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

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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: LOREN Subject: TUNINGS AND STRINGS Question: HI..IAM NEW TO THE UKULELE AND I AM EXPLORING BOTH GCEA AND ADF#B TUNINGS.MY QUESTION IS:DO I NEED STRINGS MADE FOR EACH TUNING OR CAN I USE THE SAME STRINGS FOR BOTH?ALSO WHAT STRINGS DO YOU RECOMMEND?THANKS,LOREN. Answer: You can use the same set of strings for both tunings...I have used kamaka strings for years and love them...You should experiment with the different strings being made today. I would begin by ordering a set each of the ones offered on this site...there are three and they will give you a decent representation of the different types being made today. I like the Aquilla Nylagut alot also...I've screwed up the spelling I know, but you'll find it. I'm known for misspelllings....Welcome to the site and keep in touch..Let us know what you find out...We all want to know...thanks again...frets - Saturday, February 15, 2003

Question asked by: Steve Pepper Subject: Kumalae uke Question: Hi I just bought my first Hawiian artefact (Welll apart from tins of pineapple anyway. It needs a little work, non original tuners and bridge polish etc but it has a nice case. Can you tell me anything about which model, when it might have been made etc value? etc. Also how do you pronounce the Makers name? It sounds a lot sweeter than any of my modern ukes and quite loud as well in comparison. Thanks Steve Photos:      Answer: steve..its pronounced two different ways..kah-molly( accent on the last syllable) Ku-mah-lie ( accent on the first syllable)....It looks like what we would call a style 2 ..if it has trim on the back of the uke as well ...a style 3...value , depending on condition can by from 300-600...nice looking instrument. It was probably made in the last 20's early 30's...Hope I've helped...if I can answer any more questions, I will be amazed...frets - Friday, February 14, 2003

Question asked by: jeff chang Subject: Martin Value? Question: Dear sir, I recently acquired an ukulele. It's a Martin. I do own a small Kamaka back when it was $14. I'm interested in securing a value for it. After a bit of research, I discovered it was purchased for $79 at Gems (I was told) in Hawaii in the early sixties. It has turtle shell edging and is quite a bit larger than my Kamaka. It has 20 frets and the strangest thing is it has a turtle shell pick guard. I was told the pick guard was imported from Mexico from a reliable source (my step-mother). Though the tone remains bright and warm, I suspect there may be a hairline crack under it. After fiddling with it, I discovered the top string is tuned to "g" but an octave lower than my Kamaka. The wood appears to be Mahogany and the saddle has pegs holding down the strings . . . any feedback? P.s. I was really elated to discover this site! Imua! Answer: Jeff on this one I really need a picture....It could be alot of things. It could be a baritone with an added pickguard and it could be a tenor guitar...I will need to see it to help you..You are a lucky man. My mother-in-law was never a reliable source and knew nothing about pick-guards. If she had known about pickguards, perhaps we could have had a conversation about that...send pic....frets - Friday, February 14, 2003

Question asked by: Dean James Subject: Orpheus Baritone Uke Question: I'm curious if you have heard of Orpheus, particularly a baritone Ukulele (States "Made in U.S.A.") Just looking for a little background or history. I've also got a Gibson UB-1, but there is a ton of info on them. Thanks for everything Answer: Have seen them and don't know the maker. It seems to be a popular name for lots of things...vacuum cleaners,cars, etc...I think they were trying to copy an association with the Orpheum company, which was a Popular made instrument. Perhaps not. My favorite thing about the ub 1 ..is how many of them still exist.,.they either made a billion of them or the ones they made were damn good. I think the latter. I see them everywhere and they also sound good. You will rarely hear me say that about a banjo uke. But a UB1 strimg with gut strings is fun...thanks for writing in..will let you know if I fins Orpheus..frets and the hood.... - Friday, February 14, 2003

Question asked by: Joan Moore Subject: Tiples Question: Dear Chuck - I had the opportunity to play a Martin Tiple from the '60s over the weekend. I'm in love. It's so easy to play it almost wasn't fair. Does Martin still make tiples? Does anyone else? This one was $1,600. Is that typical? Or do I have to put this on my Lotto wish-list? Answer: Martin does not make tiples any more...I like them also...I play one all the time...1.600 is a fair price..certainly not a steal. For that money it would be the all mahogany version , in great shape and a hardcase. I don't know of a tiple being made today. I know of makers who would make them for you , but they would be alot more than 1600... good luck on the lotto.,... - Friday, February 14, 2003

