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

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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: 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: rob jackson Subject: kamaka painted pineapples Question: Hi Chuck - your painted pineapple just for sale was painted on the back - the Brudda Bu website has a picture of Sam Kamaka holding one painted on the front - which way was more common? Were they ever painted all the way around? Glad your meds are adjusted- your recent answers are models of civility and decorum. Much enjoy the column and thanks for your time! Answer: Civility and Decorum.. Those were the lawyers who handled my first divorce. I have never seen a full painted pineapple. I think the front was more common, only because those are the ones I have seen more of ( my english teacher would have loved that sentence). I'm very sorry that my answers appeal to you more when I have adjusted my meds, I will go back to the original dosage as soon as I finish ...What fun is this....Best Frets"Mt Idy's most well adjusted man 2003 " - Thursday, March 6, 2003

Question asked by: Peter Dale Wimbrow Jr. Subject: My fathers Uke case and two Wimbrolas Question: Hi! I sent the following email to Tom Favilla and would appreciate any input you might have!!! Thanks much Hi Tom! My father was peter dale wimbrow sr. (he did the Wimbrola). I have, what he inscribed to my mother as Wimbrola #1 and another one - both with beautiful mother of pearl inlaid on them. I also have a uke case (for a baby uke) that has so many autographs on it from his buddy's in New York and Philadelphia (Irving Berlin, Bert Lahr, George M. etc) I don't know how to take care of the uke case and am afraid of it rotting to the point that it will be too fragile. It was in Florida (where my dad was sent for his health) and my mother and sister kept it in a plastic protective bag (not a good idea I am afraid). I live in Utah where the air is, at least, dry and I keep it in a pitch black closet until I can get some expert advice on what to do with it. I am much more concerned with protecting the case and the instruments than I am with any sort of value - they are part of my father's legacy and there is no one for me to pass them on to - no wife, uncles, aunts - I am pretty much an orphan and I am concerned that any young folks would just sell them - I don't want that. I am pushing 70 my self and would appreciate any advice you might offer. Thank you Tom! Peter Dale Wimbrow Jr., son of Dale Wimbrow Answer: Thanks Tom..I hope all you yakkers out there make a copy of this and save it...You might not see a lineup like this again..Its nice to have you aboard..keep it up maty...frets - Thursday, March 6, 2003

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: Fat Boy Question: Dug this out of the closet and thought I'd ask you about this soprano size Paul Summers. Probably sold out of his Moana Hotel shop circa 1930. Tabu stamp on the back of the headstock, Moana decal above the Hawaiian coat of arms and lots of inlay like shown in picture running up the sides and middle of the neck. The depth of the body is a whopping 2 3/4" at the base, slimming down to 2 1/2" where the neck joins the body. I can't remember seeing anything like this and was wondering what your thoughts about this would be. Photos:      Answer: Kenny...I think I need this in my collection...Its fascinating. could you resend the picture about 10 times smaller? For some reason, the pic came in just a little smaller than a giant screen projector. Love to see one that shows the whole uke from the fromt. I have never seen a paul summers that shape. IT is a deep one. Its great to see instruments that we don't get a chance to see often. If you are going to send pics again and I hope you do, you can send them one at a time using a different question form. YOu can also send more than one pic of the same uke. I have seen other hawaiian ukes that had a deep body but the two I can remember were no name ukes. Please keep sending, love to see pics and I'm sure the yakkers do as well. Let the members of the board know you are doing this and to tune into the yak and voice their opinions. thanks Kenny...Fat boy is wonderful...frets - Wednesday, March 5, 2003

Question asked by: Phil Morris Subject: Kaholas and Co. uke Question: Hi Chuck - Long time - no chat. I have been trying to not expand the collection but tonight a guy brought by a cool little uke. The label says "Ukulele O Hawaii" and "Kaholas and Co". I have seen one other with this label which was koa with rope binding. This one is all mahogany, no binding, with the frets set directly into the neck. It has the traditional Hawaiian style back overlapping the heel. It is in beautiful crack free condition. Any idea of value on this one? I want to be fair to him. Answer: Phil...how nice to hear from you...couple hundred would be fair. Not a great company but all their instruments have one thing in common. they are, as they say down here.."wonky" a little off center. they don't balance when you look at them...they are closely related to the kumalae company and some of the employees went to kohalas to make ukes They are cool and if you pay 200 your both getting a good deal..I would go as few pennies more if it is in great shape and a few more pennies if it had an original case. You can't go wrong with this one..It is a well made instrument....nice to hear from you..its been too long...write soon...frets - Tuesday, March 4, 2003

