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

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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: D. Brakefield Subject: Picking song book Question: Chuck: I would appreciate learning if there's a ukulele picking song book out there. I've looked everywhere I can think of - but no luck. Thanks. Answer: Get on the on-line store on this site and if you can't find what you want, write jim Beloff...you will find his address at the end of the menu and ask his opinion. I do often...I find that if I wait until the Ukulele is ripe, it makes picking so much more tasty. Juan Valdez taught me that at the Mt Idy Tishabob reuinion. What a night...frets - Wednesday, May 7, 2003

Question asked by: kirk Subject: Ukulele for beginner Question: I've been playing guitar and bass for a number of years and I've been inspired to learn to play the ukulele. There are so many ukulele makers in the Islands; Kaule'a, Koaloha, Mele and no information about ratings. I'm aware of the Kamaka and Martin reputation, but they're out of my price range. I was wondering if you could recommend a good koa tenor ukulele for around $5-600 that has good tone for recording and will hold its value? Also, I noticed that many of the musicians play 5 & 6 string ukuleles. What string setup would you recommend for both strumming and picking or should I stick with 4? Thanks in advance for your response. Mahalo, Kirk Answer: Kirk..you need to go to the stores and try as many as you can. No rush, everyone is making ukes today. I would call Ken Potts at KP Ukuleles in the Islands and ask his opinion...He is there and may know many of the makers I don't. As far as the string configuration...It is a personal thing. If you take your time, you will run into what you are looking for. Try to find a Sonny D tenor made about 15 years ago. That is a fabulous instrument. I think you can still find good value in a quality instrument if you will wait it out. Go to the Marketplace and the bulletin board on this site and let you wishes be know. These nuts know everything and where it is. I'm glad I'm not Julius Rosenerg. They'd know where I was and turn me in. You can also contact David Hurd and Ukuleles by Kawika..he is an old friend and may be able to help also. Keep in touch and I will see what I can do...frets - Wednesday, May 7, 2003

Question asked by: Big Cat Subject: Ukes Question: During a recent attic cleaning I came across a Robbie Uke which I had purchased in 1949 during the Arthur Godfrey craze. Can you tell me anything about the manufacturer and/or quality? Answer: Dear Big....The answer is no. I can't tell you a thing. I cannot find that uke in my files. I , again, would love to see a picture..So many manufacturers made for so many distributors and the names pretty much mean nothing. Send as pic...Frets - Tuesday, May 6, 2003

Question asked by: Zach Theis Subject: Making My Uke Pretty Question: Hi! I have a Johnson brand ukulele that I bought from a music store about a year ago. I'm bored with the wood color, and I've been thinking about painting it. Is there any method that you would recommend? Should I sand it down first? Should I use stain or paint? If I should use paint, which kind wouldn't affect the sound? Thank you in advance. Answer: Don't paint it. Live with how it looks. Its the sound your after. If you plan never to play it again and just hang it on the wall, it doesn't matter how you prepare it ...just -paint away...Ukuleles were not designed to be painted. frets - Saturday, May 3, 2003

Question asked by: Lawrence Subject: Arthur Godfrey Solo lute Question: Is the tuning of my Artur Godfrey De Luxe Solo Lute the same as a baritone Uke. Are the string gages the same as well? Answer: lawrence. YES and YES. Thanks for writing in and I hope I have helped...keep in touch and thanks for keeping it simple. AT my age, I don't want to think too hard. best and write again anytime...frets - Friday, May 2, 2003

Question asked by: Big Beat Subject: Need 7 Question: Hi, I'm trying to restore an old banjo-uke that originally had a 7" calf head. Where can I find a replacement? Not necessarily calf, just something that's the right size. Thanks. Answer: Ok...get a 10 inch cow. ( you want to leave a little to tuck in)...Now that the silly stuff is out of the way. You need to get to a good luthier. If you will let me know where you live, I will recommend someone. If you want to do it yourself, get in touch with John Bernunzio at Bernunzio Vintage Instruments...you will find him on any search enging...tell him I told you to write and he will direct you or be able to send you one you can do yourself. Thanks and let us know how it works out....we care...frets - Friday, May 2, 2003

