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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
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(Chuck
"Frets" Fayne has answered the following 5919
questions.)
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Question asked by:
Evelyn Anonsen
Subject: Please tell me what I have
Question: Please tell about this ukulele and
what it is worth (what type of
ukulele is it?)
The inside says "Ukulele O Hawaii,
made by Leonard Nunes, Los
Angeles, CA.
Thanks!
Photos:
Answer: Hello Evelyn again. It is a ukulele made by the son of one of the original uke makers in Hawaii, Manuel Nunes. He moved to Los Angeles, year unknown, and made a very good ukulele. I would be interested to know if the label says " Leonard, or Leonardo...Thanks...chuck
- Saturday, April 19, 2014
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Question asked by:
Jonathan
Subject: Can you ID this baritone?
Question: A friend of mine picked up this
vintage mahogany baritone recently
but doesn't know anything about it.
Any ideas as to maker and value?
Thanks!
Photos:
Answer: Jonathan.. not enough to go on. Dots resemble harmony but shape doesn't seem right. Looks fairly well made. Sorry, Its tough with just a picture....chuck
- Monday, October 14, 2013
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Question asked by:
Faye
Subject: Uke strings
Question: I have a mini soprano and have been
advised to change the strings. I was also
advised to google and ask what type of
strings it needs. The measurement from the
bridge to the nut is 29 centimetres. Would
be happy if you have any help for me,
please. Faye
Photos:
Answer: Faye..the best way to do this is to take it to a luthier in a music shop and ask for it to be done there. If they have it in their hands it becomes easy. I can't advise from here. They will be able to help...chuck
- Monday, October 14, 2013
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Question asked by:
Ginger
Subject: Kumalae Ukulele
Question: Hi Chuck,
I have been cleaning out my parents
attic and found this Uke. It needs
some repair. How to I know if it's
Soprano, Tenor or other ? Also, Is
it better to restore it and sell it
or sell it as is ? Any idea on the
true market value of such a piece.
I do not know the history of it. I
do not know of any family member
who has been to Hawaii or the west
coast. I understand from google
searches it is Koa Wood and from
approximately the 1920's. I
appreciate your input.
Photos:
Answer: Ginger...its going to be tough to sell in any condition. Repaired it might go as a player. couple hundred dollars. You would spend more on restoring it than its worth. Put it up on marketplace as best offer and see what you get. Thanks...chuck
- Monday, October 14, 2013
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Question asked by:
Julien staudt
Subject: No name uke
Question: Hello, I'm working on this nice
vintage ukulele to restore it but I
have no idea where it comes from
and how old it is. It has only a
piece of the sticker left inside
where you can read "lifetime
guarantee". No mark, stamps or
number of any kind anywhere... Do
you have any lead to learn more
about it?
Photos:
Answer: The little I can tell is...it is not Hawaiian. It is Mahogany, I have no idea who made it. Wish I could be more help...chuck
- Thursday, October 3, 2013
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Question asked by:
Maggie
Subject: no name banjolele
Question: Hi,
I recently got this bangolele on ebay. I got it
for a pretty good price since it had no brand
name on it. I was wondering if you had any
idea of who made it, and it's approximate
value. It cleaned up very nicely, and sounds
great with new nylon strings instead of the
old steel ones it came with.
Thanks for your time!
Maggie
Photos:
Answer: I have no idea who made it. Many banjo ukes were made that look like alike
Its American, Its classy and made well. Not a cheapy...The sound is the most important thing. Value 300 on a good day...thanks...chuck
- Thursday, October 3, 2013
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Question asked by:
Larry Murphy
Subject: Bequeathing your role to someone with more time?
Question: Frettie, While you are
hyperknowledgable, it sounds like
you are also hyperbusy in your
day to day life. Would you
consider taking a sabbatical &
letting someone else do the
Yakkin'? It could be like one of
those TV shows where they rotate
in various candidates for a set
period of time. Then, if you
decided you wanted to resume, you
could. If not there could be an
election via the Bull-Board or
you could hand pick your
successor. At least think about
it. My belief is it could breath
some fresh air into the BB; I
think that Yak drives a lot of
people to the BB. Do think about
it. I personally am not a
candidate for the position. What
I will do is that if you don't
respond to this email [or on the
Yak page], I'll post a similar
proposal on the Bull-Bd. If for
no other reason than to get a
Bullish discussion cooking. Let
me know what you're thinking.
