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

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Question asked by: Uncle Rufus Subject: Selmer-style Concert Uke Question: Hi Chuck - not really a question; more an introduction. I just took possession of a beautiful new concert sized uke, made by David Hodson. He's a maker of Selmer/Macaferri gipsy guitars, and very respected too (I believe Geoff of Key Strummers fame has a Hodson Baritone uke and is very impressed with it). Anyway, being ecologically minded, David is reluctant to waste any of his fine woods, and occasionally can be persuaded to make a uke or two - not in the manner of some luthiers, as a mini guitar, but as a true uke. I mentioned to him it might be nice to have a larger sized sitka spruce topped uke with a D-shaped soundhole, he said he had some macassar ebony for the back and sides... he'd fit the job in when he had some spare time. After a few weeks, he contacted me to say it was ready. And here it is - a real peach of an instrument, and the envy of those who have tried it. Ebony fingerboard, zero fret, bookmatched back... its a great British ukulele. Whaddaya reckon? Photos:      Answer: I rekon it should be mine. Its a beauty.I want one...save me the time and trouble, just send me yours. Always good to hear from you and thanks for the product info...We are always glad to get good news and yours is. Thanks for writing in and keep in touch..We don't hear from you often enough...frets - Saturday, July 12, 2003

Question asked by: Tom B. Subject: Possible Marketplace Scam Question: Hi Chuck, this isn't a question, but I just had an experience that may shed some light on the recent hijacking of your eBay ad. I responded to an advertisement in the Marketplace for a Kamaka 6-string ukulele. The "seller" sent me pictures and asked me to make a money transfer to a foreign bank. Suspicious, I looked up "6-string Kamaka" on eBay and, sure enough, there's an existing auction with the same photos and description. I thought you could use your forum to get the word out: as a community, we have to be careful and look out for each other. Answer: Thanks Tom....I will be doing a piece on scamming..please look for it..In the meantime, your right...we have to look out for each other...Pleae report anything that looks suspicious. We have aw great network on this site..Lets use it. chuck - Saturday, July 12, 2003

Question asked by: Karen Subject: G-String Uke Question: Last year I bought a new concert uke from a shop on the big island of Hawaii. It's koa wood, has an inlaid "G" in the headstock, and the shopkeeper said that it's a "G- String" brand, a new brand being made in Hawaii. I like the instrument, but I'd like to know more about the company. I haven't been able to find anything. Have you heard of them? Answer: Not a thing..perhaps one of the yakkers has and will write in. I just wonder about naming a uke..."G" string..Sounds like carrying it might be uncomfortable. Please report in as you break it in and let us know how it is. We welcome all new news about product. Thanks for writing in and keep in touch...frets - Saturday, July 12, 2003

Question asked by: Michelle Subject: Pulelehua ukuleles Question: Hi, well this is not a question but more like a statement. I was searching the web, seeing if our product was getting anything out there other then word of mouth. This site turned up and I noticed that there was a question about who we were. There is a short explanation on our website, http://www.melodyandharmonycreation s.com but since it was asked here I will answer it. Melody and Harmony Creations is a small family owned and operated buisness. I am the daughter in law and take care of the e-mails and what not. My father-in-law is the main craftsman. He is helped by his son as well as a few other family memebers when needed. We have been making ukes for years here in the islands. Our buisness was finally MADE a buisness about 5 years. Pulelehua is the Hawaiian word for the monarch butterfly. It is also a important insect to the ancient Hawaiians. We chose this name because our bridge features this butterfly shape. We here at Meldoy and Harmony Creations appreciate the fact that you backed up Edwin when he stated that "All known makers were once unknown". We are not as well known as we would like to be but lately buisness has been picking up so we are hopeful! I hope that this can help clear up any misunderstandings or questions. Please feel free to e-mail us or visit our site. Our e-mail is melodyandharmonycreations@yahoo.com Mahalo for your time. Michelle of Melody and Harmony Creations Photos:      Answer: Michelle. thank you very much for your letter. Finding new and interesting makers is always alot of fun for us and hopefully beneficial for you. Please, all you yakkers out there take a look at this site and write in with any questions you might have. If any of you are familiar with this site, perhaps a word from you would help the cause...Please keep in touch and let us know how things go. We at fleamarketmusic.com and uke yak wish you the bewt of luck..Let us know how we can help.....frets - Tuesday, July 8, 2003

