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

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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: 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: Rach Subject: Ukulele Hall of Fame Ukes Question: I've seen and played many times (at Dave and Sue Wasser's) and it's a great instrument with a great sound. My main uke is a similar Earnest. No doubt Joel makes a superior instrument. ;) his site is earnestinstruments.com Answer: thanks for the info...appreciated much...frets - Monday, March 24, 2003

Question asked by: Laszlo Layton Subject: new KP soprano uke Question: Aloha! Just got back from a vacation in Maui and I'm slowly coming back down to reality. Thought I'd send a post to the BB and to you to let everyone know that Ken Potts at KP Ukuleles now makes a truly awesome soprano. I ordered my ukulele from Ken last December--his very first soprano size uke. He told me he was going to base his design on an old Kamaka that had an incredible tone and volume. I chose to have it made with Ken's rare light golden koa with a maple/ebony binding. Long story shorter...the completion of my uke just happened to coincide with a trip to Maui that I had also scheduled. On the way into Lahaina to attend the evenings "Old Lahaina Luau" I stopped by Ken's workshop to pick up the uke. I can now concur with all the other comments and praises made previously on this board as to the superlative quality and workmanship that goes into Ken's ukuleles. Ken was quite modestly proud of his first soprano. I saw the Kamaka that it was based on and the improvements that Ken added to his soprano. The volume and tone from this little uke is just amazing. It rivaled Ken's tenors in the shop! In comparison to my Martin, Ken's soprano is a richer more mellow sound, with at least double the amount of sustain and a nice even tone over all four strings. I've noticed that, though it can played fairly loudly, softly strumming the uke produces a heavenly sound that is just effortless. I would strongly advise anyone seeking a top quality uke in the smaller soprano size to seriously consider ordering a KP. You won't have to sacrifice any shortcoming in sound or playability with a soprano size from Ken. I would also like to mention that Ken couldn't have been more gracious or hospitable with my visit--offering his surboards to me and a friend to use during our stay! My visit to Ken's workshop was much too short, but I was fascinated to learn during our visit about his source of that beautiful light Koa wood (from trees planted on Maui 80 years ago). I've attached a photograph taken of me playing the new soprano on Sugar Beach in front of the condo I was staying at in Kihei. That's West Maui in the background. The weather was perfect, the sand soft and warm, the humpack whales where jumping in the water behind me and I got to fulfill a fantasy of playing the ukulele in Paradise! And how cool is it to already have such strong sentiment already attached to the instrument? Laszlo P.S. I had a sneak peak at your next KP uke, Chuck. Nice! Take my advice and go and pick it up when it's ready! Photos:      Answer: A nice review......frets - Sunday, March 23, 2003

Question asked by: MIke Subject: 'Fitzroy Question: Chuck; Can you tell me anything about the "Fitzroy" company? I bought a banjo uke a while back, that had no name on it, then saw its twin on ebay, with "Fitzroy" on the headstock. Can't find anything about them on the 'net. Thanks Mike Answer: very little..it is again a case of the name....there are so many names for so many different instruments. Fitzroy wasn't a company and I don't have a record of any distributing under that name...any help out there????? stumped again.,..frets - Friday, March 21, 2003

Question asked by: Griffis Subject: re:Ukulele Hall of Fame Ukes Question: Hey Chuck! You'll probably get two dozen responses to this, but that uke-- the "official" uke of the Ukulele Hall of Fame Museum, is a beautiful little number designed and built by Joel Eckhaus of Earnest Instruments in Maine. I've never played one unfortunately...take care! Answer: Thanks Griffis..any chance of a pic..love to see it...frets - Friday, March 21, 2003

Question asked by: Terry Nagel Subject: Ukulele Hall of Fame Ukes Question: Frets: You can see a picture of the Ukulele Hall of Fame Ukes at http://www.ukulele.org/ They look pretty good, and they're not too pricey, but I've never actually seen or heard one. Terry Nagel Answer: Now I can see it...thanks for the info.....frets - Friday, March 21, 2003