Question asked by: Rufus Subject: Gibson Style 3s Question: G'day, Frets - in a neverending quest for uke trivia, I found myself comparing and contrasting images of Style 3 Gibsons (lovely...). I just wondered about the differences to help you date them - I presume the more decorative MOP inlay and heradstock pattern (like your example in Jim's book) are the earlier ones (first couple of years only?), but I also noticed a difference in binding too - some have white, black, white, while others have an extra blak and white too. Is this any indicator of whether they were early or late? Did they make long and short fingerboards throughout the production run? Was the production run 1927 - 1937? Don't I have anything better to do? Are you bored with my questions? Keep up the good work - hope Mount Idy is treating you well. Answer: Rufus..good to hear from you...long time no hear...I don't know where to start with the gibson story..They made what they wanted when they wanted to. They style that says "the gibson" on the top was made in l926..how long they made that model is anyone's guess. They made short fingerboard ones , usually spruce tops and x braced. They made long scale length..in various fingerboard decoractions. No way to date them from that. They made really odd ball very expensive ones...poinsetta, ones with scenes of venice on the fingerboard, painted secnes of italy on the body. Gibson didn't follow a pattern on anything anytime...I hope I have helped you...I have wondered all these years also. Have seen probably 20 varieties of style 3's and wish I owned them all today...keep in touch..things in Mt Idy are hummin along. As a matter of fact, I have to go to the Barbershop Quartet auditions tonight...Only one quartet, so it looks like were in...frets ( I sing tenor and bass..at the same time)... - Friday, February 14, 2003

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: Martin Koa Soprano Style ? Question: Perhaps you could tell me the style of this pre'33 Koa. I've styles 1,2,3 and 5K with the appropriate bindings, but the binding on this one is more like a style "o". There is no mention of a style "o" in the Koa section of Mike Longworths book. Mahalo. Photos:      Answer: I have only heard of one style O koa martin uke. Probably an employee made instrument. A phrase used for anything you can't explain. I can't tell from the pics if there is binding or not. It is definitly a style one. The dots on the fingerboard tell us that. It looks like there is a maple or light wood binding. That would be unusual..Any better pics would be appreciated. If there is anyone out there in ukeland who knowns anything..Please give kenny a hand...He needs it.,..frets, from the center of Mt Idy.... - Friday, February 14, 2003

Question asked by: Steve PP Subject: Mayfair Uke Question: Hi Chuck! Can you tell me what wood is used on this Mayfair concert! Any idea of the age of it also? Thanks! Steve. Photos:      Answer: The wood is Mahogany and the uke was made in the 40's. I have seen a few mayfair ukes..they are not bad. I have not seen a concert before..kinda neat. thanks for sharing it with us...Reminds me ...the Mt Idy Concert in the Park is soon...just as soon as we get a park...keep tuned....frets.. - Friday, February 7, 2003

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Fuh-Vill-Ah Question: Hi Chuck, The family pronunciation of FAVILLA is " Fuh-Vil-Ah". Yes my father, Herk published the first acknowledged Baritone Ukulele method in early 1959. Was deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mike Longworth. We had many interesting conversations in our meetings at prior Uke Expo's in New Jersey. Regards, Tom Favilla Photos:      Answer: Thanks Tom...glad to get it from the horses mouth..no insult intended. I have been pronouncing it wrong all these years. I guess that is the way I heard it first and have used it forever. Do you have any idea why the vast difference in the shapes, especially of soprano's. Some look like standard shapes and others look much like diston Dreadnoughts...As I have said in the past, I really like the sound of the Favilla, have a couple I have played since I was a kid. Thanks for the kind words about Mike...I feel I have lost a friend and misplaced a complete set of the ukulele encyclopedia. He knew all the answers and could recall them when needed. For me, that was all the time. Glad you read this board and always welcome your input. frets - Friday, February 7, 2003

