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

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Question asked by: John K Subject: Old uke, part II Question: Hi Chuck- I had e-mailed you last week about this nameless uke from the 20's I found in a music store for $125. You asked for a pic but, unfortunately, this store is about 170 miles away. I found a pic on the web that seemed close from what I could remember about it (BTW, it does have an open back). I'm trying to figure out if it's worth it and what I should look for in terms of condition. The store owner is a former uke collector so I have some confidence that he's brought it "up to speed". Thanks in advance. Photos:      Answer: John...if the uke looks like this one...125.00 would be a reasonable price for it. It is a common, well made banjo uke. There were millions of them but they certainly are not the bottom of the pit...That is, as I said, a decent uke. Again...string it up with gut strings and see how it sounds. If it sounds good, buy it for 125.00....you can't go wrong...frets - Tuesday, July 29, 2003

Question asked by: Geoff Rezek Subject: Low G tuning for 5th graders Question: What are your thoughts. Soprano Ukulele will be played by 5th graders. Should they should be strung with a low G string (Like a guitar) low G tuned because it will follow better with the 6th grade guitar training and the progressions are in sequence. Are there any disadvantages of the low G tuning? Answer: Geoff...I don't think there are any disadvantages to the low g string, I, however, do think that the transition to the low g string should be after one learns to play in the standard tuning. If one were to listen to original recordings of uke music, the uke has a special sound. It doesn't sound like the last four strings on a guitar...It sounds like a ukulele. I like the low g string tuning because it allows me the low notes when picking and for some descending chord patterns, you can only get the bottom note with the low tuning. However, for a beginner, they have no reason to use it as yet. They should first learn the sound of the few chords that they will be using and as they advance, be introduced to the low g tuning. I hope this makes sense...best and thanks for writing in...frets - Tuesday, July 29, 2003

Question asked by: Larry Martin Subject: Ken Potts Concert Question: Guess this is more of a statement,and a thanks,than a question. My wife,and I visited Maui earlier this year,and because of your site stopped off and visited with Ken Potts.. a nice guy,and an excellent luether. My wife is now playing a new Potts concert,it is not only a beautiful instrument,but the sound and playability are excellent. Thanks for the lead and keep up the good work on your site. Answer: Thanks Larry, for the report. Glad to hear and I'm sure Ken is glad as well. I'm Jelous, I would love to visit hawaii, but I will have to wait until a group wants to sponser me. We don't have a travel agent here in Mt Idy. Best. and let us know how it sounds down the line as it breaks in. frets - Tuesday, July 29, 2003

Question asked by: Beth Subject: Question about Odors Question: Hi Chuck - you have been so nice to answer several questions for me so I'm happy to be able "return the favor" and pass along a suggestion for the young lady who asked you about ridding an old ukukele of odors - she might want to try placing a charcoal briquette or two (plain bbq grill type) within the soundhole of the uke, placing the charcoal on a piece of paper or newspaper, and leaving it for about a week - repeat with fresh charcoal weekly, if necessary, until odor is gone. I tried this hint with much success myself, was recommended to me by a friend who collects and restores vintage wooden radios and furniture - in my case, used a whole bag of charcoal sliced down the middle and in two weeks it had totally absorbed VERY STRONG "mothball odors" from a older convertible I bought that had been in storage for years. Hope this helps, and thanks for all the great information you pass along!! Answer: Beth, thanks for the information...Boy, it must have been a mess trying to get that car clean. Charcoal is wonderful stuff. Watch for my new book..." FROM BLOATING TO BARBEQUE" 100 USES FOR THE BRIQUETTE"..Please keep in touch Beth, new info is always appreciated....frets - Tuesday, July 29, 2003

Question asked by: Mary Pat Subject: Artist marking on my uke Question: Dear Chuck, A sweet and generous gift just came my way: a pretty little soprano uke, with the marking, "ARTIST" etched/stamped into the back, at the very top, between the tuning pegs. There are no other visible markings. Can you enlighten me about this mark - and the instrument? It was a gift from a fellow uke player (much more advanced than I) who felt I needed a better sounding instrument than my "starter" Harmony uke. Are all uke players so nice? Thanks! Mary Pat Answer: Mary Pat...I have seen the Artist name on a few ukes. I am not sure who made them..If you will send as pic of the one you have, perhaps something about it will give me a clue. Nice gift and good friend. Please get back to me..I love a mystery.....Sherlock Frets.... - Tuesday, July 29, 2003

Question asked by: Tiki King Subject: Tru Fret Question: Aloha Chuck! What can you tell me about the "Tru-Fret" ukuleles? I know that they had metal fretboards, and came in a few different styles, but do you know who made them and when? wondering.... T.K. Answer: Not much...They are intresting...I have owned one of them and hated the metal fingerboard. It feels wierd. I think Harmony made them, however it is just a guess. I say the one on ebay and it was exactly like the one I had...good to hear from you as always...frets - Tuesday, July 29, 2003