Question asked by: CHUCK FAYNE Subject: FLEA Question: NO QUESTION , JUST A COMMENT Answer: As those of you, who read this column know, I never praise unless I mean it. Yesterday in the mail I received my FLEA. It answers two of the most often asked questions. "I am a beginner, what do I buy to get best value for my money" and " I need something to travel with so I can play "ON the road again"...Well the FLEA is the answer. It is the latest offering from Flea Market Music. An affordable, ukulele and case that sounds wonderful.( The ukulele, not the case.) Hard to believe that all that sound comes out of this uke. As those of you know, I also get nothing but a fabulous time for writing this column. Except if you count the Fleet of cars, my private Jet and the daily Deli Platter. This is a labor of love. And I do love it. I also love the Flea. Please find out which shop in your area is offering the Flea and go play it. You won't believe your ears. It is also very , very playable. I had a talk with Jim yesterday and told him that I loved the action. It is perfect for me. How's that Jim..Can I now have the keys to the Handcuffs? I'll be a good boy. If your Itchin' for an affordable uke that sounds fantastic....Scratch no further....It here...Frets - Monday, July 7, 2003

Question asked by: mike Subject: altering an ukulele Question: hey chuck it's mike. im pretty new at playing the ukulele.i was wondering if theres a way i can alter my soprano size ukulele to make the sound more better, like drilling holes on the sides Answer: When you not so new at playing your ukulele , it will automatically sound better. Please don't drill holes in the sides...If that made a uke sound better. all of them would have holes in the sides. I have handled hundred if not thousands of ukes and have never seen one with holes on the sides. Although,I understand one of the worlds best flute players got shot in the crotch and had to learn to play the flute just to pee...So I guess anything is possible....You win the award for the funniest question of the month. No prize, just thanks for the laugh. Go to the on- line- store on this site and you will find alternatives to drilling holes....heaps of helpful hints and great books and cd's on how to play..Good luck and thanks for letting me have fun at your expense. Don't feel special, I do it to everyone. Best of luck...frets..Ps...I have holes in my head and I still sound the same..... - Monday, July 7, 2003

Question asked by: Tom B. Subject: Vega DeLuxe Solo Lute Question: Aloha, Chuck. I just picked up this baritone ukulele in super-clean condition. It has no damage except for some checking in the lacquer. It also has the original case, which says Vega on the inside. The label inside the uke reads: "Vega Solo Lute, personally designed by Arthur Godfrey. Serial no. 7596. The Vega Company, Boston, Mass." Can you give me an idea of its value and other interesting tidbits about it? Thanks! Photos:      Answer: First of all its beautiful..Good score. It is the top of the line of the Godfrey Vega Ukes. It is the long scale version. 17 frets...the Solo Lute. I have no idea what that means other than it is longer than the shorter one. Which makes alot of sense to me and probably not to anyone else. It also has the fancy markers in the fingerboard. Very Very pretty..There has always been a disagreement about who made it. Some say Vega, some say Harmony. It doesn't make any difference, you got yourself a real prize. Arthur Godfrey endorsed this uke and played it in public, however in private, he played a Martin Baritone. I think he made a mistake. He should have played this all the time...Its a fine instrument. Enjoy....frets - Monday, July 7, 2003

Question asked by: rich clune Subject: reply Question: Just wanted to thank you for the reply - very helpful. Seems like this uke world is going to be good place to hang out.. Have a good weekend... Answer: Rich...Its a great place to hang out. I do every day and my life is a much, much better place because of this little instrument. Yours will be also. I have met the best people..Stick around, you will meet them also...Go to the bulletin board, the marketplace and tip toe thru the tulips......Best Tiny Frets - Monday, July 7, 2003

