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

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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: Tom B. Subject: Out Damn Smell! Question: Regarding the uke that reeks of cat urine ... an earlier poster to your site suggested putting a clean charcoal briquet in a bag along with the offending-smelling uke. Well, I tried that with some wooden piano casters that my cat had personalized, leaving the casters and the charcoal briquets in the bag for a week. It worked like a charm! (I thought of saving the briquets for the next BBQ, but thought better of it.) Answer: I solved the same problem by putting the cat in the bag for a week...It worked like a charm ...Only kidding...No letters.....please....I'm glad you thought better about using the briquet...Thanks for the suggestion...Only proving , one more time, that the people who read this column have information that can't be gotten anywhere else....Now,for a personal problem...I have a cat that has urine that smells like a piano caster. Any suggestions..Thanks Tom...your a prince......frets.... head of the mt idy fumigation service...at your odor...... - Saturday, February 14, 2004

Question asked by: Olive Parks Subject: Vintage Martin uke Question: Ben at Boulevard Music recommended I write you. I have a Martin mahogany type 1 uke, circa 1945 (origin in question since original owner,my great-unkle, passed). Ben said he'd rate the condition as VG or VG+, as the only visible wear is nicks to the finish. My family is thinking of selling it and want to know a realistic value of it. Any help? Thanks! Photos:      Answer: realistic value...depends on the wind. If you put it on the marketplace on this site for a reasonable price, it will sell. It is worth, in that condition , about 400 bucks. If it has no cracks or separations the finish won't matter a whole lot. You can hold out, put it on ebay and try to get 500...by the time you mess around with packing, waiting, selling, putting it up..I'd prefer the marketplace..There you will get someone who really wants a uke to play. I always like it when something I like goes to the right home. My uncle is in a home...only kidding ...no letters , please....try the marketplace and good luck ...frets...of the Former Artists Residental Trailerpark....or FART as it is know in Mt Idy...Thanks for writing in...... - Saturday, February 14, 2004

Question asked by: uke Subject: Smelly Uke Question: I recently purchased a Harmony tenor ukulele on ebay that was graded as being in excellent condition. Unfortunately, when it came is smelled strongly of cat urine. The seller insists that it is in excellent condition. I'm less convinced for obvious reasons. (There are some other less noxious things wrong with it too. )So goes Ebay. If I'm stuck with this instrument is there any way to neutralize this well- fermented urine odor coming for the sound hole? (When people say my playing stinks I don't want them to be that literal!) Answer: funny question..not for you but for me...The first thing you have to do is locate the cat. Then, in the interest of stopping the problem, don't let it drink anything. Somehow, I think that the strong smell of cat urine does come under Ebay's heading of mis-representation. It mis-representation by omission but mis-representation none the less. You may have justification for returning the Uke. I know Ebay is difficult to communicate with, but I would give it try if I could not stand the smell or not be able to get rid of it. As far as how to get rid of the smell, sometimes just leaving it outside in decent weather , not in direct sun, will do the trick...It might take a while, but the smell will eventually disappear. I love the line about your playing stinking...Its amazing how many smelly uke questions I have gotten over the years...I think the way to solve the problem of happening, is to hang the uke on the wall. If the cat can still pee in it when its hanging on the wall...you have potential money in the performing cat. I know tomato juice is very good for removing smells, however, it might change the look of the uke...I hope there is an expert in this field among the ukers out there and somebody writes in a suggestion..Until then...get a clothes pin and you will sound like every singer from the 20's....frets - Friday, February 13, 2004

