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

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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: 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: sargeant schultz Subject: black bear uke Question: dear Frets, Black Bear has a cigar box uke on E-Bay; third of a series. What can you say about these? I kmow b.b. has a whopper of a reputation, but...acigar box? Sam kamaka made a few its said. Are these real players or mostly novelty thing? should this be regarded as a fine investment due to its parentage? Answer: It should be regarded as a fine instrument because it is made with the same attention to detail that Duane puts into each of his ukes. I have, and have had for many years, one of Duane's first cigar box ukuleles. It is a players instrument. If I didn't own the one I have, I would buy the one offered. If you want to see the San Kamaka cigarbox ukes, get a copy of Jim Beloff's book. "The Ukulele" a visual history. There you will see 2 of the very rare Kamaka Ukes. Great players as well. Keep in touch...frets - Wednesday, April 23, 2003

Question asked by: Eric Stott Subject: Mahogany Smeck Question: I've been offered a Harmony Roy Smeck uke in Mahogany, pretty decent playable shape, for about $60.00. I'm not certain that it sounds any better than my regular stained birch Harmony. Is it worth getting because it's Mahogany, and has Smeck's name on it? And before you suggest getting one, I DO have a Fluke, and really love it- both for looks and play. Answer: If this is the little plastic fingerboard model...pass..you already have better. There are other Smeck models out there that are better but this is not one of them...By the way, Get a Fluke....You will love it, both for the looks and the playablilty. Thanks for writing in...I think you should be on the search for a Roy Smeck Vita Uke. Now there's a uke. Great shape, great sound...Great balls of fire...frets - Wednesday, April 23, 2003

Question asked by: Kevin Subject: Alternate tunings Question: Hi Chuck first thanks for the advice on the tuners I had'nt thought about new ones. I saw a question about Bari tuning and I was wondering if you ever heard of tuning it to a tenor guitar by that I mean an octav low than a mandolin? Thanks for your wisdom Kevin. Answer: I don't mess with tunings. I have tenor guitars and tune them like Tenor guitars. However, give it a try..The worst thing that will happen is that you will pull the face off the uke and it will hit you in the face. Now, there's wisdom. I speak from experience. I once tried to tune a Bass Fiddle up to soprano uke tuning. Nobody yet has been able to locate the Bass. I hope I have helped you...Again, for alternate tunings, give this question a shot on the bulletin board. They are experimenting with all kinds of tunings. Keep in touch and let us know where you will be so we can send cards....frets - Wednesday, April 23, 2003

Question asked by: Mike Spaeth Subject: How to Date a Martin Uke Question: Hi I acquired a Martin Uke, and I'm trying to find any info on its age or model. also a value Thanks Photos:      Answer: Its a style 1....probably 50's-60's and the value depends on the condition. I would have to see the whole uke to give you a value. Send pics of the back and sides and I will do my best. Not your back and sides..the uke.....frets - Wednesday, April 23, 2003

Question asked by: Gary Subject: What is a low G string Question: Hi Chuck, Well I looked in the yak about a low g string uke. But didn't get it. Question? Is a low g string uke tuned to GCEA? or is the G string tuned different? Answer: A low G string is a hassle..just ask any stripper. It is a G string that is tuned an octave lower than the conventional tuning. GCEA is correct..just tune the G string one octave lower....If you tune it 2 octaves lower, were back to the beginning...you will be tripping over it. best...frets - Wednesday, April 23, 2003

Question asked by: michael Subject: cases for tiple Question: Greetings Chuck, your site is always a joy. You were so helpful in my early stages of " tiple- itis" that I thought I would share something about cases. I had a number of tiples sans cases (or with cases so forlorn that they had to be fumigated and taped up) and for a while it seemed that I wouldn't be able to find a good quality case (no gig bags for me!) to protect my babies. Well, it was Leslie Nunes to the rescue. His tenor hardshell cases are a perfect fit for all my tiples (martin T-15, T-18 and a regal or two and some " no names"). These cases are solid and well-made and go for about $49 US on ebay and are a very good buy. He uses a soft padding between the covering and the shell that gives a nice distinctive feel to the case. Additionally, he raises the plush padded area that covers the strings as well as the area under the back, both really nice extra touches. These cases are CLASSY! Keep up the good work and hope all is well in Mt. Idy. Answer: Thanks for the nice words...things are fine her in mt idy..The whole town turned out for the reading of your message. They both loved it. Thanks for the information about the cases. We can all use it. Keep in touch....frets - Tuesday, April 22, 2003

