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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

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: 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: Doug Uke Subject: Beltona vs. KP Question: G'day Chuck, Not sure this is a fair question and I know they are very different instruments but how would you compare your KP baritone with your Beltona Blue? Thanks. Answer: Like I would compare a trumpet to a car jack...Its not an unfair question, its impossible. Be specific. The closestI can come is....they are both able to make music....try again doug..I'll help if I can...frets - Friday, January 31, 2003

Question asked by: TRS Subject: fresvilla Question: Frets, Refering to a previous post, I think you would be the one to ask : Do you pronounce it "fres-vee-ya" or "fres-vill- uh" ? thanks, Tom ;-) Answer: Chuck....if you please...thanks.... - Wednesday, January 29, 2003

Question asked by: bill templeton Subject: favilla ukulele Question: chuck - would you please tell me how to pronounce "favilla"? is it fa-vee'-yuh fav'-a'la or something else? thanks Answer: I have always pronounced it fa-vee'-ya./.I have heard it prounounced favilla..like in the village...I have never heard on of the Favilla family pronounce, I think they would really be the ones to ask...They have a website. Go to Google and type in Favilla and you will find them...let us know what you find out...Fresvilla.... - Wednesday, January 29, 2003

Question asked by: Chuck Bogle Subject: Williams Uke Question: Greetings Chuck, Do you know what different types of woods that Williams brand ukes were made from? I recently purchased a Williams Pineapple uke through eBay, and am waiting for it to be delivered. It has the bright red nut and saddle with "Williams" written across the top of the head - any guess as to the year(s) it was made? I know through reading your Uke Yaks that it was mainland USA made, and that you have a couple of them yourself. Kindest regards, Chuck Answer: I have had many williams ukes over the years...I have always gotten a chuckle over the red saddle and red nuts...somehow they just seem to go together. Somebody's clever joke, I hope...I always assumed the wood was a very cleap mahogany. I have never been sure. The company is long out of business and I do not have a catalog of their instruments. Whatever the wood is, its not expensive...very loose grained and kind of splintery. However, they have a good sound. I still own one that I play now and then...I actually play the song "now and Then".,.I almost never play the uke...Best to you from frets and the boyz from the wood..... - Wednesday, January 29, 2003

Question asked by: Vincent Subject: Lehua Concert Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, Just got a new Lehua Concert Ukulele and just love its nice action and great sound. And I didin't have to "remortgage the house" to buy it. I was wondering if you have ever played one and what your opinion Answer: Thanks for the report. I have never played one so my opinion is still up for grabs. I hope some of you out ther in yak land who have played a Lehua, will write in with a report. Thanks..always glad to hear about good stuff....frets - Wednesday, January 29, 2003

Question asked by: Mike Mannion Subject: 1980 Martin mint . . . Question: . . . baritone ukulele - approximately what should the seller be asking for it? Thanks . . . Answer: In great condition with a case...should bring 800-1000..... a couple bucks less if you get the wind just right....Don't be in a rush...there were alot of them made and they not as popular as the other sizes...hold out for a great deal....frets - Sunday, January 26, 2003

Question asked by: crazyguitarman Subject: Uke instruction material Question: Chuck, I read on-line that Herk Favilla wrote the first method book for the baritone Uke. Do you know anything about it and where I could possibly get one? Thanks, Answer: I don't know if thats true, however you can get to the favilla web site and ask tom, who would probably know. I'd place this on the bulletin board and you will probably find one of the uke nuts who will know...they know everything. Its great having them on the other side of the site...IF you have trouble finding the info, write again and I will dig deeper...frets - Sunday, January 26, 2003

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Mike Longworth Question: Chuck, Excuse me for using your Yak for such a message, but the only other way I know to get a picture on The Flea Market would be to sell something, and I don't think it would be appropriate today. I just got a call that Mike Longworth passed away last night (Tues 1/22). Mike was a friend and an important member of our mad ukulele community. His contributions were a gift to us all. I'll post something on the bulletin board. With sympathy for Sue Longworth and all of Mike's family and friends, Robert Wheeler founder Ukulele Consciousness Photos:      Answer: Thanks Robert. I think the pic tells it all. If you don't understand the man from the pic..look again...a walnut uke???? ..There won't be another and there shouldn't be. There was room for only one and I'm honored to have lived in his time. Thanks again Robert, it was the best way to get a pic up...Remember,the best way to keep mike in our hearts and minds is to play. I'm sure he would want that....I have to run, the Mt.Idy Marching band is giving Mike a 21 uke salute....God Bless.....frets - Thursday, January 23, 2003

Question asked by: D Subject: Vintage Hilo Question: Sending third and last hoping you will at long last answer my question regarding market value of solid mahogany vintage green/yellow - Diamondhead decal HILO BARITONE; what it worth in US$? Sounds great, measures 30" although neck is slightly more slender than most baritone ukes (which DOES make it easier to play.) I may sell it or I may keep and sell my Favilla baritone instead. The wisdom of your response much appreciated, even with the requisite side of corn. Best regards, - Cuz'n D. Answer: D..it depends on whether or not it is a vintage Hilo or a modern made one. The vintage hilo could be worth a few hundred bucks...Not a bad instrument in a soprano howere I have not seen a baritone. Traditionally bari's are harder to sell. The Modern Hilo's, at least the ones I have played, dont do it for me. The Favilla has also never been my favorite. It is too heavy for me. I have had a few and never kept one..Guess that says something. Hope this helps...Brush your teeth after the corn..Those little pieces are hell ....bewt...chuck - Wednesday, January 22, 2003

