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

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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: 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: 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

Question asked by: Dave Means Subject: Slingerland Ukes Question: Chuck, regarding Dave's quest for info about Slingerland ukes... I recently helped James "Fleastomper" Key restore an old Maybell wooden soprano uke. Despite having the same logo on the headstock as the Slingerland Maybell banjo ukes, I don't think this wooden Maybell was built by Slingerland. It was missing its interior paper label, but it sure looked like a Regal to me. Same headstock shape and 4-color binding as some of the fancier mahogany Regals of the period. -- Dave, Glyph Custom Ukuleles Answer: Thanks Dave...for those of you who are not familiar with Dave and his glyphuke...take the time to go to his website or write him directly for more information on his uke. I am waiting for the one he is building for me. I told you I would pass on the names of any new makers that have the right idea. I have it on good authority this man knows what he is doing. I will give a complete report when I have the uke in my hands. However, until then, I have to go on the reports of friends who's opinions I trust. I hear great things about the glyph uke. If you out in uke land have more info, please send it in. Were always looking for new quality product and from what I hear, this is it.....More to come...frets - Monday, November 3, 2003

Question asked by: Ricky Subject: Lymana Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, Here's some info on a new website for Lymana Ukulele. www.lymanaukulele.com Photos:      Answer: Ricky...thanks....beautiful uke...keep writing in...frets - Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Question asked by: John Arreola Subject: Venezuelan Cuatro Question: This is not a question, but a follow up on an inquiry about using a baritone uke for a Venezuelan cuatro. See photo of a concert style Venezuelan cuatro. The size is between a concert and a tenor uke, and is tuned B-F#-D- A. A baritone uke would not give the authentic sound of a cuatro! It is strung in what is called "re-entrant" tuning. That is, instead of the strings being tuned across the neck from high to low, one of the strings jump up in pitch while its neighbors drop progressively. You may find some chord books at latin music stores, or at the Internet. Photos:      Answer: Thanks John..all info needed....frets - Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Question asked by: Kathy Subject: Martin Tiple Question: I would like to sell a Martin tiple but not sure of an appropriate price to ask. It has T- 15, C.E. Martin & Co., Nazareth, PA inside. Good condition, some surface scratches. I have received a variety of estimates of value. Thanks for any help. Answer: kathy....depending on condition..a good price would be 650=750....good luck....frets - Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: John King Question: There was an entry on BB about a truly talented guy, John King. I felt compelled to share with your readers a pic of a few Hawaiian made Ukuleles from the closet. I'd have been totally clueless about these Ukes without the knowledge I gained from reading his published work. From left to right, Nuuanu Music Co. (with Tabu stamp), George P. Mossman (Belltone label), Paradise Ukulele & Guitar Works (circa 1918), Aloha Ukulele Manufacturing Co.(with Akai and Tabu stamp). Photos:      Answer: Thanks Ken and your right...John King is a very talented man. Couldn't work without his knowledge. Thanks for the pics as usual...keep up the good work...frets - Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Question asked by: Will Corkhill Subject: How do Kumalae's stack up Question: I'm a fairly new to ukes and am looking to purchase my first quality uke. I was wondering how Kumalae ukes compare to say Kamaka and Martin? I was also wondering how newer Kamaka pineapple ukes (60's to now) compare to older Kamakas (50's and before)? Pineapple and standard shape. Also if pineapple ukes are supposed to be much louder and warmer than the standard guitar shape, than why is the guitar shape still the standard? I've found your sight very informative and am asking these questions mainly because I'm going to have to by a uke on blind faith in the company name. There's no stores anywhere near me that I know of where I can try quality ukes out side by side. Thanks for any guidance. Great Sight. Answer: Very little compares to Kamaka and then Martin. Kumalae is a fine instrument but not in the same league. The pineapple Kamaka of l928 is the best sounding of them all. There are many pineapples being made today. Older Kamakas are usually better sounding because they have had time to break in and expand the sound. Where do you live , perhaps I can recommend a luthier in your area. thanks for writing in and let us know what you decide..thanks...frets - Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Question asked by: Linda Subject: Family heirloom needs repair Question: I have an old melon shaped uke. The label inside says Marca Aquila Favilla Bros. New York, NY U.S.A. During our move it cracked in a seam in the back. How can I find someone to repair this? or Can I? I means a lot to me since it is an old family heirloom. Linda Answer: Linda..where do you live..I can suggest someone to take it to. Don't try to fix it yourself..thanks for writing in...frets - Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Question asked by: sleepe Subject: uke sizes Question: Hi Chuck, I am a novice but have two ukes (Oscar Schmidt) bought at a local music store. The sales person didn't have a lot of information so I'm a little confused as to what size ukes I have. Can you fill me in on what size each uke (soprano, concert, etc.) is? Thanks, Sleepe Answer: They need a new sales person to start with. Get Jim Beloff's book.."the Ukulele a visual history...it is available at the on-line-store on this site. a soprano is about 21 inches long overall, 23 approx concert, 25 approx tenor and 30 approx baritone....Take this to the salesperson and also have them order some material from this site. Sounds like they either need it or need to change businesses.....frets - Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Question asked by: john downs Subject: how to tune a ukelin Question: a statement really, http://www.usd.edu/smm/uke4.html just because Answer: Destined to be a best seller " How to tune a Ukelin...It comes with a small booklett.."now that you have tuned your ukelin, how to bandage your hands....complete with ear plugs....thanks...I am going to order one...frets - Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Question asked by: Eric Subject: Ukelin Info. Question: Here's a source for all the information you'd want on the Ukelin- and more. http://www.geocities.com/Vienna/St rasse/5565/ Answer: Ukelin source......Thanks....frets - Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Question asked by: dj Subject: ykeke uke Question: found a ykeke uke at a thrift store for 140$ have been searching the web and cant find that brand. what do you know about it? thanks, dj. a huge fan of srv Answer: dj...I've seen the y=kee-kee name used in many ways. It is just a way to get the name on the uke ..Waikiki....in, what they must have thought was a clever way of doing it. Not a maker, just a decal.....Thanks for writing in...Keep reading us...frets - Saturday, October 18, 2003

