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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

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: Chris C Subject: Martin Baritone Question: Hi Chuck- We just bought a Martin baritone ukulele for $395. Was that an OK price? I also bought some baritone strings to put on it, but they have plain ends. How do I put them on with this pin bridge? PS I included the picture to check and see if I'm correct in calling this a model 51. The swirls are not on the instrument (dog hair on the scanner - eeeeew!) Thanks, Chris C Photos:      Answer: Great price....a steal...put a knot in the end of the string and the knot goes in the little slot in the hole and then the peg holds it all in place. If you can't find someone named "peg" anyone will do. They only made one model baritone so your number is correct. If I remember correctly, " Dog Hair on you Scanner" was written by Cole Pointer....best...frets... - Monday, January 13, 2003

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: maple maple maple maple Question: Dearest Frets, A few thoughts generated by your usual inspiring remarks. Bad mouthing maple for ukes may be more a result of misfortune than expertise. My positive impressions of maple as a desirable material for ukes is the result of the long time that I've struggled to be able to determine the difference between a ukulele and a hole in the ground. I've had the good fortune to encounter individuals whose affection for the sacred instrument has been enhanced by encountering ukes of clearly superior characteristics, regardless of wood species. They appear to avoid sweeping statements like ..... "... lesser brands of ukuleles were made of maple. ...." or ".... It is a cheap wood ...." modified by, of course by ..." , "I have yet, and I have not seen them all, to see a high quality uke made of maple. .." . Having transfigured from "collector of uke as visual art" to "accumulator of significant sounding musical instruments" you may understand my reluctance to "just love", or view as "the best", a ukulele I acquired from a retired Martin Employee. This instrument, a soprano, was made in the mid 20's by a man name Charlie, who at the time of this uke's construction, was the foreman at the Nazareth, PA location. The back and side are book matched maple and the top is a clear wood that has been identified by various world wide recognized makers of acoustic fretted string instruments as spruce, holly, or "beats the stuffing out of me????", has an ebony tie classic pyramid Martin style bridge. This instrument, which I've done the honor of naming, "Charlie", has generally the trim of a Style 3 Martin ukulele, with the addition of some legendary, (why legendary I'll never know) herring bone trim and multi-colored tail strip and the absents of any position markers on the 17 fret fret board, and an interior that reflects the highest level of professional craftsmanship. I could go on at length about the bird's eye maple uke, top, back and sides, that Kevin Hall, a neighbor to the north whose long association with pre-packbacker Martin & Co. has cause his level of instrument making to rise to astonishing levels...., made from a maple tree that was blown over by a storm in his back yard, which I have named "Bird Peep", or a Hofner concert (same brand as Sir Paul's electric violin shaped bass (how's that for tying ukes to famous people - or at least more famous that you or I)), which I have named "Same Brand as Sir Paul's Electric Violin Shaped Bass", but as I recall hearing that you might be in the New England area of the continental United States in the coming year, I will end with a humble suggestion that you stop by and encounter a maple uke or two. I've attached a pic, which you may have already seen in some earlier mailing, of "Charlie", arguably, if not the best ukulele as superior musical instrument, is clearly superior. I even like my "Charlie" better, much, much, better, than I love my Fluke. Warmest regards, robert - founder Photos:      Answer: Robert, your foundership...nice to hear from you and somehow I expected it when I slammed the maple tree. Oh, how I hate to be wrong...I have not personally come across a maple bodied uke that I thought had a sound that I wanted to hear again and again. Obviously you and many others have. I'm glad. I would hate to insult the maple ....In the days when I was collecting I stayed away from anything that looked like that wavy maple back. I do realize that maple has been used in instruments , and with great success. There was a violin maker named stradasomething or other that was know to use maple from time to time. I have always known it has been used, I just have never had, in my hot little hands, a uke that I thought I wanted to own that was made from maple. I do want you to know that I do not blanket discriminate. I have a beautiful Lyon and Healy Harp, which by the way I cannot play worth a crap, and it has maple dripping from every crack and crevice. I will not be making the trip to America this year, However,when I do, I will come by and taste the lovely traits of the Maple Uke and would be honored if you let me play with your Charlie...I hope you don't have a Johnson. I would be twice as honored if you made me dinner...I'm glad your around. I can't imagine the Ukulele Ship sailing into the Harbor without you at the Masthead. ( I'm not sure where the masthead is, I just wanted to seem informed.) Come to think of it, Most mastheads are made of Maple. We at uke yak and the rest of Fleamarketmusic, wish you and yours a healthy 2003. Its always a treat of hear from you. Your humble follower..frets - Monday, January 13, 2003

