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

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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: Lesley Subject: History of the ukulele Question: Hi. I have a project to do and I was wondering if you could answer some of the following questions: 1) Where and when was the instrument first made? 2)Who made it? 3) Why was it made? 4) What was the first instruments made of? 5) What is the instrument made of today? 6) How is the instrument made past/present? 7) What country specializes in making this instrument? Thanks for your help. Les Answer: The ukulele as we know it today was made first in Hawaii around l879 when a similiar instrument was brought to Hawaii on a ship from Madiera Portugal. The makers responsible for the Hawaiian Ukulele and its production were Augusto Dias, Manuel Nunes, and Jose do Espirito Santo. It became popular when a player on the that early ship by the name of Edward Purvis played his instrument ( the Braguinha). The people loved the sound and it was the perfect instrument for to accompany the lively hula dance. Up until that time, Hawaii really had no musical instruments. The Missionaries introduced the Guitar in the early 1800's but until that time, most of the instruments were rhythm based instruments. The lovely hawaiian music we hear today is fairly modern by comparison to music of other cultures. The first hawaiian instruments were made of a native Hawaiin wood called Koa wood. It grows on the hawaiian islands only. It is a member of the Acacia tree. There are variations of that wood growing in other countries. We in australia and Tasmania have what is know as acacia blackwood. Very similar to the Koa wood and also very good for musical instruments. Many countries today specialize in making the Ukulele...Hawaii, United states, Japan is now in full production...Its popularity is at an all time high...Everybody is getting on the act. Makers are springing up all over the place. Not all good, but some are fabulous. I hope I have helped you and If I can be of more help, just write..If you want more into..go to the on-line-store on this site ( menu to left) and order the book by Jim Beloff...The Ukulele...a Visual History,...It will tell you all you ever wanted to know...thanks for writing in..Let me know how the project works out....frets This is just a brief sketch of the history...Much more has been written in the last 10 years. - Friday, November 29, 2002

Question asked by: Makalealea Subject: Sam F. Chang Question: I have my late grandmothers favorite Ukulele and know absolutly nothing about it. It is about 23 inches long, dark brown with the coat of arms lable on the front tip of the handel where the tune keys are. Also, in the back of the Uke's handle there is an engraving of TABU, 2 paddles, a crest (or something like it), and Made in Hawai'i with Sam F.Chang at the very tip. It is very old and has a crack on the front side of it close to the sound hole and also the thin white sidings came off over time. I would love to carry on her love for playing the Uke. I need to know where I can take her Ukulele to get it repaired. I don't want to put it into the wrong hands and someone ruins it. I don't know what the value is and I don't want to ruin it myself. (All I know how to play is: "my dog has fleas".) right now but I will learn more soon. My daughter know's how to play the Uke but I want to get it fixed first. (I think I'll start off with a beginners Uke myself) I know you are familiar with people here in Honolulu. I live in Kaneohe and would appreciate your help in pointing me in the right direction. Much Mahalo's for your kokua and for having your page. I loved reading it. Aloha, Maka Answer: You have to find Ken Potts..KP Ukuleles. You will find him listed in the phone book..I would trust him to set my ankle. He has a wonderful touch with the instrument. He also makes a fabulous instrument. If he can't or doesn't have time to do it, He will guide you to the right person. Please tell him I told you to call...Your in good hands....Thanks for the kind words...Always nice to meet new people...Keep tuned in..you never know what you wil hear....frets If you have any trouble finding ken, please write me at cfayne@bigpond.net.au...chuck - Friday, November 29, 2002

Question asked by: Eileen Marr Subject: differences Question: I am trying to find out the difference between a spanish and hawiiaan uke. Can you help me? Answer: The spanish one wears a sombrero...The ukulele is a hawaiian instrument first and a mainland instrument second. The other four stringed instruments are known by many names. If you will go to the Library and Look at a copy of Groves Dictionary of Music, you will see many examples of four stringed instruments. Many of them look exactly like a ukulele but were used more for rhythm than melody. The ukulele is a decendent from a 4 stringed portugese instrument brought to Hawaii from Madiera in l879. I don't know that I have ever played a Spanish Ukulele..I might have and didn't notice the hat. Thanks for writing in and keep in touch..Adios Amigo...frettata - Friday, November 29, 2002

Question asked by: Leanne Hardy Subject: near home Question: frets, hey, i'm in vancouver, canada, and i was wondering if you could put me in contact with some local ukulele associations. I've heard rumors of some, but I'd like sum concrete information, thx Answer: Leanne...I can give you contacts for concrete, however I don't know a soul in canada...I would trys the player directory at the left of this column...the black area..you will find player directory..perhaps that will help..If there is anyone out there who is in the area or knows of someone..please help...thanks for writing, wish I could be of more help...frets - Monday, November 25, 2002

Question asked by: D. Brakefield Subject: Which wood is best? Question: Hi Chuck: I'm lusting after a Ken Potts tenor uke. Could you tell me which wood you picked for your KP uke? He offers various combinations of koa, spruce, mahogany and rosewood for the neck, top and fret board. While I want a good looking uke, my overriding interest is the sound quality. Thanks for your expertise. Happy holidays! DB Answer: DB I have a Baritone made of all Koa. It is heavenly. The sound is fabulous and the wood is remarkable. I am very satisfied as you already know from my other ravings. Hope you find what you are looking for. I have a Baritone that I tune up to Tenor. I love the combination of sounds. Its perfect for what I want. Go for it, You won't be dissatisfied. frets - Monday, November 25, 2002

