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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

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: Lawrence Blyly Subject: banjo-uke Question: Doing a google search, your site came up. Message from R Chalmers (May 11-12, 2002 referred to a mandolin with JSR CO in a diamond crest on the head. I have a banjo- uke in reasonably good condition with that same "logo." Would be somewhat interested in the value, but mostly need a head. It measures exactly 7 inches. Any suggestions? I have tried quite a few on-line sources already. Thanks. Answer: about 150-200 dollars...They are a mass produced banjo uke of which there are thousands. Thats not to say they are bad, just many of them....That price is predicated on it being in great condition...subtract if not. If it has a case, (original) another 25 bucks if it is the soft one and 100 if it is the hard case.) Thanks for writing in..keep in touch...frets - Sunday, November 10, 2002

Question asked by: Paul Subject: Martin Ukes Question: Hi Chuck, I have an early Martin uke that has writing on the underside of the top just behind the brace. It's hard to read using a mirror but there is definitely a date of 192x (can't tell if the x is a five or not)along with a few other words? I can't make out. I'm convinced this was written when the uke was made as there is no indication the uke was ever taken apart. My question is: have you seen or heard of anything similar on other Martin ukes. Also, the date seems to fit with the characteristics of the uke. Thanks, Paul Answer: Paul, I have seen dates inside of the Martin Ukes. I would guess you were right...Either written by the maker or at a later date by the owner. It was not standard practice. The dating of martin instruments is done by certain telltale signs. Early ukes....small dots on fingerboard, stamped on back of peghead "CF Martin Nazareth Penn" , number of frets...etc. If your uke has these signs, its an old one if not, the date is useless....frets - Sunday, November 10, 2002

Question asked by: Steve Subject: frisco uke Question: You helped in the design of the frisco uke by Mark Silber, can you discuss this some? have you played the smaller soprano based on the Vita, vs the larger Frisco. Are they very playable like the Vita Uke. And how about your next project uke? the nunes Radio? Is it coming along? Thanks Answer: The Radio Tenor is on the way. The Frisco Vita Uke is a very playable uke. You never see them up for sale anywhere...A sure sign then are great. Nobody wants to get rid of them. I have never played the modern soprano sized vita, but reports are good. The Frisco uke has all the wonderful features of the Vita with the fuller sound and larger fingerboard. They can be had, I think thru Marc Silber Music in Berkeley. He is my partner in the Uke. You will find him on the net. Good luck...keep in touch...chuck - Sunday, November 10, 2002

Question asked by: Barbara Scheibel Subject: Don't know what I have Question: My father passed away last year and there were a couple of electric guitars at his home. I have no idea what one is but it is smaller like a Ukelele, 8-string electric, and the label is Bruno Maxitone. Do you have an idea of what this might be, it's approximate age, etc.? Answer: Barbara...I need a pic..It may be a mandolin. That would be my first guess. Please try to get a pic to this site and I can tell you in a second...thanks...frets - Sunday, November 10, 2002

Question asked by: Clyde Subject: Giannini Question: Hi Chuck, a little information about Giannini. While not a well known name in the U.S. it is very famous in Brazil. Giannini was founded in 1900 in Sao Paulo. It has grown into large commercial enterprise on the order of Gibson or Fender. They manufacture all sorts of stringed instruments. In the past they have produced pretty decent Baritone Ukes they may have made other ukes as well. Giannini does have a web site. Answer: Thanks Clyde...always need good input. Keep tuned for the score...Frets - Sunday, November 10, 2002

