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 (198 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: 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

Question asked by: Allen Wright Subject: Musty smell Question: Chuck, I recently bought a favilla soprano that has a musty smell that comes out of the sound hole. There is no visible mold anywhere. What can I do? thanks, A.W. Answer: Boy Allen...this question made the new book..."The best of UKe Yak...look for it to come out later this year. I would get a mushroom and put it in the uke and let it rot. It will then smell musty and at least you will know where it is coming from. What can you do.,.Keep your nose out of your soundhole....Advise given me by my pediatrician many years ago. Your luck, I am not limber to get my nose near my soundhole. The truth is, I have no idea...I would leave it outside until the smell vanished. It will eventually if you cannot find something inside that is making it musty. Its hard to write an answer to one of the funniest questions I have ever gotten...In the thousands of ukes I have handled, I have not run across a musty one...But, I will the on the lookout. Best to you..keep us posted..we'll keep a nose out for you...frets - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: Tommy Kitahata Subject: concert ukes Question: Chuck- Browsing through your Q&A has helped me very much. Thanks- I was wondering what you could tell me about Sonny-D and Kelii concert ukes? Which do you prefer? Mahalo- T.K. Answer: Tommy...I am a sonnly D fan...I like his instruments alot. I have one and play it often..I have a soprano and last year got a chance to play one of his concerts...lovely instruments....hope this helps..chuck - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: Derek Otto Subject: Kamaka Question: Hello, I just recently bought a Kamaka Soprano off ebay for $200, which I originally thought was a decent deal. I was told there was a hairline crack on the back and a chipped bridge, which didn't affect the sound. When it arrived, I found two more cracks below the bridge, and another on the side, though none of them have opened. My question is whether there is any way to salvage this beautiful little uke, and how much it could run me. Thanks, Derek Otto Answer: Derek..It is an instrument worth restoring. As long as there is no missing wood, I would take it to a good luthier and find out how much to restore...Where do you live and I will do my best to help you find as decent builder. Don't attempt to do it yourself...They are touchy little instruments.....The price you paid for it is low enough that you can spend what you saved saving the uke...thanks for writing in...frets - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: John Gudmundson Subject: KP Update Update Question: OOOps. I am all elbows today. Anyway to finish my previuos e- mail. The point that I was trying to make is that even the very best products are going to need servicing from time to time. Ken Potts has demonstrated to my satisfaction that he is a person of integrity and not only makes a superior product, but is actually prepared to stand behind it to see that each KP owner is well supported. Answer: John...I think it is terrific that you took the time to write in and let us know about Ken Potts. Thats the wonderful thing about this site...I get lots of great reports and it helps us all. Ken..to you..Hats off...Your a good man Charley Brown...I would and have recommended you to all...This only confirms what I already knew...Thanks.....frets - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: John Gudmundson Subject: KP Update Question: Greetings Chuck, Just a comment. Nothing made by human hands can ever be perfect. With that said, a little about product service. After I brought my new KP back to the mainland, I noticed some buzzing with certain strings on certain frett positions. When communicating this to Ken his responce was the apitamy of good customer service. He was very gratious in regards to making sure that I was pleased with my KP Ukulele. I received my KP by fed ex from Lahaina yesturday and it is Answer: Thank you John..I would expect nothing less of Ken..He is a man of great technique, but more important he cares about his product and his customers..please the read the rest of John's update..its either below this one or above it..can never remeber. chuck - Monday, March 3, 2003

Question asked by: Tim Gabbard Subject: Gretsch Soprano Models Question: I have a Gretsch Soprano Uke that seems to have a little more decoration than the standard Gretsch uke. What different model types did Gretsch make? Any idea what this might be worth? Thanks for your help. Tim Photos:      Answer: It is a style 2 gretch...one up from the plain jane model. They made really fancy ones with abalone inlay ih the headstock and fancy inlays in the fingerboard. They made this model in Mahogany and Koa. Your uke is worth , in great shape, 350+ on a good day. With the original case....a little more..thanks for writing in..hope i've helped...frets - Sunday, February 23, 2003

Question asked by: Pete Gaulin Subject: Uke, uke, uke Question: Sorry, you did say where the neck joins the body... Cheers. Photos:      Answer: thanks..it is a hawaiian made instument. although later maikai was a name used by a mainland company. This is a nice uke. Its interesting, it has the mainland heal cap however the rest of the uke is island. interesting. How can I help...frets - Saturday, February 22, 2003

