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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

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: Steve Subject: Best Quality/Affordable Tenor Uke Question: What is the best quality TENOR uke that I can get for around 120- 150US May be a dumb question considering the range of prices and quality out there. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you. Oh, do you know of any JAZZ uke players? Answer: The greatest Jazz uke player in the world is Lyle Ritz....CD's available..look at the on-line store on this site. I don't know of a specific tenor in your price range. You just have to keep haunting the stores and bidding networks until you find one..If I see anything, I'll write..thanks for writing in...chuck - Saturday, January 18, 2003

Question asked by: Tony Subject: Nothing Ukulele Question: Hi Frets, I mostly play ukuleles these days, but, I do have a couple of tenor guitars I like to goof around with. For the fellow looking for information on tenor guitars, he should go to tenorguitar.com for some valuable information. Sometimes your humor is a little subtle, at least for me, but I thought you might be aware of Steve Pyott who lives on the outskirts of Brisbane who was instrumental in getting the BB established and is very knowledgeable re: the tenor guitar and it's history. Answer: Thanks Tony...Will look up Steve..Always interested in talking shop. It must not be that subtle, if you recognized it as humor. Heres laughing with ya....frets - Saturday, January 18, 2003

Question asked by: MakuleJoe Subject: Tenor guitar site Question: Aloha Frets - In response to the uke yak from Rick Aurora, there is a tenor guitar site at www.tenorguitar.com complete with chat line. Got ahold of KPukes. Thanks. Want to order a bari and after taking stock of my junks, I knew there was no tenor ukes amonst them. Hmm. Bari or tenor. Was passing a shirt shop the other nite - saw shirt and for some strange reason thought, "Fret's would probably like this.. if they drink drunk like we do... With that in mind, and if you don't live in Hawaii where this shirt is readily available - AND IF YOU DON'T MIND receiving a sorta thanks for the jokes and fantastik info on yur sight!!- what size t-shirt do you wear, and what's your snail mail address. Mahalo! Answer: how nice,..I wear an extra large and my snail mail address is chuck fayne 21 pascoe st glen iris, 3146 victoria, australia thanks for the info about the tenor guitar site. Glad your going KP...you will like...as for the size..I can't help you there....Its just a matter of preference. I can tell you, as you probably know from my ramblings, I have a bari that plays like a tenor. Best of both worlds...Joe, thanks again for thinking or me. Its nice...frets.. - Saturday, January 18, 2003

Question asked by: Rick Aurora Subject: KeyCord Uke? Question: Hello Chuck, I have enjoyed reading your answers for quite some time. There is so much to know about our ukuleles. I knew it was only a matter of time before I had a question or two. I have had a KeyCord stringed instrument for a few years. It is very lovely and I have kept it in a dark closet for way too long. It is just short of 32 inches tall. (see photo) It has a keypad on the fret board with 21 keys. (see photo) The keypad is sort of like the plastic ones from the 1950s that was held on by rubber bands except that this one is stuck on for good. This instrument has on it what I believe are piano strings. When I press down on the keys it make awful sounds. I would guess that this thing is a baritone ukulele by it's size and have tuned it accordingly. The head is ivory?plastic? and says,' KeyCord'. It just might be the instrument for one who has arthritic fingers. I wonder if you could tell me more about this instrument? Would nylon strings make it sound sweeter? Thank you in advance. yours, Rick Aurora . Photos:      Answer: This instrument is a tenor guitar made by a couple of companies. It would sound better with gut strings. Nice idea, not practical. Also, not a ukulele. YOu will find it pictured in the Gruhn guitar book...Have had them, never able to get them to work..You need to find a tenor guitar site, if there is one and ask someone who owns one. best...frets - Friday, January 17, 2003

Question asked by: Dennis E Subject: Ukulele Bridges Question: Are pin bridges better than tie-on bridges? Does it make any difference in the sound? I prefer tie-on britches, myself, but I don't know much about ukulele bridges. The early soprano and concert ukes I've seen have tie-on bridges, but many of the high-end ukes I've seen lately have pin bridges. Answer: I prefer pin bridges on most ukuleles. They are less stressful to the face of the uke. For me, who cannot replace a lightbulb, it is easier to string the uke. Its a matter of personal preference. I have had hundreds of uke and only a couple of bridges have pulled up. Many of the earliest ukuleles made had pin bridges. The Portugese were fond of them and early attempts at the Hawaiian Ukulele are with pin bridges. I have not answered your question, I know, but I'm not sure I have one...frets - Thursday, January 16, 2003

