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

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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: 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

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Identification of earlier photo Question: Hello again Chuck, Just taking a moment to roughly date the ukuleles in the earlier photo (attached again). This photo, which I failed to credit properly last time, is from Dan Sawyer a collector based in California. viewing from left to right they are. 1. an early uke 1890 to 1919 (if label is "marca aquila" 1890 about 1910. If label reads "Favilla Bros." 1915 to 1919 2. An late teens or early 1920's model U2 3. 1920's teardrop uke 4.Model U-2 probably 1930's to 1940's 5.Model U3 late 1960's 6.Model U3 Late 1950's early 1960's These are approximations. Thats it for now, Tom Favilla Photos:      Answer: Tom...thanks very much for sending this to us...Its very important to any collector of ukuleles. Nice to have you aboard...chuck - Tuesday, March 18, 2003

Question asked by: santosha Subject: Harp ukuleles Question: Hi Frets...great site for info that no one else can supply! I have often wondered what makes the harp uke so unique besides its shape. does it sound different and have a longer sustain? And what about those harps that have the two string sets. do they sound like say a 6 or 8 string uke? thanks Answer: Hi...Most harp ukes didn't have two sets of strings. I have one that was made for me that does. The sympathetic strings vibrate depending the chord used. The strings do not help with the sustain and they do not sound anything like a 6 or 8 string ukulele. The additional strings are usually not strummed or picked. Thanks for writing in. I would look at a copy of Chris J Knutsen...by George Noe and Daniel Most. You will see lots of examples of harp instruments. Thanks for writing in...frets - Tuesday, March 18, 2003

Question asked by: Munir Subject: Asking about info Question: Hi Chuck, First, congratulations for so wonderful website. Just going through the messages is so rewarding!... Now the question: I wanted to know if you have heard of Leilani Ukuleles. I'm asking because I'm interested in buying a sunburst uke (just as the one you have in the picture of the Uke yak, by the way what make is it?). So far I've found that either the available ones are harmony (which have the plastic fingerboard and therefore I dislike) or the others are so expensive (since this is a relative word I want to clarify that for me $2,500 is expensive). I found a Sunburst Leilani Ukulele (picture attached) that seems ok (at least in pictures: big mistake I know but I can't travel all the way to New York from San Diego to try it first). I searched the web for such a brand name and I found Japanese web pages that mention it. I have no other information so any help would be greatly appreciate it. Thanks! Munir Photos:      Answer: munir...thanks for writing and the nice words. I can't tell you much about the uke in the picture. If I were you , I would take my time and shop around and watch the bidding networks, put your wants up 0n the bulletin board and the marketplace on thie site and somebody will get in touch with you. The picture didn't knock me out, but thats a visual opinion. I would have to hear it to give you a real answer. Thats whats most important. I am holding a style 3 Gibson Tenor Ukulele in the picture. Thanks again for writing....frets - Friday, March 14, 2003

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: Ogao Question: My curiosity is stirred, or shaken. Have you heard of ogao as a brand or maker of ukes? Ebay item # 2515013722 says it is an oago by Ken Original. I guess as opposed to Ken, the sequel? Anyway searching here and the board yielded nothing (unfortunately having nothing yielded is not an alien experience)-I also asked over on the board. Related but different-seems to me a concert scale on a baritone body (who says I can't play the straight man?) would be a bit malperportioned? What do you think? thanks Answer: concert scale on a baritone body...sounds like a singing fish..Thanks straight man. I love the name Ken Original....That would be enough to put me off...The ebay site is down now but I will take a look and post. I would offer you the same advise as earlier in the column...Be patient, look around..I would rather see you get a vintage instrument at a decent price than a new make that nobody's heard of. That is not to say It couldn't be good, its just that if it were sweeping the market, we would have heard of it. Try KP Ukuleles, David Talsma to start with..Black Bear Guitars, and then look around the sites for new makers...see what's out there....Write your findings to the bulletin board and ask their advise...They love to give it...frets - Friday, March 14, 2003