Question asked by: Chuck Bogle Subject: uke cleaning Question: Greetings Chuck, A few quick questions for you sir... What do you recommend for the proper cleaning of vintage ukes? Do you recommend using oil or wax as way of getting a uke looking great and keeping it from drying out? Is it best to have cracks or splits repaired before using oil or wax on the finish? Kindest regards, Chuck Atlanta, GA USA Answer: Its best to do all work before cleaning. Its harder to get the glue to stick to an oily surface. I clean my ukes in the simplest way. A little light soapy water to remove the grime and a decent wax, Gibson makes a good cleaner, available at most fine music stores..I like the oil available at most Violin repair shops..But remember, if the wood is very dry..just a little, it can affect the color of the finish. If you are dealing with an area where the wood is eaten away ( strum wear to the right of the strings) it sill sop it up like a sponge...Always pick a small area and give any cleaner a try...See what it does...Remember, when dealing with a scratch, you have an area where the wood is exposed with no finish protection. Its going to react differently to the cleaner...good luck...go slowly, you've got all the time in the world. The uke is not going anywhere..chucko - Wednesday, January 22, 2003

Question asked by: Ken McCaulou Subject: Metal strings Question: Hi, I'm playing a nice new Mele Tenor Uke with a Fishman wireless pick-up I got set up at the factory store in the Islands. I tune the G an octave lower on a metal string and when I broke the C string recently at an Orchestra Camp, a prominent San Francisco Violist gave me a metal replacement that is not wound. It's a beautiful smooth silver string (of the proper diameter) that looks more like a smooth silver necklace. It works fantastically and when I bought a replacement for the donor at a music store, the one string was $12.00. Are performing Uke Artists using strings of this type? It's certainly easier on the fingers!,but I mostly like the Tenor with 2 metal strings as it sounds more like a jazz guitar. Would appreciate your comments. KHM Answer: Ken, the stringing of a uke is such a personal thing..I do mine in a closet. I have heard of hundreds of different types of tunings with different strings. I just strung a Martin style 3 ,1918 vintage with the first three strings Martin and the fourth string ...a Gretch from the 20's. I needed that softer sound and I was a little concerned about the bridge and wanted to see what it would take before I put on a larger string. I like the sound and am going to put a full set of Vintage Gretch and see what it sounds like. I already know I will not get the volume, however I may want to trade volume for sweetness. Its just a matter of trial and error and it will vary with the instrument. I have a very early Kamaka strung with a set of genuine Gut strings from the teens. It sounds fantastic. I was lucky enough to get a few sets of Real gut strings. Odd, but wonderful percussive sound. I don't know if I even came close to answering your question, but I hope I have...best..frets - Wednesday, January 22, 2003

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: tenor strings on baritone Question: Regarding stringing a baritone uke with tenor strings, do you have any experience or theory about how this would work with other brands? (Was your uke built with notion in nmind?) I do have more than one baritone, a year ago I had no ukuleles now...it is habit forming. If I ever find out what bated (baited?) breath is I will await your wisdom with it. Thank you Answer: I think baited breath has something to do with fishing, but I can't tell the difference between a baited fish's breath and one with no bait. It isn't for a lack of trying, that I don't understand. But, so many people are trying to find the answer, the fish market is crowded with people just waiting to smell the fish...My uke was made by Ken Potts and yes it was designed to be strung as a tenor. I don't really know how it would work with other brands. I guess you have to give it a try or write Ken and ask him his opinion. I have strung other bari's this way but didn't get the sound I get on the KP...Take it easy and test the string tension by pushing on the string at above the soundhole and see if it touches the fretboard easily. If it is tight...STOP .,.or you might be wearing that bridge on the bridge of your nose. I am waiting to send this gem of wisdom until my breath is baited....Here comes...frets - Wednesday, January 22, 2003

Question asked by: Gregg Subject: Can you ID this ukulele? Question: Chuck, do you know who was the maker of this soprano ukulele? And if so, any idea of its value? It has no distinguishing maker's marks that I can see. This uke is one that didn't cost me much money, but is a real joy to play. It has great intonation, is very bright and is loud. Thanks for all of your help. If the photo did not come through, no need to post this with the same "Send my a picture, I'm not a psychic" line. Thanks again. Photos:      Answer: Gregg...have seen that headstock on many different ukes. It is much like the early efforts of the founders of the uke. However, on mainland ukes they all seem to be, not top of the line models. I have looked thru catalogues and many companies distributed a uke that looks exactly like that. I have a feeling that one of the mass producers made a truckload and all carried it. I will do some further research and see if I can find who actually was the maker, if in fact if was only one. The fact that is sounds great, is the best news...I still would rather hear them than look at them...must go..the yoddling lessons begin in a little while and I have misplaced my falsetto...from high atop Mt idy Mt..frets - Wednesday, January 22, 2003

Question asked by: Mike Subject: bari that plays like . . . Question: Frets, you said to someone in a very recent reply that you "have a bari that plays like a tenor . ." - please explain what you meant. Thanks again for your help. Answer: I have a baritone uke made by Ken Potts of KPukuleles. It is strung with tenor strings so it has the depth of a baritone but the brightness of a tenor...real neat...frets - Sunday, January 19, 2003

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page