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 (194 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: Hikaru Machino Subject: Please let me know a brand (Luthier). Question: I have the ukulele which a brand does not understand. It is Solid Spruce Top and solid Brazilian Rosewood Back and Sides. I asked the ukulele specialty store. The specialty store answered as follows. "Probably, I think that the maker of a guitar manufactured (or Luthier)." About this ukulele, if there is known information, please tell me. Thank you. Photos:      Answer: Hikaru San..thank you for writing. I agree with your dealer. It is a custom made instrument. Not a brand I am familiar with. I have a feeling I have seen or owned this instrument at one time. I will go back thru my pics and see what I can find. I will write when I find out something. Thank you for writing and please write again. It is a very beautiful ukulele. frets - Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Question asked by: Valentine-John Ridao Subject: Kamaka Ohta-San Model No. 78 Question: I have a Kamaka Ohta-San Model No. 78 which I bought in 1969 for $69.00. It has a label signed by Samuel Kamaka himself dated August 30, 1969. Also has a pick guard and double K on the headstock. Haven't played it regularly for many years. I'm interested in getting it looked at and restored, if possible. Any suggestions? Thanks. Answer: First Suggestion...let me know where you live and I will help you find a luthier that knows what he is doing or direct you to those who do quality work. The instrument you have needs to be in the hands of a competent luthier. The Otha-san model is a great sounding instrument. If you have read this column you know how I feel about Kamakas...Especially the older ones. Write me, I can help....frets - Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Question asked by: Rod McCrimmon Subject: Airline uke Question: Hi Chuck, Having played guitar my entire life,I got the Uke bug. I just bought a soprano Airline uke. The ones I have seen are mahogany but not bound. This one is solid mahogany with white binding front and back, and a "mahogany" sticker on the back of the peghead. A friend who is a luthier set it up for me. It is incredibly loud and has good intonation. Sorry I can't provide a picture (yet) but any idea how old it is? Value? Answer: Airline....1940's...value.?? up in the air...Not expensive...couple hundred in really great condition. Please send pic as soon as you have one or before...Thanks Rod and keep writing in...frets - Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Question asked by: Craig Seastead Subject: Martin Baritone circa 1928? Question: I have a Martin Baritone uke #33251. There is a pencil date inside - 1928. It's mahogany, has no purfling, the peghead is square (like a tenor guitar) and it has grover geared tuners. What can you tell me about this instrument including its value. Answer: I can tell you it is not a baritone uke. Baritones were not made until l960. No serial numbers of any kind. No square peghead, no grover geared tuners. The serial number is l927. What would make you believe it is a baritone uke when you have all the information that it is a tenor guitar? I would need to see a picture of the instrument to give you a value. Please send a pic to my private email..cfayne@bigpond.net.au or to this site and I will help you. Confused .....frets - Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Question asked by: wendee rezzonico Subject: baritone and case Question: Dear 'Frets', Thanks for your reply about my Dad’s old Vega baritone. He would have liked to have known you, too. Though my mother was a rolicking good piano backup, he never had any uke kindred spirits to jam with. I think you’re right about there not being unhappy uke players. Mind you, the reason WHY might be debateable...maybe it's because the instrument makes one happy ...or perhaps it is that only slightly ‘over the edge’ folks are drawn to them in the first place!! An interesting question to contemplate. At any rate, you’re batting a thousand with the only uke player I’ve known. No matter how stressed things got at times, my Dad could always see the bright side of life. I have the same tendency...have been accused of having some degree of ‘Miss Mary Sunshine’ syndrome. Considering how much my father and his uke influenced my early life, I think I will henceforth regard my frequent displays of good naturedness as a symptom of an inherited case of “Ukulele-itis” ! An ailment from which I hope to never recover. :>) Question. I’ve been having a hard time finding a good travel-worthy case for my baritone. If I can’t find one, do you think I could use something like a tenor guitar case? Answer: Wendee...You can use a tenor guitar case, however it will rattle around.,.you do not want that. It shouldn't be hard to find a baritone case..They are made. You need to find a good music store and have