Larry Murphy [Muttzukii]
Answer: Larry...I can't tell you how much I appreciate your email. Since the Uke Yak is my property, and I am able to make my own decisions, I will. I have been hyper ill and that accounts for some of the absence. I have also been doing this since l997 and If I feel I would like take some time off, I will. As I said, It is my decision. As you stated in your threat, If you feel that this is not being done to your liking, Please post this anywhere you feel will satisfy your desire to meddle. Please remember, My decisions far outweigh your opinions. Your friend forever....chuck
- Thursday, October 3, 2013
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Question asked by:
Lester Brandt
Subject: ID old handmade Koa Ukulele
Question: Aloha Chuck.
Found this at flea market today. Seller said it
was hand made. Koa body and neck. Bridge
is made of Milo wood. The date 1936 is
written inside under the sound hole. The
word Hilo is engraved in the head. Looks like
a nice hand made homemade plantation uke
to me.Great tone. Uke wood seams are tight.
Any thoughts to share? I'm sure its is worth
the hundred bucks I paid.
Mahalo from Lester inPuna, Hawai'i
Photos:
Answer: Lester, any time you need to bail out please let me know. You are correct,this is a home made ukulele and perhaps the best I've seen. I love it. It looks like it sounds great, as if looks could tell. Hundred bucks. Highway robbery. Let me know how it sounds. Will add the pics to my best of...file....chuck
- Thursday, October 3, 2013
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Question asked by:
Ryan
Subject: Antone Abreo Ukulele
Question: Hello Chuck,
I am at it again, always on the search for early
ukuleles....
Can you tell me anything about Antone Abreo,
a Portuguese immigrant building in Pai'a, Maui
around 1910 - 1920? I was recently able to
buy this ukulele, and it turns out there is VERY
LITTLE information out there about the builder.
Searching Uke Yak there are two previous
questions about the builder. Tom Walsh tells
me he has seen several other examples, and
shared photos, each one being unique. One
label has his name is spelled Abreo, another
Abrew. Jim Tranquada told me that Abreo
came to Hawaii in 1886 in the wave of
Portuguese immigration. Seems his ukuleles
are almost unknown. Can you tell me anything
else about this builder and have you seen other
examples? The headstock on mine is really
unique.
Photos:
Answer: Ryan. I have seen two other ukuleles by this maker. You know as much as I do about it. You have gotten your information from the most knowledgeable. I didn't know he was among the early immigrants. Thanks for sharing. chuck
- Thursday, October 3, 2013
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Question asked by:
bonnie
Subject: vintage kamaka
Question: Can you give me a general idea of the value
of a 50's gold label baritone Kamaka w. orig
case. Saw one one local craigslist and don't
really know what a fair price would be. It
appears to be in good conditon.
Answer: Bonnie. I really don't know for sure. All baritones are hard to sell. The Kamaka name helps some. I would think 500 would be a fair price in today's market. good luck chuck
- Thursday, October 3, 2013
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Question asked by:
spoefish
Subject: Kinney & Mossman Uke
Question: Well, no thanks to the nice label
inside there is no doubt about what
this uke is. A Kinney and Mossman -
I guess from the 1914-1918 time
period. I have had it a long time,
and only recently found it again.
Seems to be very original except
for the friction tuners, and in
pretty decent shape. Plays easy
and sounds very nice. But I don't
really know much about these, and
what the opinion of them is. I
don't think it will replace my
Pohaku soprano, so am trying to
decide what to do with it.
Photos:
Answer: Heard of Mossman...not Kinney. Mossman ws an early builder of decent instruments. I would think your dates are correct. I don't know what you should do with it, I know what I would do with it...Play it. I'm sure there are a lot of early Hawaiian uke collectors out there who would be anxious to own it.
- Thursday, October 3, 2013
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Question asked by:
Axel Müller
Subject: unknown Uke
Question: Hi, have You ever seen such a
ukulele? No name, no sign, no idea,
perhaps "Vogtland".
gregorio domingo was a
music-teacher in honolulu and he
tried to sell hawaiian ukuleles in
germany at the fair in Leipzig fall
1928. He also edites a ukulele
method, I have one.
He had an adress Hamburg,
Brennerstr. 31 and also an adress
in Berlin.
