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

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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

Question asked by: Steve Pepper Subject: Keech Long Neck Banjo Uke Question: Hi Chuck On Saturday I purchased quite a nice Keech Long Neck banjo uke. At first sight I thought it was a modernish uke that someone had put a Keech label on, I had only previously seen the short scale versions and this one was quite different. Stamped on the Back of the head is L/B 692. The neck has some 17 frets. It has been well played but is in very nice condition apart from wear around the 2nd fret due to someone using an old fashioned spring loaded capo. The case is also in nice condition and came with a single pitch pipe in "A" (it's a semitone out from concert though, so was this old or high pitch?) and a couple of original gut strings. It also has a strange piece of polished ebony nearly like a couple of "Hearts" or "Spades" back to Back. It looks like it could be some sort of mute but I haven't a clue how it would work, any ideas? Also have you any idea of when it would have been made? Or when Keeches were manufactured from and until? It looks too modern a finish at first glance but on closer inspection the patina tells me it is probably older than it looks. Kind Regards Steve Pepper Low Tide Studios Harrogate UK Photos:      Answer: Yours is a keech banjo uke for sure and the nicest one I have seen. I am jelous. I love the keech banjo uke. Alvin and Kelvin were the inventors of the Banjolele in Hawaii. They then moved to England where they continued to make ukes. They made many varieties, however they all had something in common..They were signed somewhere on the uke...Usually scratched on the back. Look and see if yours has the signature. The mute has me stumped also. Perhaps one of our loyal keepers of minutia has an idea. Write in yakkers, we need you. Thanks for sharing the pic...I will add it to my ever growing file of great stuff. Please send a pastrami sandwich next time you write...frets - Friday, July 4, 2003

Question asked by: p.v. nasby Subject: martin tenor Question: I have a Martin tenor ukulele and was wondering its age. Decal on front of peghead reads "CFMartin" "Est.1833": No imprint on back of peghead: Twelve frets to body: Four 1/8" ivoriod markers on front of fingerboard: Three 1/16" on side of fingerboard: All 18 frets are brass! Great condition/great player. My other Martins have steel frets even the old ones with bar frets. Did Martin use brass frets? Answer: Hard to give you an exact date. The 12 frets make it the earlier model, but that could span 30 years. My guess would be 30's-40's...The decal helps with this date. Before the decal the cf martin imprint was on the back of the headstock. After l960 the imprint on the inside said Made in U.S.A....If yours has brass frets, I guess, unless they are replaced, Martin used brass frets. I have two tenors, an older one like yours and a modern one and neither have brass. So there you are. We appreciate you writing in and hope you will write again...frets - Friday, July 4, 2003

Question asked by: Granjon Sylvain Subject: Do you know this uke? Question: Hello, I recently bougnht this uke, it come from Barcelona, it's a Juan Gomez from 1920. If you know something about it, please tell me. Thanks and sorry for my english, I'm french. Photos:      Answer: Sorry for my English, I'm American/australian...What you have has many names. It is the modern day forerunner of the ukulele. All cultures eventually stumbled across a four string instrument. The spanish been making this for centuries. They are a little heavier than the hawaiian ukulele, but the ones I have had tuned the same as a uke. A couple of the names are: Braghuina, cavaquino ( I know a million spellings for this word)_ and my favorite.."that four string thing".....I am not familiar with the name Juan Gomez, however I think its is the same as John Smith in our country. Best to you and Thanks for writing all the way from France. Its nice to know we are read world-wide. Best to you from all of us here...frets - Friday, July 4, 2003

Question asked by: Bill Petersen Subject: Bobby Breen Ukulele Question: I have a Bobby Breen ukulele that was my grandmother's. I have been trying to get some information about it. I contacted Bobby Breen himself and he could offer no information. Perhaps you could help me. Thanks, Bill. Photos:      Answer: You have gotten further than I have. I am not sure of the relationship, however I have seen many of the ukes. I will check around and see what I find...Perhaps Jim Beloff ( our faithful leader)...will know. Somewhere in the recesses of my failing mind, I think Jim knows more than I....Jim are you there? I know you are..come out, come out wherever you are. I understand My FLEA ukulele is on the way and I can't wait. I have heard such wonderful things about it. My mother told me, as a kid, if I didn't wash I would get fleas. Mom was wrong. I washed and I understand I am still going to have fleas. Thanks Jim and Liz...Love this site...frets and all the unwashed in Mt Idy....Wish you a happy 4th...Just looked again at the pic of the bobby breen and it is different than mine. A variation I haven't seen before. keep in touch and we will also...best..frets - Friday, July 4, 2003