Question asked by: bluesboyroy Subject: hall of fame ukes Question: Dear Chuck, I know you'll get quick responses on this one. These ukes are made by Joel Eckhaus of Earnest instruments I believe. Joel makes great stuff. Anything by him would be a good buy. The proceeds of these sales also go to a good cause . The Hall of fame museum. Roy Answer: thanks...I have also heard great things about Joel...check it out guys and let me know...frets - Friday, March 21, 2003

Question asked by: Gary Stylist Subject: Hall of Fame uke Question: They're made by Joel Eckhaus, of Earnest Intruments, protege of Roy Smeck. Frets, I'm sure it would have come to you eventually! I'll leave it to the more experienced players to critique the instruments, I haven't even held one. Glad to help you for a change! Cheers, GT Answer: Glad to have you all help...I couldn't do this column by myself...good to know so many of you read it....more to come...frets - Friday, March 21, 2003

Question asked by: Ginny Stone Subject: strings Question: I just bought a Sterling banjo uke. I wanted to replace the old strings with new metal strings, but was booed on that. What do you recommend for the uke? Are there ball end strings for ukes? Answer: I haven't seen any ball end strings advertised lately..but a little bead threaded on the end of a knotted gut or nylon string will work...Don't put metal strings on the uke as advised...three cheers for the booer...frets - Thursday, March 20, 2003

Question asked by: Terry Nagel Subject: Ukulele Hall of Fame Ukes Question: Chuck -- Have you ever played or heard one of the Ukulele Hall of Fame bran ukes, sold by the Ukulele Hall of Fame in Duxbury, MA? Are they a good buy? Answer: Terry..never even heard of them...It got by me...where do I see them?..and are there any yakkers out there who can answer terry's question?..chuck - Thursday, March 20, 2003

Question asked by: Lisa Stilwell Subject: 1957 Vega Baratone 'uke Question: I have a baratone 'ukulele give to me as a gift by a friend, now deceased, who bought it the year I was born. Can you tell me anything about the maker, Vega? Is there more value to my travelling companion than the huge sentimental value it carries with it? (Poor baby, its varnish is flaking off and I haven't the nerve to refinish it myself.) I'm just curious to know. It was purchased in the Boston area in 1957. (that tells you my age, anyway.) Answer: lisa...it depends on the vega. I need a picture to tell you..they made more than one baritone. Please see what you can do to get a pic to me. By the way...congratulations..you look fantastic for your age...frets - Wednesday, March 19, 2003

Question asked by: Tim Subject: Saw your tiple on Sanford & Sons recently Question: Chuck, I just noticed your tiple auction on eBay. The funny thing is I saw that Tiple on a Sanford & Sons rerun for the first time just 2 weeks ago. In the show, he had just sold it to his friend for 10 bucks. I don't know who the friend was, but he played a song on it and sounded great. Good luck with the auction. Answer: Thanks for your tip..If anyone knows about this segment, please let me know...take a look at ebay..and see one fine instrument...a l916 redd Foxx martin t28 tiple...frets - Wednesday, March 19, 2003

Question asked by: Bruce Subject: Uke Value Question: Hi Chuck, I have a Aloha uke with a crest on the headstock with some Hawaian writing under it. Inside it reads Tasu made in Hawaii and another crown printed inside above it. I think its about 60 years old. Also a harmony purchased in 1942 both ukes have cases and are in good nick. Any Idea of value to a collector or are they just one of millions Thanks Bruce Answer: The word inside the uke is tabu..not tasu...It is a warning stamp issued to make sure others did not claim to make genuine hawaiian instruments. It has value to a collector, however, I can't tell much about it without a picture..They made thousands with that stamp. The harmony , again, has value...not alot, but depending what it looks like....Please send pics of both to this site or my personal email..cfayne@bigpond.net.au...and I will help further...thanks for writing in..frets - Tuesday, March 18, 2003

Question asked by: trip Subject: Ukebrand Island Style Mahogany Question: Just sharing the joy - got this new "2nd" off e-bay. Beautiful mahogany, great finish, plays like I couldn't have imagined, and it THROBS with tone! What a sweet instrument! Photos:      Answer: thanks for sharing this with us...all info is important. frets - Tuesday, March 18, 2003

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