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

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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: John King Subject: Re: High Grade Hawaiian asked about by Phil. Question: "High Grade Hawaiian": that's the label in the instrument. This 'ukulele has a lot in common with the Kaholas recently mentioned. As pointed out by Tom Walsh, Kaholas is quite possibly a brand name of the F. Gretsch Co., though I have not been able to find a U.S. trademark application. Gretsch was selling Kohalas brand 'ukulele strings in the 1930's, but there is no mention of their 'ukelele in the catalogues I've seen. I think the dating of the Kaholas 'uke as 1916 is probably accurate, and the High Grade is likely the same age. Anyone out there have a Gretsch catalog from ca. 1917? In the examples I have or have seen the shape of the tops, what the Spanish call the plantilla, are identical, and as you have mentioned previously the Kaholas have a very distinctive shape. Also identical is the kerfed lining and hide glue, shape of the braces and heel block of the neck. These instruments are made by the same manufacturer, IMHO. A few possibilites are Leonard Nunes, making instruments in LA from ca. 1914-1930; the Nunes Ukulele Co. in Honolulu, run by Julius Nunes very briefly from 1915-1916; quite possibly the Ukulele Company, Ltd., formed in 1916 to "establish, conduct, maintain and carry on the business of making, manufacturing, producing, selling, marketing and distributing ukuleles and other musical instruments and Hawaiian curios and souvenirs." This was the company that the N.Y. Times mentioned with plans to make 1,000 to 2,000 'ukulele a month as well as purchase completed instruments from other makers. They were in business only 2 years. This is all speculation, of course. But Kaholas is not an Hawaiian word or name that I could find in 46 years of Honolulu City Directories; it may be a faux Hawaiian word, very close to Kohala and Kahala, but not quite. Answer: Well Phil...there you have it...Thanks John as usual..I keep all your postings and somewhere down the line I can use them and look like I know what I'm doing, until then, thanks for all the valuable information...and all done with your tongue away from your cheek....how is that possible?...Keep up the good work, I am very impressed. I always wondered about Kohalas...I have a couple and they have perfected the Picasso Uke...they are all a little "wonky" to use an Australian Saying. Not quite right.. little off..Best to you and the family for the new year..frets and the Mt Idy Toilet paper and comb marching band... two items that don't seem to go together in any other context... - Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Question asked by: John Leder Subject: Advice Question: I'm looking for a good 4-string tenor uke. Only because they were easy to find on the web, I've been looking at the following: Ko'olau, Kanile'a, Mele, Young, R.L. Saul, O Kona,, Ken Potts, etc. So much to choose from and none available for a test drive. Can you comment on all or any of these makers, and do you have any other recommendations? Answer: I am not personally familiar with most of the makers you have asked about. I am familiar with the works of Ken Potts, as you probably already know. I was not impressed with the Young instruments. Mele is not up to its original standards. Ko'Olau has had good reports, but I have no personal knowledge of them..I would opt for KP in a new uke and then go searching for a vintage ,used, Martin or Gibson. I think that is the way I would go. Sonny D also makes a wonderful uke as does Kamaka. Hope all this has helped. frets - Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Question asked by: Phil Subject: Questions about ukes Question: You may be quite educated about ukes and have a fantastic collection, but a large part of the population out here have neither. We come to you for answers but often receive sarcastic wit.. How about some straightforward answers? I asked for any info on High Grade Ukuleles. Throw me a crumb, already! You want specific questions? OK, 1. Do you have any with this label(High Grade Hawaiian Ukulele Warranted 6-8) 2. Do you know ANY history about these ukes? 3. Can you give an estimate of it's $ value? Answer: Sorry phil..I didn't realize that "High Grade Ukes WAS being specific. Yes, I have seen this on hundred of labels and it usually means they are not High Grade Ukes..If they were would one have to put a label on them saying so? My guess is that most of what I have seen is not Hawaiian made at all, but mainland copies. I used to have a wall of ukes claiming to be made in Hawaii or have a connection to Hawaii and all mainland ukes. They are easy to spot. I would have to see the uke you are talking about to give you a value, but would be glad to if you send a pic. As far as the sarcastic wit goes,..It comes with the territory. You wouldn't expect to go to Hawaii and ask it not to rain..Some days you ask for toast and get crumbs...Thats just the way it is...Best to ya for the new year...frets - Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Question asked by: Phil Subject: High Grade Hawiian Question: Have any info on "High Grade" Hawaiian Ukuleles? Photos:      Answer: tons...however I need you to be a little more vague....now that the sarcasm is over, phil, there are thousands of high grade ukes...I wouldn't know where to start. ask away...frets - Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Question asked by: Bob Subject: Uke Question: A friend just gave me a Uke and I was hoping I could get some info. on it. IT has maker as Leonado Nunes and stamped over the round makers seal is a white coat of arms crest. The weiting is very small in the coat of arms. I would like to know about getting strings and how to books for it. I live near Austin, Tx. Thank you RDC Answer: I need a picture, Leo made many, many styles and I need to know which one this is..mail a pic to this site or my home eamil address..cfayne@bigpond.net.au