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

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Question asked by: Ken Houston Subject: banjo uke circa 1920 Question: We have a currently unplayable closed-back bu with an original hide head showing hand-drawn graffiti that dates it to a 1924 high school class. It belonged to my wife's aunt and has been in the family the whole time. At some point what looks like banjo geared tuners were added, and a replacement Grover bridge. All wood is blonde (looks like maple;) top ring and 10 hooks plus tailpiece are nickle, as are the 8 sound hole bushings between the hook nuts. Fingerboard is integral, brass frets, pearl position markers. The only marking on the instrument is a partly effaced gold label, oval in shape, which appears to have four lines of type on it, top line is completely gone, larger type second line only has a script G or possibly P legible, below that in small type is Reg US Pat Off and on a separate line Hand Made. I'd sure like to know some of the background of this instrument. Some of the back is unglued, and there are some cracks where the nuts that hold the hooks screw into the body. a band of herringbone marquetry around the lower circumference of the body is the only real decorative feature. I wonder if it could be put into playable condition (it's currently strung with nylon monofilament for appearance' sake, and sounds surprisingly mellow with these makeshift strings of a single guage. I'm a mandolin and guitar player, and don't know juke about ukes...but hate to see a family heirloom moulder. Answer: Ken ..thanks for the detailed description...It sounds like it could be any one of the thousands of Banjo Ukes that have come across my Banjo UKe table. I need a picture. So far, it sounds like a generic uke of the 20-s 30-s.....My aunt was blond...Hook nuts...nasty this time of the year, especially if its hot. If you can get a pic to this site or to me personally, I will do my best to tell you exactly what it is. The decal doesn't sound familiar, but what does these days? Anyone out there in yakville recognize Ken"s instrument. If so, please write in...I will do nothing till I hear from you...frets - Friday, December 20, 2002

Question asked by: Bob J Subject: concert uke Question: Hello, I'm trying to find sizes and scale lengths, or fret templates for concert sized ukes. Any help will be apreciated. Thanks, Bob. Answer: Bob, If I may call you that...move this over to the bulletin board on this same site..look at the black menu to your left and go the the board. You will get more information than you ever wanted. Welcome to the site and hope you enjoy your time here..You will never be the same again...chuck - Friday, December 20, 2002

Question asked by: Else Subject: tipple Question: Hello Chuck, a merry Christmas to you and your family :)) I would like your opinion of the tipple (pic enclosed) I am thinking of buying. It has seen better days and it seems to have been repaired where the body meets the neck.There is also a crack there. Inside is part of a label that says (very original) Hawaiian Ukulele and I see a man's head and some palm trees. Could you tell me anything about it, make, value etc? I don't know how much she wants for it but I know she paid a hundred dollars for it. Thanks Chuck and aloha. Else Photos:      Answer: else..its a regal tiple from the 30-s40-s and I would pass...it has seen better days. They are a tough instrument to keep in tune when they are perfect. Because of the multiple strings, they slip alot and the neck has a habit of not staying straight. I would look for one in perfect condition, pay a little more and have your own problems instead of paying for someone elses. A repair where the body meets the neck, is a serious one. Perhaps the most serious next to a broken headstock. Pass...theres a tiple along every 5 minutes...put your wants up on the bulletin board and the market place and you will get response. They know everything thats happening in the uke world. frets - Thursday, December 19, 2002

Question asked by: James Subject: clear ukulele Question: I am just learnig to play the ukulele. My father gave me a Kamaka from the late 60's. But I am curious to know if you have heard the clear ukulele from islandgratitude.com? Thanks, James Answer: I understand because you can't see the uke, you also can't hear it. No, I haven't heard it yet so I have to reserve my opinion until I do...But I like wood and the sound it makes. Just what the world needed another wrinkle. If you get a chance to play one or anyone out there in yakland has...please write in...anxious to know if my feelings are correct. frets - Thursday, December 19, 2002