Question asked by: santosha Subject: 6 string ukes Question: Hi Chuck I have a question about 6 string ukes. Many have the C and A strings doubled, and I understand the sound is very full. Are the tuned at equal octaves or not. In a search in the yak I found one response that stated that they are tuned an octave apart...a tuning and string nitemare I would think. Also in Jim Beloffs ukulele book there is a Lunes 6 string uke with the C and E strings doubled. have you heard one and if so comment on the difference in sounds it makes vs. the C/E ones. Thanks...and oh yeah Gibsons Rule! Answer: sanosha...the tuning of strings do not follow a set pattern. I have seen all combinations., It depends on your ear and what pleases you. As I have said before, the instrument is still and will always be in the experimental stages. That is one of the most appealing aspects of the ukulele. You can do what you want. I personally prefer a 5 string variety with the second string doubled an octave apart. I like the fulness of that sound. I also like the 8 string tenor with the 2nd and 3rd strings tuned an octave apart and the other two pairs the same. Kamaka does this tuning sometimes. Please experiment and let us know what appeals to you. Thanks for writing in...frets - Friday, July 4, 2003

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Thanks Question: Not so much a question as a reminder that you are truly appreciated. You're the only person I know of that does what you do, and I'm sure that I'm only one of a community of musical stepchildren that thank you for answering 2227 questions from total strangers. The archive is a goldmine of information. Answer: Thanks for the kind words....But your not strangers any more...This column has the ability to unite a marvelous group of people from all over the world. I have said many time before, but at my age I am allowed to repeat myself...Its wonderful to wake up any time of the night or day and realize that out there is someone I can talk to who shares my interests. Where else can that happen??? Keep writing in...I don't sleep much...frets - Tuesday, July 1, 2003

Question asked by: Paul Subject: Another Favilla baritone question Question: Hi Chuck, I have a Favilla baritone but there is no label or serial number. It is all mahogany, no binding, typical gold "Favilla" on the headstock and stamped "Favilla Bros, New York, NY, USA" on the inside back above the brace. The only other notable characteristic is the back braces are very pointed (running the length of the brace. Any ideas when the uke was made. Without any label, serial number or B2 marking I'm at a loss. Also, the case is brown fake alligator which appears to be original. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks, Paul Answer: Paul...always hard to tell the date without knowing. They made them for so long. Perhaps Tom will read this question and write in. The fact that you know they had pointed braces,already makes you more familiar with the uke than I am. Let me know if you find out anything more and I will do the same for you....in the meantime...play us a tune...frets - Tuesday, July 1, 2003

Question asked by: Chris Anderson Subject: good, playable, popular-priced soprano uke Question: I've taken up the uke again after a 20-year hiatus. Three questions: (1) For the last year I've been playing a no-name soprano with really good sound but the strings seem to be too high above the fretboard. Otherwise, this little uke is great! Is this something that can be fixed? (2) I once tried a Martin uke and I'll never forget how low the strings were to the fretboard and how thin the neck was and how easy it was to play. Is there a popular-priced soprano uke with the same, great playability (if not the same great sound)? (3) Thanks to a local guitar guru, I learned the correct way to hold my uke at an angle, against my chest. Does the pointed/rounded back of the Fluke Uke make such proper holding of a uke more difficult? Thanks much. Chris Anderson, Atlantic Beach, Florida. (Formerly from the San Fernando Valley a/k/a Beloff-Land) Answer: Chris..first..there is no correct way to hold a uke regardless of what your guitar guru said. The uke is held the way it is most comfortable for you . period...Yes there is a way to lower the strings. Take it to a good luthier and have it done..It is a very simple proceedure. The fluke is a very easy uke to hold and to play...I would have been my recommendation even if you had not mentioned it. Ask your guitar guru how he tunes a violin-uke...lets see what he really knows. good luck...go fluke, buy bonds....frets ....guru my tutu.... - Tuesday, July 1, 2003