Question asked by: Ayn Subject: Re: Myrtlewood vs. Maple Question: Chuck, This uke by Duane Heilman is a maple tenor with a spruce top and it sounds great. Its snappy and jazzy with great sustain. Photos:      Answer: Thanks for the info..loosen those strings, the uke is turning blue...frets - Friday, January 10, 2003

Question asked by: johnnyb Subject: new (old) uke Question: Thanks for your response to my question about replacing the tuners on my gretsch uke. I put the better tuners on, and so far so good. I am sending you a photo of the gretsch stamp as you requested. Any idea of the vintage of this critter? Photos:      Answer: 30's 40's..interesting...I have a couple gretsch american instruments, but not like yours....thanks for the pics...They are the largest pics I have ever seen...Am assembling them into a street poster as we speak...keep strumin....frets - Friday, January 10, 2003

Question asked by: johnnyb Subject: new (old) uke Question: I recently "won" a soprano uke on Ebay for a good price. The seller apparently knew little about ukes, and described this one as "made of some kind of wood". Turns out it has a Gretsch stamp, a mahogany body, and maple (?) neck and fingerboard. Appears well-used but not abused, and has a few cracks that will be easily repairable. The tuners are funky and marginally functional, but I happen to have some pretty nice ones that I salvaged long ago from a Martin my gramps gave me, and that I regrettably destroyed in my careless youth. Question: based on the brief desciption I have given, is there any reason (i.e.- some value as a collector's item) not to modify the original equipment on this uke to make it operate better? I tried to attach an image of it for you to see what I am talking about. Thanks Chuck! Photos:      Answer: Johnny...no reason at all not to put the better tuners on...just save the old ones in case you get rid of it and somebody wants the originals. I think you did well. Believe it or not, I have never seen a gretsch that looks like that one. Its fascinating. I would like to see a pic of the gretch stamp. Just when I think I've seen them all, it turns out I haven't scratched the surface. They keep poppin up...good score..thanks for sharing..frets - Friday, January 10, 2003

Question asked by: Chris C Subject: Cheap Ukulele Question: Hi - received a FREE ukulele from Musicians Friend when I ordered the Jim Beloff uke video. It's a cheap instrument, Santa Rosa U2. The nut is very high - so that forst position chords sound sharp. Is it adviseable to take the nut off, sand the bottom, and replace it? Is about 2 frets high good? Should I glue it in?Thanks Answer: I can barely file my fingernails..I would advise you to take it to a luthier and have it done..simple for them, impossible for me...thanks for writing...chuck - Thursday, January 9, 2003

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: Ukulele Acquisition Disorder, cont'd. Question: Let's not overlook the most invasive of all the UAD's, Acacia koa Gray. Highly addictive, no known treatment, capable of rendering even the most disciplined of collectors to that of a chronic mall shopper. Answer: If you've seen one of em' you've seen em' all......good shoppin...frets - Thursday, January 9, 2003

Question asked by: kiwi Subject: J Adwell UKE Question: Aloha!!! Was Wondering IF you know anything about this UKE maker &/or his reputation: ADWELL from Maui. I bought this Uke in Kauai about 10 years ago....loved the sound and it was pretty too...though knew little about ukes at that time. Now that I am playing...and have other Ukes as well......I find this one holds it's tune....has a lovely sound and STILL is pretty too!!! It's a bit heavier than some Ukes...but I do LOVE it. I read somewhere that Adwell is not making Ukes anymore....Have you heard of this maker??? Mahalo for your input!!! Photos:      Answer: I have not heard of this maker...anyome out there heard of him...write in..thanks kiwi...frets p.s. whats with that fret work....?? - Thursday, January 9, 2003

