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

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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: 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

Question asked by: Blair Subject: 8 or 4 string Question: Which one of these electric is better? A 8 string or a 4 string? Answer: A question only you can answer. Play them both and decide what you like. I don't play electric ukulele so my opinion wouldn't help you at all. Does a brand name come to mind. That might change my suggestion. Thanks for writing in..frets - Saturday, January 10, 2004

Question asked by: Roger Subject: Washburn Question: Hi Chuck, My grandfather's uke has been been around the family for years and not used. On the back it says "Washburn" Lyon & Healy, Chicago. The front is a dark wood with a gold leaf pattern at the bottom. I have had several inquiries to purchase the uke and was uncertain about what to do with it. Recently, a collector has been very keen on buying it and my grandmother (who is 101) could use the money. My question is, what is this uke worth? I know he purchased it around 1928 because it appears in photos of him at that time. Your help would be greatly appreaciated! Thanks, Roger Answer: Roger, ...it depends on condition and size. Not the uke, your grandfather...sorry, just a little holiday humor. I need to see a pic of the uke. If it is a soprano, it is worth less than their tenor. They made both..Please measure it and let me know how long it is. Dont sell just yet. A music store is not the place to try to sell this uke. It is collectable, quite collectable, so let me help first. send me more information...It also depends on condition and does it have a case? Happy holidays...frets - Friday, December 26, 2003

Question asked by: Terry Dennis Subject: gut strings Question: Chuck, Do you have any idea where one could find bulk gut strings for ukuleles or other instruments? I've recently played some ukes with gut strings and found them superior in tone and feel. I've searched the web for gut string: tennis supplies (too thick), medical supplies (unavailable), musical supplies ( very expensive). I would like to restring several instruments and would prefer some bulk supplier. Answer: Terry, I do not know of a bulk supplier. You just have to keep hunting. I have a feeling they are still made...seems to me I have seen a reference to them...Go to the bulletin board on this site and ask the questions of the masses of uke nutz over there. They will know more than I about strings. Good luck..I will try a couple of my sources and see what I get. If anything good, I'll forward to you...chuck - Friday, December 26, 2003

Question asked by: Angela Dougherty Subject: How do I identify T frets? Question: Dear Mr. Frets, There is a recent posting on the bulletin board about bar frets and T frets. From the discussion I gather that T frets have been the standard since the 1950's. After reading about them I went & checked two of my ukes. One is a mid-70's inexpensive Japanese uke (as it was a gift from mom & dad I hesitate to use the word "cheap") and the other is a Martin soprano I bought on eBay earlier this year. When I bought the Martin the seller (pawnshop) had no info about it. He said it looked like it was 50's vintage and based on the case & tuning pegs I thought that sounded right. The frets on my 70's uke are obviously T- shaped, but the Martin frets are not so obvious. I can't tell if they are bar frets with a lot of wear or T frets that have been beautifully shaped. As there is very little wear on the rest of the instrument I'm guessing it is the latter. Any insight you can give me on figuring this out will be greatly appreciated. I don't need to know the exact year my Martin was made, but I would like to pin down the decade! Thank you, Angela Answer: I can't help you with the frets without seeing the uke..However, the Martin can be sort of dated by the headstock. There are other ways, but this is the easiest. If it has a decal on the front that says CF Martin it was probably made around the 50's....if it has an impressed stamp on the back of the peghead, earlier. Thats a start. If you need more, please let me know. It is impossible to pin down exactly when it was made. If you look inside and look at the impression...and see the words Made in USA it is very recent. Hope Santa was good to you...frets - Friday, December 26, 2003

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: Oliver Ditson Question: Sir, do you have any historical information about the Oliver Ditson Co. and their business relationship with The C.F. Martin Co. in regards to Ukuleles? There is a brief mention in " Ukulele A Visual History", but nothing of any substance. Mike Longworth's book details the Ditson/Martin Guitar and Mandolin era of the early 1900's, but no mention of the Ukulele. I am particularly interested in the Ditson Ukulele production time line. I've attached a pic of a pre 1933 Style 3 on the left and an Oliver Ditson Style 3 on the right. Mahalo Nui Loa. Photos:      Answer: Ken.. on page 222 of the Longworth book you will find the reference to martin making ukes for Ditson. They made two styles...the dreadnought shape and the standard shape. I know that Martin made the dreadnought shape for ditson as early as 1916. I know because I owned a Martin dreadnought that could only have been made then. the fingerboard decoration was much different and all the trim was genuine ...no plastic. Earliest Martin I have ever seen Ditson or Martin. My understanding was that Ditson wanted Martin to make instruments for them and they wanted to be in on the design. It's not clear who came up with the dreadnought...a collaberation between Hunt , of the Ditson, and F.H. Martin. The instruments had a variety of markings. I have seen them marked Oliver Ditson New York.. only, Oliver Ditson on the back of the peghead and Martin inside, and Martin on the back of the peeghead and Ditson on the inside...and Ditson in both places. The Dreadnought was considered Ditson's design. They are referred to this day as the Martin Ditson Dreadnought. I believe Martin condinuied to make for Ditson into the 30's but not exactly sure of the year. Hope this helps....Thanks for the pics and keep em comin...frets P.S. the markings also apply to the standard Martin Ditson shape. - Friday, December 26, 2003

