I reckon it will increase in value as an investment,and sound even better the more I play it. Thanks again,Geoff Menzer. PS Alan Harris sends you his best! Answer: Thanks Geoff. I remember you...Thanks for all the good string info and if you decide to sell, stick it up on the marketplace on this site. It gets a ton of action and is limited to people who are really interested in ukes only. Thanks again for writing in and keep in touch...frets - Wednesday, April 7, 2004

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Great Uke Design Question: Chuck, Revered Co-Designer, My beloved 4th wife, upon returning from a grandchild worshiping trip to California, where she stopped by the shop of Mark Silber in Berkeley, brought to me a brand new shinny Frisco Ukulele. While most uke folk who love their Fluke, or Martin, or 3rd Wave or ..... on and on .... speak manfully about action and tone and or great price, I've always, with ukuleles, looked for the execution of small elements of design. The Frisco uke's book matched back, of figured Mexican caioba, covers the heel, in the manner of early Hawaiian makers. The coming together, at the heel, of elements of the matched back, back binding, neck, and the quality of finish, is a delight to behold. Years ago I discovered that an element of the human female anatomy, that is lacking in the male of the species, is the Mc Calais (not sure of spelling - but I recognize one when I see it) dimple. There are two of these dimples. I've usually been excited when viewing this feminine feature. Coincidentally the Mc Calais dimples' position is damn near the same as the position of the heel on the Frisco Uke. Need I say ...... I love my Frico Uke? robert - founder Photos:      Answer: AS usual, a letter I have to read more than once to get the full flavor. Its a masterpiece...both the uke and the description. I love your stuff...I shall publish all you can write. Welcome back, its been weeks since you last wrote and we were all beginning to worry. What would happen if our founder got lost...Who would find for us..best ...a fan...frets...I have it on good authority an very early Frisco may be offered soon...Anyone interested, please write me. It is one of the two prototypes and a payer and a half...frets - Wednesday, April 7, 2004

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page