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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

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: 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: Griffis Subject: Ramona tenor guitar or bari uke Question: I recently bought a old Ramona tenor guitar (or bari uke?). I have no information on it at all. It looks to be fairly old from the patina on the headstock and the label inside. It measures 31 inches by 11 inches and it has steel strings on it right now. If you could give an estimate on the date and any information on the brand or what type of instrument it is, I'd greatly appreciate it! Photos:      Answer: Griffis...nice to hear from you as usual. I watched this tenor (guitar)/ Baritone for a long time before deciding I needed to go food shopping instead. My guess as to age would be 30's. The headstock is very like many of the banjo headstocks of the day. Look at the Gruhn book and you will see ones very similar if not exactly the same. It seems to be a quality instrument. I have the name Ramona pop up all over the place when I try to get info. Many companies made a Ramona. Harmony, Regal, but I don't think it is either of these. It is too different and much better made. The label is difficult for me to read but it does say Guitar and I agree. It is a little small but it is a Tenor. The neck is also slim like a tenor and I like that alot. I would string it with gut strings and see how it sounds, but , as much as I hate to say it, I think it was designed and will sound better with steel strings. Let us know how it works out. You made a good buy..frets - Wednesday, June 18, 2003

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: Hotels and a famous landmark Question: I was watching with great interest a recently ended auction on a popular auction site which aroused my curiosity. The item was a Paul Summers Soprano with the brass emblem on the head, which reads Paul F. Summers, The Waikiki Ukulele, Honolulu. I dug thru the closet and found these old Sopranos. I'm hoping some of your readers have info on that particular Paul Summers tag, possibly a time line with the different colored labels in the sound hole and lastly any stories or historical knowledge of the Ukes to their namesake hotels. From 12:00 going clockwise, Royal Hawaiian, P. Summers Waikiki, P. Summers Waikiki, Royal Hawaiian, P. Summers Waikiki, Moana (maker unknown), P. Summers Moana, Royal Hawaiian. Mahalo Nui Loa again. Photos:      Answer: Impressive. Hope there are some yakkers out there that can help. Nice collection Ken. I wish I knew where the Summers bros. got their wood. They had a pile of fantastic grained wood. I have had a couple that would knock your socks off. I wonder if anyone has ever had their socks knocked off by Koa grain. Now there's a question to ponder. Best and keep them pics coming. frets - Wednesday, June 18, 2003

Question asked by: cameron Subject: Frisco Ukes Question: Chuck,Do you know how many Frisco ukes were made with full-length fretboards. The only one I have seen a picture of is on the Silber website where the ukes are (were?) sold. I think Mr. Silber told me he has one left;and that has been about a month ago. Answer: Cameron. I have no idea how masny were made. I don't think many. I don't even own one. I have a prototype that I love. The builders got it all wrong , but it proves the best information is not always the best informatiion. The sound holes are too small, the fingerboard is too short, the scale length is not exact, but what a sound. I know there are two types of long fretbord Frisco's...One is with an oval sound hole and the other round. It is a wonderful sounding instrument. You hardly ever see them offered for sale. People who own them keep them. I get alot of mail about them and I hope Marc will make some more some day. Best to you......Thanks...frets - Wednesday, June 18, 2003

Question asked by: GBB Subject: Compensated Saddle on a UA10 Question: Hey, Chuck On the compensated saddle on an applause uke, should the middle strings be shorter or longer than the outside strings? I'm having intonation problems, and think the saddle may be on upside down. Answer: I'm glad your not writing about a horse. SADDLE UPSIDE DOWN???how painful for the horse....You are really asking the wrong person about this problem. Take it to a luthier, he can answer this question and fix the problem in a second. Not a difficult one. Being Jewish, I am forbidden from using the words" Compensated Saddle"...just as I am forbidden from owning tools. In my hands they are conceled weapons. Well best to you from Mt Idy...We are having the Matzo Festival. We sit around and eat nothing but Matzo for 7 days and the first to get it sucessfully through the entire system, wins....You don't win anything but it seems as though you have....best frets (still waiting) - Wednesday, June 18, 2003

