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 (186 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: 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: Dave Subject: Baritone Books Question: Is Jim's hawaiian song book available for baritone chords.If not is there a book and especially an instructional video for Baritone you would reccomend? Thanks, Dave Answer: My suggestion would be to write to jim on this site...He would be the one to tell you all about his books and perhaps recommend a book for you...Thanks for joining the legion of yakkers...we grow by leeps and leenas.....frets - Saturday, June 28, 2003

Question asked by: Ginny Subject: banjo to uke Question: Oh, another question. Someone in our uke club says you can convert a banjo to a baritone banjo uke. Got any info on this? Ginny Answer: Try it...It can only cost you a set of strings. If it sounds crappy go back to the banjo....best of luck and let us know how it turns out.....frets - Saturday, June 28, 2003

Question asked by: Mike Subject: concert vs tenor Question: Frets, In an answer to an earlier question you said that there is a lot of difference between a concert reso-uke and a tenor reso- uke. Could you please expand further on what these differences are? It will help me determine which one to choose. Many thanks. Answer: Size, sound,...I can't help you choose...I don't know what you like. Play them both and the one that makes you sound better than you really are...buy it...thats the way I do it...frets - Saturday, June 28, 2003

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: Sam Chang Question: Sir, About a year or so ago I had the distinct pleasure of meeting Clarice Chang, Sam Changs daughter. She had many interesting stories including a picture of her father and mother, all which I had passed on to John King for future use. A couple of points from our meeting that I do recall from the meeting was that her Mom (a Chinese national) did most of the Uke finishing. Because Sam did not drive he would ride a bicycle to deliver Ukuleles, usually a 1/2 dozen at a time, to the Summers studios in Waikiki. He died from a stroke in 1970. I've attached a photo of a Sam Chang, a Harold Summers and a no label soprano. Maybe you can tell the difference. Photos:      Answer: I can't find my car keys....let alone pick a uke. Fabulous trio and thanks for sharing them with us...as usual..your collection continues to amaze and delight me...nice job....frets - Saturday, June 28, 2003

Question asked by: Laurie Hohwald Subject: baritone uke Question: I am considering purchasing a baritone Redondo uke from e-bay. It looks to be solid wood, no laminates, and in decent condition. Do you know anything about this manufacturer? I've only played soprano, but would like to try baritone, but without making a big investment. Thanks! Answer: Laurie...not familiar with Redondo...Hope someone out there in yak land is...If they are they will answer..thanks for writing in and let us know what hapopens. Look for a Favilla Baritone. A little heavy but a good buy when you can find one....Stay away from off brands...I have found that the Baritone is the hardest to make....they rarely sound like a ukulele and have the weight of a small guitar....good luck and write if you need more help...frets - Wednesday, June 25, 2003

Question asked by: boulderfokie Subject: RoySmeck Uke Question: Hi Chuck...I just listed a smeck uke w/plastic f/board & a lady asked what the wood is...I said possibly mahogany; was I right? Thanks, Folkie Photos:      Answer: YES...finally a question I can answer. Best from all at the Mt Idy "One Word Answer Clinic"....frets - Monday, June 23, 2003

Question asked by: Ginny Subject: camp uke Question: I picked up a CampUke for 35$. It's a little beat up, but is playable. Has a white band around the top of the round head. Are these just collectables, 'cause it sure doesnt have any resonance. Possibly I should change the strings. This little puppy looks like it was gotten at the 5 & dime. Says Patent pending. Was it ever patented? Appreciate the imput. Ginny Answer: Ginny, they were made by one of the premier musical instrument companies in the world....Lyon and Healy. I have owned many Camp Ukes and have never run across a bad one. I think you should play around with it....try different strings...for sure. This instrument was not purchased at the five and dime. They were very popular. So popular, they were made in about 8 variations. Don't give up..You have a fine instrument. frets - Monday, June 23, 2003

Question asked by: Lloyd S Smith Subject: crazy question Question: Hey Chuck, can a concert uke be sucessfully strung and tuned as a baritone eg. D G B E ?? Answer: It can, but it won't sound very good. The strings will be too soft and flabby. I have never tried it but I am sure it wont work. Your right, it is a crazy question...I have a crazy question also...Why???? frets - Monday, June 23, 2003

Question asked by: John Subject: national tyrollian uke Question: I came across a National Tyrollian Ukulele recently - pretty old and funky with falking mustard paint, a crude hawaiian scene on the back (again with a mustard background). It had a case - I think original, but it had some extra rugger padding glued in to keep it from sliding around. I didn't have the foresight to get a picture. Any idea of value? Answer: John, I wish I could help, but I really need to see this one. The condition of the painted metal bodied ukes is most important. The originality of the parts is also very important. If the case needed padding to keep it in place, it is not the original case. The original case was form fitting. I would suggest you have someone with a digital camera take a picture and send it along to me and I will tell you exactly what it is worth. I need pics of the body, back, sides, neck and headstock (front and back so I can see the tuners)....These can be tricky. Thanks for writing in and if you want to send the pics perhaps my personal email will be easier than trying to mail multiple pics to this site. My email is..cfayne@bigpond.net.au Thanks for thinking of us and keep in touch....frets . - Monday, June 23, 2003

Question asked by: Martin Wyatt Subject: JMG Question: Dear Frets I am in possession of small uke with case. Headstock marked as JMG, which matches inside paper label of"Made in Australia J.M.G.Instuments Patent Pending 2869/46". The instrument is unmarked ,with just one gut string on it (probably the origonal). At a guess it looks pre 1950's and may be much earlier. Does JMG still exist ? I am north of you in the sunshine state which is where you should be at this time of year. Regards Martin Answer: You are in possession of a very interesting instrument. It should look like a little violin. It has its own patent...It has a chamber running around the ukulele that is suppose to amplify the sound. I understand it does just the opposite. It also should have a little brown flight case. It was one of Australia's two ukuleles. The the other one was Maton. The Maton company is still in business but not making ukuleles. The gut string is original and you should string it today with nylon. It's not a bad sounding uke. But really wierd. If you can send a pic, I think the yakkers out there would like to see what it looks like. I have never seen anything quite like it...Thanks for writing in. frets - Sunday, June 22, 2003

Question asked by: Gavin Subject: learning to play Question: Hey Chuck, i have just bought a very cheap, 20Euros Uke, and 'mel bays ukulele method for chord and melody playing by roy smeck. i am a beginner, no experience with reading music or guitar at all. totally new. i am wondering can you recommend any other simple books to start me off clearly and quickly, i put in about three hours a week, for the past two weeks, so can give time if i can find the right way to learn. thanks, love the site, Gavin Answer: Go to the on-line store on this site and you will find all you need to learn to play the ukulele. books, cd's , videos...its all there....thanks for writing in, keep us posted on your progress....frets - Saturday, June 21, 2003

Question asked by: Gail Subject: value of two 50's era ukes Question: Photos will be available later. This is my first inquiry into the value of my two ukes. One is a Martin soprano (purchased new in 1955) and a Harmony baritone (purchased new in 1960) Both are in good condition. Any idea on value before seeing a photo? Thanks. Answer: No...its kinda like picking a mail order bride....There is so much variation in price considering, ..which model? what condition? What year? what size? what wood? Case?...and that's the bride..you can imagine how difficult a ukulele would be. send pics...I'll do my best. thanks for writing in..frets - Saturday, June 21, 2003

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