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

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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: 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: Brad Donovan Subject: Baritones Question: Hi Chuck I am looking to buy a baritone ukulele in the $200 to $250 range. I am not a collector I am just looking for a player. I see I can get a new lanikia with hard shell case for $189 or would I be better of looking for something used like a Favilla,Vega or Harmony. The is a vega on the marketplace now for $200 non delux. I have heard tou praise the Arthur Godfrey model how about a plain vega? The seller doesn't have a picture he did send me a short video that I could send you but it doesn't show mutch. I would apreceate your input. Thanx Brad Answer: I would go for the vega or a favilla personally....I think they were well made..The favilla can be a bit heavy but the vega is about the right weight...hope this helps....frets - Sunday, September 21, 2003

Question asked by: Joe Subject: Glyph pics Question: Just sharing some glyph pics. Very nice looking ukes. For more gorgeous uke pics go to www.glyphukulele.com/glyph_instrum ents.html. Enjoy Photos:      Answer: joe...thanks for the pics...pretty pretty...... - Sunday, September 21, 2003

Question asked by: Janet Ouellette Subject: KUMALAE UKULELE Question: I have a ukulele my brother bought me in 1966 at a pawn shop in San Jose, California. It is in great shape and has lovely wood inlay around the top edge, around the center "hole" and along both sides of the neck. It has a decal at the top of the neck that says: KUMALAE Gold Award Hawaii [and a Hawaiian phrase of some sort) Inside, there is a worn and faded sticker that says: Jonah Kumalae Manufacturer of Ukuleles Awarded Gold Medal for Ukuleles and [undreadable]at P.P.I. Exposition KUMLAE HAWAII Phone 2384 1719 Lilia Street Honolulu Can you tell me anything about my instrument? Thank you. Answer: Janet, you have almost all of the information right there on the ukulele. Kumalae was the first company to mass produce ukes in Hawaii. They rode the crest of winning a Gold Medal at the l915 Pan Pacific Expo. Their ukes are well made and they made them in many varieties. I have only seen 2 that were larger than a soprano, but many styles of sopranos exist. Your uke is an early one. It is a style three. There is only one fancier than the one you have. It was a special order. Yours is the top of the line of the ones produced for the public...Thanks for writing in. If you get a chance to send a pic for us to see, please do. Always love lookin....frets - Saturday, September 20, 2003

Question asked by: santosha Subject: gibson ukes Question: Hi Chuck I know you are a big fan of the Gibson tenors so here is a pic of a trio of the TU's from the 1950's, have you seen the fret work on the tu2 like this before? If so, could you place the makers? I especially like the doves at the 12th fret. santosha Answer: would love to see the pics...however they didn't make it..please try again..thanks frets - Saturday, September 20, 2003

Question asked by: april Subject: ukulin? Question: a friend of mine has a ukulin? have tried to find info on the web but cant it was made in the late 1800s it has 32 strings , made in penn. if you have any info i would really appreciate it thank you so much APRIL Answer: April...You can take a walk on the wild side. Go to the search part of this column and the marketplace and punch in..ukelin, ukulin, violin uke and you will have all my comments on it. Just briefly, it was not made in the late 1800's it was made in the l940's. It was and still a disaster as an instrument. Impossible to tune,impossible to play, and impossible to listen to. Most of the ones found ( and thats a ton of them) are in great shape because people discovered ,in about 10 minutes, that no matter how good they might sound, life was too short to tune them up. They look good on the wall ..Wish I had better news...I get about 50 questions a year about them..They come in other names as well. thanks for writing.,..frets - Saturday, September 20, 2003

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: Taropatches Question: A gentleman named "YOYO" on BB brought up the topic of Taropatches and a lively discussion is ongoing. One of the participants in the forum is named "DOUG" who'd said he'd never seen the "boogers". Since BB does'nt take pictures I'm hoping Doug reads your wonderful column and will get to see the attached photo. The four "boogers" from left to right are, Martin 2K, Martin 1K, Leonardo Nunes and an early Martin 2M. Hope you like them Doug. Photos:      Answer: As usual Kenny, your collection continues to delight me. Beautiful stuff. Nice Job.....Hope Doug gets over here..Perhaps we should tell him there here...Will add to my collection...thanks again..frets - Saturday, September 20, 2003

Question asked by: Lind (like in wind) Subject: Luthier Question: Hi Chuck, I am about to trust my receintly found Kamaka to a luthier in the Grass Valley area of northern California, for minor repairs His name is Like Wilson. He has been doing bussiness since 1974. Have you ever heard of him and do you know anything about his work? Regards Lind... Answer: Lind..I do not know of him, but perhaps someone out there will. If anyone knows Like Wilson please write in...Good luck. Frets - Saturday, September 20, 2003

Question asked by: Punchy Subject: spring loaded thumb locking tuning pegs Question: I am considering a Kamaka baritone with the spring loaded tuners. Does this narrow the date of this uke? Are these tuners good or bad? Answer: They make the instrument either an old one with new tuners or a modern one with the correct tuners. The tuners are good..A little heavy, but if you have any strength in your forearms and neck you will eventually adjust....Once the neck brace comes off, you will feel fine. Only kidding. They are good tuners...Good luck...Great instrument, you will love it...frets - Saturday, September 20, 2003

