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

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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: Steve Showell Subject: Blonde Kamaka Question: I've been trying to figure how old this little Kamaka is. There is no label inside. It is a nice sounding Uke but could use a little better setup. I bought it as a two piece for ten bucks in a local thrift shop. Steve Photos:      Answer: Steve, it is hard to tell which uke it is by the pic. Is there a label of anykind that says Kamaka? If not, it could be a decent copy of the l928-35 Kamaka pineapple. If there is a label or decal it is a decent Kamaka pineapple from 1928-1930. The white binding kinda gives it away. I think it is a more modern copy. However, for 10 bucks, it may be the best buy of the century...I will give you 20 for it...doubling your money can't be all bad. Do take it to a decent luthier and have it put back together. It is worth it, regardless of what it is. The pic of you with the uke is worth the price of admission by itself. You look like someone I would like to sit and talk to. Best of 2003 to you and yours...thanks for writing in...frets - Tuesday, December 31, 2002

Question asked by: Ray Coapman Subject: What is it ? Question: Hi Chuck, Would you happen to know if a Favilla uke that is 29 inches long is considered a tenor or a baritone. I believe it's about 50 years old. Thanks and Happy New Year. Answer: In Favilla Language it would be a baritone. Its sort of right between a bari and a tenor. Be careful, Favilla Baritones can be very heavy...welcome to the yak..chuck - Tuesday, December 31, 2002

Question asked by: Erin Subject: Yasuma Tiple Question: Chuck, I recently acquired a Yasuma Tiple in excellent condition with the original hard case also in like new condition. I have a Martin Tiple and the craftsmanship on this Yasuma is on par with the Martin's. The attention to detail on the nut, saddle/bridge and fretwork is superb. I'm really enjoying playing my Yasuma. My question: Is this Tiple a keeper as a collectable? Photos:      Answer: I have a Yasuma Tiple and have had it for years. I agree with you, it is on par with the Martin Tiple and perhaps better. I have owned mine for 15 years and it still holds a tuning. No martin ever did that for me. As far as whether it is a collectible or not..only time will tell. If we hang on to ours I guess that makes them collectible....I wish I had the power to tell the collectibles of the future. We could all retire. If I were you, I would keep it regardless. Its one of the best playing instruments I have ever had...and I mean that...I understand the company also made a guitar. I have never seen it..I would like to...I don't know of another instrument they made. Too bad they didn't make ukes. At that level of quality it would have been marvelous. Happy 2003...from the Mt. Idy String and Chocolate festival.. - Monday, December 30, 2002

Question asked by: Dave Burnett Subject: Kumalae Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I'm in Scotland and bought this ukulele through eBay from an agent for an 82year old lady who used to play professionally in an English !! Hawiian Band! I just love the instrument and play it everyday.I'd like to find out ,as near as possible,the age of the instrument.I already have the great 'Visual History'book and the information and photos are tremendous.I thought that my uke was possibly 1920s but I sent Jumpin' Jim a photo and he thought it may be earlier and suggested I mail you.The Kumalae I have is very plain but very honest I love it.I have more photos if required.Thanking you in anticipation,Chuck. Merry Christmas from Scotland. Dave Photos:      Answer: kumalae had its heyday from the teens -30's...I tend to think the earlier date on this one..Very hard to tell..Nice clean instrument. Should serve you well. frets...thanks for writing all the way from Scotland..Please add your name to the players directory on the menu on your left. Keep strummin' frets - Monday, December 30, 2002

Question asked by: Dave Nuwer Subject: Hawaian Harp ? Question: Hello - I wanted to describe a wooden string instrument I picked up somewhere...it was 'advertised' as a Hawaiian Harp...can you verify its identity from the description and my attached image file, and then possibly direct me towards a source of additional info, such as where to acquire strings, what strings, how to play it, value ?? It is hollow, like a violin, somewhat rectangular although a little bit longer and wider at one top corner, and it has five set of steel strings....the first set includes three strings labeled A , C, and E; the other four sets are each comprised of four strings. set #2 is labeled "chord A", set #3 is "chord E", set #4 is "chord D", and set #5 is "chord B". This instrument is very old, and has a date impinted on it that looks like "Patented 1921" and a manufacturer "The Harmony Company, Chicago", and a colorful palm tree on its face. If this is in fact a Hawaian Harp, do you know of a source of additional info? Dave Nuwer....Biloxi, MS Photos:      Answer: I have taken time to try to find out about your instrument. I have had no luck. I have Harmony information coming out my ears and yet no info on this instrument. It sure is fascinating. I will continue to search and if there are any yakkers out there that know what it is, please let me know. If you would do me a favor and send this pic to my personal email I would appreciate it...Do you have any history on it at all. It is so unlike anythying the Harmony Company ever made. I think I know how it is played...The single strings are the melody and the blocks are chords. It is tuned somewhat like a Zither. Nice to know, I didn't have to be a genuis to figure that out. I love this kind of stuff. It proves there is more to be discovered than has been discovered already. Thanks so much for sending it in and I'm sorry it has taken this long, but I had to do alot of searching to get this little. frets I have taken your email and will keep searching and see what I can come up with....We ran out of Chocolate so it is now the Mt Idy String Festival...Less exciting, but string is not fattening...( is that the correct spelling?) healthy 2003 to you and yours....frets - Monday, December 30, 2002

