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 (189 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: arenui Subject: Tahitian Ukulele Question: I was wondering if you or any other collectors had any Tahitian ukulele in their collection. I have three and they all seem to be hand made, without a brand. Do you know of any brand that makes this style of ukulele? Two of the three in the picture were bought in Tahiti and the other was hand crafted by a local carver here in Hawaii. I am interested in any information you might have or others might have. Mahalo! Photos:      Answer: I have seen many of these instruments. They are primarily steel stringed rhythm instruments rather than melody. They are made in the islands. I was just in Fiji and at the local market you could buy thousands of them. They are a very popular tourist item. I like the sound of them in a group of instruments. They are hard to listen to by themselves. They all have 8 strings and some of them have a hole much like a banjo without the skin. I'm not sure why, one would think you would want the sound to be propelled forward not back into your navel. The ones I have played are all tuned exactly like a ukulele, but , I understand there is an alternate tuning for the bass version. Not sure what it is. Thats about all I know about the Tahitian Ukulele, which is more than I thought I knew. Anyone out there with more info..Please write in. Thanks alot for taking time to Yak...frets P.S. It looks like you have yours strung with nylon or plastic strings. True???? - Thursday, May 29, 2003

Question asked by: Jonathan Subject: Conqueror Baritone Uke... Question: I recently acquired this Baritone Ukulele. It has a label on the headstock and in the body that say Conqueror. I have not been able to find any information on this uke. I also happen to be a terrible shot with the digital camera. Could you or anyone else tell me anything about this thing. It sounds great, and even though it has a few finish scratches, it still looks pretty darn good. Thanks alot for any help. Photos:      Answer: I have seen the name conqueror on a soprano uke. It was made in Japan. Not a bad job either. I have a feeling it was from the 60's. That's about all I know about the uke. If you go back in Ebay you will find the Conqueror uke sold about a year ago. I don't know for sure that 'Items sold" goes back that far, but if it does you will see a little spruce topped, abalone trimmed uke called a conqueror. I would assume it is the same company...best...frets - Thursday, May 29, 2003

Question asked by: Michael Subject: Frisco Question: Hello Chuck, just got off the phone with Marc Silber (nice to talk to a regular good guy). I bought a SF/Frisco Uke from him and will pick it up in Berkeley this week (I live just south of him). He mentioned he's updating is inventory and I was lucky to snag one when I did. He said he's getting add'l e-mails about the Frisco. I have to mention he told me a quick story of how this particular uke came to be designed(by Silber+Fayne), as he spoke I could tell he definitely got a kick out of you. Looking forward to having Marc hand me one of your recommended ukes. Thanks, Michael Answer: Thanks for the kind words..I am very proud of the frisco uke. I play one myself. I own one of the prototypes, of which there are two. Marc owns the other. You will love the sound. Mine is a five string. I doubled the 2nd string and it really gave it a distinct sound. Very full. I hope you enjoy it and please let us know. Get the case too...I'm waiting for mine. I forgot to get one when I got the uke. Best to ya and write in again....frets - Wednesday, May 28, 2003

Question asked by: Chuck Subject: No Name Pineapple Uke - Part 2 Question: Happy Day Chuck, Thanks for your response. Did Kamaka always use a decal on the headstock? I've seem some Gold Label Kamakas that had no decal or any other i.d. markings there, just the label inside the sound hole. Could you please tell me what period the Gold Label Kamakas are from? Thanks as always, Chuck in Atlanta Answer: Hard question even for Kamaka. They did so many things and not with any pattern. I have seen Kamakas with no labels, gold labels, l920 labels on l950 instruments, white labels on recent instruments, mahogany ( assembled in Japan) ...The problem is that if you contact Kamaka, they can't help. It is usually thought that the l928 white label came first, followed by the blue and yellow one with the pineapple, then the gold followed by the white and on to the one they use today. Thats probably correct, however the years get jumbled up. I wish I could be more certain. Send a pic, perhaps I can tell you the year by seeing the uke.... - Wednesday, May 28, 2003