them order one for you. If you tell me where you live ( not the address)..just the town and state, I will try to find you a dealer who will help. In the meantime, write..John Bernunzio at Bernunzio Vintage Instruments ( you will find him on any search engine) and tell him I told you to write. He is a close close friend and a number one instrument dealer. He is in Rochester NY..look him up and call him. He will help you. Keep Strummin...chuck - Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Question asked by: Ken Bailey Subject: Contemporary Uke Builders Question: Aloha Chuck, With all the recent kudos being passed out through your column about modern Uke builders, I felt compelled to toss the names of John Kitakis and Noa Bonk from Koolau Ukuleles into the hat. I've one ukulele that is not vintage and its from these two great modern day craftsman. The sound, construction and choice of materials used in the pictured concert size Koolau SP 400 is nothing short of remarkable. They also do incredible restoration work. Noa just completed fantastic work on a pre 1920 Martin 3K bowtie of mine. Let me take this opportunity to also say how great it is that you are allowing your site to be used as a venue to give credence to contemporary Ukulele builders. I look forward to future comments by others and hope you'll encourage writers to attach a picture with their entry. Mahalo Nui Loa. Photos:      Answer: Hey Ken...nice to hear from you...Thats one beautiful ukulele. Thanks for sharing it with us. I have heard of John's work before and always good things. This is the first time I have had a chance to actually see his work..Its lovely. I agree with Ken..If you have a maker you think highly of, please let us know and as Ken suggested, please include a picture. I love looking at fine workmanship. Thanks Ken...Keep up the good work..frets - Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Question asked by: GeeCee Subject: Conrad baritone Question: I bought a William C. Conrad baritone uke from Roy Cone recently. It has an ugly shape, an extra long next and guitar-deep body. It is more like a tenor classical guitar. But what a sound! It is one of only 25 uke Cronrad made in 1989. He mostly made classical guitars. I thought the sound was too bass for a uke and sounded more like a classical guitar, so I restrung it in a high G. This gave it more of a uke sound that is still as deep and mellow as most baritones I have heard. Do you think this is a bad move? Thanks. Answer: No. If it gives you the sound you want..It is never the wrong move. Sure like to see a pic of this beast. Ugly shape, extra long neck and a deep body...sounds like my uncle who has been missing for about 22 years. If it has a wart on the butt...its him...please let me know...frets - Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Question asked by: Richard Mott Subject: Ukulele purchased in 1976 Question: I bought a soprano uke at the Kodak show near Wakiki in 1976. I'm not sure, but I think it is made of mohagany (excuse my spelling). It has "Hawaiian Ukulele" written across the top in kind of a gold color. Are these ukes increasing in value? Also, I use a baritone uke every day at my school. Will there be any baritone ukes make like the new Flea or the fluke? If so I will be buying one! Thanks, Rich Answer: The Hawaiian uke is a typical take-me-home uke. That does not mean it doesn't sound good, it only means it has little value . I don't know if there is a bari in the future of the flea or fluke. If they make a bari, I too will be buying one. I can't wait for the new Flea. Reports have all been fantastic. Where do you play a bari at school. We only had a teatherball and they are a bitch to tune. best to ya...chuck - Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Question asked by: Hoyt B. Hurt Subject: Singing Treholipee Strings Question: I still have the original strings on my Swagerty "Singing Treholipee" novelty uke, and I still play it. After 40 plus years, I figure I'm going to need some new strings soon (HA!) but because of the length of the strings, I just don't know where to look. HELP!! Answer: Hoyt..my hunch is that you will not need strings unless you break one. In that case , head to the local fishing tackle shop and match the gauge...Works great. You can get a string long enough to play and land a marlin at the same time....frets...Mt Idy's world record holder....frets is my name...trout is my game....I'm going to bed. zzzzzzzzzzzz - Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Question asked by: Hoyt B. Hurt Subject: New Question: I know the latest "Fluke" ukes will soon be followed by another soprano uke called the "Flea". Do you have any idea when they will be offered? Answer: I do not know exactly when...a letter to Jim Beloff at this site will bring you an instant answer. I hear they are terrific..I can't wait to get mine. thanks for the letter...chuck - Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: 3 Tenors Question: Sir, I was wondering if you could comment about the size disparity of the Johnny Marvin Airplane Tenor sandwiched between a Sam Chang Tenor Koa on the left and the Harold Summers Tenor Koa with Mother of Pearl binding on the right. Do they just grow them bigger in Hawai'i or is there more the one size of Tenor Ukulele? Photos:      Answer: Tenors come in all sizes....I assume those are from your collection. Nice stuff. There is really no standard size for any of the ukes. It depends on the makers. Island makers tended to make larger concerts and tenors. The sopranos were all about the same size. Keep those pics coming...I love looking at them...frets - Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Question asked by: Dennis DeBondt Subject: Martin Tenor Uke Question: Hey Chuck, Here are the photos to help you price this little bad boy. Thanks, Dennis Photos:      Answer: In perfect condition and with an original case.....1000...its the later model 14 fret. Preferable to some...If this is for sale, don't forget our Marketplace on this site. Stuff sells well. Thanks Dennis...Let us know how it turns out. frets - Tuesday, April 15, 2003

Question asked by: frank yourek Subject: Lymana Ukuleles Question: Has anyone ever seen or played a Lymana Ukulele? Or does anyone know anything about them? I am told they are the Stadavarius (Sp.?) of Ukuleles. I am also told that David Hurd (Kawika) either taught or shared knowledge about Ukulele construction with Mr. Lymana. I once read, here I believe, that someone once asked a very learned expert/professional of some sort, what made the Stadavarius (mispelled I fear) the best Violin ever made (hint.....compare, visually, the Uke and the Violin.........they are very, very similiar to my uneducated eye..........). The answer was something on the order of, many, many Masters made near perfect physical/material Violins......only one made the very best, and the quality Stadavarius brot to bear was a quality of the Heart that cannot be quantified, but can only be acknowleged by listening to the result.......... Answer: Alas, poor Yourek you have asked the question...If the Lymana is the Stradivarius of the Ukulele world, It somehow missed me. I hope there is someone out in uke land that can help. If you want to compare , visually , the uke and the violin, I suggest you go to the library and get a copy of Groves Dictioary of Music and you will be able to stare at the pics until you will be able to tell the difference at a glance. I have to be honest with you. I have no idea what you are asking. I once said " That in all forms of art, every now and then, nature gives us someone so shoot at." Stradivarius was that man in the violin world. I have no idea who that is in the Ukulele world. There are many great ukulele makers and many others, just like any other time in any other art form. If I've helped you I would consider it a miracle....thanks...frets - Sunday, April 13, 2003

Question asked by: Buddy Subject: Koa tenors Question: I am considering a koa tenor. I recently played a Kamaka. I own two Mele koa concerts. Pinapple and standard. How does this company compare to Kamaka? I know the price is lower. Whatr do you know about them? Answer: A Kamaka tenor is a fabulous instrument. I would have no reservations recommending one. How does Kamaka compare to a Mele???? The Kamaka company has had about 100 years to perfect their product ..They have had it right just about from the beginning. I know nothing about the modern made Mele Uke. The vintage ones can be good...but it depends on the uke. You will love the Kamaka...frets - Sunday, April 13, 2003

Question asked by: Erin Subject: Collectible Ukes Question: Chuck, thanks for the help with my Weissenborn..your advice has been excellent. On a different subject...I view your column regularly as it is very entertaining. I also gain a lot of information on vintage ukuleles and I'm always pleased to see the list of "good" luthiers expand as your readers write in. I have even bought ukuleles from some of these luthiers based on your comments and those from your readers and have been absolutely impressed with my purchases. I have also been building ukuleles and find the task both relaxing and rewarding. I would like to tell your readers that anyone with some woodworking ability and an understanding of woods and stringed instrument construction and theory (and there are plenty of websites that provide that information for free), can build a decent uke. There are even websites that provide you with the construction plans and the materials. On the subject of "good" luthiers, I would like to add some comments to a statement you made earlier in your column on Black Bear ukes being future collectables. First, there are a number of really excellent luthiers out there who produce seemingly flawless ukuleles. Their attention to detail and their finish work are