Question asked by: Ukulele Nuff Subject: Louis Belfiore Ukulele Question: Hey, Chuck! I asked if anyone had experience with Louis Belfiore ukuleles July 1st. You, and several others asked to see a pic. Here tis. It's not too much bigger than a standard soprano, but gives off a loud, vibrant sound. Louis Befiore is apparently a retired gent who lives in Temecula, California and handcrafts ukes and guitars. I purchased mine at Giacoletti's in Carlsbad. I am interested in whether others have purchased handcrafted ukes from local unknowns and what their experience has been. Photos:      Answer: Well yakkers, write in if you have purchased ukes from unknown makers. That is one wierd looking uke ...how does it sound....send more pics..please...frets - Tuesday, July 29, 2003

Question asked by: Eric Subject: Columbia uke Question: Ok- I'm hoping that the picture uploads. I really don't know what the wood is- the top is probably birch with an open grain. The neck does look a bit like mahogany- I think it's some sort of tropical wood- why else would they use a piece with a huge knot on the back when clear birch is easy to find? The strings are breaking in, and it does sound pretty good. I like the violin pegs, but boy are they easy to knock out of place while playing! Answer: Eric...take the uke to as luthier or violin maker and see if you can get some taperd pegs. The hole might be drilled straight thru, but you can stop the slipping by putting on a set of taperd pegs. I like the violin pegs as well. I prefer them..They are easier for me to keep in tune. I guess, when I learned to play the uke, that was about all that was available. Most ukes had pegs. But, then again, most school classrooms had slates...so there you go...The pic didn't make it..Please try again...I find a knot hole is a lucky uke. I have a 75 year old Kamaka with a huge knothole...After that great Kamaka sound, I like the knot hole best. Keep on writing in....and send a pic...frets - Tuesday, July 29, 2003

Question asked by: Sondy hunt Subject: Ukulele Strings Question: Hi, Just purchased a used ukulele and need advice on care and what strings to put on. I have been playing dulcimer and guitar and decided to add one more instrument to the list. What teaching book do you recommend? Thanks PS. Have you ever heard of " Stafford ". Only paid $18 but will do until I learn to play then maybe a new one. Answer: All the teaching books you will ever need are on this site...Go to the menu on your left and to the on-line store and you will find the books and strings....Don't know about the Stafford...but there were thousands of names and they pop up all the time...good luck and thanks for visiting uke yak and fleamarketmusic.com.....frets - Sunday, July 27, 2003

Question asked by: zach Subject: gibson UB-1 strings Question: Frets, What type of strings should I put on a gibson UB-1 banjo uke, soprano or concert? Answer: soprano....its the same length approx as a soprano uke......if that doesn't work, use concert and cut them down...its a sound your after...if you get it..stop....frets - Saturday, July 26, 2003

Question asked by: Brand Subject: Uke Expo. 2003 Question: Hello Chuck, I have a musician friend who plays the mandolin and guitar who is interested in purchasing a UKE.We live close to where the Uke Expo. is being held this year so I advised my friend to attend the Expo and try out some of the diffrent ukes before buying one.Is this sound advise? P.S. will you be in attendence? Brand Answer: Your suggestion is right on...hope you enjoy the expo...sorry I won't be there, but I will make one of them someday. Living in Melbourne Australia makes it expensive to travel if I don't have another gig to help pay for it. I will be thinking of you all and wishing I was there...frets - Saturday, July 26, 2003

Question asked by: Kimberly Subject: smelly old Koa wood ukulele Question: I have received a uke from my Grandmother in Hawaii...she can't tell me much about how my grandfather came to have it, but it is an older koa wood soprano uke and I just have to have appropriate strings put on it. But it has a very strong unpleasant smell to it...maybe a bit of mold on the inside of the wood...I'm speculating...the outside is clean and I think the smell is from the inside of figure-8-shaped portion of the uke. Would you have any advice as to how I might get rid of the smell without damaging the wood? Any advice would be appreciated...I certainly want to preserve it...it has the stamp at the top of the Royal Hawaiian something (band?), but it is quite faded now. Answer: Stick an oder eater inside....Oddly enough, this is the second question I have had about this problem. What a wierd thing...I have a shoe that smells like a ukukele...There is little you can do to damange it, short of soaking it in something. Try going to the car wash and getting one of those little useless things that are shaped like a pine tree and smell like a hooker...it might just work in the uke. Many of you may be wondering how I know what a hooker smells like....Me too...frets....from the red light district of Mt Idy...'WHERE YOUR PLEASURE IS OUR PROFIT'..small town, we have to do anything to make it run.... - Saturday, July 26, 2003

Question asked by: Nellie Subject: Triumph ukes Question: I know that they are not fantastic in quality as the sound on my Triumph is not as sweet as my Moo-kulele but can you tell me anything about th Triumphs as I got mine second hand - background details would be appreciated - many thanks! NEls Answer: I know little about the Triumph uke other than what I have heard. Its an inexpensive ukulele, however that has nothing to do with the value. It might have the greatest sound in the world. I still judge an instrument the old fashioned way..I listen to it. I also buy art by what I like, not who signed it...thanks for writing in...I have no idea if I helped you.....keep in touch..let us know what happens...frets - Saturday, July 26, 2003