Question asked by: debby Subject: martin uke Question: hey chuck, hey, i got my martin uke on ebay, so far the bid is up to 490.00, thanks for all your help. if u want to see the pictures its listed as martin uke style o pre 1930. i also have an old banjo uke on ebay, dont know much about it, its got smitty written on it, with a drawing of a mule. thanks again, GOD bless debby Answer: Glad its working out. Keep in touch and remember in the future we also have a marvelous section to our site her..."The Marketplace" Where you can buy,sell, post wants etc. We have had fabulous results....Let us know how it works out...frets - Saturday, July 5, 2003

Question asked by: Rich Clune Subject: vintage Soprano Question: I recently purchased my first uke,a Fluke, and am having a lot of fun. Figuring its just a matter of time to get another uke, am I right that a vintage Martin soprano would be a good choice - if so, what decade - 30s, 40s, 50s, does it make a big difference - anything else in particular to look out for in a Martine and/or is there another make, year, to be open to if something else comes along, that you would recommend? Thanks for your time and advice. Answer: Rich..congrats on the fluke..good choice. There are many other ukes you can try as you move along the uke-path. A martin soprano is a fine choice. You can't make a bad choice except for the latest offering by the Martin Company. The Martin S.O. It is not a quality instrument. Any of the other years would be fine. I would, if I could, have any instrument you purchase looked at by a qualified luthier. If I had all the martins to choose from, I would take an early style 1. That is the one with the faux tortoise shell binding on the top. For some reason, I don't understand, they have a marvelous sound. I prefer the violin push pegs, but that is just my own preference. If you want to stay in the vintage world, the brands to consider are: Gibson, Lyon and Healy, Favilla, Thanks for writing in and if we can help further, just yell...frets - Saturday, July 5, 2003

Question asked by: Barbara Hughges Subject: Kamaka ukes Question: Hi Frets, I wrote you a second time because I thought the first didn't go thru. I didn't mean to bother you with 2 messages asking the same question. I can't provide a photo of the 6- string Kamaka I'm asking about. It is probably at least 15 years old. In very good condition, in a plush case. Is available to me for $700. The 6-string Kamaka I saw on ebay in a case for $325 is #2541391480. The 4-string "mint Kamaka bari uke koa" for $765 (or $785?) is #2541404655. Does this help in giving an opinion on whether $700 is a fair price, realizing that sentimental connection is worth a lot also. Thanks. Answer: Barbara, I really can't help with a value. But if you think its worth it and the sentimental value is factored in and you like the sound and have the money..go for it. You can't be far off no matter what. I personally have never found that sentimental value had anything to do with the commercial value of a uke or with the sound, which is the only thing that is important. But as I said, If you like it , go for it...happy plunking and no matter how many time you write in..its never a bother..only a pleasure...frets - Saturday, July 5, 2003

Question asked by: Mike Subject: 2 for the price of 1 Question: Hi, Or is it none for the price of one? Glad whatever happened earlier got stopped. Highway robbery? Hope everyone saw the attempted rip from you. Best, Mike Answer: Thanks Mike. Mike is referring to a ukulele of mine that was run on the marketplace for a few hours. It was my exact wording and pic from a ukulele I was selling on ebay. I am going to do a piece for the site and it will appear on the uke yak, bulletin board and marketplace. The warning..BE CAREFUL WHEN PURCHASING AN INSTRUMENT OVER A BIDDING NETWORK...CHECK IT OUT. THE DAYS OF BUYING AN INSTRUMENT BLIND ARE OVER. A COMMON PLOY IS TO RUN A PIC OF AN INSTRUMENT, OFFER IT FOR LITTLE MONEY, AND WHEN CUSTOMERS WRITE IN, OFFER TO SEND IT FOR THE PRICE OF THE POSTAGE AND IF THEY LIKE IT KEEP IT. THERE IS NO INSTRUMENT AND IF THEY CAN DO THIS WITH 50 PEOPLE THEY MAKE ALOT OF MONEY. WE HAVE A PLAYER DIRECTORY ON THIS SITE. IF YOU ARE COMTEMPLATING BUYING AN INSTRUMENT IN KANSAS CITY AND DON'T KNOW THE SELLER, HAVE SOMEONE IN THE AREA CHECK IT OUT, EVEN IF IT IS ONLY A PHONE CALL. THAT LETS THE SELLER KNOW SOMEONE IS CHECKING. THIS IS A SAMPLE OF WHAT I WILL WRITE VERY SOON. PLEASE BE CAREFUL, IT IS SO SIMPLE TO JUST POST A PICTURE AND MAKE MONEY. THERE IS A MAGIC MOMENT WHEN THE BUYER HAS BOTH YOUR MONEY AND YOUR INSTRUMENT. I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY. SO FAR, I HAVE NOT BEEN TAKEN. Common sense tells you that if there is an instrument offered that is much below the market value, to be on the alert. Nobdy gets sumpin for nuttin' as my Grandfather said. Write me if you have any doubts. I will be glad to do what I can to check it out. frets...We have a marvelous group of people on this site and lets stick together. - Friday, July 4, 2003

