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 (190 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: santosha Subject: gibson style 3's Question: Ken Bailey's collection of martin 3's is just mind blowing....but brings up the question about stylist differences amoung the Gibson soprano 3's, are there any/many? Answer: There were as many variatios of gibson style 3's are there are pictures of Bella Abzug's Bowling Trophies. They actually made too many to list. But, just to list a few. : a short fingerboard, spruce top x braced, long fingerboard mahogany top, pointsetta, tenor , two different styles l926 style and the l940's style..many different fingerboard and headstock designs......many many custom jobs and I'm sure dozens I've left out. Why do you ask?..Hope this has helped and you find one of each at a reasonable price. best to you and keep writing in....frets fayne... - Friday, May 23, 2003

Question asked by: George Koury Subject: Ukulele teachers in New York. Question: Hi Chuck, Do you know, or can you direct me to someome who does, any good Ukulele teachers who teach anywhere from New York City to Albany, New York? Thanks for providing this great service, Chuck. It is greatly appreciated. All the best, George Koury gegk@prodigy.net Answer: Anyone out there help George. He needs a teacher in the NY area. George, put your wants on the bulletin board..there are lots of people in the know over there..say hi for me...chuck - Thursday, May 22, 2003

Question asked by: Kyle Subject: Famous Question: Can you tell me anything about Famous ukeleles from Japan? They look a lot like Martin Answer: Sorry, Kyle..You know as much as I do. I have never played one so I can't report. Anyone out there help???? Thanks for writing in...frets - Wednesday, May 21, 2003

Question asked by: Michael Subject: KP/Chuck Question: Hey Chuck, just an update on the KP's I received from Ken Potts last year. Ken built two tenors for our family, an all Koa and an all Mahogany. The sounds continue to get sweeter and the ease of playing them-heaven. Just being able to strum such a fine instrument is an everyday pleasure. Thanks again, for last years heads up on Ken's fine work and here's to your continued success down under. Sincerely, Michael Photos:      Answer: Thanks for the update. I await my tenor as we speak. I can't wait. Seeing yours makes the wait longer. Its amazing the amount of mail I get about Ken. Its nice to see. Thanks for sharing your with us...frets p.s. resize pic and send it in..it was too large to download. - Wednesday, May 21, 2003

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: Harmony decals Question: Not a question. For Eric who inquired about his decal, at least his ukulele's decal, if he will search your venerable site with 'Harmony decal' there is a message from the founder on the time frame of various decals. This is the best reference I've happened on. Answer: Well, Eric...there you go...find the reference and it will answer your question....frets - Wednesday, May 21, 2003

Question asked by: restorer Subject: Panther from Japan Question: Frets. I gotta a soprano uke from Ebay called a Panther, made in Japan. It is a spruce top and back with sides, I dont know. I am learning how to do restoration on ukes... Anyway, it sounds very mellow, yet loud. I think it is a great little uke despite the friction pegs. Know anything about it? ...Or its worth? Thanks! Answer: Not a thing...again, anyone out there know a Panther uke...write in please...frets - Wednesday, May 21, 2003

Question asked by: Terry T Subject: Martin ...and now Kamaka Question: Hi Chuck. Now that I've stopped crying I can start thinking straight. I lost an auction on a 1960's Martin tenor uke by a lousy ten bucks and am despondent and cranky. I wanted a 60's version because it has 14 frets to the body. Am I right about this - are the 60's tenors the only Martin models joined at the 14th fret? Another question refers to your response about "5 Best Ukes" where you included Kamaka - except for the new ones. Is there a real difference in the newer ones and if so, when did this dropoff occur? Moe Keale (bless his dear departed soul) told me to go to Kamaka and tell them he sent me (the current economy is making that hard for me to follow through on!). Maybe you had to be a friend of Moe's to get their special ones from the back. ...a lousy ten bucks... Answer: Terry..sorry I can't help you with Kamaka. I think the new ones are a little stiff and not made with the same "IT" it once had. It is still a fabulous instrument. They know how, its just that I think others have passed them by. It is unclear when the 14 fret martins really hit, but I have a 12 fret and really prefer it. I like the weight. Its not much, but enough for me. There are shrinks that specialize in people who are cranky and despondent about losing a Martin by 10 dollars. They charge about 150 an hour.,.Amazi how fast you can heal. Martin tenors are like busses. Sorry Martin tenors are not at all like busses.. Busses carry people, people carry Martins, but, I have it on good authority, that they made more Ukes than the one you lost. Put your wants up on the Bulletin board and the Marketplace on this site and You will find a Martin. I got a beautiful picture of Martin Van Buren...14 frets to his navel....AS you might be able to tell, I have reduced the medication and not had my first cup of coffee. I will keep my eyes open for a Martin Tenor for you and give the folks on the other two sites a chance. They can find anything. Thanks for writing. !0 bucks.....best from "5.00 frets... - Thursday, May 15, 2003