Question asked by: Pete Gaulin Subject: Uke Question: Heyas, I was just wondering if you could give me some info on this guy...possible value? history? Cheers. Photos:      Answer: Paul, you have no idea how helpful it would be if you would read the label that I can almost read. Knowing the name of the uke, as you might guess, would be half the battle. It looks like a kanaka, which is a mainland uke. I have a feeling that this is one of those copies...please send as much information as you can and a pic of the back where the neck joins the body and I will tell you exactly what you have...The name please...frets - Friday, February 21, 2003

Question asked by: walrus Subject: answer to Doug's question Question: Hi Chuck - if Doug looks at the inside of the plasic case, i.e. behind the CD (take the CD out!), there's a picture of the label inside Jake's uke. Clearly a Kamaka, and based on the handwriting and signatures on the label, it seems to be custom made. I also think it's a tenor, based on the number of frets. I'll put this up on the Bulletin Board for him. Answer: Thanks alot...nice to know you read this stuff..keep it up...chuck - Friday, February 21, 2003

Question asked by: Rick Subject: Fluke case Question: I'm interested in getting a hardshell case for a Fluke. Any recommendations? Thanks Answer: Jim Beloff...HELP...this is one for you. Is there such a thing as a hardshell case for a fluke. Let us all know...You report ,....We decide....Frets O'Reily - Friday, February 21, 2003

Question asked by: Doug Allen Subject: Jake Shimabukuro's Uke Question: Hi Chuck I noticed that the Uke in the photo of Jake Shimabukuro on his CD (aquired from Flea Market Music) has a logo like the Kamaka. But it doesn't look like any Kamaka I ever saw. Is it a Kamaka? Or if it is something different, what is it? To all of you out there, if you haven't heard this CD it's a must have. Thanks Doug (the guy who named UAD) Answer: Somebody out there needs to answer this who has the cd. I don't,but will..Until then, someone please answer doug allen's question and thanks for the review of the cd. Please keep reading the site....My big yearly raise is coming up and the more answers I give the more shares of stock I get. Since I do this for the love...if they double my salery...It feels twice as good...frets - Friday, February 21, 2003

Question asked by: Thomas Favilla Subject: Many variations of Favilla soprano ukes Question: Hi Chuck, Last week you asked about the many variations in body dimensions on Favilla soprano ukes. I credit this almost entirely to my grandfather John Favilla who was always tinkering with various ideas regarding soprano ukes. As early as 1930 the Favilla price sheet listed ten different models of soprano ukes (and this wasn't counting Wimbrola's) the attached photo is a small sample of various models. You also raised a question about the name S.S. Stewart. That name was owned by a musical instrument distributor, U.S. Musical Merchandise Co. (of New York City) who applied the name to what ever product they had someone make for them. You could find the name on everything from Alto Sax's to Zithers. I think somewhere I saw a Uke-Yak statement about Guild building in the 1940's. Guild wasn't established until 1953. Half of Guilds original shop was made up of former Favilla employees who departed Favilla in early 1953 when my grandfather suffered a heart attack and they questioned if the shop would be kept open. So much for my ramblings. Hope the info is of some use to uke yak. Best to you, Tom Favilla Photos:      Answer: Tom...your input is always appreciated. Thanks for the info and the pic. I tried to find the reference to Guild and the l930 by searching the yak, but couldn't..Really good information, I hope all of you out there make copies of this stuff. I add each piece to my library. Thanks again and thanks for reading my ramblings. frets - Friday, February 21, 2003

Question asked by: David Black Subject: Jonah Kumalae Uke Question: I inherited from my grandfather this beautiful little Hawaiian ukulele. He played it for many years in a "string orchestra" in Tacoma, Washington. The label inside reads: "Ukulele o Hawaii, made by JOANH KUMALAE, HONOLULU especially for A.A. Tayler Co., Tacoma Washington. Highest Award at Panama Pacific International Exposition 1915" Just above the label in pencil is the number 20. The instrument is very playable, nice and loud, very light weight, and in good condition with only minor dings and scratches. I still have the original canvas covered cardboard case, but it is in rather poor condition. Is there anything you can tell me about the instrument, its possible age and value? Photos:      Answer: It is a very nice example of a style one kumalae ukulele. Made in the 20-30's. Much nicer wood than is usually used for style ones. Its value is , depending on wind, 300+. Don't sell it..Play it....You can find all you need on this site to get started learning. It won't take long, and the rewards of playing greatly outweigh the monetary rewards....Boy...that sounded great..I'm off to play...frets...thanks for joining this site...stick around, you'll learn everything about everything.... - Monday, February 17, 2003

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