Question asked by: Ukulele Nuff Subject: local handcrafted uke Question: Hi, Frets. I just bought an odd-shaped, handcrafted soprano ukulele built buy a guy named Louis Belfiore in Temecula, California. I like it alright. It has a loud, harplike tone, although its body isn't much bigger than a standard soprano. I bought it from Giacoletti's in Carlsbad. The guy at the store says Belfiore is a retired gent who makes guitars and started making ukes as well. I'm just wondering if any of your readers have had any experience with this brand. Answer: Well readers....What do you know? I'd like to hear also....If I find anything I will let you know..Any chance for a pic? a pic is worth a thousand dollars if it is the right pic...Good luck, good strummin' Good golly miss molly....frets - Tuesday, July 1, 2003

Question asked by: Josh S Subject: wound low g Question: Chuck, I play a soprano National Steel uke and prefer the sound of a low G (substituted from a martin tenor string set). After a couple of days it starts to wear and get funky ridges in it. Is there a string set out there which will allow a low G tuning without the wound string. Ideally it would contain GCEA in one set, all unwound. Thanks! Answer: Josh...just experiment. You will come up with the right combination. Head to a good music store and try a couple of guitar strings...I use anything I can until I get the sound I want. Cant understand what is causing your low G string to get funky ridges...and I wont touch that line under any circumstances.....FUNKY RIDGES...that was a Don Ho tune wasn't it...sorry, that was funky bubbles...Let us know what solves the problem, perhaps there are others who are waiting for the cure...frets - Tuesday, July 1, 2003

Question asked by: Lloyd S Smith Subject: tuning a concert uke Question: Hi chuck, having never played a uke " except baritone" which as I've read in your site, is not really a uke, more like a small guitar.Any-way I have purchased a concert uke, the solid spruce top Lanikai, and I do not even know how to tune a uke, I know it is not tuned like the baritone, my question is what is the tuning and can a electronic tuner be used ? thanks Lloyd Answer: LLoyd...look to the left and you will see in the black menu an option called e tuner. That is how a ukulele is tuned...then go to the top of the menu to the on-line store and have a look around. You will find all you need to get started..cd's videos, books, .....Hope We've helped...you found the right site...good luck and let us know how you do.....frets - Monday, June 30, 2003

Question asked by: CHU;CK FAYNE Subject: KP LONG NECKED TENOR Question: HOW IS IT????? Answer: I have not had a chance to update the KP Long Necked Tenor I just got from Ken Potts. It is really wonderful. It is all I expected and more. It has a very playable fingerboard and a thin neck. I don't have very big hands and it seems to fit perfectly. His workmanship is beautiful. It has taken a long time for me to consent to play a modern instument. I played only vintage instruments for many years. Ken has yanked me out of the past...and not kicking and biting. I highly recommend this instrument. Thanks Ken...You have joined the ranks of the future collectables....frets - Sunday, June 29, 2003

Question asked by: Beth Subject: Martin Style 1 Question: Hi Chuck, thought you might like to know I did end up keeping the damaged ukulele from ebay that I emailed you for help about. In my last note to you, I had just been shown additional repaired damage on one side of the uke and told you that I planned to return it; well, had trouble following through with my intention because of the uke's lovely tone (even the owner of the guitar shop, as well as her lead tech, stressed how great it sounded & played in spite of its damage), so I finally asked Bari (shop owner) what she thought would be a fair amount for the uke & she said she thought it was worth about 50% of book value, minus the cost of the bridge repair. So I rounded up a little and sent him $200 (I know you'll think I overpaid, but I wanted to treat him fairly & I do think he was well intentioned, maybe just not too observant). So, now I have a nice sounding, albiet pretty beat up, old Martin Style 1 and have you to thank for it - had I not been directed to your column I would have bought the new Martin SO I was considering, and although the new uke would have certainly looked better, I'm sure there would have been no comparison in sound/playability. Thanks for all the good information and great advice you share through your column!! (am tying up one more loose end from this transaction-I hastily left the gentleman a negative the day I received the uke, am in the process of removing it through square trade, hope it will teach me not to jump to conclusions and act so hastily in the future!) Answer: In my opinion you did the right thing. I would rather have the uke at 200 any day than the new martin SO (rry) at any price. Get it fixed, if it needs it and enjoy it...It is the sound that is important anyway. Thanks for the kind words and keep in touch ....We care....Buy Bonds from Barry Bonds......frets - Saturday, June 28, 2003

