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

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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: karen iuppa Subject: martin uke Question: My picture is not very good but it is a bar fret cf martin nazareth,pa ukelele. it had a crack in the side that my brother made and then a residual crack in the front from not having the original crack repaired. i have had it repaired and considering the damage i think they did a decent job. it was my mom's ukelele and she was born in 1910. I don't know when she got it. Is this enough info for an idea of its worth? it has the cf martin decal on the top of the neck. I also have a vega arthur godfrey baritone that I know we got in the early fifties. It is in good shape with a good case. just needs restringing. Is it worth anything? thanks... if this is too many questions don't "fret" over answering them. Photos:      Answer: If it has a gold decal on the headstock it was made around l950...if it has an imprint on the back of the headstock ( cf martin nazarath penn) it was made before. Not much difference, just to let you know. Yes it has value..If It has been repaired well it is still worth around 400+ depending on if it has a case.( add a few bucks)..good tone ( add a few bucks) and if it is great..keep it and play it. hope this has helped...frets - Tuesday, August 26, 2003

Question asked by: Dan Subject: Uke-A-Lute Question: Hi Chuck! Here's the very rare Uke- A-Lute i asked you about (finally got some photos). It is 21 3/4 inches long, 8 inches wide with a scale length of 13 5/8 inches. Made of solid mahogany with a rosewood fingerboard. It has triple binding around the top, single around the back and soundhole. It is better made and larger than the Favilla lute style soprano. There is no makers name anywhere, inside or out. Only a "patent applied for" mark and the name "Uke-A-Lute" on the peghead face. It does not look like a Harmony or Regal built instrument. I'm wondering if it might be a prototype for an instrument that never went into production or just a small maker. Either way, i've never seen another and was hoping maybe you could shed a little light on this. Photos:      Answer: My guess, if you held a gun to my head, is a lyon and healy. the Pat'd saying is popular in L&H instruments. I have a feeling the uke-a -lute was added later..don't ask me why...just a feeling. regardless it is a beaut and I wish I owned it. Anyone out there know anything else?..please write in...chuck - Tuesday, August 26, 2003

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: Johnny Marvin Tenors Question: Aloha, I've read the Johnny Marvin chapter in Jim Beloff's "The Ukulele A Visual History". There was reference to the Tenor Airplane (on left) and the "Prince of Wales" Tenor Airplane (center). Would you please tell me about the particular Tenor on the right. How is this plainer model refered to as and any history you might be aware of not included in the book. Mahalo. Photos:      Answer: Kenny...the tenor on the right is the same uke without the trimmings. Little else to tell you...There is one more variation. There is a version of the Mahogany one that has an entire mother of toilet seat fingerboard. Only had one of these....Great sounding uke...Not quite a tenor, but close enough...thanks for writing in...and the collection continues to grow. From the island of Idy on the Mount....frets.... - Monday, August 25, 2003

Question asked by: Eric Subject: Ukelin Question: I'll put in a guarded plug for the Ukelin. It's possible to get it tuned up and play the bowed strings so as to make a nice sound. But it sure as heck ain't easy and isn't quite worth all the effort. How ever, if you've got a complete outfit in good shape give it a try. Same thing with the Tremoloa. I prefer the Marxophone which really DOES sound good. Answer: Thanks for the report. The score is now 1,235 to 1....Love to hear what they sound like The Tremoloa doesn't sound as bad. I have actually heard one tuned up and it played quite nicely. Thanks for writing in and dont cut yourself....frets - Monday, August 25, 2003

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: Washburn/Lyon and Healy Question: Aloha Hubert, I apologize for the typically shitty picture. This digital nonsense is really overwhelming me. Anyway what you are looking at is a George Washburn Model 1915 with black, white and black binding on the top and bottom, arched one piece back. The label is in ok shape except that the serial number has been partially destroyed. Best I can make out is 981. Fortunately I'm at a loss to be anymore descriptive of the style, which is probably to my advantage considering that my last attempt to do so on another site created a tremendous uproar by a resident know it all. Photos:      Answer: Dear Mr uproar...thanks for the letter. I've never been convinced that this uke was made by Washburn or L&H I think it was made for them...but I'm not sure...always a pleasure to hear from you....all the best and all the rest...I need rest....frets - Monday, August 25, 2003