Question asked by: george lyons Subject: Giannini Baritone Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I was a former Uke player on no renown at all. I bought one while i was in the usaf in the early 60's. I am interested in once again purchasing one. I have bid on a Giannini Baritone Uke on Ebay and I don't know if this is a good instrument or not. I'm just beginning to investigate the purchase of an instrument. Any help you can offer will be of great assistance. thanks for your help sincerely, gjliii@aol.com Answer: Its a fine instrument if you want a baritone. Its only drawback is the tuning. You have to know a little about transposition of chords to play along with the smaller versions. Let let us know what you decide. frets...happy holidays and thanks for writing in.... - Saturday, December 28, 2002

Question asked by: MakuleJoe Subject: Tenor Guitar Question: After 40+/- years I started learning to play the uke and guitar again and learning and playing with a bunch of guys three or so generations younger. Very Interesting that. Anyway I had this concept that the Martin Tenor guitar and their tenor uke was one and the same. Wrong! Someplace on your site said the tenor guitar was made for the banjo/mandolin player as an easier changeover instrument. Nothing however is mentioned as the proper strings to use. What is the correct type of strings and string tuning to use on a tenor guiar? Tanks! Answer: Your correct, they are not the same instrument. I don't know where you live so I don't know where to send you. Most decent companies make tenor guitar strings. Martin, Kamaka, to name a couple. You can order direct or if you have a good music shop close by, they will have it. A tenor guitar was designed to be tuned exactly like a violin or a tenor banjo, however thru the years it has become popular to tune it like the first four strings on a guitar..just switch around the 3rd and 4th strings...it will work. I don't know how to play the violin so I use the guitar tuning. I love the sound of the tenor guitar. You really need the help of a good luthier, who can measure scale length ( the tenors vary depending on manufacturer)..good luck..let us know how it turns out...happy new year...frets - Saturday, December 28, 2002

Question asked by: John Lodge Subject: tiple Question: Years ago I owned a Martin tiple that my dad gave me in 1956. I loved the instrument, but it met its demise on a hard terrazzo floor in 1962. Now I'm looking for another tiple. I think mine was a Martin T28, but any playable, fairly good condition tiple will do. I have no idea of what the market value of a tiple is (or for that matter where to find one). Could you help me out? Answer: John...it is a well known fact that the natural enemy of the t28 tiple is a l962 terrazzo floor. I would put your wants up on the bulletin board and the marketplace on this site. I have a feeling you will get alot of answers. You just have to shop around for a tiple. They pop up regularly. Try John Bernuzio at Bernunzio Vintage Instruments.com...Tell him I told you to get in touch and he will direct you. There are many around, be careful..Get a good one..Martin, if possible...They are not an easy instrument to keep in tune due to the number of strings and the pressure on the top, so stick to the better made instruments. let us know how it turns out. thanks for thinking of us...frets - Saturday, December 28, 2002

Question asked by: Mike Mannion Subject: Madrtin bariton uke price Question: Frets - I saw where a 60s Martin baritone uke listed in excellent shape, is selling for $1100. Is this a fair price? Thanks. Answer: Mike...I think it is the top of the retail range. I would want it to have a hard shelled case for that price. A baritone is a fine instrument, but not that easy to sell. I see them around the 800 price range fairly regularly. Check Ebay sales and see what they have been fetching. I may be wrong. I have a baritone and like it very much....The truth is...and here I go again...I like the KP...ken potts baritone alot better....It is a much sweeter sound. I know you didn't ask about that, but there are not alot of baritones that have been made and none excited me until the KP...I swear,I have no stock in the company, but when I like something I like to let everyone know. best to you and yours for the new year. from all the elves in the mt idy hall...we wish you a healthy ukefilled year....frets - Friday, December 27, 2002

