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

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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: Frank Baker Subject: Mauna Moa Question: Chuck, Thank you for your helpful advice. I went back to the antique store for a second look. We took the instrument out of the display case for closer inspection and it had two cracks in the top and showed evidence of the neck separating from the body. Mother always said the only cure for love at first sight was to take a second look. I think I'll ask Santa for a copy of Jim's Visual History before I do any more collecting. Frank Baker Bakersfield, CA Answer: A wise choice. Your mother was a wise woman....for those of you who don't know whats happening....frank wrote me off line and ask about a mauna loa uke..I told him to look again...guess he did. If you need help finding what you want...try our marketplace on this site...put up your wants and you will get more info than you ever wanted...great bunch on the other side. You might even get some help with a ukulele...But they will straighten out your life...They help me all the time...best and keep in touch..You found where you belong...at fleamarketmusic.com....frets..resident engineer on the Mt Idy Railway and Choclate bar...... - Sunday, November 17, 2002

Question asked by: Mike Longworth Subject: several Question: Chucky, for the guy who had the dated Martin uke... It is almost impossible to write legigibly upside down and backwards through a small soundhole (or even a big one). Martin did usually date their guitars under the top with the date the top was installed, and most often with one of about three sets of initials. FHM, HAV, JHD, usually. They stopped this practice in the 1920s sometime. An X wouldn't have been used. sometimes a slashmark between abreviations of the date can bee seen. As for the ukulele maker named Morris? Never heard that name at Martin. I did repair some Morris Guitars for Loveman's Dept store in Chattanooga in the early 1960s.Plywood. I remember the bridges were crude blocks with a groove, and a heavy plastic straw in the groove for a saddle. Nuf Sed? Mike L. Mike L. Answer: Thanks Mike as usual...You're a font of information...We treasure it all...and My Longworth file becomes heavier and heavier. keep well...frets and the rest of your loyal fans..... - Sunday, November 17, 2002

Question asked by: Mokey Man Subject: Baritone Uke Question: Chuck, I think I might have a favilla baritone uke. I have "the Baritone Ukulele" written by Herk Favilla. I think the book is like 50 years old. The Uke lookes just like the picture in the book. Also it has some sort of glue residue above the tunning pegs where the Favilla symbol could have gone. There are no words on the Uke, so how can I tell if its a Favilla or not? - Thanks Answer: I guess the best way to tell is the glue...There was no reason to glue anything on a favilla...It was stamped in Gold on the headstock...No label or decal used. Hope this helps...frets - Sunday, November 17, 2002

Question asked by: Chris Subject: Missing peg Question: I have a Martin 2K ukulele circa 1920 missing a tuning peg. Otherwise, it's in great shape. It had belonged to my grandfather. Two questions: 1. How can I get a replacement wood friction peg. 2. Can you shed any more light on the exact model and year. Some facts: It is a Martin soprano ukulele. In the sound hole it has "2K" written in pencil. I did some research and and the 2K used wood friction pegs only 1916-1922. Answer: Chris...please contact John Bernunzio at Bernunzio Vintage Instruments ( go to his website) tell him you are a friend and need a peg. Your uke has to have the stamp on the back of the peghead, no decal on the front and small dots on the fingerboard to be a uke from the 20's. If you want to send me a pic, I will be glad to pinpoint it exactly. In order to be a 2k..it has to be golden in color not mahogany, regardless of what the pencil says. Send pic....Include a pic of every member of your family and any family outing pictures or slides you may have. I need a life....fayne - Saturday, November 16, 2002

Question asked by: eulalia Subject: ebay uke Question: There is a uke on ebay made by you. It states that you are the one selling this uke. Are you selling this item? Answer: There is a uke on ebay that I am selling. There is no uke that I made. I help design the Frisco Ukulele made by Marc Silber in Berkeley, however I don't think there is one for sale. I am in the process of making the Radio Tenor Ukulele...well designing it. I can't make a cake. But keep an eye out for it. Please let me know the ebay number you are talking about and I will answer you on my Emai...cfayne@bigpond.net.au...thanks for writing in...chuck - Saturday, November 16, 2002

