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

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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: paul culkin Subject: baritone ukes Question: Hi chuck, Just a quick question about baritone ukes. Some years ago I picked up a Harmony baritone (early 50's mahogany body) but I have hardly used it because of its dull sound (it was fitted with a wound 3rd and 4th and in guitar tuning)Just as an experiment I fitted it with ordinary black nylon uke strings (galli)and the sound is really bright and pleasant. Has anyone else tried this? and have you any advice about stringing a 'bari'? Thanks, Answer: String it like the last 4 strings on a guitar. Someone will write in and let you know about the bari, if you begin the discussion on the bulletin board. let us know what happens....frets - Monday, February 9, 2004

Question asked by: Karen Subject: Ukulele maker Question: Recently purchased this ukulele from Ebay auction. I'm trying to identify the maker. There is a partial paper label inside "Th- SU-----O" ?? Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Karen @Moonstone Beach in California Photos:      Answer: Karen...is the number of spaces between su and o the number of letters missing in the word. If so, I don't know what it is. If it is not, you have the only other one of these I have ever seen. I had one and I will have to go back over my records and let you know. Its a little hard to tell from your pic...but is it really black and the dimensions are the same as a vita uke? Does the paint job look professional ( original) or does it look home done.? let me know thanks frets - Monday, February 2, 2004

Question asked by: Patrick Chung Subject: Ukes in Oz Question: Hi, I've just become interested in playing the uke. I usually play guitars and have some vintage guitars. Where can you get good instruments in Aust. I live in Brisbane. Also saw a 1930's Kumalae Uke with little cracks for AUD$350, Is this an OK buy to start a collection? Regards Patrick Answer: I live in Melbourne. I wish I could tell you how to find ukes in australia. I have not found many. I think you can do better than 350.00 for a cracked kumalae. You need to go on the bulletin board and the marketplace on this site and see whats available. You should also take a look at the on line store on this site. Pay attention to the flea and the fluke. The two ukuleles distributed by fleamarketmusic.....I think this might be an answer for you. Please keep in touch and if I can help, please let me know...frets - Friday, January 30, 2004

Question asked by: Jack Morse Subject: Kamaka Uke Made in Japan Question: Chuck, I fell heir to a Kamaka soprano uke that was made in Japan. I understand that Kamaka did have some made there. Can you tell me anything about it? It's in very good shape. Thank you very much. Jack Answer: Jack...Its unclear exactly what happened. It is my understanding that they had some assembled there but made in hawaii. I have seen them with a lable that says made in japan and I have seen then with a headstock decal that says ke kei and one other variation...most of the japanese kamakas were made out of mahogany not koa. I had a mahogany one and it was wonderful....as are all Kamakas I have ever played...thanks for writing in and keep in touch...frets - Friday, January 30, 2004

Question asked by: vincent potuto Subject: u-king banjo ukelele Question: hi chuck-wanted to get some information on a u-king banjo ukelele?i think it is a soprano banjo ukulele-measures 22" by 7" at the head-it looks all copper like a brass metal-17/18 frets-4 pearl inserts-4 string-reads u-king where the strings go on at the end-the back has a large metal round covering-like to resontae the sound- when i tried to research it-i only see wood backs-the back does come off-no cracks or splits-4 pegs have a small screw in each-wondered if you know the year-or anything on it-is it worth anything? Photos:      Answer: Vincent, looks like a high quality Generic banjo uke. Nice one though. Resonator is a good thing. U-King is the name of the part that has the wording on it. Usually the tailpiece. The unnamed banjo ukes flourished in the 20's and 30's and I'm pretty sure yours is from that time. I string mine with gut strings. Metal strings sound terrible to me. Metal resonators were not the norm, but also not rare. I have had many of them. Yes it is worth something. It is worth in great condition 250.00 + if you have a case. Condition counts for alot and sound counts the rest., So use that as a guide. I based my price on as fine example. Add or subtract depending on the criteria. Thanks again for writing in...Always nice to hear from you..Dan Quail wrote in and said there should be an "E" at the end of your name.....Best frets - Thursday, January 29, 2004

