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

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Question asked by: SB_Patrick Subject: Tangi Ukes Question: Hi Chuck... I got a question for you....After searching your Uke Yak site for information on the Tangi uke...I got the distinct feeling that you do not much value them. Although I have read all your comments, I still don't have a clear idea of what exactly you dislike about this uke. I was hoping you would take some time and explain to us who are curious about this uke, why you find it less than desirable. thank you, SB_Patrick Answer: I have owned two Tangi ukes and found both of them not easy to play. I felt they were overmade and much too heavy. I was not impressed with the workmanship. It has been a while since I have seen a Tangi uke so I will reserve my present opinion until I get a chance to play one again. There are many new makers out there and I have tried to play as many of their products as I can when I get to the states. I don't have much to go on here in Australia. I have to rely on the advise of people I respect and trust. If you look back in my answers, you will find the makers I have played , both good and bad. If I can help you find the uke of your dreams, please let me know. I do know some wonderful makers. Thanks for writing in and asking a good question....keep plucking...frets - Monday, September 15, 2003

Question asked by: Jeff Wolf Subject: Edgar and Johnny Winter Question: I just wanted to post this pic to the flea market BB. I posted here because ther is no picture capability there. Photos:      Answer: Funny picture....frets - Monday, September 15, 2003

Question asked by: Alleyuke Subject: Custom Kraft tenor uke Question: Hi Chuck, No question just some information regarding inquiry about the Custom Kraft tenor uke. If I remember correctly, Custom Kraft was a brand made in Chicago by Harmony.I remember seeing them around during the late 1950's and early to mid 1960's. They also made guitars under the same brand name. I had a Custom Kraft electric guitar for a brief period and it was sold along side the Harmony guitars at a Harmony dealer.Hope this is helpful. Kind regards,Alleyuke Answer: Thanks for the info...always appreciated. frets - Monday, September 15, 2003

Question asked by: Carl von Baeyer Subject: ?The Gibson - concert - no sunburst? Question: Hi, Chuck. Is there such as thing as a "The Gibson" concert-scale ukulele (not banjo-uke)? And if so, does it exist without the sunburst finish or other painting? Would you know if there's a model number or anything for such an instrument? I've never seen one on eBay and wondered if there even is such a thing -- though there are plenty of tenors and sopranos. Thanks! Carl Answer: Hey Carl...when you coming back for a visit. ??? The Gibson Concert has been a topic of discussion for years. Never seen one. Not a real concert. Its pretty amazing considering they made anything anyone asked for. I know of a concert Gibson but it part of a 4 piece set that was designed about 10 years ago when Gibson contemplated making Ukes again. But that idea was abandoned. However, the person who supplied the ukes for Gibson to use as models, was given the four ukes. There are also Baritone Gibsons and they are not terrible. Not great..but not terrible. I still think the tenor Gibson is the best thing they made in ukes....see ya down under....frets - Monday, September 15, 2003

Question asked by: trace Subject: R Regan suprano uke Question: Wandering if you had any Information about this name. The uke is solid mahagany, plays great. thanks, trace Answer: I have seen them before and have no idea who maded them...Could have been anyone...I know its a distributor or a store and not a manufacturer..I would have heard about them if they made ukes. Wish I knew more and perhaps someone out there will....if you do..please help...frets - Tuesday, September 9, 2003

Question asked by: Elise Subject: Harmony ukulele Question: Hello Chuck, I trust you're doing well "Down Under". I have a question, this picture is of a uke that belongs to a friend of mine and he would like to know the origin and the value of this Harmony ukulele. It's a soprano and in good shape. Any info you can give is appreciated. Thanks Chuck, stay safe :)) Elise Photos:      Answer: Elsie...made in america in the 40-50's...one of many, many different styles of ukes made by the Harmony Company. Its value, if in great shape is about 125.00. Its value is in the collecting...they are not known as great players. Thanks for writing in and keep in touch......frets - Monday, September 8, 2003