Question asked by: Chuck Bogle Subject: Cliff Question: Hello Chuck, A couple of questions if you please...Would you happen to know what brand and type of ukes "Ukulele Ike" used? Did he have his own line/brand of ukes, if so who made them, and were they good player's? Aloha Y'all, Chuck Answer: chuck...chuck here...ukulele "Ike" played mostly Martins. I have about a dozen pics of him playing a style 3 Martin ukulele. I know he played others and I am not sure if he endorsed any brand in particular. If he did, I don't have any information about it. That man could play and sing...He is my all time favorite...I have just sent an interesting pic( its a pic of a drawing) to Jim Beloff of a man who looks almost exactly like ukulele Ike however, it says below the pic "Irving Edwards" does anyone out there know anything about this...Have had it for years and always wanted to ask the masses, so I thought this would be a good time..thanks for writing in Chuck and stick around...frets - Thursday, March 13, 2003

Question asked by: Leonard Ellis Subject: Betty Boop Uke Question: Hello, I see you've had a few questions about the Betty Boop uke. My question about it is "what company made this item?" I also see you referred to a plastic one, and I am not aware of a plastic uke. If you have seen one, please let me know. I have attached a pic of the wooden one. Thanks! Photos:      Answer: I have seen the wooden ones attributed to both Harmony and Regal..I suspect Regal. Years ago I saw a plastic version..not exactly the same but close enough. I have not seen one since. If any of you yakkers out there know of a plastic one, please let me know...I will try to dig up the catalog descriptions of this uke...thanks for writing in...frets - Monday, March 10, 2003

Question asked by: Dennis DeBondt Subject: Martin Tenor Uke Question: What would one of these from the 50's be worth. Good shape, one repaired crack in back, repaired by a Martin repair guy. Oh, it comes with a new chip board case. Thanks, Dennis Answer: Its hard to tell without seeing it. A guess based on your description would be 700+...the better the condition the more its worth. The repaired back crack would have to be a work of art to get big bucks for the uke. If you can get me a picture either to this site or to my email...cfayne@bigpond.net.au I will do my best to come closer...frets - Monday, March 10, 2003

Question asked by: David Talsma Subject: Dave Phasant Question: Hi, I just returned from dave's "museum" WOW!!!! thats about all I have words for, I have only seen pictures of such ukuleles, Dave now owns 2 Talsma ukes and we talked about building a custom bell shaped like the old L& H models. I also I finally saw my compititions Black Bear, Kawaikas and others in person, after checking them over I feel mine are right up there with the best. Next time you talk to Dave, ask him what he thinks, or Stan Werbin for that matter. Answer: Yep...dave has quite a collection...to drool for. Truly a world class collection. Probably more one of a kind ukes than any collection ever. I keep hearing great things about your uke and am glad you got a chance to see the competition. I don't really think in our small world, there is much competition. There are so few great builders and so many people who want great ukes.....everyone will get there percentage....best to ya..frets - Monday, March 10, 2003

Question asked by: Willow Subject: baritone spare parts Question: I got tired of lugging my upright bass around and decided to go to the opposite end of the instrument size and picked up a soprano ukelele. I immediately fell in love..hey four strings, very familiar. But of course I was missing that bottom end. So I searched for the baritone of the family. A friend indicated they had one laying around and agreed to let me "visit" with it for awhile. I agreed to research it and get it into playing condition. It is missing strings, the nut (top string guide) and the white part of the tuning pegs....just a bolt sticking out at this point. The band name is Giannini and the lable inside indicates it was built in Brazil and distributed in the USA by Merson Musicial Products. Sorry no picture at this time. Can you tell me: 1. where I might find the missing parts...nut, tuning knobs, and 2. any guesses on a general price range. No cracks, several surface nicks thanks a lot, PS the unkelele is much easier to haul around than an upright bass. Willow Answer: I'm not sure what parts are interchangable. I would get to a good luthier and get some real advise. I think the company may still be in business, in which case all your problems are solved. Somebody out there in uke land help out. I know there are owners of this brand uke..if you know how to get parts...give us a hollar...frets - Monday, March 10, 2003