Question asked by: Cross Subject: Martin Tenor GCEA tuning Question: Chuck, Great website and column! I have a Martin Tenor (late 50's) that is in really good shape. I have never changed the strings, which are rather thick and clear (and a wound G) -- almost like guitar strings -- and don't seem appropriate for GCEA tuning (I can tune up a whole step or minor third from DGBE, but the strings are very tight). Can you tell me what brand/gauge of string you use for GCEA that won't damage the top or require a neck reset down the road? Thank you, Chuck Answer: I use Kamaka tenor strings...I use Kamaka strings almost exclusively. I like the way they break in. I have ukes that have had the same set of Kamaka strings on it for 15 years. I also like broken in strings. I have been known to buy a garbage uke to get a great set of strings. But, thats only one mans opinion. I think you need to invest in as couple string sets and see what you like. Nylagut is a string I hear alot about. Go to the on line store on this site and buy two sets. One Nylagut and the other Hilo Black. Give them a try. Try the Nylagut first....I hear great things. Please report your findings, it helps all those out there trying to decide...Thanks for writing in and thanks for the kind words. Stay tuned...words of wisdom drop here like schwitz( sweat in Yiddish) from a Triathelete....Help, I'm losing it...Please write in if I can help further. best...frets - Thursday, January 29, 2004

Question asked by: casey Subject: dessigner flukes as future collectibles Question: Frets,I really enjoy your section here and look forward to your posts.I do have a question for you if I may.What with the prices of vintage ukes being where they are now,do you have an opinion on the flukes becoming collectible and if so which models and why?I personally like the sound of the Fluke and the Flea.Also looking forward to your book...Mahalo Answer: If I were you and I had tons of money, I would collect one example of each. Put them away and someday having the entire collection will insure their collectibility. You might think I'm kidding, but I'm not. I wish evey day of my life that I had that mind set when I was younger. Its really hard to predict the collectible market. If I could, I'd be a wealthy man. I also like the sound the fluke and flea. I was just playing my flea moments ago. Its a fun uke. Regardless of what you deide to do..good luck...frets - Tuesday, January 27, 2004

Question asked by: Barry Marciniak Subject: tuning Question: What is the correct tuning for a tenor ukulele, also if different,then a soprano ukulele can it be tuned g c e a . Any information on different tuning would be greatly appreciated. Is there any books that have information on soprano, tenor, and baritone and how you would play then together in a band setting. thanks Barry Answer: Barry, you can tune a tenor to both tunings. There are string sets made today that are specifically for one or the other. I would see If I could find who is offering them. Put your wants on the bulletin board and let the gang over there help you. They know tons of stuff. I have tuned my tenor every way p;ossible. You just have to be sure you don't try to tune it up too high You will have a bridge in your forehead. Just be cautions. Bests and thanks for writing...frets - Tuesday, January 27, 2004

Question asked by: rick woodard Subject: unknown uke Question: Hi Chuck, I recently traded for a small(6x21) 20's? unlabeled koa uke which is unbound except a thin gold ring around the sound hole.It has friction tuners and and large "clay" dots at the 5,7,and 10th frets. Its got a basic crown shaped thin headstock.I saw one in a japanese collection on line but coudn't read the text! Any ideas of maker? I don't have a camera- sorry. Rick Answer: Sounds like a Kumalae from description..Please try to get a pic and I can tell you for sure...frets - Saturday, January 24, 2004

Question asked by: Erin Subject: Lyon and Healy Bell Question: Chuck, I am curious about the collectability of the Lyon and Healy Washburn Bell as compared to their Shrine ukulele. I see the Shrine pop up for sale once in a great while but have not seen a Bell yet. Which is more collectable and what are their relative worths? Thanks, Erin Answer: Erin, its too complicated a question for just one answer. L&H made many varieties of both the shrine and the bell. I would guess, oddly enough, that they are about equal in rarity. I have not seen any of either for a long time. They are highly collectible. The varieties of trim, type of wood and condition all contribute to the cost. The plainest of either should run 750+....I need a pic of something specific to give a specific answer..Hope I've helped....frets - Saturday, January 24, 2004