Question asked by: Howard Finkel Subject: Da ve Key Ukes Question: Hey Chuck, Long time no speak (or should I say write?). Have you played a Da ve Key Uke ?. They were British made instruments (I believe made in the 20's-40's) that look real purty but I'm not sure of the sound. Before I part with some hard earned moola, I figured I'd go to the, "Source" for info. Now you can change your name from Frets to the Source. Thanx Answer: Hey Howard...long time no write...how are you and nice to hear from you. I have played the De Vecky ( I think that is the spelling)..They made 4 styles...from ultra plain to ultra fancy. They are very well made ukes and usually come with a good hard shelled case.I actually bought a style 4 down here in Austsralia...Thats like finding Lobster in Idaho. But it is a beauty. If you get a chance to get a good one for a decent price...grab it. They really are decent. Thanks for writing in ...I really am the sores...( sorry you said source)....frets - Friday, May 2, 2003

Question asked by: Kurt Steinmetz Subject: regan uke Question: Chuck, I have a regan uke that I bought some time ago for five bucks at a swap meet. The other day I noticed the wood grains were the same as a carved koa wood pinnapple I have. Were these ukes made of koa and could this be a koa uke? The uke seems to be the same wood all the way through. Thanks. Kurt. Answer: Kurt...look inside and see if the woods looks the same as the outside..grainwise that is. I can't imagin a Regan uke being made of Koa, but then I can't imaging Bella Abzug carried a 223 average on her bowling league. I would love to see some pics..send to my home email address...cfayne@bigpond.net.au and I will have a look. thanks for writing. frets..Pres of the Mt Idy Abzug Bowling and Fashion Center. Don't fortget to visit when your in town... - Friday, May 2, 2003

Question asked by: Steve W Subject: Hawaiian Uke Question: Hi Chuck, Can you help me to identify this uke's maker? It's all mahogany and has ivorine pegs. The seller says that he bought it from a man in his sixties that claimed it belonged to his father. The back is curved, maybe carved. It has no fret markers, and it has curves like some really short Puerto Rican women I have known. The action on it is great, not really high like an Akai that I own and the sound is very mellow. Not much to go on,I know, but here's a picture. Thank you for any help you can give. Photos:      Answer: It looks like Kohalas....they were famous for the Rubenesque type of design. It looks island made, but I would have to see some better pics to help you. Nice looking uke though..Send pics to my home address..cfayne@bigpond.net.au..... Thanks for the question and stay in touch. Dont forget the Baked Bean and Baloon Blowing festival at Mt Idy this year...Where style counts as much as Volume...frets... - Friday, May 2, 2003

Question asked by: jb Subject: Saga of the 60-buck baritone ukes Question: Hi Chuck, my addiction has lead me to recently purchase two baritone ukes on Ebay. The first one was a Lindell, and I searched the Uke Yak, as well as the BB to learn about the brand. I found generally favorable information, so I uppped the bid and won. The uke came in the mail, and as I opened the box, a plywood behemoth emerged from through the foam popcorn. Structurally, it looks pretty good - built like a tank. But it sounds like, well, a plywood tank. So I went after another. This one was a no-name- brand deal that looked pretty good in the few photos available. There was little description included, and I tried to gain more info by asking the seller questions via email...well, I did not ask enough. The uke came with a twisted neck, and a fretboard and bridge made from some resinous material solidified clay. Otherwise, the body was OK, but the noticable twist left me chaking my head for a second time. So...I got both strung and tuned, and I find the second uke with the twisted neck to sound much much better than the Lindell. My question: Being a novice player, I cannot anticipate the troubles I may have with the twisted neck of the second uke in terms of playability or tone. ON the other hand, you have always asserted that it mattered more how a uke played and sounded than how it looked. Not that either of these baris looks particularly good, but I am inclined to put the Lindell back on Ebay and keep the one with the twisted neck - at least until I can get up the nerve to spend a reasonable amount of dough to get a reasonable bari. Any suggestions other for keeping one over the other? Thanks. Answer: Sound is the most important. I know a guy with a twisted neck ..sings like a lark....You have to twist the neck of course. I would get rid of anything that doesn't sound good. That applies to life in general. I would keep my eyes open for a Favilla...I know I have said they are too heavy, however they have a decent sound and will last a lifetime. Wish I had more to add, but I've run out of wisdom...Best to ya...frets - Friday, May 2, 2003