Question asked by: Clyde Subject: Gibson uke Question: Chuck, someone asked about the age of a Gibson tenor uke. My TU- 1 has a serial number stamped on the back of the headstock. If the ukes in question have serial numbers, the age can be determined at the Gibson guitar web site. Answer: Clyde, nice to hear from you...The problem with the Gibson numbering system is that they didn't follow any set format. So, basically they are useless. I can tell, if I can see the instrument. I have a wonderful letter from a former Gibson employee..I will publish it some day. Gibson was a free and easy company. They made a wonderful product, however it is not easy to tell when the instruments were made. I have a gibson, l940's tenor ukulele with a "The Gibson" in silver/gold script on the headstock. I know when it was made, because I know who made it. I know the history of the uke...I guess there was a stencil handy and a spray can...so now I have a l940's/26 gibson style 2 tenor....with an extra strip of trim as well I guess thats why I love the Gibson company so much...You never know what will pop up. I wish I had the money to collect gibson varieties, but I didn't. I wish I had the money today, to collect the works of Duane Heilman of Black Bear Guitars...He is my Creative Idol of today. Aren't his ukes fantastic?..The Xmas uke did me in. He is the builder of the collectable ukes of the future.There I go again...When I like em..you'll know and when I don't you'll know too..best to all from the Mt Idy Alergy and Itch center. frets - Friday, December 27, 2002

Question asked by: steve Subject: gibson Question: sorry this is the best I can do...the Gibson string instruction paperwork has a price of $41 and is a dark mahogany, the other gibson looks exactly the same but is of a lighter mahogany. This one has the rounded tuners. Thanks and have a Happy Nunes Year. Answer: my guess and its only a guess is that the darker uke is the older uke..Only a guess. My oldest mahogany tu gibson is very dark...Hope this helps..best of the new year...frets - Thursday, December 26, 2002

Question asked by: Steve Subject: gibson tu Question: Hi...Merry Christmas. Mine has been as I now have two Gibson tenors, TU 1's. We get to open one gift on the eve...and the big box got opened... they both have the gold scripted "Gibson". Now one has white more rounded tuning heads and the other more bell shaped. I would guess they are late 40's or early 50's. can you tell which one would be older by just the tuners used? Thanks and do you have a prototype on the Radio tenor yet? Answer: No prototype as yet..will shout as soon as that happens....I cannot tell by the tuners alone. I could tell if I could see pics..please try to post them...best of the holidays...frets - Wednesday, December 25, 2002

Question asked by: Gary Ukulele CA Subject: Your ukulele Question: Hey Chuck! Tell us, kind sir, what is that ukulele you are holding in the picture on this website? Thank you, Curious Answer: Gary..It is a Gibson style 3 tenor ukulele. One of only a handfull made. Thanks for asking...best of the holiday seasons...frets - Wednesday, December 25, 2002

Question asked by: Chris C Subject: Christmas Merriment Question: Thought you might enjoy my design picture on this "Fluke-a-Claus" (just a computer picture at this point)I was inspired by a similar effort by Keith, the founder of the Yahoo "Fluke_fans" bulletin/group, who had made a picture of a Santa on a Fluke. I sent this on to Magic Fluke to see if they might produce it next year...Hope they take me up on it! Looks like a good way to add some Christmas fun to the Fluke. Photos:      Answer: thanks...chris.....wanted to share this with all the yakkers...can't imagine they won't make them next year. frets - Monday, December 23, 2002

Question asked by: memphis mike Subject: loose strings Question: Hey Chuck! I have a problem with some of my ukes...I can never get the strings quite "firm" enough in a GCEA tuning...and I'm not too crazy about high tunings. I'm not sure if this has to do with the # of string wraps, string slippage or just crap luck. HELP ME CHUCK! p.s. Am I the 2000th letter? :0) Answer: dear MEM..just keep experimenting...you will find what you are looking for. Its the first time anyone has ever complained about the firmness of the string. I assume you are referring to tension. I find the martin strings to be too firm..have you tried them? I also assume you are referring to a soprano uke. If I am correct write. and if I am not...write anyway. If any of you out there in uke land have a suggestion..please write in..I'm not too firm on this one....frets - Saturday, December 21, 2002

Question asked by: Ed Subject: National Uke's Question: What do you think of the National Mahogany Reso.Uke. Answer: Ed. I so rarely think of the National Mahogany Reso. Uke at all....But, when I do, it is with a fondness usually reserved for people of Royalty. Now that the nonsense is out of the way. I do not think National did themselves a favor by making the uke again and not making it exactly the same as the early ones. I find them to be loud. Period. I have had most of the Nationals thru the years and they all were neat. Not my favorite ukulele, but they were fun. Today, the only resonator uke I have was made for me by Duane Heilman of Black Bear and it is a masterpiece. National should have hired him. I think the fact that so many of the recent Nationals are up for sale so soon after they are purchased ,speaks volumns....You almost never see a vintage one up for anything reasonable if at all. Again, I must say, this is a personal opinion and I'm sure not shared by many. For the modern day Resonator, I don't believe you can beat the Beltona...It has what the National is missing..what ever that is....frets - Saturday, December 21, 2002