Question asked by: Bob G Subject: kamaka Question: Hi Chuck, There seems to be a growing perception that Kamaka's more recent instruments are not up to their previous high standards. I am interested in bidding on a mid 90's concert uke on ebay,and don't want to regret my purchase. (If?!), there has been a decline in quality, approximately when did it become evident? PS, I bought an Augustino Lo Prinzi concert uke at the Uke Expo, and it, and the Expo was awesome! Thanks Answer: Thanks for the update on the expo and the Lo Prinzi uke. Always happy to hear good stuff....At my age, I am happy just to hear. I haven't really noticed a decline in the quality of the Kamaka Instrument. However, I have noticed that the modern Kamakas are a more solidly built instrument and I don't think that is a plus. I tend to like the loose, casual approach to instrument making for which Kamaka is known. This is, as I said, not necessarily a decline, it simply means that it will take longer to break it in. I will be the first to let everyone know if Kamaka starts to slip Since they are one of my all time favorite instrument makers , It would be news I would not like to deliver. If I personally were looking for a Kamaka, I would be looking for an older instrument. Good hunting. frets - Monday, September 8, 2003

Question asked by: NewbieHelp Subject: How could I improve my Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I was curious about improving my mahalo 320t, a tenor uke. How are some possible ways I could improve the sound of this instrument, and where can I get these parts. I had in mind to buy some new strings, Aguilas and maybe some new tuning machines for about 10 dollars. What about the nut or saddle, would these really improve the sound. -please help, thanks chuck, uke on folks! Answer: Sometimes it isn't the problems of the attachments...its the problem of the uke. I know alot about ukes, but not much about the construction......I would head for a good luthier and find out the answers to these questions. Of the things you are considering, the only thing that may have a chance to change the sound ( and that doesn't mean for the better) is changing the strings. I don't think that is your problem..But, as I said, don't do it yourself......frets - Monday, September 8, 2003

Question asked by: Penny Bly Subject: songs Question: I would like to find the music to two Hawaiian songs I learned on the ukelele 41 years ago. I am just now taking up the uke again. The two songs are: Sweet Someone Sea Breeze I would greatly appreciate your help in locating the uke music to these two songs. They are two of my favorites. My parents took me to Hawaii when I was 13 (my brother and I ended up in the surf movie, "Endless Summer" by Bruce Brown, because we happened to be in an outrigger canoe at the right time and the right place) Thanks, Penny Bly Answer: Penny....never let it be said that you rush into anything. I would like you to look at the black menu at the left of this page. YOu will see the heading bulletin board. This is where you should ask this question. I don't know either of these songs, but someone on the bulletin board will....I know all chords to "whistle while you work" If you ever need that one let me know. It is the National Anthem here in Mt Idy. Best froms the home of the fretlings...... - Monday, September 8, 2003

Question asked by: Maurice Freeman Subject: George Formby Banjolele Question: Greetings Chuck!...George Formby ...restored by Sydney Luthier...play wear on first 3 frets & fingerboard...very loud tone but somewhat harsh with present Kamaka strings...would gut improve ? Hand made wooden case inc. Any guide on price, please? Maurice Photos:      Answer: gut would improve them...soft...get a set of used strings somewhere, that will help more...value 250.00 case is very nice..I don't think the uke is a Formby, however the tag is..It was used on many ukes. good luck...let us know if we can help....frets - Sunday, September 7, 2003

Question asked by: Clyde Subject: Uke stands Question: Not a question, rather an answer. The stewart uke stands are shown in the latest Elderly Instruments catalog. Answer: told you they'd call...loyal bunch that they are...thanks guys , thanks clyde......always a pleasure...frets - Friday, September 5, 2003

Question asked by: Mick Subject: Ukestands Question: Hi Chuck, Don Stewart -- alohaspiritinc@cox.net Answer: thanks to you mick..great stands..thanks for coming to the rescue.....frets - Friday, September 5, 2003

Question asked by: Bruce E Subject: Ukulele Stands Question: Chuck, the "coat hanger and cork" ukulele stands that Ed is looking for are available on the Elderly Instrument site. http://www.elderly.com/highlights/u kulele.html Answer: hows that for a great reponse....thanks bruce......keep in touch...we need all the help we can get. I remember when I knew everything...now I know so little...thanks to people like you guys, you make me look good....frets - Friday, September 5, 2003