Question asked by: Tony Adams Subject: Baratone Uke Tuning Question: What is the tuning for a baratone uke? Also I need string diameters. Thanks, Tony Answer: Tony...The best way to answer your question is to tell you the Bari is the same as the first four strings on a guitar. As far as String Diameters, I would go to as good music store and buy a packet of any decent brand Baritone strings. The measurements are are on the packets of strings. There is a slight variation from one to the other , but that will be the easiest way to do what you want....frets - Saturday, April 19, 2003

Question asked by: John Gudmundson Subject: 6 or 8 String KP Tenor ,Hm...... Question: Greetings Chuck, Just my 2 cents worth of advice for T. Barrett regarding his 6 or 8 string dilema. I agree with your assessment of the differing degrees of difficulty between the two models with respect to ease of finger picking. The one exception I would make to that observation would be a KP. The reason I feel that way is the fact that Ken makes his instruments with an extra wide fingerboard which should be a tad more forgiving for clutsy pickers, like me anyway. By the way, I just got my copy of the wonderful book on Hawaiiana Finding Paradise. Great book! Your chapter on the Ukulele of course is the highlight. Question,are all of the Ukulele pictured in the book from your collection? Of specific interest is the Nunes Radio Tenor. I see what you meant about the one that I have being quite a fair bit different from yours. Something that was conspicuously absent was the little riveted brass plaque on the peghead identifying it as a Radio Tenor Model and I was wondering if he also used a soundhole label that included a reference to the Radio Tenor? Curious minds want to know! Answer: Hey John Thanks for the nice words..I am proud of the book...It is doing well. The ukes are all mine except for 3 I think. The Radio Tenor is mine and I have never seen on with a label that included the words Radio Tenor. I have wondered what that meant for years. It has nothing to do with a radio and its not a tenor. Curious minds want to know about that. But it is one hell of a player. Thanks again for writing in and the report on the KP fingerboard...best...frets - Saturday, April 19, 2003

Question asked by: Tom Barrett Subject: tenor uke Question: Chuck: Yeseteday I ordered a six string tenor uke from Ken Potts. However, I just read your comment from August 11, 2000, stating that you prefer an eight string to a six string tenor. I'm new to the uke but figured I'd get a quality instrument from the get go. I'd like a full sounding instrument. Any suggestions? I don't think I'd have any problem asking KP to switch my order from six to eight. Many thanks, Tom Answer: Tom...Mine is only a personal preference. I like a concert six and a tenor 8...You have to consider that if you order an 8 string tenor it is a little harder to pick melody with the 8 strings. If you have ever played a Kamaka 8 string tenor you will know what I mean. I sold an 8 string Kamaka and have regretted it ever since. It was a boomer. I don't think you will be disappointed either way. Ken makes one of the best ukes you can get today. I am also a fan of a 5 string concert. I have my own prototype Frisco uke a 5 string..I doubled the 2nd string and it is just enough for the sound I wanted. I would ask Kens advise and see what he has to say.....Please let us know what you decide and how you like it..That info is most valuable. good luck..Trust Ken...He knows ....frets - Friday, April 18, 2003

Question asked by: Lonnie Subject: Ken Potts Question: Chuck, I just spent the last week looking over Ken Potts shoulder marveling at his attention to detail! I spent almost my entire Hawaiian vacation watching your tenor uke being built. I am a professional woodworker by trade, so one would expect that any reason to get out of the sawdust would be welcome. I couldn't seem to find anything else that I wanted to do but watch how masterfully he put all the pieces into a beautiful instrument that sounded equally as lovely. He took me to all the local eateries, And when glue was drying on critical parts, we went snorkeling. It was the perfect Hawaiian Vacation! When I get my pictures back from processing, I will send some of your tenor being built. I will be ordering a baritone in the very close future from my new Great Fr Answer: Thanks for the report. AS I said, this kind of personal opinion is most important. Wish I was there to enjoy the vacation. Don't send pics of the uke, send me two tickets for my wife and myself to vacation in Hawaii....Don't forget a hotel room in a 5 star hotel and the rental car. A couple bucks for spending money would be appreciated. Asking for too much???? Ok..send pics...Thanks so much for writing in and letting us know whats happening out there. Keep in touch...Were here 24 hours a day to answer your questions. We lost the key to the door...best frets - Friday, April 18, 2003