Question asked by: Shelton Subject: Martin Taropatch Question: I just bought a Martin taropatch off eBay that may need some minor repairs. Do you have a Nashville- based luthier you could recommend? I know of quite a few good folks here, but they most work in steel- string instruments. Much thanks, and keep up the good work! Photos:      Answer: Shelton, you are are living in a town with perhaps, the largest dealer of guitars in the world...he will know of every luthier alive..Call Gruhn Guitars and ask for George or ask anyone who works there. They will give you more names than you need. Nice instrument, and it should be attended to by a competent luthier..good luck...frets - Thursday, January 16, 2003

Question asked by: Mike Subject: tenor vs baritone?? Question: Frets - I am looking at getting either a Martin tenor or Martin baritone uke. Which do you think will sound better and be more adaptable for the types of music that I like the best - bluegrass, folk, soft rock, big band sound. Thanks - your help and input is always appreciated. Answer: Mike...I couldn't come within a million miles of answering your question. The differences between bluegrass, folk, soft rock and big band are so great that I'm not sure there is an answer. I'm trying to imagine a tenor uke in a bluegrass or big band and wondering if it would be heard at all. Same goes for any uke. These instruments were not designed to be played in that type of environment and most attempts have been with amplification and then you have lost the sound of the ukulele to a box. Even if I thought the uke would work, I still wouldn't know which one would be best. Its like asking what size harmonica would you use in a marching band. Who'd know??? Wish I could help, but your on your own on this one. Let us know...Its an interesting question..frets - Thursday, January 16, 2003

Question asked by: LOREN LEVY Subject: UKES Question: HI...HOW CAN YOU TELL IF A UKE IS A SOPRANO, TENOR ETC.? ALSO WHY WOULD YOU TUNE A UKE TO LOW A RATHER THAN LOW G? THANKS FOR YOUR HELP,LOREN. ICETOCU@AOL.COM Answer: Oh ...so many answers so little typing time. The differences in the ukes are the size..A soprano is about 20", concert 24"...Tenor 27" Baritone 30"...These vary greatly with the manufacturer, but that will give you something to go on. The two most popular tunings are ADF#B and GCEA,,You would not use a low G with the ADF#B tuning only with the GCEA. If I may, I would like to suggest you go to the on-line store on this site...look to the black menu at the left and find "ON-Line" and there you will find all you need to get you started on the ukulele. Books, CD's Lessons, UKes, and a pic of Caruso, the most famous 20" Tenor of all time. (sorry, I just couldn't let this one go without one silly remark)..Do go shopping at the On-line store, I will tell you all you need to know. good luck...frets and the gang..don't forget the Mt Idy Rap Festival..and Hog calling contest....you won't be able to tell the difference, but come anyway..... - Thursday, January 16, 2003

Question asked by: T. Dennis Subject: K. Yasuma Tiple Question: I've acquired two K.Yasuma tiples and think they are terrific. They are identical copies of a Martin T- 17. I have searched the internet and reference books but have found no information about this brand. I'm very surprised, because of their high quality and gorgeous sound. Answer: I agreee...i think they are terrific also, and in some ways better than the martin..they stay in tune longer and the neck stays straight. I have had one for almost 35 years...they were made in the 60's in Japan and from what I understand they also made guitars and ukuleles, although I have not played either...I am not sure if the company is still in business, I think not, but for the short while they were, they made one hell of an instrument. I have made an attempt to contact them thru my Japanese sources and have had no luck...NO man needs two yasuma tiples...any thought to selling one? I can understand wanting a back up of that instrument. It is one of my all time favorites. I am a tiple player and I keep coming back to the yasuma as the best of the lot. Nice score...best..thanks for writing in...frets - Wednesday, January 15, 2003

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: so much for maple Question: Frets, When ever you get here, I'll cook for you. Just give me sufficient warning so I can get down to the chocolate cookie bakery in Arlington. When you arrive, you will then be able to play my solid flame maple 3rd Wave ukulele, which I forgot to praise in my earlier posting, a contemporary uke made in Santa Barbara California, which is clearly superior, with ebony compensated saddle, laminated neck (maple/ebony/maple/ebony/maple), and countless details that represent quality craftsmanship, except for the laser "carving" on the back which appears to be modeled on a cover of an advertising brochure for a Polynesian brothel In a recent visit to 3rd Wave I saw evidence that they had overcome their initial excesses with the leading edge of laser technology and are using it for hansom pearl inlay at a fraction of the cost of hand inlay. The example of their work that I saw was a sensual Celtic knot. Wonderful. . 3rd Wave has a web site. http://www.3rdwaveukuleles.com/ While I kind of understand that fancy pearl work on instruments might not add much to the musical quality of an instrument, if we use the works of "stradasomething" as an example, some number of folk find it stirring to add flash to the substance. Warm regards, robert - founder Answer: But then, what did "stgradasomething know about instruments" He only made approximately 600 instruments in a 91 year lifetime...Rather poor production if you ask me...He could have made more if he really buckled down to work instead or partying all the time..Ahhh...That strad...He could boogie...What makes you think I can be bought with a couple of fabulous chocolate chip cookies???Your right of course, but how did you know...Its smeared all over my face. Thanks for the 3rd wave mention...and another maple boo boo...Looking forward to chow and chat..I remain...a pal...frets - Wednesday, January 15, 2003

