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 (163 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: Stefan des Lauriers Subject: home made banjo uke Question: I'm planning on making a banjo ukulele using the neck of an old banjo uke and the bed of a mini radio flyer wagon. I was wondering what to use for the top. I like the tahlina starfire material, but that might be too costly and hard to find. Thanks http://www.musickingdom.com/i mages/ToddlingAstronaut.jpg I have a song called Toddling Astronaut about putting a goldfish bowl on my head and going into "space" on a radio flyer. Stefan Photos:      Answer: Stefan....What is the oxygen content on your planet. Do the people look anything like us here on earth. For the top I would use some l950's linolium ( I know that is not the spelling)....I would use the design of the little cowboys and indians. Please send us a picture of this uke when it is finised. YOu have secured a place in the book I am writing. Decrease your medication, take two and call me in the morning...Your friend....I remain, really confused...frets - Saturday, March 13, 2004

Question asked by: Chuck Dicks Subject: 1950' Uke Question: Enclosed is a photo of a Uke that I bought some time in the 50's. I believe it was built by An Tao Kam, but can't find out any other info. As to what kind of wood and its value. There are no scratches or cracks, only a little finger wear. And is it better to play it or just save it for all time. I am a beginning player after all these years and would like to start playing again. Thank you for any information you could give me. Chuck Photos:      Answer: I was made by an tao kam. A good maker of the 20's. His work doesn't surface all that often. It is made for playing...so play it. An tao would have wanted its that way. best from the home of the worlds largest radish contest.....mr Idydydyd...frets - Saturday, March 13, 2004

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: Early Martin Construction Question: Aloha Chuck, Mahalo for the bajillionth time for sharing your knowledge so willingly. Your insight on early Martin's sure helps knuckleheads like me understand what the hell is going on out there(Well at least part of the time). I've attached the pic of the Style 2's from the Martin page of www.hekilicollection.com. As my know it all daughter would say, "You rock!" Photos:      Answer: beautiful stuff as usual. Thanks for sharing. I hope others like to look at good stuff like I do. Your daughter has wonderful taste. I do rock. However, these days its in a chair. best to you kenny..your pal...frets - Saturday, March 13, 2004

Question asked by: Billy Werner Subject: Bucks Ukulele Question: Hi,Chuck!I just want to tell you I love your forum too.I have learned a great deal.My question is about buck ukuleles.What do you know about them .They remind me of the Matin Style 3 soprano.I would love to have a uke similar to that .Too bad Martin is not making ukuleles like they used to. Answer: I know nothing about buck ukuleles. However someone does. I wish Martin made ukes like they used to also. The piece of yuk they make today is tragic. Write them and ask them what happened. I'd love to see the answer. I think I know. But you wonder, when would it be better to make a great uke than during the biggest craze the uke has ever had. Well, they must know something...they have been in business since the l840's and I haven't worked since l940....frets - Saturday, March 13, 2004

Question asked by: Ben Tuakana Subject: learning Question: What would be the best book to learn how to play the uke? Answer: Ben...The l928 edition of the Model N Ford repair manual. If you find it isn't, look to the left and find in the menu the "on-line-store-....You will find more than you ever wanted to know. The beginning book seems to be the place I would start. Thanks for writing in. - Saturday, March 13, 2004

Question asked by: Charlie Subject: Kamaka Question: Chuck, do have a web site or e- mail address for the Kamaka factory? I've been looking but can't seem to find one. Thanks. Answer: Charlie...go to google and type in "Kamaka"....if that doesn't work, call 808 5551212 and ask for the telephone number for Kamaka. They are still in business after all these years. frets - Saturday, March 13, 2004

Question asked by: Barry Marciniak Subject: Martin Tenor Ukulele Question: I've just started playing the ukulele I've purchased a Hilo Soprano and a Amigo Tenor I really like the Tenor because I have a guitar backround. I'm just starting to look for a Martin Tenor Ukulele I've went to all the local music stores found nothing what year did Martin stop producing the Tenor and is there a difference in tone between the older ukulele and new ones Thanks for you help Barry from Duluku Mn (Duluth Mn Answer: Barry...they made them into the 80's...you can tell the modern ones by the "Made in USA" stamp inside. There is a big difference between the older and the newer ones. I like the older ones because they were lighter in weight. I like the more mellow sound. If you can find a modern one that has been well broken in, it will do the trick. thanks for writing....frets - Sunday, March 7, 2004

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