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

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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

Question asked by: Rick Subject: Sovereign Tiple Question: Hi There, I recently bought a Sovereign Tiple (a purely impulse buy), and would like to know if it's possible to date it, and also how much it might be worth. I've included a picture of the head with the Sovereign logo, in case it might be useful. The instrument is in really nice condition, no strum marks, tuners work (though are a little stiff), etc. It's a really fun instrument (I've never played a uke or anything related before), but it's really hard to keep in tune. Anyway, any info you could provide would be appreciated. I've been scouring the web, but there's precious little mention of Sovereign tiples. One more question: I got a set of Bella tiple strings, but some of the wound strings barely fit through the holes in the bridge (that thick part of the string where the core is doubled up makes them too thick). Are there types of strings that avoid this problem? Thanks! --->Rick Answer: I hire people to string tiples for me. I hate doing it. If I ever get it right I have a party. I never touch it after that except to play it. A Sovereign..interesting..first one I have heard of..good brand ..I love the tiple, play it all the time...just wish it had strings. but I don't wake up anyone. Anything with 10 strings is hard to keep in tune. Get used to it...Value..few hundred. Tiples are coming back into their own...hold it...don't sell till the market tops out...then make a killing. frets - Sunday, December 15, 2002

Question asked by: Ron Traer Subject: Royal Hawaiian Ukulele Question: I received this ukulele forty years ago from an old friend of my parents. It is in perfect condition and has been in its case ever since I've own it. Do you have any idea what the value would be? I know it was made sometime in the 30's. Photos:      Answer: Few hundred...made by Kumalae, we think. Not a bad instrument..Nice wood and this one looks like its in good condition. It is collectible and should you want to sell it..try the Marketplace on this site..Everything, pretty much sells...Hope this has helped...late as it is...hidden in my questions some how.....keep in touch..we care...frets - Sunday, December 15, 2002

Question asked by: Diane Subject: Christmas Present Question: Hi, My 10 year old niece would like a uke for Christmas. I don't want to buy something that will sound bad (or fall apart), but also don't want to spend to much because I doubt that she will have follow thru. If she enjoys it, I will let her parents buy her a good one later. Ebay has several for less than $50...should I go new or used...or forget about it? Thanks! Answer: Diane..go to the marketplace section of this site...look to your left, you will find it in the black area ..in white..marketplace. put your wants up there and someone will write you. YOu can also go to the bulletin board and ask the same question..There about a million uke nuts over there who love to answer questions and be helpful...great bunch..give them a chance..they know everything there is about ukes and prety much everything else. They will be glad to help. I would stay away froma new uke that can be bought for 50 bucks. Doesn't sound like much for your money. I'm not an expert in this field...try the marketplace and the bulletin board and report back...thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, December 10, 2002

Question asked by: Tim Subject: follow up Question: Chuck- Last week I asked about tuning up your KP baritone. You sent me to Ken Potts for details. I contacted him, he explained, and had an all- koa baritone available that just came off display at the airport. I bought it and went from seeker of wisdom to owner of uke. I'll get back to you with the happy details after it arrives. Thanks. Answer: thanks ...keep us updated.......frets - Friday, December 6, 2002

Question asked by: mw Subject: KP Ukulele Question: All mahogany/KP picture-doesn't do it justice--- plays with ease and sounds wonderful. The family loves it. Answer: thanks for the note...always love to hear about good stuff. KP strikes again....chuck - Friday, December 6, 2002

Question asked by: Tom Neill Subject: E-Z Player for Ukelele II Question: Just a follow-up to my original question regarding this device. I thought I'd send a pic of this thing just in case you didn't have a chance to view it on ebay before it sold. I'd really like to know what the heck it is? Photos:      Answer: Well..it says its an easy player for the uke...I have tried them and its anything but easy...It is suppose to finger the strings for you by pressing down on the appropriate string. I think they are ridiculous. Its a thousand time easier to learn to play the uke with your own fingers. The idea must have looked good on paper. Not are the impossible to use, they scratch the hell out of a neck. But then so does poison ivy...best....frets - Friday, December 6, 2002