Question asked by: Kiwi Subject: Martin Tenor Uke Question: Aloha again Chuck........well last night at a ukulele class I went to check out...a fellow had a Martin Tenor....oh boy.....it was WONDERFUL.....now I'm dreaming of one.....do you know of any for sale out there?? and what would you expect to pay do you think for one in NICE condition?? Still dreamin....and strummin of course in Morro Bay....California! Answer: Hard to say on the price....800-1200 depending on condition, price, and luck...Keep shopping, they made alot of them..Put your wants up on the bulletin board and marketplace on this site..You will get results..All who use them do....I will keep my eyes open and remember, don't be hasty...theres a bus along every 10 minutes, although none have a pin bridge. thanks for yakkin' Write with progress...Yakkers out there, give KIWI a hand if possible...frets - Wednesday, January 15, 2003

Question asked by: johnnyb Subject: uke blasphemy Question: OK, Frets, as enamored as I have become with those harmonic oscillations which emanate from the sacred uke, I was recently stunned and amazed by a young, and not a little coarse, latin woman on a Seattle street corner playing what looked quite like a funky baritone uke. She strummed in a way that I can only compare to flamenco guitarists. Turns out she played a Venezualan Cuatro (not to be confused with the Puerto Rican Cuatro, which has eight or ten(?) paired strings), and she had it tuned in a "reverse Low G"...Well, like I say, the performance was captivating and now she and I are deciding whether to set up our wedding registry at Bounty Music or Ebay, or both. Seriously, Frets, know anything about this instrument? I have attached a website for the curious. http://www.cumpiano.com/Home/Guitar s/LatinAmerican/VenCuatro/Ven4.html Photos:      Answer: I know alot about them and very little at the same time...I know alot, because every latin speaking country in the world has made a variation of that instrument. They are used more for rhythmic backup than they are for melody. Please don't write me and tell me there are cuatro players who can play their asses off when it comes to melody...I already know this...I am just saying, for the most part they are rhythmic insruments. They usually are strung with metal strings...Please don't write in and tell me they can also be strung with nylon or gut strings, I already know that too. I am a fan of these instruments in a latin band and no where else..Kind of like the trumpet in a Mariacci band ( please don't tell me I've misspelled Mariaccachacccii...I already know that)...Thats what I do know,..Here's what I don't know..I don't know how to play one and have no intention of learning..Let us all know when you plan to tie the knot..I have a feeling it will be the wedding of the year...frets P.S. Thanks for the website... - Wednesday, January 15, 2003

Question asked by: santosha Subject: electric uke Question: Hi Frets...I have been toying with the idea of a electric uke. Which one or two do you think sound good? The uke stick seems to have a following. Have you heard the Earnest ones? I seem to have a bad case of UAD and need something to juice it up. Answer: Have not heard great raves about the uke stick...Don't know about the Earnest ones. Sorry about your UAD. Perhaps a loud, Latin made instrument will cure it...Play it twice in the morning and twice at night and call me in two weeks.....frets - Wednesday, January 15, 2003

Question asked by: dave Subject: Al Jolsen Ukulele Question: I would like some information on a ukulele distributed by Progressive Musical Instrument Corp.It has a picutre and signature of Al Jolsen on the head and in the sound hole.I would imagine this pruduct was manufatured in the 1920's.Are there any collectors out there that would be interested in this instrument. Answer: Dave...yes there are collectors out there who would be interested in the Jolsen Uke..There are collectors out there who would be interested in Jolsens Tonsils...There are collectors for everything. Where do we go from here "DIXIEVENKNOWMYMAMMY"...The instrument was made in the 30's by Regal or Harmony or both. Please write in and let me know your intentions and perhaps I can help..frets..waiting for ya, down by the swannee....fayne.. - Wednesday, January 15, 2003

