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

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Question asked by: Phil Subject: tuner heads for pre-war Martin SO Question: The tuners on my 50 something year old Martin SO Uke are still nice and tight, but the ivory plastic heads are looking cracked and deteriorated. Since it's a vintage uke, I want to keep it looking original. Are new heads in order? Is keeping them "original" looking vital? Can I get duplicates anywhere? Thanks Answer: Phil...thanks for writing. Write John Bernunzio at Bernunzio Vintage instruments in Rochester N.Y. He may have an original set for sale. If all else fails, you can write the Martin Company and order a modern set. They won't be vintage but they will be Martin. You have a pre-war Martin O not an SO..The SO is a modern incarnation of the Martin O..and they are not in the same league with the ukulele you have...best..frets...Editor and Chief of the Mt Idy Ukulele Hall of Shame... - Monday, January 12, 2004

Question asked by: Rod Mccrimmon Subject: Red Head Question: Hi Chuck, just wondering if you recieved my emails to you re:uke pegs. I sent jpg's as well. Thanks ,Rod Answer: Rod...I will write when I finish going thru the bags of uke tuners I have..They are unlike all I have so far. Will do my best..If anyone out there has a couple of tuners for a redhead uke..Please let Rod Know...Thanks to all...frets - Monday, January 12, 2004

Question asked by: Roy Maxwell Subject: a very old man and his martin Question: My 93 year-old father has a Martin Uke, which he played on his radio show in Toronto in the early 1930's and continued to play for fun for the next six decades (and unbelieveably well). He was a professional trumpet player and violinist for many years and played the Uke and guitar just for fun. It has unbelievale tone, but has several 6-inch cracks in the body. The rest is worn, but in perfect playing condition. He played it regularly, prior to entering a nursing home in 2002. I am prepared to pay the several hundred dollars required to repair it - for sentimental reasons, alone. My question is: if I spend the money, would the instrument be restored properly, or is it too far gone? My Dad wants to play it again, but I wonder whether or not it should be fixed or just displayed as valuable family heirloom? If I don't repair it, and let him play it, would this be a mistake? He misses it and would like to use it again to entertain the folks at the home. I am not sure what to do. Any information you have about 1920 or early 1930 Martin ukes would be appreciated. I could send a jpeg if you think it is worth it. Thanks Roy Roy Maxwell, Burlington, Ontario, Canada. Answer: Roy, your question is too complex for a simple answer. I would look at the player directory at the left in the black and white menu and there will be three ukulele players in the Ontario area. One of them will know a luthier who would repair the uke. If it is a martin, it is worth repairing. I have no idea of the value because I need to see which model it is. I think if your 93 years old and still know a ukulele from a canoe and he wants to play for his pals in the rest home...Let him have it. I doubt he will do a hell of a lot of damage...His pleasure will far outweigh any damage. That little instrument is designed to give pleasure and I know of no better way. Please let me know how he gets along. If you need help finding someone to repair it down the line, please contact me and I will find you a luthier. Best to you and your father...health for 04....frets and the gang in Mt Idy ... - Monday, January 12, 2004

Question asked by: Chiaccherone Subject: vibrating string Question: Howdy Chuck- This may be one of those silly questions, but as a novice player I just don't know if it is a normal occurrence. I recently purchased a Lanikai tenor with a shadow pre-amp/pick-up. Not sure what kind of strings are on it, but I noticed that the 3rd string (metal/wound) vibrates a little longer than the rest when strummed. Acoustically speaking it isn't a bid deal, but when plugged into the amp...you hear a slight background buzz throughout the song. My questions are, is this a problem with the string? the uke? or the pick-up? And can this problem be easily and affordably addressed? Thanks for your advice... Chiaccherone Answer: chiac...without holding the uke in my hands I am at a loss. I would take it to a good luthier who will be able to tell you in a second. It certainly is affordable..It sounds as simple as a new type of string. Let me know what happens...frets - Monday, January 12, 2004

Question asked by: Joel Subject: Harmony with plastic Question: Hi, I have one of the solid mahogany Harmony sopranos with the cursed plastic fingerboard. It is actually a decent sounding uke with a nice lively tone. Any suggestions on replacing the fingerboard with wood. I have done a few refrets so I guess I just need a source for a pre-slotted fingerboard. Any thoughts? Answer: You can go on line and find people who have kits available to make ukuleles. I don't know if they sell individual parts, however its worth a try. I don't know that changing the fingerboard will do anything but look different. I would try to find a trashed Harmony ukulele that I could rip-off the fingerboard. Go to Google and type in Ukulele Kits and you will find people who supply parts. Its a lot of work and if it sounds decent already, I'd leave it alone. Just an opinion...no facts involved ( my new disclaimer)....frets - Monday, January 12, 2004