Question asked by: michael g. kramer Subject: What era is this and does it seem a good ukulele? Question: what era might this be and does it appear a good uke? was in possession of a violin maker who repaired and refinished it. ill send two further images, label and machines. image 2 now Answer: Michael..no pics came thru, please attempt to send again here or to my homesite..cfayne@bigpond.net.au..thanks.. frets - Wednesday, December 4, 2002

Question asked by: Michael G. Kramer Subject: ukulele repair on a vintage axe Question: Sorry if this is a repeat. I got a parameter failed message twice on another brower try at this. -------------- I own a very old Kamaka Pineapple. It needs the services of a qualified Ululele repair person. (Bridge problems and setup.) Who in southern California would be qualified or would you recommend for this sort of thing? Thanks for looking at this. Sincerely Michael G. Kramer Answer: please take it to Mc Cabes guitar ship in Santa Monica and see John Zehnder. He will fix you up...the tele number is 319 8284497...John has been a dear friend for over 30 years and does wonderful work..you can trust him...please say hello from all here at uke yak and me in particular...chuck fayne - Wednesday, December 4, 2002

Question asked by: Steve E. Subject: Takeya uke pic #2 Question: Hi Chuck - you really needed to see this pic of the back as well - get a load of that koa!!! Thanks, Steve E. Photos:      Answer: Steve. I'd like to have a load of that Koa. Beautiful wood....great score..thanks for sharing...frets - Wednesday, December 4, 2002

Question asked by: Steve E. Subject: New builder alert... Question: Hi Chuck - had to tell you about and show you my new Kasha /Schneider inspired tenor uke built by Norman Takeya of Ukulele Supply of Hawaii - this little thing is awesome. Master grade curly koa back and sides, cedar top, Kasha bracing with offset and sideport soundholes, clownfish inlay coming out of the top port...an amazing instrument that sounds unreal - totally different than the standard uke with the custom bracing and soundports...he used this as his showpiece at the Uke Guild Convention in Honolulu last month...he can be reached via http://ukulelesupply.tripod.com/uku lelesupplyofhawaii/index.html True aloha spirit behind this, anybody looking for an incredibe (and affordable) custom instrument needs to talk to this guy. Takeya no ka oi !!!! Photos:      Answer: Thanks for the info...Thats one of the great functions of this site. I can't play them all and I need you all to write in your finds. Please keep us posted on all you find...Thanks steve for writing and reading the column...frets - Wednesday, December 4, 2002

Question asked by: Alan Miltenberger Subject: ukulele Question: I have an old heirloom that is a Mouna-Loa ukulele that is in very good condition with case. The number inside the body is 3. What should I know about this instrument? Please respond via e- mail. Thanks Alan Miltenberger Answer: You pretty much know it all..Lyon and Healy made a uke called the Mouna Loa. I have no idea if this is the one...send a pic..IF it is the plastic version, its pretty much a toy. If it is the wooden one, it could be a serious instrument. Let me know what you have...frets - Wednesday, December 4, 2002

Question asked by: Martin Beer Subject: Kumalae pegs? Question: Hi, I've got an old Kumalae uke (I can't remember the model number, but it's the one with the straight-sided headstock, and rope inlay down the middle of the fretboard). Most of the ones I've seen in pictures have had slotted wooden tuning pegs, but this has the metal kind with black bakelite buttons. Are these likely to be original, or a later addition? Cheers, Martin Beer Answer: Martin , no way to tell without seeing the uke...Look at the back of the headstock.. take off the tuners and see if the hole is tapered. If it is tapered, they might have been push friction pins at one time..If the hole is straight they are probably, if not original, at lease the type that belong on the uke. AGAIN...I'D LIKE TO SEE A PIC.. I can do so much more if I have a pic. Thanks for writing in..a pic and you will have a definite answer about all you questions...swami frets..sees all tells all...sees nothing....well I'm not a real mindreader..I'm a sham...from Mt Idy....school of thought...chuck - Wednesday, December 4, 2002

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