Question asked by: paul kraus Subject: myrtlewood Question: Hi Chuck-thought you might like to see some myrtle used in a uke, this is a soprano by North Pacific Ukes. a great wood for ukes, like a blond Koa. Photos:      Answer: Thanks paul...What a coincidence...I had an aunt named myrtle, who now resides in a box that color. Very pretty uke..Thanks for sharing...frets - Wednesday, January 15, 2003

Question asked by: Matthew Subject: Absolute smallest/durable travel uke? Question: Greetings, I'm a uke lover (also play mando and bouzouki), and a U.S. Marine in an artillery unit. I may or may not be going overseas, and am looking for the smallest and most durable travel uke out there. I did once see a skeletonized practice uke (with tuners in the skeleton of the body to save on length), and am looking for something along those lines. Failing that, if there's a luthier who can toss together a uke piece of wood shaped like a uke neck (approx 17" scale length), with nut, saddle and tuners (even if the tuning pegs are just slot-head screws), that'd be great. I can even cope with fretless, so long as it's uke scale-length and can take uke strings. I love my Fluke, but even a fluke isn't small enough and crush-resistant to toss in the bottom of a seabag. I know, I know, I have a pennywhistle and harmonica, but I'd love a string instrument, and something so quiet that I can play it without bothering anyone. So if anyone knows anybody who makes "practice ukes", or a luthier who can shape a 17" piece of wood into a bare neck and hide tuners in it, I'd really, really appreciate hearing from you as quickly as convenient. My salute to all other ukists out there. -Matthew Answer: Matthew..I have little to offer. I am throwing it open to the yakkers out in yakland to help..Anyone know of a practice uke that Matthew can throw in his seabag...???If so..please write in...Thanks...Frets... - Wednesday, January 15, 2003

Question asked by: Jeff Subject: 8 String (metal string) uke Question: Chuck, I just came across the website and your Uke Yak. I have had an interest in Uke's since about 1989 when I worked at a school in Idaho with a Hawiian gentleman who had what I believe was an 8 string tenor or baritone he had purchased from "home". He had it tuned the same as the bottom 4 strings of a guitar so I was able to immediately play it having some experience with the guitar. I have searched your past answers and yet still have a question or two for you. 1. My friend's uke had metal strings on it. Apparently you are not too keen on this option but I did enjoy the sound. I went to Youngukulele.com and checked out the metal string uke made there but wanted to know if there are any other companies that have made this type of uke? 2. Apparently the Tenor and Baritone uke are not greatly different in size- is it common for people to also tune the tenor the same as the bottom 4 strings of a guitar or is this a baritone only trait? 3. I am interested in acquiring a tenor or baritone (to tune DGBE?) and would like to get something that is not too expensive to "play" with for a while before I try to get a "good" instrument. I have read some good things about the Fluke Uke (including on this website) and would like to know what you think of them. Obviously a Martin or Kamaka, etc... would be much better but for someone who is just starting is this a good choice or would you suggest another brand in the $200 and below category? I appreciate you taking a moment to give me some advice. Sincerely, Jeff Answer: I am not a fan of metal stringed ukes. I hope there is another company besides Youngukulele.com making a uke that would suit your needs. The tenor and baritone are quite a bit different in size. The tenor, tuned down, is ( in my opinion)..You have to be so careful these days... not the sound I want from a tenor...Its ok for a bari but not the tenor. I would definitly go with the Fluke..It has everything you want...Good pricing, great sound, easy to carry, durable and Jim and Liz Beloff come to your house and move in for about 3 weeks and teach you how to play. They are in So.Dakota at the moment, but a neighbor is taking in the mail, so don't you worry. Seriously folks, and I mean than sincerely..get a fluke..You won't be disappointed. frets - Wednesday, January 15, 2003

Question asked by: kent hoffine Subject: ukulele Question: My girl friend has something that looks like a ukeulele it has 8 strings though, it is made by the vernon company.She says it's not a uke. What is it? Thanks Kent Answer: IF its made of wood its a taropatch, if its made of metal and looks like a banjo, its a banjolele, or mandobanjo, or one of the other hundred names its called. If you can send a picture I can tell you in a second. Thanks for writing in...keep in touch...frets - Tuesday, January 14, 2003

Question asked by: Ken Subject: Tuning Question: What is the most common tuning for a Banolele please ? Answer: same as a ukulele...adf#b...or gcea... good luck...( try gut or nylon strings for a more mellow sound....frets - Monday, January 13, 2003

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page