Axel
Photos:
Answer: Axel...Well it will have to remain unknown. I have never seen one like it. I would love to see one like it in my collection...It is superior craftsmanship and the attention to detail is wonderful..Thanks for sharing. I'm envious....c
- Monday, July 29, 2013
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Question asked by:
Shawn Y. (ukulelefriend.com)
Subject: 1968 Kamaka Brazilian Rosewood Guitar
Question: Aloha Chuck,
Just wanted to share a few photos with you
and the Uke Yakers of a rare 1968 Kamaka
classical guitar handcrafted with Brazilian
rosewood back and sides and a cedar wood
soundboard. Plays great!
all the best,
Shawn Y.
ukulelefriend.com
Photos:
Answer: Shawn...what a beauty...Thanks for sharing. I am jealous..chuck
- Monday, July 29, 2013
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Question asked by:
ERNEST LONGWORTH
Subject: Mike's ukuleles
Question: have ukulele question
Answer: Mike...easiest question I have ever answered.
- Friday, July 26, 2013
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Question asked by:
Cindy Mitchell
Subject: L. Viohl's HAWAIIAN UKELELE
Question: Can you please tell me anything
about this Ukelele? It belonged to
my husband's Grandfather (he
remember's him playing it quite
well in the 60's for sure but knows
he played for years before that).
I am curious about the year,
quality and general value. If it
is even remotely possible, I would
appreciate having this information
today. Thank you for any help you
can offer. Cindy
Photos:
Answer: Cindy
Easy...never heard of this ukulele before your question..If anyone out there knows about it...please write in...c
- Friday, July 26, 2013
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Question asked by:
jay cleveland
Subject: Kamaka pineapple uke
Question: Chuck,
I have been told this gold label
Kamaka pineapple uke is a rarity
due to the round 1 piece bottom.
Can you comment and suggest a value
of this instrument/ Thanks
JC
Photos:
Answer: Jay...the pics you sent come in so small I can't tell what it is. I have no idea what you mean by a round 1 piece bottom as it applies to a ukulele. Please send pics I can see and especially of the rare part. Thanks...c
- Friday, July 26, 2013
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Question asked by:
Eric Anonsen
Subject: Martin Eukulele
Question: This is the second eukulele I
inherited from my father-in-law.
Would appreciate any information
and an approx. value. The only
marking is photographed and
says "C.F. Martin & Co.; Nazareth,
PA. Thanks in advance!
Photos:
Answer: Eric...it is a style 2 martin ukulele, early 1930's. It appears to have been refinished at some time. A little to glossy. Doesn't it also have cf martin on the inside of the uke? If it does not let me know. thanks for writing in...c
- Tuesday, July 9, 2013
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Question asked by:
Eric Anonsen
Subject: Leonardo Nunes Ukulele
Question: Inherited two eukulele's from my
father-in-law and was wondering if
you could provide any history and
the approximate value. Have had a
couple of offers but not sure if
they are fair.
The inside says "Eukulele O Hawaii
Made by Leonardo Nunes; Los
Angeles, California
Photos:
Answer: Eric..It is a very rare pin bridge soprano ukulele in what appears in lovely condition. If I owned this uke, I would not take less than 1500 for it. The wood is wonderful and all in all, a rare bird. thanks for sending it in....Id like to make an offer, but then I have already estimated myself out of my market. best...chuck
- Tuesday, July 9, 2013
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Question asked by:
Dan Marek
Subject: Old Martin? and Kamaka tiples.
Question: Hi Chuck:
I have these two tiples I would
like some information on. The
first I believe is a Martin but it
has no markings besides the number
that reads something blotted then
11 the 705, the second is made by
Samuel Kamaka in 1971 and is number
1. I was wondering the date of the
Martin and if any more were made by
Samuel or the Kamaka company. I
would also like to know any value.
Dan
Photos:
Answer: Dan...The first tiple is definitely not a martin for many reasons. Martin did not make instruments, unless they were employee made instruments, without identification. Decal, impression of headstock back or label. The kamaka is quite nice. The first tiple has some value...400 in today's soft market. The kamaa is worth 1200+. A quite nice example of an early Tiple.
- Tuesday, July 9, 2013
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Question asked by:
Dee
Subject: Age and type of Favilla uke
Question: Greetings, Chuck!
Could you tell me the style and date of this
Favilla uke? Also, is this the original finish?
There's some flaking around the sound
hole-- is that wax or the original finish?
Thanks so much for your time and
expertise!
Kind regards,
Dee
Photos:
Answer: tom...can you help out as usual...I am asking Ton Favilla, old friend and Favilla expert guess why...thanks again..chuck
- Saturday, July 6, 2013
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