Question asked by: Barbara Subject: Kamaka ukes Question: Dear Chuck - Would appreciate your opinion on price of used 6- string Kamaka. One such uke in fine condition is available to me for $700. Yet on ebay I saw a listing of a 6-string Kamaka for $325 at current bidding; and also a 4-string "mint Kamaka Bari uke" for $785. Quite a difference. Is $700 a reasonable price? Thanks very much Answer: Barbara, it depends on when it was made, condition, model, case all those things..I can't give an answer with just what you sent. I need a picture to tell you...Please send what you can and numbers on ebay if you have them...frets - Friday, July 4, 2003

Question asked by: Brand Subject: Favilla Question: Hello Chuck, Did Favilla make all size ukes or just soprano and baritone? Thanks, Brand Answer: I will post this and let Tom answer when he reads it. I know they made the wimbrola....a six string 9 sided uke which is about the size of a tenor. I have not seen as tenor or concert favilla, however that does not mean they didn't make one. I will consult my favilla file tonight and see if I can let you know...Tom, are you out there...help...frets - Friday, July 4, 2003

Question asked by: Barbara Hughes Subject: Kamaka ukes Question: I have been playing the uke for over 40 years since attending high school in Hawaii. Lately I have been able to play a friend's Kamaka 6-string uke and now have the opportunity to purchase it. Would you be able to give me an opinion on a fair price? How does $700 sound?? I'd really appreciate your feedback. The sentimental attachment is certainly worth a lot to me, but just wondering what the actual value would be. I've seen a 6- string Kamaka listed on ebay for $325 as the current bid. Thanks, Chuck, for any insite you might give me. Answer: Barbara, again I would have to see a pic of the actual uke to help. Kamaka made manh varieties of the 6 string uke. Some could be worth 700 easily and others not. Please mail me a pic if you can. I will then give you an answer. A kamaka 6 string, regardless of the model, for 325 sounds like a great bargain to me, especially if it is decent condition. Let us know what happens. thanks again for thinking of us...nice to know were read...frets - Friday, July 4, 2003

Question asked by: santosha Subject: elton capo Question: hi Chuck...would like to echo the Thank you for all the info you have given ukulele fans. An item on ebay showed up...an Elton Capo, which is just a corked backed piece of metal that lays across the strings held to the uke neck with a spring. I remembered I had one in a vintage case I bought and have the original envelope and instructions...it is copyrighted 1922 by william J Smith. Can you enlighten us about him. Thanks Answer: The little I know about William J Smith is as follows: He owned a music Store in New York City. On a trip to Argentina, he discovered a 10 stringed instrument called a tip-lay and brought it back to the States. He took it to Martin and persueded them to make a 10 string instrument that could be tuned like a ukulele. 2 3 3 2. It was smaller than the original tip-lay he brought back from S.A. however, it gave Martin a chance to use the bodies of a 1/4 sized guitar they attempted to make years earlier. The 1/4 sizsed guitar was unsuccessful and here was an excellent opportunity to use the bodies. There were 10 tiples made by Smith and stamped on the back of the peghead and inside..William J. Smith Music Co. New york City. I owned one of them and they were exactly what Martin produced from then on. They proved to be very successful and Martin made them in 5 models. 15. 18, 21 ( only very few) ,28 and one 45...I love them and have Redd Foxx's l928 tiple. They were very popular in Jazz bands of the 20's and 30's. They have a very distinctive sound, unlike any other instrument. Well, I guess I knew more than I thought..Its remarkable what gets stuck in one's head. I can remember all that, but don't know where my car keys are. best...frets - Friday, July 4, 2003