Question asked by: Tim D Subject: Myrtlewood Question: Either this is my 'lucky day', I'm not doing any productive work, and/or I have to get a life. Anyway, I know a little about Myrtlewood. Duane Heilman is the man to contact. He made a tenor uke for me out curly myrtlewood. It is an "alternative wood" also used by luthiers sensitive to the depletion of the same kinds of wood (Brazilian rosewood?) I was cautious at first, but love it a year later. Wouldn't trade for anything. It has a Sitka spruce top. It is beautiful wood and sounds fantastic. It is everybit as stunning as koa with curl and striations throughout. It is a wood that grows in only a few areas of the world and is found in Israal and the Northwest area of the US, where Duane is from. Contact him at blackbear@nwinfo.net. I, too, disagree with your quick dismissal of maple, myrtlewood being similar. Jazz guitars favor maple, I believe. It produces clear and distinct tone and separation. As you know, a skilled luthier can make a great sounding instrument out of orange crates ... or cigar boxes. Duane's done that, too. Answer: Thanks for the info...My quick dismissal of Maple was for ukuleles not all instruments. If you look at my answer you will see that many instruments have been made out of maple, I have yet, and I have not seen them all, to see a high quality uke made of maple. I'm sure there must be. Thanks tim..always nice to hear from you...ferrets... - Thursday, January 9, 2003

Question asked by: Elizabeth Subject: Uke wood Question: Hi Chuck, Almost overnight, I went from being someone who liked ukes to an ardent enthusiast. I owe it all to my interest in the music of Cliff Edwards! I played the guitar for several years, but I became discouraged, because I felt that my small hands were preventing me from making the kind of progress I expected of myself. I did a little research and decided that a tenor uke would be the ideal instrument for me. I bought an inexpensive Hilo with ply construction with the intention of upgrading if I felt my interest and ability warranted it. Well, I love the instrument and I enjoy playing it much more than the guitar. In my search for a good new uke, I happened upon the Kanile'a site. In your response to a question which mentioned this and a few other new uke makers, you did not indicate that Kanile'a was a brand with which you were familiar, so it might be difficult to respond to a question which in part pertains to this uke maker. Anyway, the site presents several wood options for soundboard, body, and neck. I hate to appear superficial, but I have to admit that my choice will likely be dictated in part by the appearance of the instrument. I know that koa is supposed to be THE wood for a uke, but, frankly I just don't care for the look of it. What I do like the look of is a wood that you roundly and soundly denounced as proper uke material: maple. I like another light wood which I'd never heard of called curly myrtle; any information on it would be much appreciated. According to the Kanile'a site, maple is used primarily for the body but has been used on the soundboard with "great results". I don't want to pick an instrument as if I were selecting a color of fabric to upholster my sofa in, but I do want something that is pleasing to my own eyes. Could you tell me why you feel that maple is not a suitable material for uke construction? Thanks so much, Elizabeth Answer: Elizabeth...You are talking to the wrong person on this one. You need to talk to a person who builds musical instruments. You need to talk to an expert on woods and how they work as sound enhancers. Maple has been used for musical instruments for centuries. It is a cheap wood and historically the lesser brands of ukuleles were made of maple. I know little about the use of curly myrtle as a ukulele but I'm sure someone has tried. I'm sure it has been used. How ever I do love my curly myrtle end tables. It's possible to make a ukulele from any wood. I have had ukes made from the tops of picnic tables, sides of barns and most anything you can think of. You say you are not purchasing a uke to go with your sofa, but in a way you are. I am a player. When I was a collector and a ukulele was more than a musical instrument, I was very interested in the look. I hung them on the walls as art pieces. Then one day, I realized that their purpose was to make music. I got rid of the art collection and concentrated on the sound. That, I could do with my eyes closed. I don't think there is anything wrong with your approach to the purchase of a ukulele, however, I think you should know that by doing it with your eyes, you might possibly sacrifice something else. I am not familiar with the Kanile'a company and I would suggest you ask a question about them on the bulletin board side of this site. There are lots of people who are more familiar with the new makers than I. I tend to stick to what I know is tried and true and makers who's instruments I have played myself or have been played by people who's opinion I would trust on word alone. There is a gentleman living in the Los Angles area named Ron Fernandez. He has a long family history in the use of woods for musical instruments. I would call John Zehnder at Mc Cabes Guitar Shop in Santa Monica 310 8284497 and find out how to get in touch with him...Ron has made a couple videos on the art of French Polishing and you may be able to locate him that way. He would be the perfect person to ask about woods. Good luck..I hope you find what you are looking for...frets - Wednesday, January 8, 2003