Question asked by: Pearl S. Kishimoto Subject: Wolverine Uke Question: Could you possibly give me some information about a Ukelele with Wolverine stamped on the back of the head and inside of the sound hole is stamped : WOLVERINE MADE ESPECIALLY FOR GRINNELL BROS IN NAZARETH PA? The seller said that it was a Martin....is it manufactured by CF Martin? Would really appreciate some information........Thanks So Much!!! Answer: Paul...in the l930's Martin made a variety of instruments for the Wolverine company. Among the instruments were ukuleles, taropatches and guitars. They are definitly Martins. Grinnell Bros. was a large outlet that had many makers. The Nunes factory made many for them as well. Wolverine is stamped on the back of the headstock and inside of the uke. I have seen Wolverine and Martin on the same uke. Mike Longworth talks about the Wolverine in his book..You might want to take a look. I have seen about a half dozen wolverine ukes an they hve all been style o's. Don't know if they made a higher grade. best and keep well...frets - Wednesday, June 18, 2003

Question asked by: Gabe B Subject: New Applause Uke Questions Question: Hi, Chuck I recently bought a UA-10 Applause off ebay, partly on the basis of your reccomendations on the forum. I had a couple of questions about it. First, it came with pretty thick strings, transparent, which give a lot of tone, but can be muddy sounding when strummed. I like the volume I get, so I haven't changed them, and was wondering if they're just generic fishing line, or concert gauge. Next thing is, it buzzes when strummed hard, especially 2nd and 3rd strings, first 2 frets. I can see the previous owner filed down the nut a little, and was wondering if there's a quick fix or will I just need a new nut? Finally, I was curious if the buzzing would be lessened or increased by changing to thinner strings? I'm pretty sure the black hilos on my other uke are thinner, as are the kamakas I bought for this one. What do you think? Thanks for the help, GB Answer: Gabe...You really need the help of a good luthier on this one. It needs the kind of help I cannot possible give. We here hope you won't need a new nut. The rest of the problems seem painless. If you let me know where you live, I will try to recommend someone to do the job. Thanks for writing in...frets - Wednesday, June 18, 2003

Question asked by: mugu Subject: i det heree Question: i do dey here ooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooooooooooooooooooo Answer: Its only up from here...frets - Sunday, June 15, 2003

Question asked by: D. Brakefield Subject: KP Question: Re: "hows your KP..still in LOve???? frets" Chuck - I love it more everyday. Guess it's 'cause I'm playing better and better. Problem is, I can't keep my hands off the darned thing! Looking forward to seeing your KP. Get clinking! Denise Answer: I agree..great instrument..will post picture when I dig out from under the new rugs we are having installed in the house...I forgot I have to move everything to get the rooms clear to put down the rugs....What a mess.....from down under the rugs...frets - Sunday, June 15, 2003

Question asked by: debby Subject: vintage martin uke Question: hi again chuck, thanku for your response, i have not taken any pictures yet,so when i do i will get them to u. i found alot of web sites on the uke. its got the stamp on back of where the pegs are, and also inside the body, which both read c. f. martin &co., nazareth, pa. 12 fret fingerboard with3 ivory dot inlays. ebony nut and bridge saddle, nickel plated pegs, which i read on one web site that was introduced in 1927. after 1930 came the paper labels. i dont have a case for it, but beside the small crack, its mint. it still has the strings on it! it was my grandpas. i also have a banjo uke but have not researched that yet. when i get pictures done ill have my brother e mali to u, as i do not have a scanner, thanks so much again, i appreciate all your help and knowledge, GOD bless u... deb Answer: debby , go back to the website and read again..If it still says anything aboout paper labels, write me with the name of the site..Martin didn't ever use paper labls on ukuleles. You have a style o pre 1940's standard soprano ukulele. Enjoy it, I don't need pics to tell you about this one. The stamp on the back of the headstock and the number of dots tells the whole story. Enjoy it...Its one of the best Martin ever made. Please send me the name of the web site. I collect misinformation. Frets - Sunday, June 15, 2003

Question asked by: Aunty Uke Subject: akai uke Question: What can you tell me about this uke, I am just about to repair it...I've seen akais before , but this one is of an older lot & also has the rope binding. what is it worth? what do you think...1920s? It was given to me by an older lady who saw us perform! It had one string on it but it sounded great! Aunty Uke (Blue Shoe Answer: probably l920's...love to see a pic..send one to me at this site or my home email...cfayne@bigpond.net.au.....Can tell you a value then. A word of advise..put on the other 3 strings, if it sounded good with one, your going to be amazed when you get all four going...best from the gang here..frets - Sunday, June 15, 2003