Question asked by: Alex Halberstadt Subject: second uke Question: Hi-- About 4 months ago I bought a ukulele and it has drastically changed my life for the better-- Bob Wills songs sound great on a uke. Only problem is that now I'm yearning for a better instrument than my $50 Oscar Schmidt OU-2. I was planning to buy the Martin SO until I read your comments. Can you recommend a good intermediate player under about $300? I love the idea of a vintage instrument, but I can live with a new one too. Thanks, Alex. Answer: Alex...have you looked at the flea and the fluke on this site...great value for the money...In the affordable vintage world, I would look for a gretsch or if you are lucky..a favilla soprano. Either of these would be perfect for what you want. They are several cuts above an intermediate instrument and still within your price range. I think the gretsch is still one of the most underpriced ukes around., Very playable and solid. Hope this has helped ..if you need more info, don't hesitate...we get sad when our mail bag is not full...thanks for joining our party...frets and the rest of the mt idy noismakers... - Monday, January 12, 2004

Question asked by: Tess Dunaway Subject: Lanikai ukulele Question: Hi! I'm looking for a brand of ukulele with good price and sound, and do not want a ukulele made in China. Do you know where the Hohner is made? I'm looking at the Lanikai-LU21. What is your opinion of it. Thank you! Answer: Tess..In this market today, I think you should at least give the fluke a look see. Its available on this site at the on line store...( look at the black menu on the left)...I hear good things about the lanakai, however I have not played one myself. Check around your area and see if anyone has one you can play. When you have narrowed it down to a precious few...send me the list and I will go over it with you. No rush, take your time, they are not going anywhere. Keep in touch....and thanks for writing in...frets - Monday, January 12, 2004

Question asked by: Dean James Subject: Marwin Baritone Ukulele Question: Hi, I found a website with a Marwin Tenor Arch-Top Guitar on it, oddly enough right beneath 3 ukuleles. There could be a connection there. Anyhow, the web site I found was http://www.dwightmark.com/MoreInstr uments.htm Good Luck Answer: Dean..I would say there is a definite connection. Did you have a question? Thanks for writing in, always glad to have new info....frets - Monday, January 12, 2004

Question asked by: Brian Subject: Kamaka Ukes Question: Hi Chuck, I notice that on some Kamakas the frets were cut into the neck w/o a separate fret board. When were they made? Were they made the same time as the ones with "raised fret board? Thank you, Brian Answer: Brian...I have two almost identical Kamaka sopranos sitting each with different fret arrangements. Both made around the same time. I think there was an overlap and I don't know when. Kamaka has made so many different varieties of instruments, it has always been difficult to date them. Even the Kamaka factory is unsure of certain dates. I used to think the color of the label had something to do with the date, however time has proved me wrong. John King, if you are out there, perhaps you could shed some additional light on the subject. Thanks in advance...fretgs - Monday, January 12, 2004

Question asked by: Mitch Subject: Martin 2K Question: I found this ukulele in the garage and I believe it's a 2K. It has CF Martin & Co., Nazareth PA engraved on back of pegboard and inside and white banding and white pegs. It has a few blemishes and I know this is tough but what could it be worth (restored & unrestored) Photos:      Answer: If it doesn't have serious damage...cracks, seam separations etc...dont do any restoration. It looks beautiful as is. It could be worth upwards of 1000.00. They are a very beautiful instrument and a fine player. I'm not sure of your definition of restoration...If you mean refinish, don't do it. If it has minor damage that can be handled without much mucking about..do it. Serious collectors would rather have it in its original condition. You can lessen the value by restoring it. If you plan to keep it forever then by all means do what makes you happy. I would....Good to have you aboard....stick around and enjoy our ramblings..frets - Monday, January 12, 2004