Question asked by: Gary K Subject: painted Favilla ukulele Question: Aloha Chuck, I just received a old Favilla Ukulule I bought from ebay. From the picture I didn't notice it was painted dark brown. Well anyway the uke is painted dark brown and has a design around the sound hole like the tear drop ukuleles. Have you ever seen a reg. style Favilla that was painted? Also the neck area that attached to the body is different from others I've seen. It is just staight right accross to the body like how a Kumalae is. Can you give me more info on this uke. Mahalo Gary Answer: Its genuine...Favilla made about 10,000 different designs and shapes..teardrop, round, with all sorts of designs painted on them.....The neck joint is correct also. The is a Favilla site. Hunt around and you will find it. If you don't , let me know and I will look thru my stuff and get it for you. I have many different favillas pictured for sale, yours must be there somewhere...send pics and I will help....remember " you only herk the one you love" ....... - Thursday, December 19, 2002

Question asked by: LARRY Subject: GIANNINI Question: HOW ARE GIANNINI BARITONE UKES? Answer: They are all fine and thank you for your concern. One had a cold earlier in the year, but it seems to be better now. I have had good reports although the one I played in Los Angeles last year did nothing for me. frets - Thursday, December 19, 2002

Question asked by: Colin McCubbin Subject: Vancouver ukulele circle Question: Re Leanne.. Hey Chuck, you know me, I'm in Canada, 2 hrs from Vancouver My friend Ralph Shaw runs the Vancouver Ukulele Circle, we meet third Tuesday of each month.. You can contact Ralph via his web site, http://www.ralphshaw.ca/ Best wishes, Colin McCubbin PS did you see the 2 National banjo ukes at www.notecannons.com ? Answer: Collin...I do know you...You know me...I am in Melbourne australia about 30 hours from Vancouver. Perhaps we should meet for coffee. Sorry, I wont be able to attend any of the meetings, it would cost about 5000....I await the ticket. I can't commit to anything on a regular basis...Thursday is bean picking day in Mt Idy...Please change your meeting night. Who is Ralph Shaw??? - Thursday, December 19, 2002

Question asked by: David Sutton Subject: Ukes from Indonesia? Question: Chuck I found this message posted on a guitar newsgroup and was wondering if you knew what brand name they might be, and where exactly in Indonesia are they being made... "There are some absolute stunners being made in Indonesia right now - about $150 for a solid wood, abalone bound, beautiful looking soprano instrument. They sound great too. I don't know what brand name they may have but I'm sure they will be selling in the USA as well as in Britain. I would guess the one I tried last week would be a koa body, spruce top, ebony bridge, extensive inlays and high gloss finish." Answer: David..I hardly know where Indonesia is, let alone a specific place where ukes are being made. I would be very careful of anything coming out of Indonesia...The words Quality and Indonesia don't seem to be found in alot of sentences. I'm sure I have pissed off all our Indonesian Uke Yak readers. It has some features I already dont like. Hi gloss finish. I find that finish to hold the sound inside the uke. That is easily fixed with a bit of sandpaper and elbow greese ( a condition that makes arm wrestling a bitch)...I would opt for a known instrument at the same price or a used vintage instrument that has stood the test of time. These, as you know are personal opinions and nothing more. Get one, and let us know what your 150.00 bought. You may open a whole new market. spectical but willing to look...frets - Sunday, December 15, 2002

Question asked by: Ron Subject: value Question: I have a ukulele that was given to me 15 years ago. The overall length is 21 inches. 4 strings. And I think it says Japan on the top (although it is not clear) Can you tell me anything about it? Thanx Answer: Yes Ron..I can tell you it is at least 15 years old, 21 inches long, 4 strings, made in Japan ( possibly). At last count that description fit about 40 million ukes. A picture would help alot...frets - Sunday, December 15, 2002