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: Harmony 12th fret Question: No question today. I've expressed my appreciation for your knowledge before, now I want to say thanks to those who help make this site so informative. In particular, this time, I have in mind a post from the founder about where Harmony ukes join the neck and body. Most of my experience with the uke is with baritones but early on in my enthusiasm I aquired a Harmony soprano. Never could figure out why it was Sooo bad-even allowing for my robust digits on those small frets. I inadvertantly own one of those "Pacific rim trash" ukes. I do have a query: What can I do with it? Being no longer ignorant of what I have I cannot auction it without being clear (as the previous owner was not) that it is not a vintage Harmony. any suggestions? Incidentally, I recently saw a picture of a Silvertone uke for sale and it appeared to have that same 3/16 spacing, lending evidence that it came out of the Harmony shop. Anyway, thanks to one and all. Answer: Edwin...thank for the kind words. I have no idea how to get rid of the uke. There are so many cross-overs on uke manufacturers, that it is sometimes difficult to determine who made it, who destributed it, and who sold it...etc. I have given up., I just play and don't give as damn who made it. I used to drive myself nuts trying to find out..and it was lots of fun then...but now..Its hard to remember where the uke is let alone who made it. Isn't our founder a font of knowleldge. AS long as he is around, why would anyone else try to store that amount of information? Robert is my walking dictionary of necessary information. I don't know what I would do without him. He's da man. He's also a generous man who has filled in more than one gap in my slippling grey matter, as Hercule Periot would say. Please keep in touch and if we can help in any way. We probably will, if you begin to send in presents and bribes. best to ya...frets - Friday, June 13, 2003

Question asked by: debby Subject: vintage martin uke Question: hi chuck, i have a 1927 martin style o uke that i have been researching to find out what it is worth. i cannot find nothing! i want to sell it, and do not want to be had!! its in excellent condition, only for a small split on back of body. if u have any info, i would greatly appreciate it. thanks, debby Answer: Debby.. pic is almost a necessity. I can tell you that the price would be more than 400 and less than 600 ...However a pic would tell me if which wood it is, condition, and a price would jump into my head. I'm interested how you know it is a l927? Other than owning the bill of sale, and thats not even proof, It is almost impossible to tell the year. YOu can tell approximately, but not exactly. You can send a pic to this site or to my home email, cfayne@bigpond.net.au..Thanks so much for writing in and I hope I have given you a rough idea. Don't be hasty, please let me have a chance to tell you exactly. frets - Friday, June 13, 2003

Question asked by: Mike Subject: resonator ukes, etcf. Question: Frets - do you know if either of these ukes are being made/sold? (A) a tenor scale resonator uke, or (B) a tenor scale banjo uke. Thanks Answer: I believe Beltona ( Steve Evans) will make you a tenor resonator uke. YOu might try Duane Heilman at Black Bear Guitars, please tell him I told you to ask...He made a tenor concert koa and resonator uke about 3 years ago and I love it. If I wanted a tenor scale banjo uke, I would get a great body ( not that I don't have one already) and have a neck made, rather than try to find a maker. I am not sure if anyone is making a tenor scale banjo uke. You can always use a small scale tenor Banjo and String it up as a banjo uke. I did that for years and loved it. As I have stated before, I hate metal strings on a banjo uke and the tenor with long strings worked perfectly. I used long Kamaka Strings and it sounded just like I wanted it to. If only I could play it as well as it sounded..Well you can't have everything. Go to Bernunzio Vintage instruments in Rochester N.Y. you will find all these sites on Google and ask John Bernunzio, a fabulous guy and great instrument dealer, if he has a tenor that might fit the bill. He is the banjo man...He is also one of my best friends so mention my name. Mike, hope this has helped. Please write in and let us know....we care...Mt Idy, "The long necked capitol of the world and "the Gateway to the Leiderhosen buckle center county fair and warmer"...Ya all come..Hear????? - Friday, June 13, 2003

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page