simply excellent and of course the selection of woods and trim are alway superb but that comes in chosing more expensive options when you order the ukulele. On the other hand, I've have been to self- proclaimed "custom" ukulele builders shops and seen beautiful master grade Koa wood wasted on ukuleles with poor setup...they looked pretty but were no better than department store ukuleles. Having seen and played a number of ukuleles now, I can say that the luthiers that get repeated recommendations in your column produce fantastic ukuleles! .....BUT there is only one luthier whose work borders on the genius level...Duane's Black Bear ukuleles. Each one is an original and a masterpiece in itself. I am not talking about finish and attention to detail here, because at this level, all the good luthiers are just a breath apart...this is sheer genius in artwork. Most of your readers will remember the Christmas Bell uke he had up for auction during Xmas. I watched the bidding closely on that one and keep reading the details of the construction in the listing....all typical top notch however the sheer simplicity of the colors and design was overwhelming...is it any wonder then that the that uke sold for over $2000....lucky guy who won the bid. I emailed Duane after to get some insight and asked him if it was hard to make the Xmas Bell and he said it was was easy but some thought went into the layout...simple statement but fantastic results. Bottomline: Good luthiers produce great ukuleles with great craftsmanship. Black Bear ukuleles are the only ones that are being built now that are in a class by themselves for both "art form originality" and great craftsmanship. More kudos to Duane for taking the risk to build a "different" uke each time. Each one he produces is superbly balanced with style and select materials. Just thought I would add my 2 cents in as some of your readers have written in and inferred that attention to detail, setup, and flawless finish as being the most important aspects. Any good luthier can do that... Answer: Thanks erin for your book...I agree with your statements about Duane, however I must add a couple of my own since it is my column and I have more opinions than brains. I will do this formally in a question to myself later in this column. We at fleamarketmusic.com are looking for an update of good luthiers to be included in a new book being written by Jim Beloff. We cannot add all the names however we would like a to add crossection of modern builders. I too love the work of Duane Heilman at Black Bear Guitars. I think he is and will remain at the top of his game. I would like to add the names of Dave Taslsma, and Ken Potts...but remember there are many that I will cover and will be covered in the book. You people from the bulletin board....I would like you also to start a list of builders you like and reasons..Names and emails would be appreciated. ERIN, again thank you very much for you fine opinion. In closing, I would like to add, the ukulele is a musical instrument. We all like beautifuly made stuff, but in this case, I am after the sound. If we're lucky enough to get both, ..what a treat. keep in touch..we love reports....fayne - Wednesday, April 9, 2003

Question asked by: Rowland Subject: Gibson Baritone Question: Chuck...I've been looking all over the place for a years for a Gibson Baritone Ukulele and I arrived inevitably at your site. I seem to notice something very interesting....it appears that this is exactly what you are holding in the picture on the site! Is this true? Well...I would love the opprotunity to buy one of those but they are scarce indeed. Have you got any knowledge of any situation where the purchase ofone of these might be pursued? I would be very grateful to hear about this and equally glad to have a description of how they sound and feel...supplied by someone who has owned...played...or even seen one. Myself...i have never held one or seen one to my knowledge. I love Baritone ukes and I love old Gibson flat tops. Your reply would be much appreciated. Regards...Rowland Answer: Rowland...I am holding a Gibson Tenor Uke. There are Gibson Baritones but they are very scarce. If I were you and I am...I would place your wants on the Bulletin Board on this site. You will find someone who knows something. I promise. That bunch is amazing. They know where everything is. I will ask around the bushes and see what pops up. Good luck..I think its going to be something you just fall over. I would keep in touch with the bigger guitar dealers, gruhn, elderly instruments, Rod and Hanks, ...write them and see what happens. Your alternative would be to get a Gibson Tenor Guitar ( much easier) and string it with gut strings and play it as a baritone..I have done this with a satisfactory result. good luck..keep in touch and let us know what happens..we care...frets - Wednesday, April 9, 2003

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