Question asked by: Tim D Subject: UAD Question: As a psychologist I must comment on UAD (Ukulele Acquisition Disorder). As a fellow UADer I've done some research seeking to heal myself. There are subtypes, such as UAD, NOS (Ukulele Acquisition Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified) - which means you collect all kinds of ukes. UAD, MARTIN is specific to Martin ukes, etc. There is no cure, but you are quite correct, treatment includes controlled and intermittent purchasing of small stringed instruments followed by consuming moderate amounts of foamy brew (preferably in the company of others) while strumming recent purchases. If you gotta have something, this ain't bad. It's not covered by insurance but not every quirky thing about us should be cured anyway. Except our ham sandwiches. Answer: Thanks Tim.....YOU'VE LOST IT...WELCOME TO THE CLUB...a couple of 3 day visits and a few follow up telephone calls and you should be ok..Take a sitz bath...frets - Wednesday, January 8, 2003

Question asked by: Tim D Subject: KP Baritone Question: Chuck, I wrote awhile back and said I purchased an all-koa KP baritone uke. You asked for an update. Here it is. It arrived right after Christmas. I’ve had a couple weeks to play it. It is a beautiful instrument. (Pictures don’t do it justice). It is made of rare, light-colored koa that is especially radiant, three- dimensional, and iridescent. It is beautiful without being fancy or ornate. Is it worth what I paid ($1250. including shipping, gold tuners, and soft shell case)? Absolutely. The sound and intonation is true, sweet, clear, ringing. It will get better as it matures and breaks in. I have it tuned to low-GCEA with a mix of Hilo (3&4) and Aquilla (1&2) tenor strings, my choice. On the tune “Dream” in Lyle Ritz’s Solos book most chords are at or above the 5th fret, this uke RINGS with incredible sweet sustain on all those high chords. The clear tone sounds amplified. (It isn’t). There is a whole new world above the 5th fret. I own other superior ukuleles: 3 Black Bear ukes, 2 Kamakas, a number of Martins, had a Gibson tenor, and other quality ukes. I don't own a Kawika, Ko'olau or Pegasus for comparison and this is my only baritone. While these ukes are different from one another, they are all great players and sound terrific. I would say this KP uke deserves to be in that superior class. Easily. Ken Potts’ workmanship is first rate inside and out: no rough edges, spills, uneven edges, gaps, blems, or flaws. The matching and layout of the wood grain, finish, etc. is SUPERB. The Zero fret (See FMkt BBoard of late December ) has no effect on playability; however, this uke has an unusually high nut. I will play it awhile and may have it changed/reduced. While a baritone has the most room on the fretboard, it can also stretch you, making some chords difficult to reach, especially for someone with small hands like me. However, this baritone is easy to play. The strings are comfortably separated and finger pressure requirements are minimal. My playing sounds better and truer as a result. The uke’s weight and balance is satisfying. Baritones are larger, but the "feel" of this instrument is solid. I can't describe it better, but you know it when you pick it up. Like picking up a firm, healthy baby. Would I buy this KP uke again? Yes, definitely. I believe Ken Potts deserves consideration among the elite class of contemporary ukulele luthiers given my experience with this baritone, and posts from others, including you, regarding their KP ukes. Ken Potts gets high praise and this instrument is no exception. One should not forget the other elite luthiers, however. They all make terrific instruments. My BB tenor by Duane Heilman is a dream. Thank you for you commentaries and wit. Best wishes for good health and cheer in the New Year. Tim Derning Photos:      Answer: Thanks for the kind words.,..best to you in the new year..and I'm very glad to hear the report about the KP...I'm sure Ken will be pleased as well....It's nice to see someone rewarded for a job well done. frets - Wednesday, January 8, 2003

Question asked by: Carl von Baeyer Subject: Qs re: Martin, Nunes project Question: Frets, you've been very busy answering tons of questions. Very interesting and much appreciated. I was glad to learn a scientific term for something I have now, you definitely used to have, and you might still have: UAD (Ukulele Acquisition Disorder). Anyway, I hope you don't mind if I add to your burden with another query. I have a Martin 1C concert uke coming to me soon, which leads me to wonder: is it possible to find out how many 1Cs were made altogether, or in particular periods of time? I've seen the totals for all Martin ukes but not for specific models. Thanks and best wishes, Carl PS A friend in Melbourne told me it was +38 C there the other day. Fan some of that heat up this way! Answer: I'm not a hundred precent sure totals of specific instruments were kept. I know Mike Longworth will read this and help with the answer. It was acstually in parts of Victoria, 40+ degrees...In Farenheit that is MELT....See ya...The best cure for UAD is to go out and buy one..best for the new year...chuck - Wednesday, January 8, 2003