Question asked by: John Yungbluth Subject: Gretsch American Question: Chuck, I was able to take a better picture of my Gretsch American. Trying to find any information you might have on this. 26.5 inches long, 7 and 9 inches at the bouts. 8.5 inches nut to 12th fret, joins the body at the 14th, 19 total. All mahogany, two piece top and back w/black center seam inlay. Gretsch American pressed into the back of the headstock, and "113" and "J5" pressed into the top edge of the headstock. I'll send a second picture of the top edge of the headstock. Is this a tenor, concert, baritone or saprano ukulele? Anything you can tell me about nice little piece would be greatly appreciated. John Photos:      Answer: john...great pics..large enough to paper my walls. from what I can see with your electron microscope pics it seems to be a big tenor. I can tell you little else...I can't see it. Please send to my home emil some small pics of the whole uke...That would really help alot...until then...don't fall into that sound hole...frets - Tuesday, March 4, 2003

Question asked by: Griffis Hames Subject: Seal holes on a Smeck... Question: Hey Chuck-- think I have the answer for the question about the seal shaped f holes on the Roy Smeck Vita Uke. In the 1920's and 30's the Vita-phone pictures corp. produced some of the first short "talkie" films, sort of the forerunner of the music video. Roy Smeck was among the first, if not the first, to be filmed for these musical soundies. The Vitaphone logo was of a seal, so I assume that perhaps Vitaphone had a hand in the money end of the production of that model and got their logo incorporated into the design. Pretty cool! I really admire the repros of these you and Mark Silber designed too. Beautiful! Take care my man. Still trying to flee down under. You keep a place set at the table for us and we'll keep you posted! Answer: thanks for the info..funny , as I read your answer I realized I had this conversation with Paul Syphers years ago and it had slipped my fragile mind. Thanks for the kind words and theres an empty seat at the table just waiting for your rump....hope to see you here...frets - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: John Subject: Baritone Tuning Question: I've noted much discussion regarding baritone tuning, especially tuning up to GCEA. While KP baritones may be made strong enough for this, I wonder if that could be true for many/any others. I would think that unless built to take the added tension, one could expect the bridge if not the top to just come peeling away someday. That would be an unpleasant surprise! Why not tune as originally designed and listen for that nice foundation tone in a group setting? Answer: I couldn't agree with you more...I am not advising all should try to tune their baritone up to soprano or tenor tuning. Only those that can take it and those that want that sound. One might have to have their bari re-inforced to take the added tension...a Bari with a pin bridge is safe..the pins will pop long before the top. Its again a matter of taste...Thanks for the warning. good advise....frets - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: Chris C Subject: Not for on line Question: Hi Chuck. I really enjoy your writings. Twice recently I sent questions to you, both with pictures. One was about a Triumph concert I just bought, and again this week about a Roy Smeck Harmony mahogany soprano. I haven't seen the questions show up on the uke yak, but my submissions are there when I search - and the "answer" just shows a date. I'm not complaining - and if you choose not to answer that's OK, too - but I have a feeling maybe you DID answer and maybe it didn't get posted right. No need to answer this submission, but I was just wondering. If you did answer, I would love to see what you wrote - hate to think I would miss some of your pearls! Here's what a search for "Smeck" shows: Question asked by: Chris C Subject: Roy Smeck ukulele Question: I just "scored" this Harmony Roy Smeck ukulele from e- bay at $36.00. Hasn't arrived yet. I have read that these are sometimes good. Is this a low-end model - looks like maybe a molded fretboard to me? Whatchu think of this? Money well spent? Thanks for your wit and knowledge. Chris C Answer: - Tuesday, February 25, 2003 here's what a search for "Triumph" shows: Question asked by: Chris C Subject: Triumph Ukulele Question: Oh, Wise and Revered One, I ordered a Triumph Ukulele from the gentleman who listed several for sale over in the marketplace section of this site. The attached picture is one I found on the web, not the one I bought (still in transit). Do you know anything about the origen, construction, and makers of these? Thank you sharing all of your experience. Chris C Answer: - Friday, January 31, 2003 and a link to the triumph pic: http://www.flea-mkt- music.com/images/yak/9780Triumph.jp g Thanks - no need to respond, or