Question asked by: Tom B. Subject: Old Kamaka Pineapple, Part 2 Question: Hello again, Chuck. Thanks for your reply regarding my old Pineapple Uke. Here is a photo of it, showing front, back, partial label and the crack. I would greatly appreciate any advice you can give me on getting this fixed and replacing the pegs. I'm in the San Francisco area. Also, can you tell me anything else about this uke, such as age? It says "patented 1928" inside, but I wasn't sure if that was actually the date of manufacture. Thanks again, Chuck! Photos:      Answer: Kamaka pineapple as you know. Label says l928 but could have been made later..up to about 35. I would have a professional repair the crack..The uke is worth it,..One of the most sought after ukes around. Great sound..The wood seems a little dry, perhaps a little gentle rubbing will bring back the color. If you need additional info, don't hesitate to write. It is not a bad crack and should go back together fairly easily and be almost invisible in the hands of as good luthier. let us know how it comes out...we care...frets - Monday, January 12, 2004

Question asked by: Will Subject: Maxwell Question: Hi Chuck, I've googled the Internet and am unable to find what I think is a baritone uke. It has a small, oval Maxwell label on the headstock. It's old, has a rosewood back (that deep-red, wide grain), spruce top (the patina gives it away), bone or Bakelite tuning pegs, and mother-of-pearl inlay around the soundhole. It's not the highest craftsmanship, but it's also not south-of-the-border workmanship. Gut strings, and from nut to saddle it’s just shy of 20 inches. Is a baritone ukulele? And why can't I find other Maxwell models? Answer: I think you can't find other maxwell models, because soon after they made this uke, they went into the coffee business. I wish I knew the answer to this one. A soprano is 20 inches long and most tenors are envious. I have seen the maxwell label but don't remember on what. One of the masses will write in with the info. Just wait...Thanks for writing in...always a pleasure,..,.frets - Monday, January 12, 2004

Question asked by: john downs Subject: need to make a choice Question: Dear Chuck, I play the uke, and would like to get a used banjo uke for a different sound but don’t know much about them. I’ve come across a couple of different types and was hoping you could shed some light on the subject. The ukes on the left are all similar, could they all be made by just a couple of different companies? They differ in style, some have the f type sound hole others have simply a hole in the middle of the resonator. Also, the resonator seems to be attached differently in some; some are attached by what looks like nails others not. The ukes numbered one and 2 are very similar, made with the f type sound holes and nailed in resonator, and an inlayed wood stripe down the middle of the neck and around the body, these have no manufacturer markings and I’ve seen many others very similar to these with out the inlayed wood stripe or with some kind of herring bone trim. The “la pacific” uke is similar with a different resonator hole. Then the beauty in the middle seems to not have any nails/serews attaching the resonator to the body. What is the difference between these ukes on the left? Any one “better” than the others? And now for those on the right, they all look more like banjos, and some have no resonator. Is a lack of resonator normal, or is the piece missing? will a larger resinator make a better sound? And the Dixie uke, Seems to me the sound would be too tinny, do they? hard to tell what any thing sounds like when your shopping on line. and between these two styles the the construction of the drum is the major differentiating factor, is one better than the other? And lastly, of these banjo ukes pictured, which one would you recommend for some one who plays daily and likes to take ‘em camping so both sound and durability is somewhat of a factor. Also, is there a standard for differentiating a tenor, concert, and soprano ukes? Length of neck/body, # of frets? Thanks!!!! Answer: Longest question of the year. I have no idea which is the best. I am not a fan of banjo ukes and it depends on the sound. Not the make. I don't know what your budget is, however I would be looking for a Gibson or a Ludwig if you are going to do serious playing. The pic of the ukes you sent me are all pretty much plain jane banjo ukes. They need to be strung with gut strings not banjo metal strings. The dixie is a no no. Unless your attacked by muggers. The difference between models of ukuleles...soprano about 20 inches..concert about 24 inches, tenor about 27 inches..These all vary with the maker but are pretty much in the ball park..thanks for asking and I hope you find the sound you are listening for. frets - Monday, January 12, 2004

Question asked by: sally rathbone Subject: martin uke Question: Hi, I have a martin uke i bought new in about 1965. Am seeking info on it's value. Any help you can give me would be appreciated. thanks. sally in san diego Answer: Sally it could be worth as little as nothing and as much as 20,000 depending on the style, condition, wood, case...I would need a picture to see which one it is. Please get me a picture and I will help you...frets - Saturday, January 10, 2004

Question asked by: Rush McAllister Subject: Uke Symbols Question: I wrote you earlier about the taboo symbol in my old koa uke. There is a symbol above it, it has a 5 pointed crown below a symbol that looks like a tent or an awning. I could send you a drawing if you need me to. Is this the symbol of the maker? Thanks Rush McAllister Answer: It is a symbol means hawaiian made. It is not the symbol of a maker. It was used by a few makers in Hawaii in the 20's and 30's.....thanks for writing in....frets - Saturday, January 10, 2004