Question asked by: Derek Martin Subject: Nice Kamaka Gift Question: I received this great surprise after my Grandfather's recent passing. He had it hidden away in a closet. As a guitarist, I thought it would be nice to learn to tune/play it. In my search I found your website and realized that it may not only be sentimental to me but a special instrument in it's own right... So, I thought I'd share a pic of it with you. From what I understand, it's a blue label Kamaka Pineapple with a hand written serial #2324. It has amazing resonance and projection! I never would've thought I'd come home from work and reach for it before my guitar, but I have lately. Sappy story aside, I do have a question...The label on the headstock is in pretty good condition, but it doesn't seem to be protected by much coating. Do you have any suggestions for cleaning up the headstock/tuners without damaging the label? Thanks for your site! ~ Derek Photos:      Answer: Well, you did get more than a ukulele. YOu got a real good one...Its a style 3 Kamaka and in beautiful condition. Its highly collectible. Again, you have to go to a luthier and have the label treated. It is a special kind of coating that does not damage the label. If you let me know where you live, I will see If I can get you the name of a good repairman. Don't try it yourself, ...Thats a very important and beautiful part of the instrument. Nice score...Gramdpa had taste.....frets - Monday, March 10, 2003

Question asked by: Phil Morris Subject: Kaholas Uke Question: Hi Chuck - Here is a pic of the mahogany Ukulele O Hawaii. Phil Photos:      Answer: Beautiful,...I have not seen one in mahogany. I have had many and all in koa. Was I suppose to tell you something about it , or is this just show and tell? I think my mind is fadin' fast. write back, if I have goofed...frets - Monday, March 10, 2003

Question asked by: Chuck Bogle Subject: LeDomino Uke Variation Question: Greetings Chuck, I just received yet another "neat" purchase from the John Bernunzio. A nice old well-worn LeDomnio uke, one of the blonde ones, maple wood perhaps? The fret markers are almost entirely worn away, but they appear to have been arrowheads or diamond shapes. As well, the dominos are all but worn away from around the sound hole, and it has a dark wood nut and saddle. I know from reading your uke-yaks that the blonde model uke was the least common, and that it had the dominos decal below the the saddle only. This one "had" them around the sound hole, but I can not find any indication that there was a decal below the saddle. John had listed this one as being a Regal - there is only "LeDomino" written across the peg head, no label or markings in the body though. Just a variation on the LeDomino theme? Aloha Y'all! Chuck Atlanta, GA Answer: I think your correct...just a variation. I have seen that uke in dozens of different configurations. Oddly enough, they are good players. I haven't seen that many blond ones pop up...have fun...frets - Monday, March 10, 2003

Question asked by: Lars Subject: double-neck uke Question: I saw something strange at german ebay (www.ebay.de): a double-neck ukulele. If you like, type in "ukulele" and have a look (in german: "Rarität! Doppelhals Ukulele", Art. No. 2513972801). What is it? Did you ever see anything like this before? Lars Answer: I knew a German man once, who had two necks...exibited in the coles bros side show for years. Oddly enough, he too played the uke. I think that uke is very strange . I have seen double necked ukes before and have owned one. Mine was a Levin. It played horribly. It was uncomfortable trying to get the hand comfortable.( now there's a sentence) Makes a nice hanger for the wall and a great conversation piece , much like the German two necked man. Good luck and thanks for sharing with us. I found the German Ebay most interesting..Spent alot of time looking at all the stuff..for those of you who have never gone to the German Ebay...Its fascinating...Thanks Lars and nice to hear from you...frets - Monday, March 10, 2003

Question asked by: Diesel Subject: Happy Time ukes Question: Hey howdy - Regarding Ben's question about the Happy Time ukulele; its a Buddy Griffin product. Couldn't tell you who the manufacturer is/was, but I'd bet they're in China, not Texas. If you check out Roy Cone's site, Ukuleleworld.com, you'll find Buddy's books and video and a little more information about his senior group, Tne Happy Time Strummers. Answer: Diesel......good to hear from you..welcome over to this side of the board..We don't hear from you often enough....Thanks for the valuable information...Always appreciated and I too will file this for future reference where I will give you no credit for its getting to me and I will come out looking smart...Thanks for that...chuck - Monday, March 10, 2003