Question asked by: Chris M Subject: Crack Question: Hi Chuck. This is an old mahogany uke. Does this back-crack look like a difficult fix? note the arrows which show smaller cracks. Photos:      Answer: Chris....hard to tell from the photo...It is an easy fix as long as there is no missing wood. If its just a matter of pulling it together, It looks like it will...don't do it yourself unless you have the proper clamps and glue.....frets - Saturday, January 24, 2004

Question asked by: David Huizinga Subject: Maker&Price of Old Uke Question: A co-workers grandfather brought an all koa soprano back from Honolulu in the 1950's. It has no internal lablel, but a Hawaii decal between the tuning pegs with the letters KAM on the top. No cracks, a few scarches & dings, no inlay. There is a knot on the top by the hole, but seems solid. Finish is so-so. Has a marvelous sound, much better than my Kamaka and is nice to play. Any information about maker and current market value greatly appreciated. I want to buy it, but don't want to "cheat" or overpay the owner. Mahalo Nui Loa! David Answer: David I can tell you who made it, but without seeing it I can only give a ballpark on the value. It made by An Tao Kam, who was an active maker in the l940's and 50's. His ukes don't pop up that often and therefore are rare. If it were in perfect condition, by that I mean no splits,bad dings, deep scratches or broken necks, I would see it selling for about 350.00. If it is average, about 200. If you can send me a picture, please do and I can do a better job. I would buy it If I had a chance at those figures. It is collectible and very few collection have one. He was a contemporary of Sam Chang and from what I understand worked very close to one another. Perhaps next door. Thanks for writing in.....get the uke...frets - Saturday, January 24, 2004

Question asked by: Justin Foley Subject: Simona Music Company Ukulele Question: Ok here is the story. I am a college student at Michigan Technological University in Houghton MI. For Christmas I asked for a ukulele from my mom who decided not to get me one because she didn't think that I would ever play it. I really wanted one so I decided to do tons of research to find a good ukulele for me in my pricerange. I have been looking ever since. I found a really nice Favilla 1950s model on Ebay which I wanted very bad and was bid 210 dollars for it. With 4 seconds left to go somebody outbid me which of course made me very angry. I was also kind of relieved because as a college student I am very poor. So anyways I kept looking and I found this one made by simona Music company which I had never heard of. Last night the auction ended and I decided to bid on it because it looked pretty nice and it was pretty cheap at the time. I ended up winning the auction without ever asking the seller any questions about it. My question is, have you ever heard of them and what do you think of my buy. The url is http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d ll? ViewItem&item=2373187553&category= 16224 Thank you very much for your time and I hope to hear from you soon. Justin Foley Answer: Justin...I have never heard of the company, however it was a uke I had earmarked for myself. It is vintage, about 1920-1940's...It looks like a kumalae, but then most ukes made at that time do. I think you did well and will be glad the other one fell thru. I will be very intrested to find out how it is when you get it. It needs soft strings, Kamaka perhaps or a used set off another uke. I would rather have this one for what you paid than the favilla for 210...You can always buy a favilla and for less. I have never seen another on of these and that interests me. Let us know and thanks for writing in...frets - Saturday, January 24, 2004

Question asked by: Tom B. Subject: What is it? Question: Hi Chuck: A guy I met is offering me the uke pictured. He says it is in undamaged condition, and it does appear to be from the photos. No maker's name, however. Do you recognize it? Also, do you think it's worth $100 if it's really in good condition? Thanks, Sir Frets. Photos:      Answer: 1920/30's hawaiian. Perhaps kumalae, if not , it is of that vintage. Yes it is worth 100.00 ..grab it. frets - Wednesday, January 21, 2004

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