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

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Question asked by: Jerry Copeland Subject: Del Rio Ukelele Question: I was wondering if you could tell me something about this ukelele (I've attached a picture). It has a case with 'REGISTERED THE NEW RELIANCE TRADEMARK' stamped into the top (Reliance of London?). There is some sheet music in the case (20 songs), a chord sheet, and a rehearsal sheet dated September 1945 - some of the sheet music appears to date back to October 1942. It appears to be made of solid timber (maple perhaps?) and has a split in the back of it and one of the tuning pegs replaced. Two of the strings are original gut strings. The ukelele measures 21 inches long by 6 and a quarter inches wide by 2 and 5 sixteenths deep. Photos:      Answer: It is certaily an English made Ukulele. The headstock gives it away. I am not very well versed in English Ukes, however, if it was made by the John Grey Company, and it looks alot like them, it could be a very good player. John Grey made a variety of instruments and they knew what they were doing. Have it fixed up and play it. I would...frets - Thursday, July 17, 2003

Question asked by: Jose I. Sanchez Subject: Value and questions about a 1972 Kamaka Question: I spoke to my father-in-law about wanting an ukulele to play music for my newborn daughter. A friend of his just passed away and willed him a 1972 Kamaka Soprano ukulele. I wanted to get an idea of value (to decide to insure or not) and what I should do to keep it in the great condition it is in. Photos:      Answer: Very nice uke. To keep in the great condition, ....play it...wipe if off and don't do much else. They are made to last. Great company...still in business after almost 100 years....Not many of the original employees left. Value...If it is crack free and in near mint condition...350+..if it has the original yellow fluffy lined case..more....It might bring a few more dollars on a good day because of the great condition. Be sure and roam around our site...lots of stuff to look at....Keep in touch and let us know how it works out...Its a beauty....frets - Thursday, July 17, 2003

Question asked by: Terry Subject: G-String Uke Question: Hi Chuck and Karen. Keoki Kahumoku plays a G-String uke. He's also a sponsor for the company. I heard him play it and it sounded real nice, but since I never had a chance to play it myself, so I have no idea how it feels. The only recordings of Keoki's that I know of are with Herb Ohta Jr, so he is always playing guitar, but he plays live with his Dad, George, and that's when he plays his uke and the G- String company gets their money's worth! By the way, that's a great show if you have a chance to see them together. Best, Terry Answer: Thanks for the info...We always appreciate new news. I have heard them play together and it is a real treat. Stay tuned and keep writing in...We need the chatter....best from the yak......frets - Thursday, July 17, 2003

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: Fayne Radio Tenor Question: Greetings, I know you are probably tired of questions about it but it occurred to me that it has been a good while since I've seen reference to the Fayne Radio Tenor. Could we get an update? If I have somehow missed recent info- don't think so but figure I'm due for a mistake...RIGHT!-then just chuck (no play on your name intended, unless it amuses and then it is craftily conceived word play) this query out. This site is almost as fun (and better done) as my uke playing, or fumbling depending on which side of the uke you sit. Thanks Answer: Edwin...thanks for the nice words. The Radio Tenor is in the development stages now and hope to have something real soon. Have not abandoned the idea. I'm glad you like the site...considering, I just got an email from a person who missed the entire reason for my, as he put it, vague and lengthy diatribe about the ripoff artists who will gladly take your money if you dont watch your back or have someone watch it for you. The Radio Tenor will be quite a uke...Thanks for your interest and keep writing in.....best Edwin from Frets and the gang..... - Thursday, July 17, 2003

Question asked by: AndyW Subject: How much is this player worth? Question: Hey Chuck. How much for this little player? Photos:      Answer: Priceless.....I already have the uke, but how much for the baby????..Who's making it...seems to be top of the line. Let me tell you , I have a 15 year old and a 13 year old ...It doesn't get easier, it just gets different. Thank you very much for sharing....My wife just saw the pic and did what all of us do....she said....awwwwwwwwww..how beautiful....I think your starting the music lessons at the perfect time. please send us progress reports and more pics. We have the Mt Idy Didy and Pamper festival coming up...Why not enter....frets - Wednesday, July 16, 2003

