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

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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: 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: Ctuning Subject: Peter Pan Uke Question: I have this Peter Pan ukulele.Back of headstock says Peter Pan Hand Made De LuxeIS it worth anything? Or just a piece of decor on the mantlepiece?Thank you for your input on this.Mahalo Plenty Photos:      Answer: "Dear C" you have a very fine ukulele. Go to the collector's uke yak and punch in the search "Peter Pan" and you will have everything written by myself and others concerning the ukulele. It was a uke designed to compete with the Martin Company and they did a good job..Don't put it on the mantle..play it...thanks...chuck - Sunday, June 8, 2003

Question asked by: Alan Subject: New Flea ukulele Question: Hi Chuck.I noticed that the new Flea soprano is now available at the online store.I am wondering if you have played one yet and if so,what you think about them. I am thinking about getting one with the optional carrying bag but haven't yet heard any firsthand reports. Thanks Answer: No first hand info here yet. But rumor has it that it is terrific. Why shouldn't it be? The fluke took the uke world by srorm...no reason this should not...Who knows out there??? please write in...Try the bulletin board. They know everything...thanks frts - Sunday, June 8, 2003

Question asked by: Andy Andrews Subject: Les Rietfors Concert Pineapple & Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz Question: Hello Chuck from the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz (California). I am fortunate to own a few good playing Ukes and just now acquired a Les Rietfors Concert Pineapple. This one just rings! I have it setup low G with Aquila strings and while it will need some aging time on the Koa it already is one of my very favorite players. His workmanship is just wonderful with a double (2 directions) bowed back. Have you heard much from others on his Ukes? By the way - if any of your e-mailers would like to get on the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz email update list have them drop me a line at andy@cruzio.com We have monthly meetings with 60-80 Uke players showing up to play and hear some first class Uke music. Also, if any of you players out there would like to pay us a visit we'd just love it. Thanks for the wonderful Uke answers and info - I learn a lot from you and your audience - Hey you should come to one of our meetings - it's not that far away!!! Thanks again Andy Andrews / Secretary / Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz AKA "the UCSC where you get a REAL education" Answer: Glad to hear the news on the Reitfors Uke. I hope some of the yakers will take you up on the invite to the club. I wish I could. Its just that by the time I fly 8000 miles to be with you, I may be a little late for the meeting. If you were a real dedicated club, you would all come down to Melbourne Australia and play with me. Perhaps I should have worded that differently...You know what I mean. Thanks for the Uke report and thanks for the invite. Best and always nice to hear from you...frets - Friday, June 6, 2003

Question asked by: gary schireson Subject: schireson uke Question: Chuck,hope all is well.I just got my hands on a uke that has SCHIRESON across the top,instead of Hollywood.Ever see one? Answer: Gary...I glad you got the uke..You should own it since it is from your family. I had the exact uke and you saw it at my house. It had the word Pearson written where Schireson is on yours. It was made, as you know by Robert Pearson when he was with your family's company. It is an exact duplication of the larger version, which I also owned made by the Hollywood company, whom he worked for as well. I remember you telling me you knew Robert Pearson and your family giving him a ride to work in the morning. He was a banjo uke maker in England as well. His work is very well known..The head is lower than the rim and attached in as very unusual way. They all have a button on the back of the resonator. The Hollywood uke has always been one of my favorites and I own one of the most unusual. I own the only uke ever made for Ray Canfied, a great player and arranger in the l930's. It is a very strange uke. It is a hollywood for sure. It has decal designs on the face, a pin bridge, a strange mother of toiletseat fingerboard and headstock inlayed with genuine abalone and His name in the headstock. A real mish mash. But unique as far as I know. It was his personal uke. Someday I will put a pic up on uke yak. If anyone out there knows anything about Ray Canfield, I would appreciate hearing from you. Gary, always nice to hear from you and my best to you and your family from all here at Mt Idy school of Darts.....chuck - Friday, June 6, 2003