Question asked by: Bullfrog Subject: Lehua Ukes Question: I bought a Lehua concert uke on e- bay and all in all I'm pretty happy with it. My one bitch is that the scale is a little bit shorter than my other concert ukes. The Lehua has a nice mahogany body and a CEDAR top! Looks like a little flamenco guitar. With a better saddle and nut and some good Hilo strings, it is a pretty good deal. Answer: Bull..if I may call you that...thanks for the letter...Is there a question in there somewhere..if so...let me know..if not..congrats...I hope it is everything you hoped for.....thanks for sharing....frets - Saturday, July 26, 2003

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: buzz - Lee Gibbs Question: So time after time I hear "buzzzzz'. String buzz. Not being an expert hasn't prevented me from hearing the dreaded buzz. What could it be. Bet it has something to do with vibration. Like the notch in the nut is to wide and rather than having the string holding firm as it is strummed, it "bounces" around in the slot causing a buzz. Or something may be ”loose" on the saddle, if it has one, not fitted, or bridge, it's separating. Likley nothing mysterious. I don't recall Flea Market discussion that links "buzz" and "vibration", but it may be that I'm not paying attention. Speaking of which, "Lee Gibbs". I once bought a soprano "Lee Gibbs" from "Catch and Release", an early historic internet site for the dissemination of ukuleles, what a great name for passing ukes along, that was the work of Chris Davis, respected member of the ukulele community. The Gibbs, a nicely thought out mahogany uke, looks 50's, "Oriental"? It has a metal foil "Lee Gibbs" plate nailed on the head. Mine has Harmony style 50's Dodge tail fin tuner buttons, which may mean nothing as I once got a 1918 Martin Style 3, with a Foden bow tie marker at the 7th fret, and Harmony style 50's Dodge tail fin tuner buttons, and it still weren't a Harmony. regards, robert - founder Answer: A notch in the nut...I'd buzz too...thanks robert...always interesting...write often and send a pastrami sandwich...frets - Saturday, July 26, 2003

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: japanese Harmony uke Question: Chuck, This is about my question concerning Japanese made Harmony ukuleles. The question arose from an instrument which Roy Cone had for sale at ukuleleworld. Said it was a baritone made in Japan for Harmony and estimated 40's 50's. I just checked the site and apparently it has sold. I give credence to Mr. Cone, my dealings with ukuleleworld have been great and I've never read about a negative encounter while I seen bunches of positives. By the way, if you're wearing a thong to the festival...let me just say I'm okay with being in the northern hemisphere. understand you would not wish to see me in a thong, HECK, I don't want to see me in a thong. well, off to call the hogs...or play the uke, I've some "friends" who accuse me of mixing the two. Answer: Interesting about the Japanese made Harmony Uke....Like to know more about it. I promise, if you attend the festival, I won't wear a thong.....a tube top perhaps, but no thong....best to ya edwin....thanks for writing in..always stop by for a cup of soup if your in Mt Idy...I thought it was the "soup" festival...my mistake...It was the "soap festival"....I had four bowls before I realized...I'm writing this from the 2 holer where I have been for 2 weeks......frets and stings... - Saturday, July 26, 2003

Question asked by: Larry Subject: LeHua Ukes Question: Elderly Music in Lansing, MI carries them, plus Bounty Music and a few other places. I think they used to be made in Mexico, but moved production to Portugal. They run in the $200-$250 range.Thanks Answer: Thanks larry...always good to get info...Ukes being made in Portugal again. Proving that things run full circle if left alone. I understand they are building a new ship to take the Portugese to Hawaii...What will they come up with this time????frets - Saturday, July 26, 2003

Question asked by: Bruce Conner Subject: Violin peg size Question: Chuck, What's the usual size violin type peg used on ukes? Is it the full sized 4/4 ones or something a little more petite? Or is the no rhyme or reason? And don't gimme any of that "Violins never solved anything" stuff my mother used to shout at my sister as she attempted to El Kabong me. Answer: Bruce..the size violin peg to use is the one that fits. sometimes you have to have the hole drilled so that it is graduated. More the shape of the peg which is not the same size all the way down the shank....If you get it to work, I think you will like the pegs. I do. Im not sure, but I think El Kabonging is illegal in Australia. What the hell is El Kabong anyway?..best to ya.....frets - Saturday, July 26, 2003

Question asked by: Luke Subject: Taropatch Strings Question: Chuck, I have a Martin Taropatch and was wondering should the strings be knotted together or individually before insertion into the bridge. Thanx Answer: Individually....and I'm glad you wrote the word..That way I didn't have to look it up......frets - Thursday, July 24, 2003

Question asked by: Russell Golobic Subject: Johnson Resonator Uke Question: Hi Chuck, A while back someone asked about an inexpensive Johnson resonator uke, to which you replied you had not seen them. I just saw one on e-bay and, boy, they are cheap. Here's the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d ll? ViewItem&item=2546574410&category= 16224 Have you had any experience with them since the question was raised? I attached a picture. Photos:      Answer: Have heard nothing.....but its really hard to evaluate from a pic...love to hear one or someone who has played one. Thanks for the pic Russell......and thanks for writing in...frets - Thursday, July 24, 2003

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