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: How to Date a Martin Uke Question: Dearest Chucko - Forgive me for I, like you, am willing to talk about things no one can answer with dead certainty, like, "How to Date a Martin Uke" - Have your tried ....."Hi you curvaceous little dusky wooded baby, how would you like a drink at my place??????" .... Suggest Mike's uke could be older than 50's. It seems to my tired old eyes that this may be a concert. Proportions of upper to lower bout. Mike might get out his measuring tape. The case looks older than 50's. It looks like some one stole the saddle and two of the tuning pegs. The remaining pegs, for reasons I won't go into because some one might ask ..."How in the hell would you know, Mr. Smarty pants?" ... appear older than 50's - thus supporting dating of case. When did the decal on the head stock come in? 30's? - Nice user wear at first few positions on fret board. Love to see a well used worn out old Martin ukulele. If I'm wrong, you heard it on Uke Yak first, or maybe second. - founder Answer: AS usual, thanks for all the help. Nice to hear from you. When did Martin go to the solid saddle from the earliest versions where the saddle was bone or ivory and separate. I have a couple with maple saddles and I always thought that had something with the approximating the age of the Martin. By the way ..The approximate age of Steve Martin is about 58.....thanks again for writing in...frets - Friday, May 2, 2003

Question asked by: Shima Subject: Pickup/rosewood FB on Fluke Question: I'm looking at getting a Tenor Fluke and was planning to get it with the undersaddle pickup. Do you have any comments about it's performance? Also was wondering if getting the rosewood fretboard would have any advantages? Thanks! Answer: Shima. I have no opinion about the rosewood fretboard. I think the pickup is wonderful. I would pose this question on the bulletin board. Those folks know all this fine line stuff. They will be glad to give you alot of help. Just to to the left of here to the menu and hit bulletin board. That will take you to the Font of Knowledge known as the Gang..Good luck...frets - Friday, May 2, 2003

Question asked by: Gary Ukulele CA Subject: Airline Ukuleles Question: Chuck, Don't really have a question this time. I just had a comment about Airline ukes that someone asked you about. Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that Airline was made by Harmony and was the in store name for Montgomery Wards, or as it is affectionally know as here in the states, Monkey Wards. Keep up the good work and thanks for all the humor and great info! Answer: Could be. I have seen airline ukes that I didn't think were made for anyone in particular. You may be correct. Lots of companies made for the larger dept stores. Thanks for your info...Always appreciated. frets - Friday, May 2, 2003

Question asked by: wendee Subject: bari open tunings Question: Hi Frets, Well, the snow in NH is finally gone, so I’m off to the wooded hills with my bari uke in ye old backpack. What a joy to play and sing on a mountain overlook or by a playful stream. If being 52 is ‘over the hill’, then all I’ve got to say is... ‘If you’re headed for the hill, don’t forget the uke. It lightens the heart and makes the scenery all the sweeter!” I read someones letter asking about tunings. Just wanted to pass on my own experiments. Being a singer and guitarist, I love playing in various ‘open tunings’. While I know this is not ‘traditional’ for ukes, I love different tunings on my baritone. Strumming is a blast for the upbeat jazz style stuff I play, but I also do a lot of folk style finger picking. With the open tunings you can get all kinds of exquisite arpeggiated chord patterns going and lovely little internal melodies or base runs. With that warm baritone sound it often has the lilting charm of a Celtic harp...custom made for an ode to nature sung mid spring blossoms in a forest glade. :>) For those of you who have no clue what open tunings are: instead of tuning DGBE, try tuning DGBD, DF#BD, or DGAD. These won’t stress the neck and you can do all kinds of chords with really simple fingerings (or bar) at many fret positions. As I said, it’s not traditional for the uke, but it sure is fun! Give them a try if you’re adventurous..and while you’re at it...Take a hike! (I mean that in a good way, your uke will love it!) Answer: Thanks for all the interesting info. I will give it a shot and hope others will as well. Thanks, always interested in new stuff....frets - Wednesday, April 30, 2003

Question asked by: John Hall Subject: Uke Stands Question: Chuck do you know where I can get a stand to hold my uke, a stand that sized correctly? What do you use? Thanks JLH Answer: I have people in Mt Idy, who do nothing but stand and hold my ukes. It fun to be king.....Go to the marketplace and search the old answers for ukulele stands. You will find a couple references to uke stands. If you have trouble, write me again and I will do a search for the stand maker. Until then, get a real close friend to stand by. - Wednesday, April 30, 2003

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