will help...frets p.s go to the on line store on this site..look to your left in the black menue and you will find all the books, cd's and material you will ever need to learn the ukulele. good hunting... - Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Question asked by: Jodi Subject: Kaholas Uke Question: I know it's from 1916 because my grandfather dated everything included this ukelele. I talked to Duane at Dusty Strings again and he thinks I should go ahead with the wood pegs. He says it will be less invasive than boring new holes.I'll keep the originals! Answer: "If Duane said so, it must be true" ...George Formby...By the way, I had a grandfather that dated everything also...Quite a guy...frets P.S. The "Duane in this answer is Duane from Dusty Strings, not the Duane from Black Bear Guitars." - Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Question asked by: Wes Subject: Old Martin Question: Howdy Chuck, there is an old looking Martin style O on ebay that looks pretty bad. It has cracks and lots 'o wear on it along with a white replacement tuning key. It is only up to 66 bucks. Have any suggestions? I'm still loving my Applause UA10. Thanks, Wes Answer: Suggestions about what????..glad you like the applause...frets - Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Question asked by: basyl Kercheval Subject: keech banjo uke Question: I have owned a keech banjo uke (banjulele) for many years and recently discovered it is signed on the back "Alvin D Keech". Is this usual? Were all his ukes signed? thanks, basyl Answer: Don't know about all of them, but all I have seen have signatures. I'm guessing he was just a signing fool....Great maker, good instrument...important man in the evolution of the banjo uke..he invented it. frets - Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Question asked by: Don Subject: Maple or Mahogony Question: Sorry to bother you again Chuck, but I hit send before I could send in the 2nd part of my question: Which is better (and why): a uke made of maple or mahogony? Thanks again! Answer: YOU AGAIN? A uke made of Mahogany. Maple is a great wood for orange crates. You almost never see a Mahogany orange crate....You wanted scientific ....You got it. Mahogany has traditionally been one of the woods of choice for fine instruments. - Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Question asked by: Frederik Subject: dating and identifying a The Gibson uke Question: Hello Chuck, I need your help in identifying a ukulele I very recently bought. I'll do my best to describe the instrument, since the picture isn't as clear as it should be. It has 'The Gibson' written in silver on the peghead, no inlay. The fingerboard has seventeen frets, extending to the soundhole. This would make it a style 3, but it hasn't got any of the fancy inlay normally found on style 3's, just some dots on the 5th, 7th and 10th frets. The neck isn't bound either. Now to the body of the uke: it is made of a very beautiful, very dark stained mahogany, but, like a style 2, it only has a black and white binding around the top, not around the back. A friend of mine, who knows a lot more about Gibsons than I do, thinks it might be a sort of, as he calls it, 'Friday evening' instrument, assembled from parts the builder had lying around at the time, making it another unique variety, quite impossible to date. What do you think? Do you have any more clues? Thank you very much (again) and many greetings from Belgium, slowly tuning in on ukuleles!! Photos:      Answer: Gibson seems to have made whatever they wanted at the time..I have almost the identical instrument. It is a style 2 with an extended fingerboard. They made all the models with extended fingerboards. It is not a style three for that reason..They made many style 3's with short fingerboards, x braced and spruce tops. Gibson made whatever they wanted and whatever the customer wanted...Thats why I like the company so much..You never know what lies around the nest Gibson Bend. Great company , great instrument..Great Jumpin Gehosiphat ( now that will make no sense in Belguim)..just an Hick American Expression that means pretty much nothing...Thanks for writing in and be sure to sign the player directory...Many greetings to you in Belgium and welcome to the yak..frets - Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Question asked by: Terry Nagel Subject: East coast uke stores Question: Frets -- Are yoiu aware of any music stoeres on the East Coast of the U.S. that routinely stock quality ukes? I'm looking for a good tenor uke, but have not been able to find any to try out in the New England area. Answer: Call John Bernunzio at Bernunzio Vintage Instruments in Rochester NY and tell him I told you to call. He will help you find what you are looking for.... - Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Question asked by: Doug Subject: Mele / Braddah Ukes Question: Not a question just a comment on new Mele Ukes. I have two a concert with koa sound board and mohagony back and sides, and a tenor all mahagony. For the money they are great. I like the tenor more than my Kamaka. It has better projection and, I think, also better construction detail. As a victim of UAD (ukulele aquisition disorder) I have a few to comare it with. Either I got lucky or they are better than they get credit for. Doug Answer: Thanks Doug....Always interested in another persons opinion. Glad your happy and keep strummin and writing in...good new year...When can I stop wishing happy new year?.is there a cut off date ? ..???frets - Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Question asked by: Randy Subject: Re:Hawaiin Harp Question: Here is a link to a webpage about this instrument, also known as a Tremoloa. http://home.dejazzd.com/williams/Q uickIdentifierPages/Tremoloa.htm Answer: Thanks randy..I couldn't make it work, however perhaps others can..let me know if you get thru and please forward a pic of the tremelo on that site. I have a tremelo and it doesn't look like the beasty in the pic...frets - Tuesday, January 7, 2003