Question asked by: Reid Welch Subject: Peaceful Johnny Question: Charles, reading the indecipherable abuse (?) below helps me appreciate better your great patience and tolerance of abuse, and that you gamely attempt answers to almost anything. Hence, I submit for your non- remunerative misery a fresh and probably uninteresting uke ID question. This, again, is an ebay purchase, pictures of which are still available at completed auction 913822217. This product of Tranquillo Giannini of Sao Paulo, Brazil is relatively old, i think, because it has brass bar frets, plain pegs and a french polish finish. The body is rather flat, the soundhole large, and the lower bout wide track as a '59 Pontiac. So there you are. What's my question? Twofold: Is the maker a familiar name? And second question, were ukes made in diverse, unlikely countries decades ago during the two great uke crazes? For instance When I think 'old ukes' I think of Hawaii, the various US makes, Banjoleles mostly from GB and…. not much else. Have you a short list of strange countries of origin of old time ukuleles? It is worth noting perhaps that Tranquillo Giannini, S.A., an Industria Brazileira, notes the lable, also boasts that the firm won Grand First Prize and Gold Medal at a 1922 exhibition in Rio. Wonder how much they had to pay for that? Answer: Reid...The name is familiar to the Giannini family but not to the rest of the world. Yes, there are four string instruments made all over the world. I feel I have answered this question before and If I have...Here it is again...I am not a fan of South American Instruments in general. They seem to be designed more for rhythm than for melody. Much like the Island Ukes, which are definitly designed for a rhythmic background. I am a purist. I like Hawaiian and Mainland Ukes. Thanks for writing in and thanks for the kind words..Nice to hear from you....frets - Sunday, November 10, 2002

Question asked by: Rach Subject: smeck bu Question: I'm responding to the Smeck banjo uke question. I've seen a couple of these come up on ebay..ugly wooden green things that have something scribbled on the head...signed? hmmm...that's all i know....that and the incredibly ironic fact that Roy couldn't stand the sound of a banjo uke. Answer: Thanks. We appreciate all information. Roy endorsed all sorts of things he didn't play. He was a businessman and a damn good one. Keep tuned into the yak...You never know what you will hear....frets - Sunday, November 10, 2002

Question asked by: John Gudmundson Subject: Morris Uke Question: I have never heard of or seen an Ukulele of that brand, however, I have seen guitars with the Morris name accross the top of the peghead. Photographs of Gabby Pahinui come to mind with him holding and playing a Morris guitar. I'm sure that it was a very 'MINOR", company compared to most. Respectfully, John G. Answer: thanks John..got the "Minor Connection" Always good to hear from you...thanks for the information..I have to look at my pics of Gabby to see if it is the same logo...mucho thanks...chuck - Saturday, November 9, 2002

Question asked by: fay Subject: 4 string Ukelele tuning Question: What is the correct tuning for a Ukelele please Answer: ADF#B or GCEA....thats if you have a soprano or a concert....You will find ,to the left of this answer, a black menu with white writing...it has a section called e-tuner...that will help alot. You will also find a section called on-line store...you will find everything you need to propell yourslef up the ukulele ladder...except of course the ladder. best frets - Thursday, November 7, 2002

Question asked by: Doug Veldhuis Subject: Morris Uke Question: Hi my Dad recently gave me a Uke that he had bought about 21 yrs ago its in great shape it says Morris on the top of it.No sticker on the inside.I play guitar and Mandolin and dont believe this is a toy.I did a search on it.And what came up was Martin Co.They did have a man building Ukes for them. His name was morris.This was in the late 20s early 30s for the flappers.Are you familiar with this Brand TKS doug Answer: Doug, they also had a guy named Hymie working there at the same time...Never has one of his popped up. There are no Martin instruments with another name on the top except those made for major companies and then they say c.f.martin somewhere on the uke..on the back of the peghead or inside. I have never heard of the Martin company making instruments for the Flappers. I am not familiar with that brand. I am familiar with the Morris automobile but that was made by a man from the DeSoto company names Morrie. Probably just a mispelling. If anyone out there in uke land knows the Morris uke please write in. In the meantime, Doug, You might want to go to a library or a good music store and look at a copy of Marin Guitars a History by Mike Longworth. You will find all you need to know about the Martin company. If your uke sounds good, plays well, and fits you..Thats all that matters. Let us know if you find out anything about the Morris and we will do the same. New information is allways welcome...Moishe frets fayne - Thursday, November 7, 2002