Question asked by: Tom B. Subject: Repair of an old Kamaka pineapple Question: Hi Chuck: I impulsively bid on, and won, an old Kamaka pineapple. It has a 4-inch split on the top that is old and slightly separated (but no wood is missing). I was thinking of sending it back to Kamaka to have it repaired. Do you think that's a good idea, or would you recommend someone else? Also, the uke is missing two of its original wooden tuning pegs. Should I try to get replacements for them or should I have the uke fitted with modern friction pegs? Thanks, Chuck. Answer: Tom...no need to send back to Kamaka...there are many good luthiers who can do the job. Where do you live and I will try to recommend someone in your area. If not...I will tell you where to go ( in the nicest way of course)..The missing tuners should not be a big problem either. I know where there are thousands....Send pic of the uke and the tuners and I will help.,.frets - Tuesday, September 30, 2003

Question asked by: JOHN RENDON Subject: BARITONE UKE Question: CAN I USE A BARITONE UKE AS A VENEZULAN CUATRO? AND WHERE CAN I GET CHORD BOOK FOR CUATRO Answer: I haven't got a clue...Iknow about ukes and thats about all. I will post this in hopes a cuatro player will know the answer. I think the Cuatro book is available a the cuatro store in Mt Idy. Sorry, I just found out were sold out, however we have a octavo...I guess if you cut it in half your there...just joshing.....I would hit the Latino section of any major city and I'm sure you will find an music store that can head you in the right direction. Plese let us know how it works out...thanks for writing in....frets - Sunday, September 28, 2003

Question asked by: Betty Subject: 1928 Hand made vintage Question: I bought A UKE - sight unseen, that's had its share of wear and tear - but wanted it anyway. Do you think the thing will stay play? Answer: Too much information for me to handle at one time. Perhaps a pic might help...frets - Sunday, September 28, 2003

Question asked by: John Bird Subject: More about Clarion Question: Hi again Chuck Thank you for your advice about a Clarion Uke I had seen in a Toronto antique store. You said they were better than crap and worth buying for the price (<$100 U.S.). But I wonder if you can give me any more info, or tell me where to find some (google has yielded nothing). Where were they made? When? Were they common, uncommon? Anything else about quality, playability, number of models, etc.? Thanks. really enjoy your column. John Answer: thanks for the kind words...will hunt up what I can..in the meantime, anyone know who made clarion ukes. I have them in catalogues all over the place, but no maker.....thanks...frets - Sunday, September 28, 2003

Question asked by: Eric Subject: Ukelin Playing-(No more I promise!) Question: OK- this is the last I'll post on the subject. Here's a page with a link to a Ukelin played as well as it's possible to play one- and with zither. Warning- the file starts out LOUD! http://www.angelfire.com/country/f iddlin/clips.html Answer: well uke fans..here it is..listen if you can...frets - Friday, September 26, 2003

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