Question asked by: Jodi Subject: Kaholas Ukulele Question: I have taken my 1916 Kaholas taropatch ukulele to Dusty Strings in Seattle to see if it can be fixed to stay in tune. They recommend replacing the tuning pegs with wood ones. I hate to replace the original ivorine pegs...is this the only solution? Answer: No absolutly not. If its a matter of the tuners slipping in the hole, it is easier and better, (providing the tuners are the originals) that you have the hole bushed and redrilled. That is plugging the hole and redrilling. It will not be seen if the tuners are original. I happen to be a fan of wooden tuners ( push tuners, violin tuners and the 100 other names) however, they are not guaranteed to stay in tune either..A taropatch is not easy to keep in tune under any conditions, but in the long run I would rather have the instument original...I would contact Duane Heilman at Black Bear guitars, ( tell him I told you to call) ..tell him my suggestion and ask his. He is a master luthier and I would go with his opinion first before my own. You will find him in the yellow pages. Good luck and let us know what happens. How do you know this instrument is 1916... just curious. frets - Monday, January 6, 2003

Question asked by: walrus Subject: Sonny D. on the Marketplace Question: Hi Frets - there's a nice looking Sonny D. "concert size with a "long neck" tenor fretboard" on this site's Marketplace. Any thoughts on Sonny D. ukes? On previous posts you have said you like them. Currently, I have a tenor fluke that I tune to DGBE (high D). Is this uke enough of a "tenor" that this tuning would work? Thanks, walrus. Answer: Yes the tuning will work and I am a fan of Sonny D's. I would give it a shot..I like the sound, craftsmanship, and he has been around long enough to have a track record. Let us know what you do....frets - Monday, January 6, 2003

Question asked by: Ken (Ukes4All) Subject: Oil-Ukey new year Question: Hi Frets,I also wnt to oil my ukes but can't find the filler caps. Is 20/50 sae suitable!! Hope you and all those Ukers out there enjoy a great new year and lots of interesting stuff turns up, best wishes to all, Ken (Ukes4All) Answer: Don't forget to lubricate your transmission...Thanks for your contributions and keep writin' in...the best to you and yours for 03....frets and the gang... - Wednesday, January 1, 2003

Question asked by: Wayne Subject: Yauma Ukuleles Question: Chuck, not really a question but an answer to whether Yasuma made ukes or not. I have seen and played a Yasuma tenor uke that was an exact copy of a Martin tenor. It was on sale at the music store in the center mall of Ala Moana Center in the 70s. It sounded okay but the one feature I thought odd for a tenor was the lack of any sound board bracing. I should of bought it for the $90 it was going for. Mahalo and Happy New Year, Wayne. Answer: thanks for the info and yes you should have bought it... A very happy 03 from all at the yak...thanks again and keep in touch....frets - Wednesday, January 1, 2003

Question asked by: Chris C Subject: Current ukulele's Question: Hi Chuck - I enjoy your "column". I have been thinking of buying a concert ukulele, in all koa. I am budget concious. I wonder if you have an opinion you would be willing to offer on these two brands: Kanile'a and Mele. (I realize one or both may not be purely Hawaiian ). Thanks, and happy new year! Chris Answer: Chris..I have not had a chance to play either. The reports on the new Mele are not great. I am not familiar at all with the other brand. I am going to post this here and let some of the yakkers who know write in. I would, if I were you, also post this on the bulletin board on this site. Look at the black menu on the left. These guys know everything there is to know about the new makers. I am trying to compile a list of new makers right now and hope to have that up soon. If I were looking for a concert and budget minded, I might be looking at some of the selling sites and see if I could pick up a decent older uke at a good price. If you found anything, you could always write here and I will let you know what it is. To cover all bases, put your wants up on the marketplace, again on this site, somebody will write you with something for sale. best of the 2003..frets - Tuesday, December 31, 2002

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