Question asked by: Milan Subject: Ukulele Prices Question: Chuck, I was wondering if you could enlighten us with some thoughts concerning the escalating prices of quality ukes. Let's take the Martins for example. I know you've been collecting for many years. How much was a mint condition Martin "0" ten/twenty years ago? Could you pick up a Style "3" for a song in the eighties? Have good quality ukes outstripped inflation and/or other popular investments? Has the Martin Style "5K" always been out or reach for the average player? Your input would be appreciated. Thanks again. Answer: Milan....I am finishing a book for Jim, which will be carried by his on line store, in which I will cover this exact topic. By the way, the book will be called..." I have as brown uke, what is it worth" and other probing questions on Uke Yak....The best answer I can give you now, is when I started collecting seriously in the 70's you could buy any uke for 10 bucks at a flea market. The most common of the better ukes was the martin 0 and they were about 10.00. I once supplied a friend in Hawaii ,who had a stand selling ukes, 35 style O's at the same time. With cases....I didn't spend more than 15 dollars for any of them. Ahhhhhh, the good old days. This story will be in the book also. I once answered an ad in a newspaper for an italian ukulele. When I called ,the woman told me she had a martini ukulele. I asked her to describe it and she said it had seashells on the top. From this description, I realized it was a style 5. I won't tell you what I paid, you wouldn't believe me anyhow. So watch for the book and other installments. By the way the ukulele was listed under the heading "Euchalelee musical instrument. Lots of fun stories of years of collecting and writing uke yak. The book will be loads of fun. Now have to finish it I guess. I have comitted...best from the Mt Idy Publishing Company.....frets and the typesetters ( sounds like a 60's rock group).... - Saturday, January 10, 2004

Question asked by: Herb Danziger Subject: Gibson Baritone Ukes Question: Hi Chuck, Happy New Year! I was wondering if there is any significance (age, value, etc) to two different makings on Gibson baritone ukes. One is marked on the inside "B-UKE" and has a satin or non-gloss finish. The other one is marked "BU-1" and has a high gloss finish. Both have the same "Gibson" blocky script on the headstock. Everything else seems to be the same. Thanks for any help you can give. Regards, Herb Answer: Hi Herb...happy new year to you as well. Nice to hear from you...Nothing the Gibson company did would surprise me. I have a feeling the stampings mean nothing. They didn't make a ton of baritones and from what I hear they are pretty good. let me know if that is true...thanks and keep those cards and letters comin' chuck - Saturday, January 10, 2004

Question asked by: Jim Nelson Subject: Harmony Question: Chuck: I just bought a Harmony soprano- sized uke that had been in a friend's grandfather's attic.It's missing two of the MOP dots, but otherwise looks new. The little "instruction book" appears to date from the 50's. Any comments on it as an instrument or as a collectible? Answer: As a collectible usually not much value. Hard to tell without a pic. As an instrument, I have played harmonys that were pretty good. Play it, if it sounds ok, play it some more. Harmony made about a million ukes give or take 2 and about as many different sizes and designs. Some are very collecible most are not. If you want to send as pic, I will do my best. thanks for thinking of us...frets - Saturday, January 10, 2004

Question asked by: chuck s Subject: Kamaka uke Question: Chuck – I know these are crummy pictures, but have you ever seen a Kamaka that looks like this? This uke has binding on the top and back and a strange shaped headstock. The label is a very shinny gold label that just says “Kamaka ukulele”. I have several gold label Kamakas, but they all say ‘Kamaka ukulele, Honolulu Hawaii or “handmade, Honolulu”. The size and shape of the body matches my other Kamaka ukes. I was made with very curly Koa & has a shinny lacquer finish. Any help you can give me will be appreciated. Thanks – Chuck S. Answer: Chuck, chuck here. The pics are so crummy I can't find them..please send again and I will help...chuck frets fayne - Saturday, January 10, 2004

Question asked by: Pamela Reed Subject: very old uke Question: Royal Hawaiian all koa inside sticker 1927 soprano one crack near sound hole. Great sound - full and bright for its small size! Liquidating uncles estate want to offer for sale but have no idea what to ask? money to be placed in scholarship fund & used for San Francisco high school seniors to attend local college automotive college. Answer: Ask 350 if it is in good shape and good luck..If you list on the marketplace on this site, you will find people who are looking for only one thing...... Ukuleles. Good place to start. let us know how it works...frets - Saturday, January 10, 2004

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