Question asked by: Frank Baker Subject: moana moa ukulele Question: While browsing the local antique shops I happened upon a soprano uke without strings or tuning pegs. The tag attached advertised it as a Moana Moa and priced it at $75. I'm a novice collector, so I'm interested in knowing if this uke is worth the asking price. I hope I've spelled the name correctly. Can you give me any information or advise? Answer: If it is in decent shape, it is worth 75.00...don't pay anymore...it should not have any cracks and be in reasonable shape. Made in the 40's...Not a bad instrument.. pleanty of worse ones around. If you can get a pic to send to me, I can do a better job. But, as I said..for 75. its a good deal...frets let us know what its like... - Saturday, November 16, 2002

Question asked by: John Roseborough Subject: Stadlmair Miami Ukulele Question: Chuck, I inherited a Steadlmair ukulele and don't know anything about it. Is this a quality instrument? When was it made? It must be mid to late 20's Any idea of the value? Thanks, John Roseborough Answer: Steadlmair is a quality music company..Yes your uke has value. They were one of the companies that carried the Weissenborn line in the l930's. I'm not sure how many ukes were made by the company and how many were farmed out. I have seen quite a few different styles, but they are a quality instrument. I would need to see a pic of the uke you have to tell you what it is worth. As I said, they made too many to just give you a price on the name alone...Please send pic to this site or my email address. cfayne@bigpond.net.au...thanks for writing in...chuck - Friday, November 15, 2002

Question asked by: Chuck Couchman Subject: Uke Comparison Question: Hi, How would you compare ukuleleles made by David (Kawika) Hurd and Duane (Black Bear) Heilman? I presently own a Kawika baritone and love it. Am thinking about getting a concert pineapple from Kawika, but also see every once in awhile a Black Bear made concert. Will appreciate your insights. Thanks much! Answer: My friend Ken Potts from KP Ukuleles wrote me with a wonderful answer to your question. Since his uke ranks up with the best, I think this is a particularly thoughtful answer. He said," If you gave 5 winemakers the same grapes and ask them to make a Merlot, you would have 5 different wines, each with their own distinctive flavor. Its up to you to pick the one that suits you." I know that is not exact, Ken, but I hope I did your answer justice. The answer is , I can't compare...Only you can. - Tuesday, November 12, 2002

Question asked by: Carl Subject: Nu Nunes Radio Tenor? Question: Chuck, I read about your plans to build a batch of new Radio Tenors. That is cool! You let me play your Radio Tenor for a few minutes and I really enjoyed it. Are you planning to sell them? If so, are you making a list of potential buyers? Thanks and best wishes. - Carl Answer: The radio tenor is in the planning stages as we speak....It has been drawn and the first pieces of wood cut. I anticipate after the first of the year we should have a couple off the line. I want them to be as good as the one you played, otherwise there is no need to just make another ukulele. There are enough of those already. This has to be up to my standards. I am taking names for the list now and will notify all when they are ready and how much they will cost. Nice to hear from you..I think often of our time here in the land of OZ...Make the trip again...chuck - Tuesday, November 12, 2002

Question asked by: Paul Bouchard Subject: shipping advice? Question: I've just won an Ebay auction for a clarophone banjo-uke and the lady that's selling it has advertised it as being "tuned up". Anyhow, I don't know ANYTHING about banjos ( I think I may have only even held one once before) so I am assuming that the bridge is detachable and should be removed for shipping -'zat correct? Also-Uke Yak is great. I've been poring though it for a few evenings now and found it to be a real honest gold mine of info and opinion. -thanks Answer: Paul..thanks for the kind words. And thanks for joining uke yak...The answer to your question is yes the bridge should be , at least, laying down. The uke should be de-tuned before shipping. It is not a Banjo..It is a banjo uke and therefore tuned exactly as a ukulele is tuned. IF you have any trouble we have , on the menu to your left, the E-tuner...has all the notes you will need. Also, visit our on line store and pick from the best of the best for the beginner or the pro. Thanks again for writing in..and enjoy your uke..Please report..we care...frets - Tuesday, November 12, 2002