Question asked by: Jerry G. Subject: Harold Teen Uke Question: I want to sell a really fine red Harold Teen Uke. I don't think there has been much Uke Yak about these for at least a couple of years. Do you think the value has moved from the $500-$1000 back then? Should I put it on eBay and let nature take its course? Answer: When theyfirst surfaced they were a novelty. People drove the price up beyond belief. I would put it up on the Marketplace on this site first and see if there is any interest. The nuts on the other side of the board will let you know in a heartbeat. Ask the same question on the bulletin board and see what you get. THEN try ebay. There may be someone out there who hasn't had a chance at one for 500 and you'll sell it. The days of the 1000 Harold Teen are over, unless Harold comes with the uke...If yours is yellow, you have a better chance of selling it..don't ask me why...most yellow stuff is not desirable. frets - Sunday, December 15, 2002

Question asked by: Bill Trainor Subject: Baratone Uke Tuning Question: Can you tell me what the tuning for a baratone uke is??? It doesn't appear to be the same as a soprano uke. Thanks Answer: Bill...If you try to tune it like a soprano, you will have lots of little pieces..enough to make a few soprano's..the tuning of a baritone is the same as the first four strings of the guitar. Working from the outside in on the drivers side..its e b g d ..frets - Sunday, December 15, 2002

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: Swagerty Question: The Swagerty ukes (telio, surf-a, kook-a, whatever)-can they be tuned as ukulele, tenor banjo, baritone uke? I had seen something about this before buy not paid attention but there are a couple listed on ebay and the sellers avow that the literature on these ukes say this. I've never actually held one of these instrument (and probably won't unless I run up on someone who does not hold them so dear) but I am curious. Seems mighty versatile. Answer: go to the bulletin board and the uke yak section on this site and type in surf-a lay lee and see what comes up..If you ask the question on the bulletin board you will get lots of answers. There are collectors of these instruments out there who have all the information..More than you ever wanted and they are willing to share and share and share...great bunch...try them...just punch in bulletin board on the black menu on your left. frets - Sunday, December 15, 2002

Question asked by: Erin Subject: Banjo-Uke Question: Chuck, can you tell me about this banjo uke? It made of Koa and Maple with full rope binding trim. It appears to be a Sherman, Clay, & Co. Model 32 shown at http://www.nalu- music.com/nalu/sherman32.html I want to know about its value as a collectable and if it is rare. Thanks, Erin Photos:      Answer: I have had them..pretty to look at , but still a banjo uke. Tune with gut strings..helps. Rare ..No....Common No...somewhere in between...value.. few hundred if the wind is right. I prefer it to the generic banjo uke for looks. String it up and let us know how it sounds. Don't know who made it, it appears in about 4000 catalogues from that time...30'40's...good luck...chuck - Sunday, December 15, 2002

Question asked by: Barrie blake Subject: Ludwig Banjo Uke Question: I have the oportunity of buying a Ludwig Bango Ukulele 1920 vintage. It has the original hard shell locking case and looks like a Classic or maybe a Wendal Hall model . The lining in the case is green if that tells you anything. The wood finish has sort of all carckled buthe the wood in in nice shape as is the chrome and skin. They want $1300 for this so thought i would ask your opinion before taking out the wallet. Thanks a million. On a scale of 1 to 10 I want rate the condition of this Yke at a 7. Answer: great instrument...not a bargain at 1300 for a "7"....look around ,you can do better..they are not rare, there are millions of them....one of the better banjo ukes, came in 5 styles. top of the line could run 5000...for 1300, you should be able to get a "9"...frets - Sunday, December 15, 2002

Question asked by: Steve Pleydell-Pearce Subject: Samick Concert Question: Hi Chuck! I got an answer to that Maiko question.Apparently he's been making ukes for local Hawaiian performers for about twelve years.The uke was on Ebay and went way beyond my budget,the seller wanted $500. Never mind!,sure looked nice though! My brother's looking at a Samick Concert on Ebay now,which is currently at $265.However we've found an Australian site"Stairway to Kevin" who sells them for $165 new! No wonder the seller on Ebay had such a low reserve of $60,they must be stoked with the response! It looks a nice uke,do you know anything about these,Chuck? Kind regards!, Steve. Photos:      Answer: Stairway to Kevin????Sounds like your going to meet John Edwards and pass over. I would be cautious of anything named "stairway to Kevin" Have not hard of him and Australia is a small place. I should have. Haven't played the Samik, but initial reports are not exciting. Stick with what's known..There's lots of stuff out there at reasonable prices. The boys on the Bulletin board are up on all the new makers. Give them a hollar and see what you get. They are very friendly and have had all their shots... - Sunday, December 15, 2002