Question asked by: edwin Subject: pulelehua uke Question: Oh, oracle of the uke, I am wondering if you have any knowledge of the Pulelehua ukulele. Their web page is www.melodyand harmonycreations.com I asked over on the board and received only advice to stick to known makers. While this is not bad advice I maintain that at some point the "known makers" of today were once unknown. Anyway, if you've any info I'd be interested. PS I was trying to take a picture of my fat butt when it occurred to me you meant uklele's lower parts. This was a considerable relief. gracias Answer: edwin....and a releif to us as well. I know nothing about this uke but your point is well taken..All makers were unknown at one time except for Patty O'Cohen and his Barmitzvah Ukulele 5 company. They began life well known and gradually faded out of the pic. The proof of that is I would guess you never heard of him. See if you can get a hold of a Pulelehua ( perhaps I sould find out what that word means before I tell you to get a hold of it), and see how it sounds...Then report to us. We in Mt Idy Salute You... frets and the gang - Wednesday, May 28, 2003

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: Fat Bottoms Question: Aloha Sir, I thought it might be fun to take a break from the "good head" theme and reflect on those "fat bottoms" for awhile. Going clockwise from 12:00 is a Harold Summers Koa Tenor, pre'33 Martin 2K Taro, Johnny Marvin Airplane Tenor, L. Nunes Koa Taro, Sam Chang Koa Tenor, pre'33 Martin 1K Taro, Johnny Marvin "Prince of Wales" Koa Tenor and an early Martin 2M Taro. Photos:      Answer: kenny...thanks for the pics..considering this is my area of interest...nice bottoms....I hope others of you will share your pics as well. Good stuff...keep up the good work...frets - Sunday, May 25, 2003

Question asked by: Tom Walsh Subject: More Headstocks Question: Hey Chuck - I've been enjoying seeing the pictures from others collections, so I thought I'd send one along too. Here's a brief rundown... (clockwise from 12 o'clock) 12) M. Nunes with added fifth peg, 1) L. Nunes Radio Tenor, 2) L. Nunes soprano, 3) Early Martin style 3, 4) Lyon and Healy DeLuxe, 5) Martin May Singhi Breen Uke, 6) Gibson Ray Kinney Tenor, 7) Unknown Hawaiian, 8) Akai Tabu, 9) Unknown Hawaiian, 10) M. Nunes, 11) M. Nunes with "smurf hat" headstock. Take care, Tom Photos:      Answer: Thanks Tom and how's Nuni...Please say hello from all of us in Mt Idy. Thanks for the pic. I think the one you sent, the one Robert sent and Kenny Baily's would make great holiday cards, Thanks so much for sharing your fabulous collection with all of us. If the rest of the uke world is as interested in looking as I am, there are alot of happy people out there. Please send some more when you get a chance. Thanks again...and best to you and yours...frets - Sunday, May 25, 2003

Question asked by: cameron Subject: Ukulele Repairman Question: Chuck, I want to find someone who can do a neck reset/crack repairs on a fine old uke of the Martin persuasion. I live in the Deep- Fried South;but will ship to anywhere inside USA for good repairs. Please give me a couple options if you can. changalang Photos:      Answer: My first thought is to get in touch with the martin company in Nazareth Penn. They will either do it or recommend a qualified Martin repair luthier. You can always get in touch with Duane Heilman at Black Bear Guitars in Yakama Wash...He will also be able to fix the problem. He is a fine restorer. If we can help further....don't hesitate...frets - Sunday, May 25, 2003

Question asked by: Chuck Subject: A Pineapple By No Name Question: Hello Chuck! Here is a koa pineapple uke that has no name - nor any other markings to i.d. it - any guess as to the make and vintage? I can send more pics if necessary. Thanks as always! Chuke Atlanta, GA USA Photos:      Answer: The shape is very much like Kamaka. It is very hard to tell by pic alone. IF the neck is very thin, thinner than most, it is probably a Kamaka. If not, it could have been made by quite a few makers working today. It is a modern uke...thanks for writing in..sorry I can't give you a definite.....frets - Sunday, May 25, 2003