Question asked by: LOREN Subject: UKE QUESTIONS Question: HI..I HAVE SEVERAL QUESTIONS IF YOU CAN BEAR WITH ME: FIRST, I RECENTLY BOUGHT AN INEXPENSIVE SOPRANO UKE.THE INSIDE LABEL READS"LOW A STANDARD UKULELE" MADE IN TAIWAN.CAN YOU TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT THIS? ALSO,CAN I TUNE THIS TO LOW G WITH GOOD RESULTS?OR SHOULD IT REMAIN AT LOW A ? I BOUGHT A SET OF STRINGS THAT ARE LOW A.CAN THESE STRINGS BE USED FOR EITHER LOW A OR LOW G TUNING? AND FINALLY, ANY TIPS ON PUTTING NEW STRINGS ON A UKE?WHEW!!! THANKS FOR YOUR HELP, LOREN LEVY. Answer: loren...not familiar with the uke in question. my answer is that if it will take a low a, it will take a low g., just listen that the sound doesn't get muffled. My tip for putting new strings on a uke is have someone else do it. I can do it, but hate the job...just not handy..love the way a good stringer does it...all neat and trimmed. If we can be of any more help..just write..love to hear from you...best and keep em comin...chuck - Friday, February 7, 2003

Question asked by: kiwi Subject: Aquila strings Question: ALOHA! Have you tried the Aquila strings?? WHAT think if you have??!!! Answer: I like them alot. first tried them about a year ago and love the mellow sound. I notice that alot of the new builders are using them. I am still a fan of the older broken in strings...hard to teach an old dog new strings...best from the mtns of idy...frets - Friday, February 7, 2003

Question asked by: Clyde Subject: Favilla Question: Although it is spelled F-A-V-I-L- L-A it is actually pronounced mangrove throat warbler. Answer: clyde...your nutz....but you made me laugh...thanks. I needed that...best and keep those helpful hints comin...frets - Friday, February 7, 2003

Question asked by: Ken Bailey Subject: Finding Paradise Question: Aloha Chuck, I just recieved a copy of Don Severson's "Finding Paradise", a remarkable book on Hawaiian antiques from private collections. The photos and text are truly stunning. Your chapter on Hawaiian Ukuleles was of course most interesting. I am just in awe of the photo of the Ukulele attributed to David Mahelona. Please, if you would, embellish on that Uke and J.F. Rosa. Mahalo Nui Loa, Ken Bailey Answer: Ken...thanks for the kind words. I am very proud of my contribution to the book and the entire book itself...It is called Finding Paradise..Island art in Private Colections. 20 or so Experts in their fields of Hawaiiana have donated a chapter to this beautiful book. It is available thru the Honolulu Academy of Arts book shop. Tele number 808-532-8700. Just call and leave your credit card number and they will ship to you. Its a heavy book, coffee table sized and all glossy. A real class act. Beautiful Photographs. A piece I am proud to have on my coffee table. I get nothing from the sale of these books. My deal was ...books for words. I will receive a small number of the books each signed by the author of each chapter. I will have a couple of these books available for sale and anyone interested, please let me know and I will start a list. I only have a very few. I'm sorry to use this forum to sell books, but I have such a limited number I thought this way everyone would have a chance. I will also put it on marketplace and the bulletin board. That way all will have a chance. As far as the Melehona violin uke and Rosa, I will cover them in a separate answer. Thanks again for the kind words Ken...Always a pleasure to hear from you..frets - Friday, February 7, 2003

Question asked by: tmjst Subject: Old Martin uke Question: Hi! I recently started playing an old Martin uke that my mother-in-law bought sometime around WWII when she was a nurse in Hawaii. It looks like the base-end Martin... not much in the way of banding, etc. However, the tuning gears probably need to be replaced... they're kinda loose. Most of the pictures of Martin ukes I've seen on the Web show the tuning key sticking out the back, but these are the kind that use a worm gear so that the tuning key is at a right angle to the peg, more like a folk-style guitar. Okay, so this leads to a couple of questions: (1) Are these the original Martin pegs, or has someone changed them? (2) If I replace them, will the value be degraded much? (3) Can you recommend a brand of replacement tuning gear? Does it really matter which style is used? Answer: Hi...the tuners are not original. You should get the original tuners on the uke. You can write the martin company..you will find them on-line and order a set that will do the job. You should replace them, as the value is lessened by leaving the dumbo ear tuners on it. I would also give the job to a luthier and ask that the holes left by the other tuner screws be filled in so that the back of the headstock looks finished...Not alot of little worm like holes. This will help the originality and the value of the uke. Good luck and let us know how it works out...frets and the gang - Friday, February 7, 2003