Question asked by: Mike Subject: good reso-ukes Question: Frets, Are there any concert and/or tenor sized reso-ukes out there on the market that are relatively accessable and have a really good sound? I have heard the names Beltona, National, & Johnson mentioned but don't know anything about them. Thanks. Answer: Beltona. They have a website and tell Steve I told you to write. You can pass on National and Johnson. They can't compare......Write and tell us what you find out...frets - Monday, August 25, 2003

Question asked by: Kenneth Fulk Subject: martin style o Question: Hi Chuck, I really enjoy your column, I have searched various sources. but haven't found the answer. I have a Martin style O, with the Martin logo on the headstock, it has black tuning pegs, just wondering what years they were made like this. Thanks a lot. Answer: kenneth....from about 1950 ( thats when the logo decal appeared) to when they stopped in the 80's.....that is the standard way they were made....keep plunkin' frets - Monday, August 25, 2003

Question asked by: bob graham Subject: wound strings Question: Chuck, I play a concert with nylagut low G strings and the wound 4th string wears at a much faster rate than the nylon. I'm pretty cheap and would like to replace only the wound string. Any ideas for a quality replacement? Thanks...Bob Answer: bob...take the string and go to a guitar shop..YOu will be able to buy single strings of the same size...Tell then I sent you, they love to sell one string at a time...frets - Friday, August 22, 2003

Question asked by: J Compton Subject: low g string on uke Question: Hello! I'd like to try tuning my ukulele with a low g string and am wondering what gauge of string to use. Thanks. Answer: Careful and don't trip on your low g string. Go to a music shop and try out the different possibilities. I use a 3rd string tuned down. I like the sloppy feeling. let us know what you find out. There are strings offered on this site that will work for you. try the store. thanks for writing in..frets - Friday, August 22, 2003

Question asked by: misha Subject: tutors Question: What are the more or less reliable tutors for the ukulele? How people get around without a teacher? Any combinations of CD/video/book are recommended? Tutors are generally a tough question, but may be, given the number of people playing and the vast popularity of the instrument in recent past, just may be there are some good suggestions. Thanks. Answer: Misha..go to the on-line store on this site..look at the black menu to the left. Brouse and then make up your mind what you want. All you will ever need is there...frets - Friday, August 22, 2003

Question asked by: christie white aka tiki kiliki Subject: i want to play the uke! Question: Hi, Just came by this wonderful site and wanted to ask a very important question. I am really wanting to learn how to play the ukulele. I just need to know a good starting instrument. I did get a nice little $20 wood one when I was in Florida recently with plastic strings. It's difficult to tune but I didn't know if you would recommend someone learning on this instrument or not. I have seen a few on ebay and the descriptions suggest that you use it as decor and do not say anything of the musical capabilities of the instrument. I am very serious about learning as I have been a Hawaiian music collector for some time now. I would appreciate your recommendation as what to buy for a first timer or if the one that I described above is sufficient then I can learn with it. Also, instructional materials. Thank you, Christie J. White Answer: Go to the on-line-store on this site and buy a fluke uke, or a flea uke and the instruction booklets offered. You will find everything you need to get started. I don't know of a 20 dollar uke I would recommend for anything. Take a look...It won't cost you alot to get started and either of these ukes will last you a lifetime...I have them both and love them...frets - Friday, August 22, 2003

Question asked by: Jack Braucht Subject: Dixie Banjo/Uke Question: Just bought a Dixie (all metal) banjo/uke on eBay for $66. Have seen them on the "net" for $250 and more. Mine is in excellent shape....but missing strings, and bridge, and banjo "drum"/"head". Are these items at most music stores....or will they be hard to find. Any suggestions????? Answer: You should be able to find what you want at a good music store. When you get it strung up ( nylon or gut only, if you want any fingers left). let us know how it turns out......good luck...remember in a pinch...if you don't have the head you have an item that will cut the cheese...I have a 15 year old son who does that as well...best...frets - Friday, August 22, 2003