Question asked by: trip Subject: Aloha Royal Question: Hi Chuck, I have read past posts here about Aloha Royal ukulele. Do you think the one pictured is Japanese? Thanks, trip Photos:      Answer: Trip....Its very hard to tell withough holding it in my hand..The label looks like a Japanese copy of the Hawaiian label. If you put a gun to my head, I would say Japanese..I would also say " Get that Flaming gun away from my head before I rip your frets out" in Japanese, and I don't even speak Japanese, but I hate guns. I once saw a gun at a friends house and could only speak cantonese for a week. Time to go back on my medication?..I think so...Hope this has helped..I feel alot better. Thanks for writing in and in case you missed the answer in all that jibberish....I would say it is Japanese...frets - Monday, March 10, 2003

Question asked by: Gary Stylist Subject: Happy Time uke Question: This brand name is used by Buddy Griffin for his line of ukuleles, books, and related gear. No doubt they are made by someone else. If you want to ask them, Ben, the phone # I have for them is 713- 391-8350. Perhaps fellow Texan and ukulele guru Roy Cone gets them for him? Hope this helps, and 3 cheers for Frets and his wicked prose! GT Answer: Thanks Gary...Is Stylist your given name? Thanks for the kinds words and the information...Its always appreciated and I will make a copy for my files....Please stay in touch....frets - Monday, March 10, 2003

Question asked by: Pete Gaulin Subject: More Uke infos Question: Hmmm...more information does seem like it would be helpful... label says: Maikai ukulele [handwritten] 8:12:29 (or is it 62:21:8?) #63 [/handwritten] jw.j.s.m co Cheers. Photos:      Answer: Nice Uke...lots of speculation as to who made it. There has been word that the the uke was connected somehow with Weissenborn, the great lap acoustic guitar maker. I don't think there is any manufacturing connection , just that it was carried by stores that also carried Weissenborn. Nice uke...well made and I have no idea who made them...I have more information in my files and will dig it out. I remembering missing a chance to buy a mai\kai and still regret it. Thanks for writing in...chuck p.s this one one is particularly nice...great trim..fanciest one I have seen.... - Monday, March 10, 2003

Question asked by: Bob Pulliam Subject: 2000th THANK YOU !! Question: Chuck, I saw an opportunity to be the 2000th questioner and want to say THANK YOU !!! for the great service you have provided to all of us puzzled fans of old ukes. You aren't paid nearly enough! The question: when are you returning to your native shores so your fans can meet you? And any news on the Radio Tenor you're working on? Answer: Bob...thank you for being 2000....I haven't figured out the prize yet, but I will. Thank you for the kind words...If the truth be known, I am overpaid...I have said this before but it bears repeating..Where else can you get up in the middle of the night and know that out there somewhere in ukeland, there is some other nut up at that hour who wants to talk about ukuleles? When I was a kid, that behavior was severe enough to consider a short stint in a mental facility. Today it's called the best feeling in the world. I talked to Jim and Liz Beloff yesterday and we thanked each other. Who would have thought 6 years ago, we would all have this many friends. When Jim told me he was leaving his Job with Billboard Music to start a Ukulele Web Site, I greeted the news with mixed feelings. I thought I was the one who was going to have to drive him to the mental facility for his short stint. The other side of me thought it was the neatest idea of all time. Number 2 won out. It has been nothing but fun. I found out something about myself. I thought, when I took on this columnm ,that I was the last word on Ukuleles. I knew more than anyone in the world. The truth be known, I have gained more information than I have ever given. It sort of slopped over on my entire life. I don't know as much as I thought I did...in any area. I have 2 kids..a 15 year old son and a 13 year old daughter and an ageless beautiful wife. Each day they teach me something new... it's not always easy, but necessary. So in some strange way, this site has given me an opportunity to talk to people about all kinds of stuff. Ukes may be the starting point, but the topics range from G strings and how they are worn to red nuts and red saddles. ( those of you who do not know what this is about..click on search and you will find out.) I thank you all and treasure your friendship and information. Today, The small town of Mt Idy is throwing me a party. Its the annual "Prune and Cake Festival" That is where I eat 500 prunes and then attempt to blow out the 2000 candles on my cake...I am allowed to use my lungs ,...but only if necessary. I will post pics. Thanks..I love you all...frets - Friday, March 7, 2003

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