Question asked by: KP Subject: Long Scale Tenor Question: Aloha Chuck. I noticed a question about the Long Scale Tenor. Here's the story. I first started building with the Martin Blueprints. This was for ukes whose necks joined the body at the 12th fret. However, most people seemed to want the neck joined at the 14th fret. I noticed that, when moving the neck out to the 14 th fret, you drag the bridge location along with it, towards the sound hole. Having an appreciation for Martin's know how, I figured their original bridge loaction was ,probably, well thought out. Hence the question: What if you try to leave the bridge as close to the original Martin location, but move the neck out to the 14th fret? What resulted is a scale 1 1/8" longer. Answer: Thanks Ken...I didn't know how to technically describe it. I GOT MINE.....In the mail yesterday. It is marvelous. I will attempt to post a picture of it. Ken's devotion to detail results in a players instrument. I will report further as I spend with the Long Necked Tenor. You have read the testimonials to Ken Potts and they are all correct. Thanks Ken, Its a gem....frets - Monday, June 2, 2003

Question asked by: Amadok Subject: Long Scale Question: Pehea 'oe Chuck. My KP finally pau! There's not much I can say that owners of KP's hasn't said - I will add that this one's a JEWEL. Will trade wife and dog first before giving this one up. Sorry no pic's. Camera went belly up for the moment. For the moment, pic's were still on his website. After playing it for a few days, the light bulb for a KP tenor uke went on. At my old age, I still try to listen to others thats been there and done that. Hard - but it works most of the time. Besides, if I loose any more fingers - can't play anymo'. (Japanese joke.) Which leads me to ask: What is a 'long scale' tenor uke that he's making for you? Mahalo again for the good advise on the KP. Answer: So glad for the report. I'm sure Ken will be pleased as well. I am due to get my Long Scale tenor Monday and I will be able to answer your question better. It has a longer scale and longer fingerboard. Greater range of playability. I don't know the exact measurements. If that is what you want, you will have to write Ken and ask him. I can tell you all about it when I receive it Monday. I can't wait. Glad I could help....frets - Saturday, May 31, 2003

Question asked by: Brazil Nut Subject: Kamaka Pineapple Repairs & Value ?'s Question: Hello Mr. Frets, I recently aquired a 1970's? white label Kamaka pineaple that I just love! It has one small (1.5") nicely repaired crack near the fretboard. I was wondering if repaired cracks detract from a uke's value? Also, if I were to have the nut replaced (action is a little low for my taste) and changed out those HUGE Schaller tuners, would this decrease its value? I paid $225 for it, does that seem a fair price? Thanks for your great advice!!! Photos:      Answer: good price..good uke....cracks deter in price depending on the age of the uke, its rarity and where and how bad they are...if they are missing pieces, thats bad...if the uke is a dias ( l8789-1900) approx,,,,,It can't hurt because of the rarity of the instrument. Its sort of like having a bad example of a roman statue. In your instrument, its o.k. Change, but keep the old tuners. That will satisfy the collector should they want originality. Keep the nut ( in a warm place)...as well...good luck and thanks for writing in...lets hear from you from time to time.....its fun stuff...frets - Saturday, May 31, 2003

Question asked by: Darren Subject: JOHNSON UK-998 RESONATOR UKULELE Question: Hey Chuck! A friend of mine had told me that his brother had seen an inexpensive uke resonator made by Johnson. After spending a while on the net, I finally located a site that is selling them. (but has no picture) Do you know anything about this new product, and if so...how is the quality of the uke? and finally- how can i see a picture of it? Answer: I know nothing about the Johnson Resonator uke. I would write the company and have them send you a pic. I'm sure, they have one they can spare. I would wonder about a company that doesn't have a pic of their product. Shop around...nuff said???? frets - Saturday, May 31, 2003

Question asked by: UkuleleNuff Subject: self-customization of tuning pegs. Question: Chuck: I am a new ukulelist, having recieved my first uke last Christmas. Some of my students, knowing that I was looking to start a collection, got me a Johnson Soprano, each of them autographing it. While it's not a Kamaka, it will probably be the most valuable of my collection no matter what other ukes I acquire in the future. Having said that, I notice that it doesn't hold a tuning as well as my other uke. The tuning pegs are friction I think. Would it be difficult to get better tuning pegs and install them? Or is that the sort of thing best left to the pros? Answer: There could be many reasons for slipping tuners. I would take it to a good luthier and ask for an opinion. It might me something as simple as the tightning of a screw to a faulty set of tuners. Don't go and spend money you may not need to. I just re-read what I wrote and that sounded awfully sane to me. I'm slipping....frets - Saturday, May 31, 2003

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