Question asked by: Ginny Subject: banjo uke - strings Question: Please, please, Dr. Frets. You agreed with advice I had gotten earlier that metal strings Should Not be put on banjo ukes. I dont wanna put metal strings on, since you, the Supreme Expert and an underling have told me "nono" on them. So, give me a bit of your wisdom, and name names of the strings I should use to make me happy. I COULD use a pick.............but............ Answer: Dr Frets here Swallow two strings and call me in the morning. I would put a set of nylagut strings on it. It will give you the volume you need...Your right...you don't want to use metal strings....Wire, as it is known here in Mt Idy....Let us know what happens...Were always up to take your calls. Its yoddling night here and I have to get my Leiderhosen fit. There is nothing as uncomfortable than ill-fitting Leiderhosen...Makes Yoddeling impossible....frets - Saturday, June 28, 2003

Question asked by: Jim D'Ville Subject: 1925 Hollywood Banjo Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I'm looking for a ballpark value of this 1925 Hollywood Banjo Uke. It's in great shape with no cracks, just a few minor stratches. Photos:      Answer: 350+ if it is in good shape...They are quite rare. If it has the toilet seat hole in the back...add another 100 bucks and if it has the orignal case add another 50 bucks..now package it up and send it to me for 100 bucks as a thank you for all the great advise...best ..from Hollywood Frets... - Saturday, June 28, 2003

Question asked by: Mason Subject: Question: I recently acquired this ukulele through eBay. The seller wasn't entirely sure of the age of this uke, or it's construction, so I was wondering if you happened to know anything about these ukes. The seller mentioned that she thought it was purchased sometime in the 50's, but I'm really not sure. If you need any more pics, let me know. Thanks in advance for your help! Photos:      Answer: Luna is a Japanese Uke and they are pretty good. I have had a pineapple and a standard shaped soprano...both good players. I would say th;e 50's is correct. Good luck ...frets - Saturday, June 28, 2003

Question asked by: JOHN LETHAM Subject: ALOHA ROYAL UKE Question: DID KAMAKA MAKE UKES WITH ALOHA ROYAL NAME IN THE 1960'S?I HAVE A SOLID MAHOGANY SOPRANO UKE THAT HAS THE SAME BRIDGE,TUNERS AND TUNER SPACING AS MY SIXTIES KAMAKA PINEAPPLE UKE.MY MAHOGANY SOPRANO UKE HAS A SMALL SQUARE MADE IN JAPAN LABEL FLOATING ABOUT INSIDE,HAVING COME UNGLUED.COULD THIS UKE HAVE BEEN MADE IN HAWAII AND ASSEMBLED IN JAPAN? Answer: Not likely...Kamaka did make a uke in japan however it did not have an aloha royal label nor as made in Japan label. I will check with Kamaka to make sure...Look for the posting. John King are you there?????frets - Saturday, June 28, 2003

Question asked by: Roger Phillips Subject: Old Gibson tenor uke Question: A year or so ago I acquired an interesting Gibson "special" tenor that I had not seen before-probably you have. You won't like to hear this but it has a highly figured maple back and sides (and really sounds nice) with a spruce top. It has a bound rosewood fingerboard with triple/double/triple/double/triple diamond MOP like position markers exactly like Uke 3's and some UB-3's, except there are more of them. The peghead has the qudruple diamond inlay much like the banjo ukes. There is an extra black and white strip down each side of the neck just below the fretboard binding. The top and back are triple bound, wbw, and the top of the peghead has the Gibson guitar style, center 'V' with double curved scroll on each side, rather than the typical Gibson uke with the central point. While a lot of this is not standard uke fare the most stunning difference is the absolutely beautiful cremona brown sunburst finish on the spruce and figured maple body. It's a superb job exactly like what you would see an a mid 30's Super 400 guitar. The light colored shading is on the top and back of course but also on both sides of both bouts, the neck, and both sides, back and both sides of the double scroll top of the peghead - again, just like the guitars. All beautifully done - well above normal production standards. Have you ever seen one like this before. I know that I havn't. This bares out your long time position that gibson would build anything on special order. By the way, the peghead face is black laquer it heavy pure white "Gibson" in script A couple of pictures would have saved all this wordyness (is that a word?) but my poor old computers Windows 95 won't support my digital cameras software, and every time I save up enough money for a new compter, I buy another uke instead. Is there a name for this malady? Answer: I have not seen one like that and I am not unhappy you have it...I'm very happy. As a matter of fact, I am having a party in its honor. It sounds beautiful..Please find a way to get a picture to me. I want it for my collection. Thanks for the description, I'm sure it doesn't do it justice....I must take a peek...thanks for writing in and enjoy it. Gibson did a lot of odd stuff and it sounds like you got the cream of the crop...frets - Saturday, June 28, 2003

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