Question asked by: anthony kuzmanich Subject: led kaapana's electric uke Question: Hello Chuck, I recently attended a great Ledward Kaapana show in Fairfax, Ca. He used what looked to ba a solidbody electric ukulele on a few numbers and I am wondering if you know the maker of the one he is now using and if they are available for purchase anywhere? Thanks, Anthony Answer: Anthony...I have no idea, however this letter might generate an answer. I will let the yakkers out there write in if they know the answer. thanks for thinking of us..please write again...frets - Tuesday, July 15, 2003

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: Japanese made Harmony Question: If you have written about this before I am not ept enough to find it. I was wondering about your knowledge, feelings, opinions, of the Japanese made Harmony ukes, perhaps I should say made FOR Harmony. I do not mean the recent Pacific Rim pieces of trash-thanks to the founder for the phrase, I really like it-but older instruments. I am not sure of the exact period but I've seen folks who I believe know something in the 40's-50's. I wish you fun at your next festival-you always seem to be having festivals in Mt.Idy. Thank you Answer: I had no idea that Harmony had ukes made in Japan for them in the l940's..its a surprising bit of information. Where did it come from. How would one know how to identify such an instrument. I am very interested and any information you can pass on would be appreciated. Thanks ..looking forward to further communication...frets....This years festival in Mt Idy..is the Festival of Festivals. You come dressed as you favorite festival. I am coming as the RIO THONG BIKINI FESTIVAL...I'm going to be busy picking and pullin' Hope to see you there... I meant the uke of course...... - Tuesday, July 15, 2003

Question asked by: CHUCK FRETS FAYNE Subject: KEEP YOUR EYES OPEN Question: FADS, FAKES, FREAKS, FRAUDS AND FOOLS. We are bound to run into them all if we live long enough. The way time goes by, we don't have to wait very long at all. With the advent of bidding , buying and selling sites on the internet, come those who would love to put their hand in your pocket with no pleasure for you at all. There is no end to the crooked and no end to their methods. You have to give them credit and a little thanks. With a few more morals and an equal amount of thought, they could be a real threat to the honest world in which most of us live. It is now time for us to form the ukeahood watch. Unfortunatly, it has come to this. We have to watch each other's backs. Its fairly easy. We are already doing it. If you see anything that seems suspicious there is no harm in questioning. After all, it is your money we are talking about. It is very easy to put up a pic of anything and then ask for just enough money to cover the shipping to see if you like the instrument or not. If the seller can do this with 100 people at 75.00...well.. you do the math. The pic cost nothing..just the listing price and that's not much at all. We here on Fleamarketmusic.com..The Home of Sherlock Fayne Private Eye ( I only show it to my friends) we have an advantage over everyone else and must use it. I have and it works. No honest person is ever threatened by an honest question or request. If you are interested in a Ukulele that is offered by a seller in the New York Area...Go to our Player Directory and write the person who seems to be the closest to ther sellelr. Explain that you would like them to call, write, or visit the seller and take a look at the instrument. As I said, no honest seller would be threatened by this request. As I have said before, there is a magic moment when the seller has your money and his instrument and you have nothing yet. It is a comforting feeling to know that the instrument exists and is what the seller claims it is. As I said, we at fleamarketmusic.com have an advantage...USE IT...If any of you have anything you would like to add, please write and do so. I'm sure you all have ideas how we can better protect ourselves. I will not post this on the bulletin board, but I will tell people that they can come over to uke yak and read it. Please do the same for me. We all benefit. Best from Frets and the Gang at FMM...We're the greatest..... Answer: PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS...IT IS VERY IMPORTANT.....PLEASE TELL YOUR FRIENDS. PRINT IT OUT....SAVE IT.... - Monday, July 14, 2003

Question asked by: Danny Subject: Homemade funky uke old Question: Found a handmade very funky ukulele. A bit larger than the normal size uke, and made out of one piece of wood, but for the pegs and the fretboard, and uke top section. WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THIS OL THANG? Photos:      Answer: I love the rug. Little to say about the uke..The pic says it all...but at the risk or repeating myself, and in the words of Ali when he met Howard Cossell " I love the Rug"....best frets... - Monday, July 14, 2003