Question asked by: Shane Speal Subject: Cigar Box Ukes! Question: Hi Chuck, I am currently compiling all information I can on cigar box instruments. I own several antique cigar box ukes like the one in the attached picture. I own Jim's book and have seen the Kamaka cigar box ukes...but have you heard any other old stories of cigar box ukes and their builders? I am compiling all information for the upcoming National Cigar Box Guitar Museum in York, PA. Sincerely Shane Speal "King of the Cigar Box Guitar" My online shrine to these instruments: http://geocities.com/cigarboxguitar Photos:      Answer: How does it sound. I have little info in cigar box ukes. I will dig around and see what I can smoke out. Will let you know...frets - Friday, August 22, 2003

Question asked by: Tom Subject: Between The Devil And The Deep Blue Sea Question: Would you know where I could fine the uku chord progression for a song covered by George Harrison on his CD "Brainwashed" called "Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea"? I think Harold Arlen and Ted Koehler originally wrote it. Thx Answer: Tom...ask this question over on the bulletin board. Those nuts know everything. great bunch and if anyone has the lyrics, it will be one of them.....frets - Friday, August 22, 2003

Question asked by: peter Subject: is it a taropatch or an 8 string tenor Question: Mr Frets. Can I take an 8 string tenor and string it like an 8 string taropatch using all nylon strings with reentrant dgbe in unison? It seems to me that everything would be the same as a taropatch except the size would be a tenor instead a concert and it would be tuned dgbe instead of gcea. Peter Answer: Yes...be careful tuning...take it slow and test the tension of the strings. Let us know how it turns out....frets - Friday, August 22, 2003

Question asked by: Erin Subject: Chris J. Knutsen Question: Chuck, in reading some of your previous responses, you make reference to a book "Chris J Knutsen" by Noe and Most. I looked it up and the title of the book is "Chris J Knutsen: From Harp Guitars to the New Hawaiian Family". My question: Is this a good reference book for collectors as the cost of the book is relatively expensive. I would like to buy a copy but what can I expect for my money? Answer: Collectors of what? If you collect ukuleles, No..If you collect musical instruments in general or harp guitars or weissenborn guitars, the answer is yes. It is a very good book with tons of information about the builders..knutsen, weissenborn, kona, hilo, schierschon and that bunch...great pictures..I own one and am not a collector of these instruments. I just like to look at the pretty pictures. I also like red wine....frets - Friday, August 22, 2003

Question asked by: Rich Clune Subject: Martin Update question Question: Chuck - you helped me out last month with a question on Martin Ukes. I have since found and purchased a Martin 1940s O. And its great. The place where I bought it now has a Martin 1940s 2M, in excellent condition, available - is that something I should consider trading up to - there's about a $600 difference in price... Thanks again for the advice... Rich Answer: I would not trade up to a style 2 from a style O...a style 2 is a style 0 with trim...if you are going to trade up..wait for a 3. There is a great deal of difference. it has the extended fingerboard and a better sound. Keep the O...the 2 won't be any better....frets - Friday, August 22, 2003

Question asked by: sol Subject: treholipee value Question: Hi, I have a treholipee that I got in the 60's from a person that was trying to market them in Miami. I got mine for demonstrating the various instruments to department store managers...to show that they really could play. Mine has been hanging on the wall ever since, and I wondered what the value of it might be. I'd be interested in anything that you might tell me. Thank you.............sol Answer: funny instrument. there are people who collect treholipee's and the varieties of them. Try the bulletin board and you will find these people. The oddest thing about them is that they really sound good. I have seen them up to 7 foot long. I know that sounds wierd, but I saw one at a guitar show about 20 years ago. Its hard to tell the value..they vary depending on the color, length, condition etc...However I have seen a really long one go for 550.....so there you have it....keep strummin'...frets - Friday, August 22, 2003

Question asked by: Dean Subject: Ka-Lae Uke Question: Hi, my buddy has a uke we just discovered called a Ka-Lae. I noticed there was already a question about this type of uke, but this one is made of koa (says on the inside label) and is spelled exactly Ka-Lae. My friends mom says she got it in Hawaii in the 60's i believe. Also, it says Honalulu. Any info would be greatly appreciated, thanks! Answer: Dean ..send me a picture...You have a koa Ka-Lae made in the l930's, I would guess, and in order to give you more information I would have to see a picture of it. The Ka-Lae ukes were made mostly by Kamaka. NIce uke...great player.....frets - Friday, August 22, 2003

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