Question asked by: Kingsley Subject: Uke id Question: Hi, Chuck: I recently bought this ukulele on eBay. This is a first (purchase online and uke) for me. And I would appreciate it if you can give me some insight into the origin of the instrument. The uke needed cleaning, which I did with warm damp water and cloth. It looked a lot better then, but it also showed some cracks on the face: one long one from the base past the bridge and almost to the sound hole (on the left side in the picture.) A 1" segment of the rope binding is missing on the lower right of the face, where there also a short crack. The overall length is 21-1/16", with the neck being 12". The upper part of the body is 4-15/16", the narrowest body part is 3-11/16", while the lower body is 6-1/8". thicknesses of the body are (in order of the above): 2", 2-1/8", and 2-1/8". The fretboard is 9-1/16" long and 2" thick at the loint with the body. It and the head is made from one pieceof wood, which has the characteristic yellow glow and cross checking marks of koa (?). The sides of the body is of a darker red color, but also has some yellowish sheen if you look at it from the side. And this is also true of the back, which is bowed and lips over the stock, all in one piece of wood. The faceof the uke is of a wood that looks like mahogony, as it is reddish, with straight grain check marks and no yellowish glow. But it looks original, as the rope binding does not seem to have been disturbed. The rope binding appears on both the top and bottom of the uke. It is very narrow (3/32" wide, 1/16" deep), so maybe it is manufactured and not handmade. There is also a herringbone opposing rope binding down the middle of the fretboard. And there is a ring of rope binding within two outer rings around the soundboard. In the soundhole, there remains the top part of a 3" wide paper label that says: GENUINE in black and has a fairly heavy black border on the label. Well, I;ve gone on too long. Do you have any idea about how old or maybe who might have made this ukulele? My pictures are too large to send by this email. I will try to send some by another email. Happy Holidays. Kingsley Photos:      Answer: Kingsley..you have a mainland uke made to resemble a hawaiian uke. Hence the word Genuine, which I believe is part of a sentence that says" Genuine Hawaiian Ukulele"...That phrase almost always means not made in hawaii..The headstock is to narrow to be a hawaiian uke of that vintage. My guess is that the uke was made by regal or harmony or one of a dozen other makers in the 30=s or 40's or perhaps even later. The rope binding is almost certainly not hand done nor the herrinbone up the fingerboard. If the little piece of the back that covers the heel cap is part of the back, there is a chance it is hawaiian, but I would bet it is a separate piece and the back is not conected to it. All this said, please send some pics I can see. This one is so dark, I am only guessing , but the shape gives it away. I cannot see what is around the sound hole clearly. You can send pics to my home email cfayne@bigpond.net.au and I will take a closer look..happy holidays...frets - Saturday, December 21, 2002

Question asked by: AlanJ Subject: Happy Holidays to you and yours! Question: Chuck, the very best to you and your family. Hope Santa clears the top of Mt. Idy or if he gets stuck, hope there's plenty of ukes in his sack for you. Answer: Thank you Alan and the same to uke and yours...I wish you a tight "G" string, a straight neck, a healthy peghead, no slipping tuner ( God forbid) , no nicks, dents, separations, and last but not least...I hope your nut stays where it should be. God Bless and a Healthy New Year to All from the Gang at the Mt Idy House of Worship...Thanks Jim and Liz for a great site. I feel personally blessed because of all the fabulous people I have met doing the Yak...Next year I will, at some time, answer my 2000th question...There will be a surprise for the person who sends in the 2000th question...Yet to be decided.....Peace....frets - Saturday, December 21, 2002

Question asked by: Chris Subject: New guy Question: Hi Chuck - I have enjoyed reading some of your replies here. I am a guitar player and fussy about guitarry things. I recentrly bought a Fluke for my wife, and I am impressed with the little thing! Afraid I've been bitten by a uke-bug! Knowing nothing about what is good in ukulele's, I wonder if I would really appreciate a Hawiaan made solid wood ukulele more than a Fluke? What's your experience with guitarists turned ukulele(ists?)? Answer: thats funny...I bought a wife and got a fluke...mailorder isn't what it used to be...gone are the days when you could buy a decent wife. I am probably less qualified than anyone in the world to venture a guess at what you would appreciate when it comes to ukes. Its a personal preference..My guess would be only that. What is my esperience with guitarists turned ukuleleists?...They look silly until they realize that the uke is alot smaller. It keeps falling on the floor. I think you will find the Fluke to be a wonderful choice on all levels. Each time the uke bug bites, you will go out and buy another instrument. You will soon be able to answer all your questions. Welcome to the world of uke nuts...they are a breed unto themselves. Visit our on-line store for all your uke needs...Visit our bulletin board and join in the discussion on how low to wear your G-string. Welcome and write any time...There are elves up 24 hours a day just waiting to answer your questions...From the Mt Idy mail sorting room....frets signing off...I think I had too much coffee this morning. - Friday, December 20, 2002

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