Question asked by: Ruth Baxter Subject: uke for Christmas Question: Hi folks! I'm thinking of sending a uke to my brother for Christmas. He's in the Middle East right now with the Air Force. He's a guitar player but didn't bring his guitar along with him. Thought I might send him a uke and some music, something for him to do. I wonder if you have any buying advice. I don't want to buy anything too expensive because it might not survive the trip, and if it survives the trip it might not survive the Middle East. Thanks for any buying tips you can give me. Answer: Ruth...fortunatly for you , you have reached the solution to all your problems with one site. Go to the menu on the left of this page and hit the on-line store...You will find everything you ever wanted and more. The Fluke Uke is a fabulous instrument,perfect for what you want. It will survive the middle east and you will also find the books you need to send him with the uke. When you do send all the stuff, please send our thanks for being there. God's speed and a safe trip from all at fleamarketmusic...frets - Monday, November 25, 2002

Question asked by: Brian Graves Subject: San Francisco Uke Question: I've been playing (I think for about 5 years) a San Francisco uke that says "Designed by M. Silber & C. Fayne" on the inside label. Someone told me the C. Fayne mentioned above is you. True? How did you choose the design, materials, etc. of the uke? It plays great and sounds wonderful. The San Fran, a TumaVita, a Fluke (my boat uke) have given me many hours of strumming pleasure. Answer: The C. Fayne is me. I came up with the design because I always loved the sound of the Vita Uke but wanted to see what would happen if I had a larger version. And so the Frisco uke was born. The wood was chosen by Marc Silber....I have one of the two original prototypes..not available to the general public...I agree with you...the sound is fabulous. I have a 5 string version..The second string is doubled and an octave apart. It gives it just that little more ballsy sound. Glad you like yours and thanks for the kind words. Thanks for writing in and keep in touch...frets - Monday, November 25, 2002

Question asked by: Gene Bahling Subject: KP Ukes Question: Not a ?, just a comment! Frets, you may order another KP uke, but you are in line behind Mike (see his comments below) and ME!!! On your recommendation (vis Uke Yak), I just ordered a Chris Mahon model in dark koa. See what you've started now??? Answer: I really didn't start anything. I just name dropped. If the product hadn't been good, all my talking would have done nothing. Ken is responsible for his success. He makes a wonderful instrument and I knew if a couple of people loved it as much as I did..He would on his way...He started it all and good on him ( as they say down here in Aussie land..) I know you will love yours...frets - Monday, November 25, 2002

Question asked by: Ken Bailey Subject: Kamaka labels Question: I was wondering if you could tell me about the differnt colors and styles of the Kamaka decals and labels. Is there a time line associated with them? I enjoy reading your wonderful column. Have a wonderful day. Answer: Ken..It is really hard to tell you about Kamaka decals and labels. They seemed to use what ever was on the bench. The best I can do is as follows. First was a white label that said Kamaka 1928, Next a blue label, sometimes with a pineapple on it and sometimes not...about l935 or so. A gold label and a white label. There are about a dozen varieties of these and there is where the problem starts. You can't date them by the labels or decals , you have to see the instrument. If you can show me the instrument, I can come close . I hope this has helped...I can't imagine how. frets of the Mr Idy label and Decal association.. - Monday, November 25, 2002

Question asked by: Gregg Subject: Preventing Cracks / Splits in Ukes Question: Chuck, it seems like a large number of the vintage ukes offered for sale or described in detail on this site have either some slight or prominent cracks / splits in the wood. You usually attribute this to aging and changes in humidity. There must be some reason why it is not advisable to use a natural wood oil on the inside of the uke's body to keep the wood moist and prevent cracking, because that seems like too easy of a solution to stop the problem. What happens if you do this? Does it decrease the ukes projection or make the resonation sound dull? Obviously, it would kill a uke's value if there was a manufacturer's sticker inside the sound hole, but what about the uke's that don't? Do you have any logical suggestions to reduce the probability of cracking / splitting? Thanks for all the good answers you provide on this site. Answer: I have owned thousands of ukes over the last 25 years..I think I have only had a couple crack on their own. I have had extreme changes in humidity and long periods of dry and wet and nothing seems to affect them much. I wouldn't worry and I would spend the time to wax the inside of your uke..There us a big diference between a natural crack that appears along the fault line of the grain, especially in koa., and a uke that suffers a crack from humidity. You can do nothing about the uke that cracks along the fault line. Its just weak and anything can set it off. The cracks I worry about are the ones you can walk thru...Those are a problem to get back in line. The fault line cracks go back easily. Dont fret...just enjoy them...if you worry you will crack...frets - Saturday, November 23, 2002

Question asked by: Tony Powell Subject: old reddish brown uke Question: Hi Chuck, I just recently purchased an old soprano uke with Egyptian symbols around the sound hole,on the body and on the tuning head, They are all gold leaf and look original. Any ideas on what type of uke this is? It plays pretty good and I may keep it. Thanks, Tony Answer: Its the Regal Egyptian uke. Sold by almost every distributor in the 30's and 40's,...one of the more popular of the comic ukes. Keep it....and play tut, tut, tuttsie goodbye....from the tombs of mt idy.....freta - Saturday, November 23, 2002

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