Question asked by: Don Subject: Harmony or Mahalo or ? Question: Aloha Chuck, I have been looking for a beginners uke and have seen some ones by Harmony and some by Mahalo that are in my price range ($30.00'ish) and look OK. Could you tell me which might be better and why or is there another one in that price range for a beginner you might recommend that is decent. Thanks in advance. Great column btw. Very informative for this beginner student! Answer: Its difficult to advise...Harmony made some ukes that sound really good and alot of them that are nothing more than toys. I would tend to shop around and play what you can and see if you can find something pleasing to the ear. I have not played Mahalo ukes, as I can remember. Where do you live? Perhaps I can recommend someone in the area who can help...write in..frets... - Wednesday, January 8, 2003

Question asked by: Boblele Subject: Starter to intermediate banjo uke Question: Hi Chuck, My wife and I recently got interested in banjo ukes and I started researching via The Internet to find a good one on which to learn. I've found several old ones on Ebay but realized that I don't have the expertise to judge what I'm looking at. Therefore (and finally to the point) I'm looking for a new one. From what I've read the Tyler Mountain instruments are made to SELL and not play. I'm almost settled on the Gold Tone Deluxe - what do you think about it? Also, Are there any others to avoid? Thank you very much for your help. Bob Answer: I would go with the Gold Tone. I would also like to know why you have decided on a new one. I could recommend many banjo ukes, however they are vintage. The man to contact about banjo ukes is John Bernunzio at Bernunzio Vintage Instuments in Rochester New York. You will find his website and tele listed. He would be a good person to talk to about Banjo Ukes. Please tell him I told you to call. He's a good guy with lots of knowledge. Let us know what you find out...frets - Wednesday, January 8, 2003

Question asked by: MakuleJoe Subject: Ken Potts Question: I love baritone ukes. Much is mentioned about Ken and his baritones that I started looking for his stuff. Still looking! Without having to visit the island of Maui, does he have a website or outlet(s) so his stuff can be viewed? And/or does he sell his stuff under a brand name and distributed where ever? (Yes, I live in Hawaii) Mahalo. Answer: Look up his number in information..KP Ukuleles and ask him these questions. You are there in hawaii where he is and I am here in Australia where he is not. Please say hello from me. I'm sure you will be able to find one of his ukes and try it. They are great...Anyone else having one of these days?????frets - Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Question asked by: Chris C Subject: The better Banjo-Ukulele! Question: Hi Chuck: Here's a scan of the better of the two banjo-ukes my father-in-law used to woo my mother-in-law (may they rest in uke-phoric peace). The brand decal say "The Sterling". The neck and body appear to be maple. Tuners are metal, no flanges, with dark molded keys. The nut is crumbled off, possibly wood or molded. Neck attachment is solid, 3 (mother of pearl? mother of toilet seat?) fret markers at 5, 7, and 12. The skin has pictures etched onto it - a lovely flapper girl, flanked by two additional almost worn off face views of the same girl, and a very small stick figure (just above her lap) with a "cartoon baloon" coming from his mouth. He is saying "She's still my Baby!" (the flapper girl seems to have a crest with initials above her breast - initials RTO) Do you think this is a restorable instrument? Will a regular guitar tech know how to make a new nut for it? What do you know of these? What can I use to safely clean the skin - it has a gritty texture on the outside, with a lot of dirt worked into it. And finally, if I restore and play this instrument, will I be the the heppest cat? Thanks, Chris Photos:      Answer: You already are the heppest cat..No need to clean a uke to get that distinction. Clean it up, play it and enjoy it. It is not a high quality instrument, but it seems to be all there. Sorry to hear your nut has crumbled off...stay out of the cold weather for about a year...things should be better..And about that gritty skin..a good "Lydia Pinkham Scrub ought to fix that"..I don't know an easy way to clean the skin, because you don't want to destroy the drawings. I would try a little mild soap and water in a place where it won't make a difference and then lightly go over a small spot where the drawing is. If it takes it off, leave it alone..Its not hurting anything. Making a new nut is easy for a luthier who knows what he is doing...Where do you live..Perhaps I can suggest one for you..Sterling is a name I have seen many times on banjo ukes. I think Not a maker, but a name that sounds good on an instrument..sort of like Grand Prix on a car..Doesn't mean much but looks good. You will have a playable instrument with not a lot of work..Let us know how it comes out. frets - Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page