Question asked by: Dave Kolars Subject: Correction to e-mail address Question: When I typed my original message, I missed the letter "e"! My e-mail is: dkolars@tbcnet.com Answer: Thanks Dave...I just thought someone bought a vowel....chuck - Saturday, September 20, 2003

Question asked by: Lars Subject: bracing of the fluke Question: Hello Chuck. I had been on a summer trip in sweden with a canoe and took my fluke with me (in a plastic bag). Unfortunetely my boat turned off and m and my fluke took a bath. Afterwards I could pour the water out of the instrument. The good news is that it dried. First it sounded like a wet paperbag, but after a few days it got back it�s sound (after I reglued the bridge). It really is a durable uke: you can use it as a paddle too. But - here is my question: the binner bracing, just oneb piece of wood, came out too with the water. Where do I have to fix it, under the bridge (I guess no) or in the middle between the bridge and the side? Lars Answer: Great story....and it takes a licking and keeps on ticking. I would get a hold of Jim personally on fleamarketmusic.com and have him put you in touch with the proper people to take care of it. I have heard of this happening before and the uke made it...I'm sure yours will. Lars, I am always in favor of not trying to do anything I know I'm not capable of...that is the reason I sit in chair for 22 hours a day. I can do that perfectly. I once tried to tighten a nut on an antique toilet,. It ended up costing 800.00 and I lost the toilet. Cracked. Since then, I try to keep tools out of my hands...Best of luck from the Mt Idy Machine and Brace repair shop..Remember the Festival of the strings.......Thats where we all get together and try to tune a ukelin.....last years winner's hands are healing fine, thanks for asking...frets - Saturday, September 20, 2003

Question asked by: Joe Subject: Glyph Ukulele Question: I know glyph ukes are stunningly beautiful, but I was wondering if their sounds is a good as their appearance? Answer: Joe. I had glyph send me pics..The ukes are stunning...If you can put a couple of pics up on uke yak, I would appreciate it. Or get in touch with Dave and have him do it. I think the yakkers should see his workmanship...Thanks....frets - Saturday, September 20, 2003

Question asked by: Dave Kolarsq Subject: Slingerland ukes Question: Greetings -- got your info from Stan at Elderly I am currently searching for information about instruments produced by the Slingerland Musical Instrument Company of Chicago, IL. I have hopes to collect enough information to be able to put together a book that will give an accurate picture of the production of their stringed instrument line. There currently exists very little information about this. Specifically, I'm interested in the Slingerland line of guitars, mandolins, and lap steels (Songster and Nite Hawk models). Also, Marvel and May Bell guitars (many models) and lap steels. Other instruments may have been made as well -- they started out as a ukulele company, but the only ukuleles that I have ever seen were all May Bell banjo ukuleles, but I know that they produced wooden models as well. Would like to find one! PLEASE NOTE: I am not looking for information about banjos or drums -- these have both been documented already, the banjos somewhat, the drums in great detail by Rob Cook. I am interested in any and all information that may be available. It is unlikely that very many of the people who worked at Slingerland in the 20's and 30's are still alive, but their relatives might have information that was handed down to them. Such things as descriptions of the instruments made, descriptions of work in the factory, whether or not they were made in-house or made by Harmony and Regal and shipped to the Slingerland factory for assembly and finishing; how many instruments were produced, pictures of the factory, pictures of instruments, pictures of people with the instruments, etc. I am also a collector of these instruments and would be interested to know if there are other collectors as well. On the website listed below, I have a "wanted" and "for sale" section, as well as an area where I will be glad to post pictures of various instruments that people have. I am willing to travel if necessary to conduct interviews, view/copy pictures, photograph instruments, purchase instruments, etc. I am located 60 miles West of Chicago, IL in DeKalb, IL. Thank you in advance for any assistance that you can give! Dave "DK" Kolars ================================================================= http://www.slingerlandguitar.com http://www.otcbr.com Answer: Dave. I am putting this up on uke yak in the hope that some people out there will be able to help...I will go thru my catalogues and see what I can come up with and let you know. I would also place this request on the bulletin board section of this site and see what turns up...they know everything over there. best of luck and I hope I can help you....frets - Wednesday, September 17, 2003

Question asked by: Desson731 Subject: Fleas and Flukes Question: Great site folks, thanks. I've played a baritone ukulele on and off for the past 40 years, but recently bought a cheap little soprano which I thoroughly enjoy. I'd like better sound, so I've been reading this site and looking around. You seem to like the Fleas and Flukes ... I'm wondering which one to start with? What's the major difference between the two? Thanks Answer: Hi.,..welcome to the site...the major differences are the size and the price. If you go to the on-line-store on this site..(see black menu at left) you will get all the info you need. I am a fan of these ukes and it has nothing to do with the fact that I am paid a little over a million dollars a year to write this column and a lifetime supply of 1/2 dill pickles....If you have further questions, don't hesitate to write. They will be given the same detailed consideration as this one. I can tell you they are the best value for the bucks around and the best part...they sound great. Go to the bulletin board and look around...enter flea and fluke and you will read testimonials from others who have asked. thanks for writing in and let us know what you do..we care..frets and the Mt Idy Bass Band..someone bought a consenant.... - Tuesday, September 16, 2003