Question asked by: Tom B. Subject: Akai Ukulele? Question: Hi Chuck: I asked about this uke earlier, but I think my message disappeared into the ether. That's OK, because now I have a photograph to attach. I just acquired this uke, and I believe it to be an Akai. Inside the soundhole is a Tabu mark, and underneath is a penciled name that is partially faded. However, you can still make out the letters "Aka..." I have included a pic (digitally enhanced) of the lettering. Can you tell me anything about this specific uke and its maker? Also, any ideas of its value? It's in very good condition, complete with original tuners, but the bridge is cleanly detached and there is a stable crack on the front. Thanks, Chuck. Photos:      Answer: It is an Akai and a beautiful one at that...teens - 20's vintage. What a lovely piece of wood...I have always been a fan of the shape of the akais. Beautiful and graceful..This is near the top of the line..I would say its worth in the present conditon 350+....enjoy....frets p.s bridge may not be original....fix the crack... then 450+ thanks for writing in....frets - Wednesday, February 11, 2004

Question asked by: Tom Griesel Subject: 1950's Favilla Question: Chuck, Thanks for the reply. I purchased it and it plays as well as it looks! Regards, Tom Photos:      Answer: Its really a beauty...I'm glad you got it. Enjoy and check in every now and then...glad I could help....frets - Wednesday, February 11, 2004

Question asked by: Ukulele Steve Subject: big beater Question: Aloha Chucko,I'm looking for a uke to take to jams when it's too cold out and my Kamaka concert wants to just stay in the nice warm house.Two choices: Harmony concert ($175) or Johnny Marvin Tenor ($350). In your opinion is the Johnny Marvin Tenor (I know it's CONCERT size) worth the extra dough? I think sunburst Johnny's quite handsome. Thanks for your answer and also for your fine work here. Answer: The harmony concert is not a bad instrument for a harmony and not a bad price either...But it is lightyears away from the Marvin Tenor...Yes its worth the extra bucks...Thank you for the kind words, always appreciated...frets - Wednesday, February 11, 2004

Question asked by: Paul Bouchard Subject: Just curious about this ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I picked this uke up at a thrift shop and put some new tuners on it. It doesn't have a label or any markings.I had to piece together a couple of scans and it's missing a bit in the middle but I think you can get the idea. Any opinion on it's brand or the age of it? Thanks again for the great column. Answer: paul..thanks for the kind words. the pics did not come thru, please try again of send to my email cfayne@swiftdsl.com.au....thanks for writing in and thinking of us...frets - Tuesday, February 10, 2004

Question asked by: Tom Griesel Subject: 1950's Favilla Uke Question: Chuck, I have a chance to by this 1950's Favilla in mint condition with the case for $200. Is that the current going rate? Thanks, Tom Photos:      Answer: Grab it...it is a good deal. It looks like a winner. and the case to boot. If you don't want it, I do. thanks for the jingle...frets - Tuesday, February 10, 2004

Question asked by: antonio rosales Subject: uke information Question: hi chuck, I have a "SAMMO" with a decal inside the box which reads guaranteen against mechanical defects. made by Samuel C Osborn MFG.co, CHICAGO ILL. The person I purchased it from said it was possibly from the 1928 era. Any info about the uke and its worth would be appreciated. Thnx antonio Answer: depending on condition and trim...a ballpark without seeing is around 200-250...l930's vintage......thanks for yakkin' frets - Monday, February 9, 2004

Question asked by: Bryan Subject: Martin Tenor Question: Hi Chuck - I have a Martin Tenor, probably from the 40's - twelve frets to the body rather than 14 on the newer ones. (18 altogether). I have the Martin stamp inside the soundhole, but no logo on the headstock. Is this unusual? Thanks Bryan Answer: It is unusual but not unheard of..it could be a neck replacement. You can tell or a luthier can tell by looking at the neck joint. let me know what you find out....frets - Monday, February 9, 2004

Question asked by: dave g Subject: song temple/tuning Question: Hi chuck What is the temple for Tahuwa huwai Traditional hawaiin song. Also what is traditional hawaiin tuning thanks dave Answer: dave...out of my areas...try this question on the marketplace. There are people who are experts on hawaiian music...thanks frets - Monday, February 9, 2004

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