Question asked by: Charlie Subject: dixie Question: Hey Chuck, My name is Charlie and im 13 years old , I love to play my ukulele more than any other instrument ,but i went to a music shop lately and there was a vintage Dixie Banjo Ukulele, im looking all over the place for it but i cant find one do you have any suggestions about where to find one? Thanx, Charlie von Holstein Photos:      Answer: They come up for sale all the time on ebay. There is one for sale now. They really are terrible sounding instruments. They are a strange novelty but I have had many come thru my hands and they are not really playable. I'm sure I am going to get mail from people who love them. However, I have said , and I still contend ,that they make better cheese graters than they do instuments. Shop around....take your time...be patient...there are lots of wonderful instruments out there for you to own, this is not one of them. If I can help you find what you are looking for, please write me. I will be glad to assist any way I can...thanks for writing and keep in touch..we care...frets - Wednesday, April 16, 2003

Question asked by: Kevin Subject: tuners Question: Cheers Chuck! I have a Bari made by silvertone that I love(I've asked you about it before)Its getting long in the tooth and its tuning pegs are starting to slip. should I replace them or is threr a way to tighten them please advise thanks Kevin Answer: Take the uke to a music store that has a good repair dept. It might need new tuners and it might only need new screws. ( careful there ) ...If they are the mechanical tuners with the screw, most often they just need a larger screw. If you really like the uke, and it appears you do, it might be a good idea to put on a really good set of modern tuners. Ken Pott of KP Ukuleles uses a tuner that is fantastic. I am not familiar with the maker, however, a letter to him will answer your question. I almost never need to retune this uke. Its wonderful. Thanks for the question, I'm sure there are alot of yakkers in the same position and the answer will help us all. Please let us know what you decided to do and how it helped. Thanks....Mt Idy is having its Berry festival this weekend and last years winner ( manilow) will be there to judge as usual....Wish me luck..I am submitting "The Bond" frets - Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Question asked by: peter zaccagnino Subject: martin bari uke Question: Dear Chuck-----I recently acquired a Martin bari uke on e-bay for $950 that was presented as a "vintage" instrument in near mint condition-I was surprised how clean it really was when it arrived-but then it appeared to be almost too clean to be vintage-when I questioned Martin they told me they started making them in 1960 and they stayed in production until 1977 after which they were special orders-my question is (and i'm sorry it took me so long to get to it) is without serial nmbers is there any way to actually date them-confused in connecticut Answer: peter....the answer to your question is no....The person at Martin told you incorrtectly. As of the printing of the Last Longworth Martin Book,1987-1988, it clearly states that the Martin Baritone Uke was still in production at that time. Now that Mike Longworth has passed away, it seems that it will be almost impossible to get reliable information about the company and the production of their instruments. I miss him for many more reasons than that. Thanks for your question and you got yourself a fine instrument....frets - Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Question asked by: wendee Subject: baritone and case Question: Hi Frets, Thanks for the reply about the tenor case versus a baritone case. By now you've gotten my e that I found the new hard cases at ukeworld. Also thanks for the mention of Bernunzio in NY state. I'm in NH and will try to get out there sometime. My poor guitars are jealous and blue on account my Dad's baritone uke. I rush home to it after work and am neglecting the guitars, the vacuuming, and the yardwork....sounds like love to me. Can't wait to play it on mountain tops as soon as the last snow is gone. :>) love the Yak. Peace, wendee Answer: thanks for the nice words...glad you found your cases...I neglect the vacuuming and the yard work...in your case it sounds like love..in my case laziness.....keep in touch..day or night...theres always someone here to talk to....best...frets - Tuesday, April 15, 2003

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