Question asked by: Steve Pleydell-Pearce Subject: Maiko Tenor Question: Hi Chuck! Do you know anything about Maiko ukuleles,as I've been offered this one and I'm considering buying it? What kind of offer should I put in,what do you think a fair price would be? Thanks in advance,Chuck! You guys provide a great service! Steve. Answer: Got the pic you sent...anyone out there know about the Maiko Uke..Cutaway Tenor...If you do, please let us know...I am not familiar with the uke..thanks ukers...frets - Tuesday, November 12, 2002

Question asked by: John Gudmundson Subject: Radio Tenor Project Question: Chuck, Are we to understand that you have plans to produce a Radio Tenor Ukulele similar to your Vita/Frisco Uke? In that my favorite instrument is my Radio Tenor I am very curious about the prospect of a new toy. By the way have you tryed the Aquila Nylgut strings. I just restrung a concert and a tenor with them and in my opinion, they are the the most pleasing to the ear and softest to the touch of any strings that I have ever tried. I hope that they stand the test of time. John G Answer: I have now( tried the strings)..just recently got a set and I like them very much...I agree with you..the sound is very soft and also very clear. I am planning to reproduce the Radio Tenor with some modifications. None that will hurt that wonderful sound, just very minor tweaks. They will be made the old fashioned way...by hand all the way..sanded and fit together one at a time. They will have a hand rubbed finish . I am going to make some out of Tasmanian Blackwood...a very close cousin to the Koa Acacia..Hard to tell them apart. I wish I could give you a date...but I don't know when for sure. Not this year...Probably by the middle of next year. I have never built a uke with my own hands. I have only designed them.. But I think I know what makes the Radio Tenor my favorite instrument also. I hope I can get my feelings across to the people who will ultimatly cut and finish the uke. I will let you all know when it gets close. I don't plan to make thousands. I think they are the finest players instrument of the day and hope these will be as well..thanks for asking... - Monday, November 11, 2002

Question asked by: Dave Bedel Subject: Kumalae Ukulele Question: About 30 years ago this Kumalae Uke was given to me by the daughter of Clyde Holmes who was the first general counsel of Consumers Energy Corp of jackson, MI, a large Michigan power co. The story was that he and his wife went to the Pan Pacific International exposition in 1915 where he purchased a pair of these ukes for his 10 yr old twin daughters. Neither she nor I had any idea that this was a famous maker until I looked it up recently on the www so I tend to believe the story. I guess my question is does this uke look like it might really have been purchased at the PPI in CA in 1915? It has the gold (not white) decal on the head and inside it says, "Jonah Kumalae, manufacturer of ukuleles. Awarded the gold medal for Ukuleles and Taro patches at the P.P.I. Exposition. Kumalae Hawaii. 1719 Liliha St., Honolulu. Phone 2384. It has lacing around the sound hole, around the entire body and neck and there is a double row down the center of the neck. So many I see on e-bay have multiple cracks. This one is mint and has none. I'm just curious if it really could have been purchased in 1915 at the P.P.I. in California. Thanks for your help Dave Bedell Answer: Dave , anything is possible. If that's the story, and they are sticking to it...I guess you have to go along with it. I am not familiar with the number of ukes sold or if any were sold at the PPIE in 1915,.,,It was at that exhibition that Jonah Kumalae won a gold medal. He put that on all of the ukes he made from that time on. And boy did he make alot of them...He was one of the first mass producers of Ukuleles....3000 per month at the top...Thanks for writing in and I wish I could help more...frets - Monday, November 11, 2002

Question asked by: Wendell Guthrie Subject: this old uke Question: Chuck, I wrote about this Uke I restored once before. Still don't know the maker, but I finally got a picture for you. Any Ideas? Writing to you is like being a straight man I can see I'm in trouble here. Picture is attached. Also I did not understand your comments about how you string and tune the new KP baritone. Could you be more explicit. Was it tenor strings tuned up? What does that mean? Thanks Answer: Wendell...your pic didn't make it..please send it to my private email..cfayne@bigpond.net.au...I guess its not so private now. You don't have to tune tenor strings up...they make it easily. Just tune it as you would a tenor...Use a low G string..Somewhere around your ankles...don't trip..It works perfectly on my uke..I love the sound of it...The range of a tenor but the mellowness of the Baritone...What a great combination..try it...let us know what you think and get me a pic...frets - Monday, November 11, 2002

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