Question asked by: Eric Stott Subject: Harmony Decals Question: OK, this one is kinda trivial. Do you or anyone out there know when Harmony went from using the little oval gold decal, with the red and white ornament at the top, to using the white half circle decal with the green border? Answer: Thanks for writing in. I too have wondered..As a matter of fact, it has become an obsession...can't think of anything else. I am going CRAZY..CRAZY do you hear...Boy, do I feel better. My feeling is about the l940-50s...even if I am not right, Its a good guess. Harmony went through a big change at that time. They went from making a fairly good ukulele ( some of the first are so good, I don't think Harmony made them,) to the masterpieces we know today. The all mahogany Harmony ukuleles, in all sizes, are decent instuments The rest are commercial toys. Not necessarily bad, but not often great. Now you know all I know, except the guy who swept the Harmony factory was named "sid"...I know because he was my uncle. He's buried up here in Mt Idy...sound hole up..as per his instructions. You can visit when you come to town...Best from frets and the gang..If anyone knows the answer to today's question..please write in... - Thursday, May 15, 2003

Question asked by: Carol O. Subject: Ukelele O Hawaii Question: My mother recently gave me the ukelele that she's had since she was 10 years old. She is now 79. She received it from a neighbor that was in his 40's. At the time she lived in Cleveland Ohio. The label on the inside says 'Ukelele O Hawaii' Kaholas and Co. It's light colored, probably maple and is painted with Hawaiian Dancers and palm trees. I was just wondering if you could give me any background or value information....thanks! Answer: Commercial uke made in the Islands in the 30-50's. They are known for their unblanced body shapes. Kinda like Al Capone. They are a decent uke and usually play well. It is probably Koa, I don't know of a vintage ukulele from Hawaii that is made of Maple... I have never seen a hand painted Kohalas, that was probably done aftermarket. Its value, depending on condition...200 dollars if in very very good condition. Carol O ? That is a very strange last name. I take it your part Irish...at least the O' part. We are having the Mt Idy Sky Lighting Festival here soon. Thats where a bunch of Irish people light matches and then at the stroke of midnight, they blow into the flame. It is like the Northern Lights. It also burns off the cane fields . You have a nice little vintage uke there...string it up and learn to play..You will be a happier person, I guarantee it. Frets - Thursday, May 15, 2003

Question asked by: eliao Subject: Ed-uke-cation Question: Chuck, Have been following your site for several years. I have a small collection of Ukuleles (1 Kawika tenor, 1 contemporary Kamaka concert, one 1920 soprano Martin, and one 1920 Kamaka soprano). I recently read on the Bullitin Board that you have an awesome collection. Any way we could persuade you to show a different picture each week, month or just one in awhile, and give the history/significance/collectibility /value/sound qualities of that ukulele? Please dont feel obligated to do this, I know you are already very busy with this Uke Yak. Answer: Thanks for the nice letter. I have only a portion of my collection, but I will give your question some thought. It sounds like you have a nice collection yourself. Nice choices. Keep up the classy work...fretws - Thursday, May 15, 2003

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: Stuart Longridge Question: He is a British makers...of ukuleles that is. His web site is: www.longridgeukuleles.co.uk I'm sure there's an email address there. Visually, at least via picture, these ukes are nice but, as you point out, performance is the first criteria. "If sound don't abound the looks can't save a hound" Answer: Thanks for the Stuart Longridge info. Thanks especially for the little poem. Goofy, but true. Always glad to have new information. Will go to the site later and have a look around. Stay well and write now and then. frets - Thursday, May 15, 2003

Question asked by: Milan Subject: Oliver Ditson Martin Question: I have a Martin made Ditson soprano that is stamped inside and on the back of the headstock with the Ditson logo. I have also seen other Ditsons that are stamped with the Martin logo on the inside. My question is does this more accurately date my uke with two Ditson stamps? Making it earlier or later? This uke is also the LOUDEST soprano uke I have ever heard! It's really scary how loud it is. Answer: I'm not sure the actual date of the different stamps. My feeling is that it is later. I have an early Ditson Martin uke and it is really, really early. Its so early, its Portugese. Ditson Martins are know for their sound. They are loud, However you are the first person I know who has been scared by it. I had you send pics to my home email and it is a very nice uke. Hang on to it or mail it to me on my Birthday. Thanks for writing in, I will do a little research and see when Martin was making for Ditson. I know it was very early. They made other instruments as well. See ya...chuck...I did find out that the Ditson Company went out of business in the l920. So the uke was made before that. Early.... - Thursday, May 15, 2003

Question asked by: GBB Subject: I need a Plastic Fingerboard Question: Hey, Chuck I just got a harmony uke off ebay, and the frets are worn off in places. I was told in the bulletin board that you may know someone with a stack of replacement fboards for sale? Or perhaps you have some lying around you don't need? Thanks for the help. Answer: I used to know someone...But cannot find them now. If you advertise your wants on the bulletin board or marketplace on this site..someone will come to the rescue. Sorry..Will keep you in mind if I fall over one...frets - Thursday, May 15, 2003

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