Question asked by: Julie Subject: tuners Question: Hi Chuck, Thanks for the info about the crazy 4 peg 8 string instrument. I did go look, just because I was in the area... They couldn't even count, it was a mandolin:) Any way, I have now purchased an S.S. Stewart ukulele off of Ebay. It's neck needs reset, so I'm off to the luthier today. (finally the question) I was wondering if you had any idea where I could try to find 2 friction tuners??? The luthier said they were rosewood, but the uke is koa. I'll try to figure out how to send pics and send you one of the stewart when it's all better. Thanks. Answer: Julie..I need a pic of the remaining tuners..Perhaps I can help...I know tuner collectors....rather specialized, but then uke people are nutz...in the best way...keep us posted. frets - Tuesday, September 16, 2003

Question asked by: AndyW Subject: How many do you have? Question: Chuck, Three questions, 1) How many Uke's do you have? 2) What is the first one you pick up to play? 3) Which uke (one and only one) would you take with you if you were stranded on a desert island? Answer: Hi Andy...about 50....I pick up the nearest one first ( its usually a really beat-up sonny D uke that I put back together about 25 years ago)...I didn't know what I was doing so the sound is fantastic. Which one would I take on a Desert Island?.The one, that when you added salt water it turned into a Corned Beef Sandwich from Canters Restaurant in Los Angeles and then back into my KP Baritone Ukulele.....Hope this serious moment has been of some help...Thanks for asking. - Tuesday, September 16, 2003

Question asked by: soybean Subject: Tokyo Stomp! Question: Hi Chuck! While surfing the net, i found reference to a vinyl record called, "Tokyo Stomp" by Chuck Fayne on the Crest label. Are you the same Chuck Fayne? If so, what kind of music is it and did you play the uke? Answer: That was me in another life...I wrote music for a company called crest music and was under contract to a bunch of record labels. No uke at that time. It was rock-a-billy..elvis...wannabe type music...some success but was too young and inexperienced to take advantage of being at the right place at the right time... Who knows? If I had made it big I probably would't be writing uke yak..a gig I wouldn't have missed for anything. Thanks for noticing....best from Chuck Fayne and the Toyko Stompers.......available in fine music stores nowhere....except Mt Idy.... - Tuesday, September 16, 2003

Question asked by: william hannah Subject: kahala ukes Question: hi, i used a kahala in the 7 grade music class and have kept it ever since this was bought by ny parents and i'm now in my 40's and wonder if you have any info on them. it is in great condition and a lookie loo at a garage sale where i had put out for feedback seemed to think it is valuable because of the condition. could you tell me where or who might help me thanks bill hannah Answer: If I read your question properly, you want me to tell you what information I have on your parents. I hardly knew them, but my best to them and I remember them fondly. Kahala is a well made uke. I have had a few of them and they have all been good players. They were made to compete with the big companies of the time..Kamaka, Kumalae, nunes and the like. Keep it..Play it and it is a good uke. Thanks for writing in Bill and I like the idea of putting items in a garage sale just for feedback....why didn't I think of that?..best ...frets - Tuesday, September 16, 2003

Question asked by: Vern Maddox Subject: Tangi ukuleles Question: Just a comment regarding the Tangi question raised by SB Patrick. I bought a Tangi koa concert uke about a year ago after talking to the maker, Tangi Tully on Oahu. I had hears that the Tangi was a poorly made uke from Viet Nam or Thailand.Tangi aasure me that the ukes are all made in his shop on Oahu, so I bought a concert from him. Considering the price, I was not disappointed. It played OK and the workmanship was OK, again considering the price. The finish looked hurried but the appearance, overall, was not bad. I found the concert a little small for my liking, so I bought my first KP tenor. After seeing and playing the KP,any other uke I had seen or played ran a poor second to the KP. I sold the Tangi and never looked back. If a player simply cannot afford a really quality instrument, the Tangi is not a bad choice. However, I would recommend to anyone to save the bucks and buy a KP, or something in that class. It is a top notch uke and will be something to pass on to the kids for many generations. The difference between a KP and a lower cost uke cannot adequately be described. You just have to listen to what owners say and spend the money. I don't think anyone would be disappointed with a KP caliber ukulele nor with the cost. Like I said - hard to put into words - you just gotta be there. Hope this helps prospective buyers. Answer: Thank you very much for the letter. I noticed the use of the words "OK", hurried and workmanship was ok considering the price" ...I guess that says it all...I felt the same way, however there was one added feature that cannot be ignored. It didn't have the sound...Thanks for the update. Really appreciated...frets....Remember, this weekend is the Mt Idy Beauty pageant and we have not had a winner since 1923 and we are due. The last winner " Lance Adams will be there to ride in the Float...Hopefully sitting up....Best from all of us...frets and the pretty people..... - Monday, September 15, 2003

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