e- mail if you would like: cc407@attbi.com Photos:      Answer: sorry..I answered...no idea where it went. I rarely check back...I'm glad you remember the questions and asked again...the roy smeck is money well spent...where can you get a uke for 36 bucks..yes it is a low end model, but I have had them and other than the plastic fingerboard, they are very well made. I also know someone who has a zillion of the fingerboards, so if you ever need another one..your not out of luck Originally designed and built by J Chalmers Doane in Canada..Use as teaching instruments and even with the odd design shape , they are great players. I went into a grammer school here in Australia and they had about 50 of them..More than I have seen in my lifetime. I don't know much about the Triumph...I will leave that report to you..I love the way they stand. Sorry I missed it and hope this helps..if you need any more info...just write..I be quicker....frets - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: Steve Shelton Subject: Smeck Vita Uke Question: Does anyone know the significance of the "seal" tone holes in the Harmony Smeck "Vita" ukes? All of the "Vita" instruments had them. Answer: good question...Roy smeck was bitten by a seal when he was a kid and he used them in the design of the vita line to get over his fear. If you have tried, you will find out that the uke smells of fish and you can balance a ball on the headstock...In other words, I have not a clue. Never knew and its interesting.,...i just accepted the fact that they were seals...Roy's wife is still slive..faye...perhaps she will know. I will write her and ask..will let you know when I find out. Hope this answer gets your seal of approval..Boy that was terrible....frets - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: Pete Gaulin Subject: Maikai Uke Question: Chuck, Thanks for the info. I am wondering if there's somewhere or something I can do or go to find out approximate worth. I'm trying to decide if this guy goes on my renters insurance (or maybe ebay.) Any ideas about value? Cheers. Answer: my guess based on other maikai's..300 bucks on a good day....see ya..chuck - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: LOREN Subject: 6 STRING UKE? Question: HI...I RECENTLY SAW A VIDEO ON THE MAKING OF GEORGE HARRISON'S RECENTLY RELEASED ALBUM.ON IT HE APPEARED TO BE PLAYING A 6 STRING UKE.DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA OF WHAT HE WAS PLAYING? THE LINER NOTES CREDIT HIM WITH PLAYING UKE ON SEVERAL SONGS.THANKS,LOREN. Answer: HELP, HELP, HELP...ANYONE KNOW. i DON'T HAVE THE ALBUM...IF YOU KNOW, PLEASE WRITE IN...THANKS...FRETS - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: bluesboyroy Subject: baritone uke Question: Dear Chuck, I think I have an interesting twist on the use of a baritone uke. The story goes like this. Happy Day, I found a cheap baritone uke at the local flea market. Problem 1, I don't really like the sound it makes strung up as a baritone.Fleamarket solution ; get phyllis to send me some Ko'olau gold concert size strings and tune it up to GCEA. Problem 2, The old friction tuners slip too much to hold the strings tight. Fleamarket solution ; I bought box of assorted metal washers at the local flea market for a couple of bucks , found 4 the correct size and put them between the back of the headstock and the buttons of the tuners. This gave the tuners enough grip to hold the strings in tune. The uke now has a brighter sound and it sounds like a ukulele and not a small guitar. Problem 3, An unsightly finish blemish on the lower bout that can't be easily repaired.Fleamarket solution; Take that attractive sticker that Phyllis sent with the strings and place it over the unsightly blemish. I now have a nice sounding, fun to play and attractive baritone(?)uke. Thank you Frets for giving permission to think outside the box and thanks to our friends at fleamarket music for providing hard to find supplies and the forum to talk about the fun we have. Your friend, Roy Photos:      Answer: ROY....Thanks for all the info and the kind words. Its nice to know that some of this stuff rubs off and there are actually people out there who are working it out. I like the way you approached the problems and solved each in order. Now come over to my house and help me raise my children. I think it will take more than a couple of washers....although, that is a good start...nice to hear from you...keep us posted...frets - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: Baritone ukulele recordings Question: Really enjoyed your hog calling- rap festival comment but warn you to be careful. Acccidental exposure of the hogs to the non calling session could hurt bacon production. Now, why I really wrote-I know from your writtings you like to play the baritone uke. I also like them and prefer the sound-as it sounds in my fingers, I know the other sizes can sound