Question asked by: mike roper Subject: low g hilo strings Question: hi - i use hilo tenor low-g strings with the 3rd & 4th wound. as the wound strings tend to wear out before the unwound i have lots of half sets. my question is this: do you know the string sizes for the hilo strings so i can complete my sets with classical guitar strings?? thanks in advance. Answer: Mike, I do not know the sizes of strings at all. I would write the distributors of the Hilo strings and ask that question. They can answer right away. Good luck...frets - Friday, July 4, 2003

Question asked by: Philip Lam Subject: Kamaka Uke & tuning Question: Dear Chuck, Two questions pls: 1) What are the differnces among the white/gold/blue labels on the vintage Kamamka ukes? 2) I bought new strings for concert ukes. Can I use it on my standard (20") uke? For tuning, can I tune ADF#B instead of GCEA with it? Thanks! Cheers, Philip Answer: Philip, I would get soprano strings for the soprano. I don't like the loose sound of the concert strings on a soprano. Try it and if you like it , thats all that counts. Its a little throaty for me. I'm not sure what the difference of the Kamaka labels are other than the color. They seemed to mix and match at will. I can tell you about the uke if I can see it, but I have seen labels used in all sorts of ukes. I wish I knew and I wish Kamaka would write in and let us know for sure. I get asked this question many times and I would like to know for sure myself. However, I don't think they know either. best...frets - Friday, July 4, 2003

Question asked by: KENT in Surf City Subject: OLD KAMAKA Question: Aloha Frets, My mail man saw me building a cigar box ukulele in my garage lastweek & asked if I could reglue a 2" seperation on the bottom of the sound board of an old KAMAKA he has. He's been playing guitar & the Kamaka has been collecting dust for years. It's back together & plays & sounds great. Can you help us with the age? Aged gold lable & no logo on the head stock. Mahogany neck, face & back with a very thin finish & an open grain. One piece full wrapped sides (koa or mahogany) without a seam @ the bottom. Fret board is a 12 fret rose wood with 3 MOP marks. Bridge appears to be rose wood & ivory. The tunning buttons are white with a bevel into the back of the head stock about 1/8" deep, not flat where they meet to creat more friction. There is no metal on these buttons except for the tention screw. Sorry we don't have a camera, but a time frame would be great. Mahalo Nui Loa Answer: Kent, can you send me a pic..either to this site or my home email?.cfayne@bigpond.net.au...I will do my best. Sounds like 50's to me from just the description, but as you know, Kamaka didn't stick to a strict system of dating. They used any label that was handy. Except for the l928 pineapple label, it is very hard to date without seeing. I will do my best. Thanks....Must run..Its sack race day in Mt Idy and the Sacks didn't show up. ..Must Hop...frets - Friday, July 4, 2003

Question asked by: Geoff Menzer Subject: conqueror uke banjo Question: Hello Chuck and hope you're well.I have a Lange Solo uke banjo with a fabulous sound,but its a little on the small side scale length wise.I played a conqueror uke banjo which was excellent a few weeks ago.It is very like the Lange but bigger and similar inlays in resonator etc.The owner is v attached and will not sell. So am I correct thinking it was made in NY by same factory in 20's,and if anyone has one for sale please email me. I need strings for the fabulous looking 8 string Baritone uke I got from you a few years ago.So where do I get longer 8 string uke sets and /or what gauges. Happy ukeing Geoff Answer: Geoff, get a hold of Kamaka about the strings. I am not sure about the conqueror but get it if you can. It sounds wonderful. Does anyone out there have one for sale..please let Geoff know., Thanks for thinking of us...The elves are restless and need to be fed. Write again and let us know how the hunt goes...frets and the gang.... - Friday, July 4, 2003

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