Question asked by: danl terry Subject: What's this? Question: Chuck, I recently picked this stunning little ukulele after having restored several for a friend in Hawaii, and I caught the uke bug. This one caught my eye because the wood was so stunning and it appears to be at least 50 or more years old and although somewhat crude (as in handmade rather than factory work) it's clearly a high quality work of love with lavish rope binding and some of the most stunning flamed koa I've ever seen. Can you help identify the maker of this from the photo composite supplied? Thanks. Love y Photos:      Answer: danl....mainland made. to look hawaiian. heel cap cover is not part of the back..dead giveaway its not hawaiian. beautiful wood. My guess is Regal over Harmony. Harmony had the great Mahogany and Regal has some killer Koa. Its hard to tell exactly who made it. But your time table is right 40's perhaps a little earlier. The butt joint is also a little crude. It needs a lighter piece of wood to be a hawaiian. I wish I could hold it in my hands, I could do a better job..Look inside and see how the neck is attached. If there is a bolt. It is regal, if no, It's really hard to say. All this said, it is a beautiful instrument, worthy of whatever it takes to make it 100 percent. I would be happy to have it in my collection...chuck - Friday, February 7, 2003

Question asked by: larry Subject: uke Question: i have[ kamaka ukuee],real nice condition made in honolulu,hawaii,usa what's it value i like the sound of it want to learn some tunes on it Answer: Larry, I need a picture of the uke...I can help..Kamaka made hundreds of styles and I don't know which one from your description. frets - Friday, February 7, 2003

Question asked by: Sil da Trill Subject: A one of a kind Frisco Question: Being from the SF Bay Area, I had the opportunity to visit one of the Frisco Uke Designers, Marc Silber. To satiate that UAD (uke aquistion disruption, I'd say rather than "disorder") I got this Frisco. But notice that the "f" and "s" cutouts are reversed and backwards. I put my other prized Martin 1k in the picture disprove any camera trickery. Does this anomaly increase its value? I said to Marc, "How do you feel that the "f" is above the "s"? He answered "It's actually a lefty." Photos:      Answer: HI.,..The type of F holes is the way all the ukes were made..except the oval hole and the prototypes. Stands for the initials of the designers. Silber and I forgot the name of the other guy. Hope you get to meet him some day, I hear he's , although almost senile, a pretty decent guy. If Marc said its a Lefty, I would go along with that. After all, he is one of the designers. Enjoy... I happen to be one of the lucky two who have a prototype and they are fabulous sounding instruments...all of the frisco ukes. YOu almost never see one for sale. Thats a sign of a good uke. Nobody wants to get rid of them...Fabulous sound if I do say so myself. Thanks for the report..Keep in touch.. - Thursday, February 6, 2003

Question asked by: Kent Knorr Subject: Winner Uke / Uke strings Question: Hi, I have two questions. The first is about a ukulele I bought recently. The decal on the headstock reads "Winner" and it has rope binding along the back and top edge as well as down the middle of the fret board and headstock. I can't find any other name or markings. Is it made by Regal? My next question is about tenor ukulele strings. I have a Kamaka tenor that I tune to standard G. I'm looking for strings with more tension so I can get more volume/tone out of the instrument. What brand do you suggest? Thanks time and help! Kent Answer: Kent, I have seen many winner ukes and have always assumed either regal or harmony made them...As far as the strings, I would stick to Kamaka or try the Martin strings, they have alot more tension. But, its not going to be the tension that determines the volumn, it will be the uke. I'm sure one of the yakkers out there will have a suggestion for better strings..I will pass it along when I get it. In the meantime, you might want to post this question on our buletin board..You will reach the guys who have really researched this exact problem good luck..they are a great bunch and very well educated in the uke ways...frets - Thursday, February 6, 2003

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