Question asked by: Dan Subject: Miami / Stadlmair uke Question: Hi Chuck - I see that there's a recent post by John about a Miami uke. A couple weeks ago, I was strolling through a local antiques store and found a lonely, dusty little Miami soprano uke. It looks like koa wood, with an orange oval sticker inside that reads "Miami - used and endorsed by Ukulele Hughes. H Stadlmair Co Inc. - sole distributors". Both the back and top were coming off the sides and there was a 3" crack down the middle of the 1-piece back. The fingerboard has two (bone? plastic?) insert markers behind the 5th and 7th frets, under the G string. All four friction pegs (ebony?) were in perfect shape and the nut has a small crack in it, which doesn't affect its playability. I cleaned it gently (careful not to alter the patina) and used some of my luthier talents and the proper adhesives (and clamps) to reassemble this little uke. Two days later, I put on a set of new uke strings - it both sounds and looks beautiful. A web search shows that it was made in 1925-26. Although I have no intention of selling it or puting it on EBay, what's the approximate value of this uke? Answer: decent instrument. In perfect shape 300 bucks...case, a little more...They were the distributors not the makers. good find...solid uke..don't see alot of them...thanks for writing in and keep in touch...chuck - Sunday, December 15, 2002

Question asked by: Edward Kauf Subject: I made one Question: Hi Chuck: I just wanted to take the time to thank you for providing all the great information, most of which is the driving force behind my interest in ukes. I have a few Favilla's but can't afford to buy any better than that so I decided to make them instead. This is the first. It should be finished by next week but I could not wait to string it up. By the sound of it, this one wants to be a jazz uke. Best regards Ed Answer: Edward, if your ukes are deciding on what they want to be and are letting you know...cut down on the amount of finish you are smelling. Favilla is a great instrument..I play one and have for years. Wouldn't part with it except for a New Martin S.O. just a bad joke. Let us know how your new talking uke is and what is says...Were all ears.....strange looking bunch...thanks for the kind words and keep us posted.. - Sunday, December 15, 2002

Question asked by: Glenn Woods Subject: Kamaka Ukulele Question: I obtained this Kamaka Uke from a friend of mine when I was in the service. He played professionally. The stamp inside this uke has a date of Feb 6 1960 or 1969 (the ""0" is blurred). I don't play anymore and was wondering how to go about getting this Ukulele appraised? Answer: Glenn..need to know which Kamaka it is. Send Picture..will let you now in a flash....gordon.. - Sunday, December 15, 2002

Question asked by: julie dieringer Subject: ukulele Question: Hi, I just bought an old ukulele at a flea market. The decal says "the Hawaiian". Any idea on age? I am ssuming it was sold as a tourist item. It need two tuning pegs. Any suggestions on how to locate? ThX! Answer: If it says Hawaiian on the face of the uke and is a decal, it is a tourist uke. Take it to a good music store and buy a new set of four rather than looking for two that match...save you time.....frets - Sunday, December 15, 2002

Question asked by: ernie Subject: clarophone banjo-uke Question: a friend gave this clarophone banjo-uke to me years ago, he found it in an old abanoned house in the Ozarks when he was surveying. the decal is in great shape, the instrument is in great shape and it has a closed back and a skin head. one of the tone bars (?) is missing. It need a bridge. do these use uke strings or steel strings. was this made by gretch? and what is it worth? Answer: couple of hundred. Most music stores will have a box of those pieces you need. Arn't all houses in the Ozarks abandoned??? except for Banjo Ukes...Gut strings= Banjo Uke...Steel strings = Cheese Grater....and finger destroyer. Your right it was made by Gretch....Not their finest hour, but a decent instrument. Don't play it in a lightning storm if you use steel strings. frets - Sunday, December 15, 2002

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