Question asked by: santosha Subject: j.marvin pro uke Question: I was admiring the pic of ken Bailey's ukulele's bottoms or okole's and noticed that the bridge pegs of the J. Marvin "Prince of Wales" Koa were bigger than the Mahogany one, which seemed tiny. Is this due to the age difference of these ukes as I have seen the Prince of Wales with the smaller pegs? Answer: I don't think it had to do with age as much as they used a better quality of pegs on the Prince. It was considered the top of the line....See Ya...Frets - Monday, July 14, 2003

Question asked by: Dyuob Poltice Subject: A Fractal for you! Question: Not a question, just a Frets Fayne Fractal! Made this very afternoon in Missouri (around noon tomarrow, your time LOL!). Just a tiny thanks for all the great knowledge you pass on. Photos:      Answer: Your a neat guy and always a pleasure to hear from you on the uke yak or on the bulletin board. Thanks for all your support...We love it.....The Fractal ( first time I have seen that word) is beautiful...I will keep it and look at it when I want to remember the 60's. Thanks for the nice words....frets - Monday, July 14, 2003

Question asked by: D. Keenan Subject: Mele uke banjo Question: Hello! I have a Mele uke that looks like a banjo. Do you know anything about it? Someone told me that Mele didn't make uke- banjo. Any help would be appreciated. Thank-you, D. Keenan Answer: They did make them and I think, I may be mistaken, there is one up for sale on Ebay as we speak...thanks for writing in and keep your tuners tight....frets - Monday, July 14, 2003

Question asked by: Beth Subject: Production Numbers Question: Hi Chuck, here I am with another question, this one is for curiosity's sake only - do you have any idea of the percentages of ukuleles versus guitars manufactured by Martin and/or Gibson pre 1965? (am wondering about the number of vintage ukes versus vintage guitars potentially "out there" by these makers, especially Martin). Thanks for any information you can provide!! Answer: Beth...Production numbers are avaiable in the Longworth book Martin Guitars, and there are many Gibson books that will supply you with the information...Hope I've helped,...as I have gotten myself out of a lot of research...best to ya and thanks for writing in..keep it up...chuck - Monday, July 14, 2003

Question asked by: John B Subject: G String Ukes Question: James Hill plays a G String uke as his main uke now - a picture is here: http://www.ukulelejames.com/ukes%20pages/gstring%20front%20hi-res%20page.htm . Their website is http://www.gstringukuleles.com/ . Mighty purty ukes. Answer: Thanks...always interested in whats happenin'out there..interesting site...pretty ukes...keep us informed...frets - Monday, July 14, 2003

Question asked by: John Arreola Subject: Talsma Tenor Uke Question: Just to "show & tell" the tenor uke custom made for me by David Talsma which I am very proud of. It was also his 34th production and the first tenor he has ever made. I've never met David before, but I know his parents very well. His dad has one of his earlier production - a baritone. I was so impressed with the workmanship and quality that decided to have him make me one. I have a collection of vintage ukes (mostly Martins) and this Talsma Koa Tenor compares favorably with the best of the bunch. I have also seen some of his work at Eberly Instruments. I have just asked him to make another one - possibly a pineapple or a baritone - but now I have to stand in line. I'm sure you wi8ll be hearing more good things about this talented craftsman. Photos:      Answer: John..I have already heard many good things about David...I like his work. This is a beautiful uke and let us know as the rest get to you..I have had many good things written about David. Yakkers, perhaps its time to take another look at David Talsma..I will....thanks again John...frets - Monday, July 14, 2003