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Go for Boroque Reverse Question: Back side. Photos:      Answer: heres a back side to gander at..... - Friday, May 23, 2003

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Go for Boroque Front Question: Front. Photos:      Answer: look at this - Friday, May 23, 2003

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Nice Head Question: Dear Revered Chucko, At High Noon you say? That uke head that you don't recognize , was inspired by a trip to the Boston Museum of Fine Arts to visit a show about Guitars. I went twice. There was only one uke in the show, a Kumalae, loaned by Stan of Elderly Instruments. It was a small simple jewel. Also on display was a big mother guitar made by an Italian named Stradivaruius. I wondered what a Boroque uke would look and sound like. I talked to an instrument maker who had never, ever, made even one ukulele and sweet talked him into making his first. Convincing skilled luthiers that a ukulele is an instrument truly worthy of respect is one of my favorite things to do. I've done it a couple of times. Refer to uke head at 6:00 in earlier posting for another example. A complete and detailed description of my Boroque uke would take pages and pages. I'm sending you a couple of pictures. regards, robert - founder P.S. As I gaze at my Johnson, I think, "prestidigitation is the corner stone of the magician's art and is to be respected, even in cheap Chinese instruments." No matter what anyone may say, never give up on your Johnson. It is no fluke. (Two more pictures follow.) Photos:      Answer: Thanks..what an extraordinary uke...Its beautiful..How does it sound? All you yakkers, take a look at the following two pictures. This is not all that robert sent. Love the Johnson line....Thanks again for the info..its always appreciated. Will keep the pics for my ever growing collection. I used to collect ukes, now I collect pics...thanks founder...from "the flounder" - Friday, May 23, 2003

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: In Perfect Harmony Question: While the "Decal" question may be of interest, the "Where in The Hell is The 12th Fret" question is also absolutely fascinating. As we all know, ever since the Portuguese intrusion into the peaceful Islands, itty bitty tiny guitar like instruments were constructed with the neck and body meeting at the 12th Fret. This appears, even to this day, I say, as I gaze at a Kenny Hill Uke Brand Ukulele from Felton, California, to be universal. Your Johnson. Your Kamaka. Your Hofner. With one exception. Your Harmony is unlikely to have the 12th Fret at the body. Rather the 12th Fret will be found approximately 3/16 of an inch above the body. This is true, with the rarest of exceptions, with Harmonys with frets in the neck, frets in rosewood fret boards, plastic fret boards, mahogany bodies, painted bodies, ukes with infamous people's names affixed. The two Harmony instruments that I've encountered that have the 12th Fret at the body are the Roy Smeck Vita Uke and the Johnny Marvin with the Airplane bridge. I'm working up a theory about this 3/16 of an inch. In spite of all of the bad mouthing that Harmony Ukes are required to endure, one gets the impression that they made ukuleles, as they did other stringed instruments, that worked and did not frustrate and discourage folks from gaining courage to purchase a Martin or Gibson as they grew. While my 3/16 theory is not fully formed, I must mention that the contemporary Pacific Rim Trash that bears the label "Harmony", in addition to having a laminated fret board, which may or may not be wood, has the 12th Fret at the body. Further thought is being given to the Harmony "integral saddle" issue, but I don't want to bore anyone. regards, robert - founder Photos:      Answer: As usual...you continue to amaze me with your esoteric approach to this instrument. Your Zest and Zeal ( a Jewish Law Firm in the Bronx) for our passion surpasses my Zest and Zeal for passion of any kind. I envy you...As usual, to repeat myself, thanks for jogging our minds and for your contributions....It always fun to get words from you....a fan...frets...and Thanks for mentioning my Johnson...It hardly gets a mention these days.... - Friday, May 23, 2003

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