tremendous, I am not trying to start a feud-I was wondering if you know of any recordings which feature the baritone uke? I listen in awe at what some of the soprano players can make those four strings do and figure I might as well be intimidated by top flight bari players. Allow me to add my thanks to you for the time and work you put into the Yak. mahalo Answer: Edwin..its funny, I was just talking to the conductor of the Tram I was riding this morning about Baritone Uke Players. He know as many as I do. None. I wish there was someone who has specialized. I think , now that the higher tuning is becomming popular..thanks to ken potts...KP Music...People are experimenting with different tunings. I love the tenor tuning on my KP Baritone UKE. I have had the uke for almost a year now and it is more amazing than the day I got it. It knows me and I sound better than I know I am...the sign of a great uke. Thanks for writing in and I will scrounge around and see whats in the bari world. YOu might want to post this on the bulletin board on this site...That bunch know every thing about everything...or so they say...and say and say...they are great to have around. I go there for alot of my into..they make me look good. keep writing in...all acts are only as good as their audience...make me look good...please......Best from the Mt Idy Didy Service..."You fill em..we handle them carefully."...some slogen...frets - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: s.m. Subject: baritone uke tunings Question: Hi, I recently purchased an older Kamaka baritone uke at a pawn shop in Kona while on vacation there. This baritone is tuned like a soprano (apparently Hilo Strings makes the set for baritone). Is this tuning a common occurance these days, something Hawaiian in origin? Also heard some people tune baritones in a "slack key." Please educate me! It is actually pretty nice in the soprano tuning... thanks! sid Answer: I sort of answered this a coupole of qauestions ago..Yes the tenor ( or soprano tuning is becomming popular) It allows the bari to be tuned up and easily played with the smaller members of the quartet. I have heard the bari played slack key when I was in Hawaii...Sounded real good. Steel strings were being used...Thanks for writing in sid and keep in touch...Were always here 24 hours a day 8 days a week....the workers like overtime...frets - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: Bart Pelloni Subject: fingerboard material? Question: I am having a custom made uke designed and I have the opportunity to use either ebony or rosewood for the fingerbaord. Is there an obvious choice? Answer: Its a matter of personal chooice. For me it would depend on the wood used for the body as my choice would be determined by what looked best with the uke itself. I would tend to use ebony on a koa instrument. I think that really looks classy. I like rosewood on a light mahogany body. There is not much difference in the playablilty of the woods..They are both strong. If I used ebony on the fingerboard, I would use ebony for the bridge. Just some random thoughts...in ukeshrink its called fretsassociation.....nice to hear from you and keep those cards and throw away ones that don't match...frets - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: Maurice Speak Subject: shelltone (or sheltone) Question: Hi from England. Have you heard of Sheltone or Shelltone Ukelele Banjo, and if so has it got any street cred? Thanks Answer: Maurice..I assume this is an english Banjo Uke...I have no information on it at all. I looked in the Tsumura book , 1001 banjos and it did not appear. Can you send a pic..would love to see it...perhaps I can get a feeling from that..thanks for writing in all the way from the UK...Best from all at Mt Idy....frets - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: Lars Subject: VEGA baritone Question: Hello! I purchased a Vega baritone and was surprised by itīs mellow tone. I had the idea that a baritone is a kind of classical guitar without the bass strings. But itīs a wonderful instrument on itīs own. My questions: 1) Did Vega stop building baritone ukuleles in the seventies (so my instrument has to be older; canīt send a pic)? 2) I payed 165 $ for it (dings and scratches, but no cracks, original case). Is it a fair price? Lars Answer: You did well on the price...Vega stopped in the 60's from the best I can figure out. I don't think they made and Bari's after that..The Vega they made for Arthur Godfrey was a very good instrument. I don't know which vega you have so I can't advise as to value. They mnade quite a few of them..Perhaps more than any other company and they were well respected. I especially like the Solo Lute they made for Godfrey..I love the long scale. Thanks to you for the letter and we appreciate your tuning into the site...frets - Monday, March 3, 2003

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