Question asked by: Pat Willey Subject: enos koaloha Question: I have a koa wood soprano uke by enos koaloha, 552 Hotel Street, Honolulu. I cannot find any reference to him anywhere. Can you tell me anything about this maker. The instrument sounds really nice, but is rather plain. Answer: Pat...I am posting this in the hopes John king reads it and answeres it for me. I am not familiar with this specific marking. The name Koaloha has been used by many different makers. JOhn?????? frets - Friday, December 26, 2003

Question asked by: Hudson Bedell Subject: Baritone Uke Question: Hey Chuck. Sorry it took so long to get back to you. Here is the unidentified Uke my dad brought back from Vietnam. Any clue? Photos:      Answer: Not a clue. Its hard from the picture. It is not a hawaiian uke, it is probably not a mainland uke. It looks Eurpoean or Japanese. Wish I could help more...perhaps one of the readers will recognize the maker. frets - Friday, December 26, 2003

Question asked by: Chuck Singer Subject: Clarophone banjo uke Question: Hey Chuck! Chuck here! Thanks for the Baritone Uke advice in a previous mail. So I got distracted and made an impulse decision. I just picked up a Clarophone banjo uke - advertised as a banjo mandolin. Why don't they call them manjo's or Jo-leles? Anyway - I thought the $103.00 including shipping price seemed reasonable from my limited research - What is your opinion? Was I stupid? Thanks - Chuck Answer: No you wern't stupid. Sounds like a decent deal to me. How does it sound? .Please let us know how it plays......You can keep making those bad deals....they sound good to me...frets - Thursday, November 6, 2003

Question asked by: John Bird Subject: Clarion Soprano Question: Hi Chuck I asked you about the Clarion before and you didn't have much info for me. Well, I bought it, and I'm really happy with it, very lightly built with nice resonance (if that's the word I want). Anyway, I've got a photo now (attached) and I'm wondering if this will help anyone come up with more info regarding age, maker, etc. I'm also of two minds about whether to try refinishing (and if so, how) or whether to leave as is with the history showing? And geared tuners would be nice, but would that be sacriledge on a vintage uke like this, or would it affect the sound? Thanks Chuck. All help appreciated. Answer: John...there were millions of them made. I have scoured my files and they were carried by many distributors..Its hard to tell who made them...Its never a problem to refinish or change tuners if you are going to keep it. Collectors want the originals so keep them separate even if you don't have complete sets. Clarion was not a manufacturer as far as I can tell. Companies farmed out their business when there was more than they could handle. The most important thing is it plays well and you are happy.I wil let yo know if I find out anything else...frets - Tuesday, November 4, 2003

Question asked by: Steve Kristoff Subject: Uke Strings Question: Hi Chuck I am a learning Uke player ever since i had my wisdom teeth pulled out and i had nothing to do for a week, i was wondering what kind of stings are there to offer, like are there metal strings like a guitar? Thanks, Steve Kristoff San Luis Obispo Cali. Answer: there are more kinds of strings than wisdom teeth..use nylon or gut...Metal strings on a uke sound awful...Check out the uke sites you will find more strings than you ever wanted. I like Kamaka black, but them I'm old fashioned..thanks for writing in..frets - Tuesday, November 4, 2003

Question asked by: Annette Subject: Bruno/Regal/Airline Question: Greetings Chuck! I have been reading everything here for days, and I am looking at these three "inexpensive" Ukes as a possible first purchase. I jammed all three onto one image. Do you think any of them would be a good starter? And if so, what would be the max price to offer? Here's the specs listed for each: 1)The Bruno is in solid condition, missing strings and tuning knobs. No other visible damage. 2)The Vintage Regal paper sticker inside reads Regal Musical Instrument Co. Chicago. In good condition. Has wear and scratches. 3)The Vintage Airline is Mint Condition, in original Montgomery Wards box. (I do have a little Hikare my folks picked up in Hawaii years ago for my son. It's in like new condition, hardly ever played, and it doesn't sound too bad at all. It was designed in Hawaii and built in Japan). I just thought one of these others might be more conducive to learning? Many thanks for your advice. Photos:      Answer: annette...If you stuck a gun to my head I'd pick the airline. cleanest....they are all in the same catagory. Thanks for writing in and keep in touch.,.let us know how it turns out...frets - Monday, November 3, 2003

Question asked by: Ed Subject: tenor fluke Question: Hi- I am considering getting my first uke and I see that the fluke can be a concert size or slightly longer neck and considered a tenor. What would the advantages of this be? Would it give more options or possibilities? Answer: Ed...down the line when you need the added length it will give you more opportunities. However, at this stage to learn either would be fine. You will love the fluke....thousands have...thanks for writing in...Look at the on line store also for all your uke wants..books, cd's etc...keep in touch....frets - Monday, November 3, 2003

Question asked by: Yoyo Subject: Kumalae ukes Question: What is the level of quality and playability of early ukes such as Kumalaes and other early models? Are they solidly made and do they still maintain a good sound? What modern ukes are they comparable to? Answer: Yoyo...how are the ups and downs of life...could't resist. Kumalae's are fine instruments. Its very hard to compare things like musical instruments. They are all individual. They are not comparable to any modern uke, they are not a modern uke. They compare to the ukes of their era...You won't go wrong...get the Kumalae Hope I've help..I confused myself...frets - Monday, November 3, 2003

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