Question asked by: michael Subject: Martin SO Question: I can only echo your thoughts about the Martin SO vs the FLUKE. Knowing i was a uke nut (well, hey, i coulda been a bridge!), my friend wanted to get me something special, so, he was all excited when i was opening my birthday present... but he watched my face contort from a happy smile to a distorted forced grin as I saw the Martin logo on the gig bag. I tried to be gracious about it (hey,it was a GIFT, and not a cheap one), and i even tuned it and played it, but it just never felt or sounded right. Finally, i had to say that, as much as i appreciated the gesture, that this uke was a waste of his money (and of course i gave a suggestion on how better the money could be spent). Although i felt ungracious, he did take it back and eventually went to another music shop. When he told the owner he was looking for a good uke(for a picky person), she showed him the Martin SO and he began to laugh and recounted the story of my great disappointment. She laughed too and apologized for promoting an instrument that she herself found to be a "piece of ....". That ice being broken, she then showed him the flukes and rhapsodized about them (I had also educated him to the wonders of the fluke). Needless to say, the belated gift of the fluke more than fulfilled my greed. I have an old Martin style 1 that is very sweet, and several others that are also filled with personality, but the fluke stands out as something special. As you say, you cannot go wrong with the fluke. Plus it sooo cool looking ( i think it is the uke that will robinson was playing in " Lost in Space". As you said, Martin is a great company, and responsible for some of the best instruments in the world, but their foray into cheap Mexican manufacturing (and here there is nothing against some of the many fine Mexican instrument makers... just that Martin didn't choose the right ones for this project) is a move that does not live up to the Martin name. That being said, I gotta go bake the blueberry muffins for the Mt. Idy yodeling festival. (They will be served in the hulls of discarded Martin SO's). Answer: Thanks...glad you finally got what you wanted. Have you seen the flea...the perfect companion for the fluke. thanks for writing in....good story....frets - Monday, July 14, 2003

Question asked by: Tommy Goodwin Subject: Martin S-O Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I'm a bonafide newbie in the land of Ukulele. I asked a few players about beginning ukes and I was told the Martin S-O was a good buy. I found one on eBay and bought it. It's nothing fancy but seems fine for learning. I have since found this website and Uke-Yak. I noticed that you warned another forum member away from the S-O and was wondering if you could elaborate on your feelings about this instrument. (Wish I'd bought a Flea or Fluke) Thanks, Tommy Goodwin Los Angeles Answer: Tommy..I'm also sorry you didn't get here first. The Martin SO is a poorly made unulele by a fabulous company. I'm sure its ok to learn on, but someday you will want to change. The flea or fluke is an excellent move up. If you want to see my elaborations on the Martin, just do a search on this site. I can't say much more I would just be repeating myself. I would just be repeating myself. frets - Saturday, July 12, 2003

Question asked by: zwalworth Subject: uke amplification Question: If I buy a uke with a pickup (let's say, for example, the Lanikai LU21TE), will it sound alright if I plug it into my Marshall electric guitar amp? Or would I need to buy a different amp? Answer: I know alot about ukes and nothing about amps. Please direct this question to the bulletin board side of this site. There are people over there who I am sure can help you. I have trouble plugging my lamp into the outlet. best from the man from another century...frets - Saturday, July 12, 2003

Question asked by: Eric Subject: Regal Tiple Question: I've picked up a decent Regal tiple- nice to see they were capable of better quality work. It's staying in tune pretty well and has a nice full sound, but it's got steel strings and really sounds more like a mandolin. Is this how they're supposed to sound? Answer: A tiple is a steel stringed instrument. It sounds terrible with gut strings....Go to a good luthier and get it checked out. Tiples are notorious for needing neck work. Get it strung properly and it will be a fabulous player. I love the tiple...I play one myself. good luck and let us know how it all turns out. frets - Saturday, July 12, 2003

Question asked by: misha Subject: regal and fluke-uke Question: Hi. I got some Regal uke in two pieces, which I intend to put together and learn to play ( in addition to chromatic and diatonic accordions). This Regal of mine is probably a piece of crap, but I got if for free. What glue do you suggest to connect the fretboard with the body and what laquer to restore the finish? The tuning things are lose too, I take it, if you tighten the screws, they'll work, no? What is your opinion about these fluke- ukes? Looks like miniature balalaika. Thanks. Answer: Accordions, glue and laquer..Three items I know almost nothing about. The turning things might work if you tighten the screws and then again they might not. If they do...good...if not, get another set. ( finally something I can help with.)...Here's another hunk of help...A fluke is a fabulous instrument...Just ask anyone who owns one. There are many many on this site alone. Go over to the bulletin board and ask around. You will hear all you want to hear. We also sell them on this site. Go to the on=line store and shop around. Look at the black menu to your left. Have a good time and let us know how it all turns out. frets - Saturday, July 12, 2003

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