Question asked by: John Bird Subject: Clarion uke Question: Hi Chuck I just saw a Clarion brand soprano uke in an antique/junk store here in Toronto. I know nothing about the brand (or much of anything about ukuleles for that matter); it's clearly old, but I don't know whether it would date back to the '50s or the '20s. There's a bit of a nick on the finish on one corner of the face, and the back appears to have some small cracks that don't go right through. The seller is asking $125 (Canadian= about $85-90 U.S.). It feels and sounds pretty quality to my untrained hand (I only have a cheap, new Mahalo soprano). So I'm wondering whether you know anything about the Clarion brand, and can offer any advice? Thanks. The same dealer also has a soprano banjo-uke with no name on it, and missing tuning pegs, strings and bridge. It is made of bird's-eye maple, and the pot (if that's the word I want) is only about 8 inches in diameter. Any ideas about that? Again, thanks. Answer: If the uke is playable and in decent shape, its a good price. They are not great, but they are not crap either. Need to see a pic of the banjo uke...they only made about a million versions that fit your description...send pic......frets - Friday, September 5, 2003

Question asked by: Ed Subject: uke stands Question: Yo Wild Frets, couldn't find the site for Don Stewart (uke stands) Help! Answer: anybody out there know how to reach don stewart in Northern California? He makes the little coathanger type uke stand with the piece of cork on the back. good little stand. If you know , please send info...ed is in need..... - Friday, September 5, 2003

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Marca Aquila ukulele Question: Chuck in answer to a question on uke yak. Marca Aquila was an early label used by Favilla Bros. from 1890 to about 1915 when the wording was changed to English and read "Made Here" and was used until the late 1920's. The label showed a side view of an eagle with its wings spread. Tom Favilla Answer: Thanks Tom....Always happy to get a chance to pick your head. You are a real asset to this site and the uke world in general. With Mike gone, it seems that you and Robert Founder are the Heir's to the throne of info.,..Welcome....frets and the gang... - Friday, September 5, 2003

Question asked by: Blair Sammons Subject: Electric ukulele Question: I am looking for an electric ukulele that has the look of a classic electric guitar. I saw the Tululele but it is not electric. I saw one that I really like but I can't read the web page (it is in Korean I believe) http://homepage2.nifty.com/ukulele/ people/songbird.htm Could you help me? Answer: The only solution to your problem is to learn to read Korean....Other than that, I can't help you..but I wish I could....Love their food...Frets - Friday, September 5, 2003

Question asked by: Ukulele Steve Subject: custom-kraft tenor Question: Howdy Frets, Do you have any info on Custom- Kraft ukes? Were they ever manufactured by Gibson? Thank you. Steve Answer: Not that I know of. Gibson used many names, but that is not familiar to me. Anyone know more..if so write in.. fretskraft...... - Friday, September 5, 2003

Question asked by: John Arreola Subject: Gibson Tenor Uke Question: Can you tell me what this Gibson tenor uke is worth. It is in mint condition and comes with its original case. The owner is 92 years old and says he bought it for his wife during the 1950's. It is approximately 24 1/2 inches long and has 18 frets. Thanks. Photos:      Answer: 500 bucks on a good day...great instrument...,Gibson tenor is one of my favorite ukuleles. JIm Beloff's first uke was a Gibson Tenor, if I remember correctly. And look where he is...Knee deep in paperwork and loving every minute....Thanks for writing in and hope we've helped...Mt mt Idy information and tour guide section is looking for a volunteer. Must be able to play a ukulele above 6000 feet. frets - Friday, September 5, 2003

Question asked by: Bonnie Pacheco Subject: Kamaka Uke from the '70's Question: Hello: I purchased a Kamaka ukulele in 1973 (I lived on the Big Is. for 11 yrs). The wood has warped, opening a seam where the front piece has pulled away from the body of the ukulele. Is this repairable? I would like to sell the ukulele. Thank you. Answer: Bonnie , it is repairable...have a competent luthier do the job or it won't last..the wood needs to be steamed , softened and reglued. Just to clamp it down and reglue it will mean it will snap up again...good luck..nice uke...should sell well. Put it up on this site in the marketplace. Good ukes don't last long. frets - Friday, September 5, 2003

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