Question asked by: Gary K Subject: Help me ID my Uke Question: Hi Chuck... Can you please help me ID my ukulele. Like who made this uke and about when. Thanks Gary Answer: Gary....I'm getting a mental picture of your uke. A real picture would be fabulous. See what you can do. "If I can see it I can Id it" ( Gen MacArthur 1942)...The great Siezeall , Mt Idy's Resident Seer...... - Thursday, November 7, 2002

Question asked by: frank franzen Subject: martin tenor Question: HI,CHUCK A FRIEND HAS A MARTIN TENOR UKE FROM CIRCA 60'S AND WAS WONDERING WHAT THE WORTH WOULD BE. Answer: Frank...it depends on so many things..condition, case, The ball park figure, not knowing any of this would be around 800+ depending on condition...thanks for writing.....frets - Wednesday, November 6, 2002

Question asked by: MWolf Subject: KP UKULELE Question: Just received our KP UKULELES tonight. Boy O'Boy were you right about these ukes! WOW!!! All that's been written previously about KP is right on the money. The ukes are beautiful and the sound is sweet and clear. The ease of play on these necks is something else too! Ken Potts besides being an excellent craftsman, is a great guy! He was patient and caring throughout the whole process. Anyone interested in KP UKULELES shouldn't hesitate to give Ken Potts a call on Maui! Check out the site. Aloha, MWolf Answer: thanks for the update...I'm glad you like yours...frets - Wednesday, November 6, 2002

Question asked by: Tony Powell Subject: banjo uke strings Question: Hello Chuck, Do you have any idea what gauge of strings were used on the steel stringed banjo uks popular in the 1920"s? I would rather use steel on one of my instruments,as that is what it had when new. Only one rusty string left,so I can't measure. Thanks, Tony Answer: Call John Bernunzio at Bernunzio vintage instruments in Rochester NY...He will help you.....You can find his site and ask him that way also..One of my best friends and a hell of a musical instrument dealer....has all the answers....let me know how it turns out...frets - Wednesday, November 6, 2002

Question asked by: Vincent Torre Subject: Friction tuning pegs Question: Dear Chuck, I recently purchased a vintage Gretsch Ukulele and it has friction tuning pegs with tiny screws on the ends. What is the correct way to adjust these pegs? Don't want to make them too tight and possibly break them, or too loose and have my uke slip out of tune. I may have answered my own question, but I am looking for a "rule of thumb" procedure. Thanks and Best Regards, Vin Answer: Vincent..you have answered your own question...loose enough that they don't break and tight enough to hold the string from slipping. You'll get the hang of it in time..its a delicate touch..kinda like eye surgery...best..Blind Lemon Frets - Monday, November 4, 2002

Question asked by: Brett Riggs Subject: Johnny Marvin uke repair Question: Chuck- I just acquired a later (non- airplane bridge) Johhny Marvin Professional Tenor (concert-sized) uke. It's beautiful, but it's missing its bridge and the neck is loose. I'd greatly appreciate a close up photo of the appropriate bridge and the specs. for a replacement. Also, any tips about getting loose the dowel that holds the neck so that I can reglue the whole assembly. Thanks- I can't wait to get this uke hummin' again. Brett Answer: Bret I will have to hunt up a pic of the Non -airplane bridge...but as far as the actual repair work, I would leave that to a luthier to advise you. I have trouble finding my car keys...so a neck removal is really out of my line of expertise. Hope all turns out O,K. ..nice uke ..thanks for writing in....keep in touch..we care...frets and gang... - Monday, November 4, 2002

Question asked by: Gary K Subject: 2nd pic to ID uke Question: Hi Chuck...one more picture for my question on ID of this ukulele. Answer: Thanks for the pic, but it is invisible...try again...frets - Monday, November 4, 2002

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page