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

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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: 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: MArk Subject: baritone banjo Uke Question: where can I find a baritone banjo Uke Answer: Under the bed. I always look there when I misplace something. I have no idea..don't know of a baritone banjo uke..I would get a Tenor banjo and string it with nylon strings. You would then have somehting that would do the job. No Baritone Banjo uke made today that I know of..Or any day for that matter...thanks for the question....frets - Monday, November 4, 2002

Question asked by: Yak Subject: Question: Answer: I'm loosing it...frets - Monday, November 4, 2002

Question asked by: Bruce E Subject: Giannini instruments Question: Chuck, I finally get to say something, hopefully intelligent, on your side of website. Giannini is to Brazil what Gibson is to the US. I have a Giannini banjo. 4 steel strings tuned DGBD like a cavaquinho, with a calf skin head and sustain like you never heard from a banjo in your life. Giannini makes nearly everything with strings and frets - electric guitars, acoustic guitars, a neat little 10 string guitar called a viola, and cavaquinhos (I have one of these, also). I just checked out the pictures on ebay, and I am suspicious that the instrument to which Reid refers may in fact be a cavaquinho. I don't know if they are currently producing ukes, but I have heard mention of the brand in ukedom before. Check out their website at http://www.giannini.com.br/. They are so big that their website is available in English and Portuguese. Bruce. Photos: Answer: Its info Night...Bruce , Thanks very much ..looked at the pic and the instrument looks great. Again, thanks from all of us...frets - Friday, November 1, 2002

Question asked by: Tim Mullins Subject: Question: Hi Frets. In response to the question about the Gibson UB-2, on John Croft's "The Ukulele Man" website there is an article he wrote on Gibson banjo ukes. In it he states that "early models had twelve tension hooks (though this was increased to fourteen after about two years)." To read the whole article go to www.theukuleleman.com. Answer: See, I told you..there are lots of knowing eyes reading these pages. Glad you all out there...Thanks Tim..I shall also put this info in my files, so the next time it comes up, I can look smart. Thanks from all of us at the yak..never frets - Friday, November 1, 2002

Question asked by: Reid Welch Subject: Question: Hello Chuck, for the Uke Yak archives here is a report of "brand new" never used blue/green round Gretsch uke. I feel that the instrument is new because the frets are all still covered in colored, but brittle paint (really nitro lacquer). The four, slacked gut strings appear to be original, factory installed. Two different gauges. .024" for 1 and 4, .032 for #2 and 3. Even crisp, clean, buff colored canvas gig bag is trimmed with brown oilcloth binding. The glued- on neck is loose, the tuners as installed would not "hold". Easy fix. Maybe why this instrument wasn't used before. In the bag is a large, hard, green felt pick, and a copy of the ubiquitous "5 Minute Ukulele Course", MM Cole Co, copyright 1927. I have the impression this little booklet remained in print for something like forty years- therefore it has no bearing on dating the uke, of course. And why think it "belongs" with the uke? Well- look inside the front and rear cover. Special edition- two pages of Gretsch teaching aids. Inside front cover features the Gretsch Ukulele Charts, a series of 14 classroom posters illustrating uke basics to "speed and simplify group instruction." A sample chart shown has a line drawing of a young man in military (?) shirt and tie holding the Gretsch round uke in playing position. "Specifically planned to enable even totally inexperienced instructors to teach Ukulele successfully to large groups of beginners. Particularly valuable are the Ocarina solo and duet arrangements...Combining Ukulele and Ocarina players into musical groups has proved interesting and stimulating for both and definitely promotes the players' progress and pleasure....regualr retail value $4.50 per set, are included free in various instrumental combinations. Inside the back cover shows the Gretsch Ocarina Wall Charts. A military-shirted young man illustates the proper playing grasp of an Ocarina. "With these large, 25" x 38" wall charts any one, even without music teaching experience can have groups of beginners actually playing tunes in 20 minutes or less....They teach the simplified Army "Number" playing system and in addition to the instruction material...These charts are available, at no extra charge, with various merchandise combinations of Gretsch Plastic (non-breakable) Ocarinas. I am disappointed these ads are not dated. Could be pre WWII, very easily- like late 'thirties- when the US Army was busy doing....something or other. But it is also clear implied in the quoted text that these ukes, and the unbreakable ocarinas, were also vended through normal retail channels, or for non-military institutional use, being indicated by the dealer incentives. Order a generous stock of round ukes and you get for free, wall hangers for your stock of wall hangers. First impressions: it is not really so bad sounding a uke, with its original gut strings. Heavy, though. Plywood? Funky paint job- seems like a very easy, fast finish so it makes sense. Even the round body- as made, that's certainly cheaper to build than a traditional uke, and sturdier too. The blue burst Gretsch pretty clearly served its purpose well enough and cheaply enough. In my opinion it represents the lowest acceptable commercial quality level serving the entry level and institutional market with a product of efficiently manufacturable design and finish. Answer: Reid..thanks you so much for sharing a most interesting story. I have copied it for my archies and I am sure others will as well. I would love to have pics of all the extras. I'd like to put those pics in my files. If you will do that, please send to my home email..cfayne@bigpond.net.au Again, thanks very much. from all of us at uke yak and I'm sure I speak for all the yakkers out there in yaklandia...frets of the Mt.Idy Mounted Police.... - Friday, November 1, 2002

Question asked by: John Gudmundson Subject: KP Ukulele's Question: Aloha/Gooday Chuck, Just a comment. We paid a visit to Ken Potts of KP Ukulele last week in Lahaina. While there I purchased an all Koa 4 string tenor that Ken had just finished. WOW!!! It plays as smooth as silk and it rings like a bell. It compares very favorably with any high end Uke I have played, including Kawika's, Black Bear or Tony Graziano's of which I have 4. Above and beyond the fine instrument, however, was Kens wonderful hospitality and spirit of Aloha. Ken is a dedicated craftsman and a truly great person and I strongly advise anyone out there looking for a high end Uke to do themselves a favor and contact Ken. Chuck, our visit to go see Ken was the result of your positive reports and I must say, you were right on the money as usual. Aloha and Mahalo, John G Answer: Thanks for the update John and always good to hear from an old friend. Glad you liked Kens ukuleles...as you know, I love mine....best from the gang here at FMM and uke yak... - Wednesday, October 30, 2002

Question asked by: Yak Patrol Subject: Question: Ok Chuck, as I did not make myself to clear last post, yes I was talking about the J.Gray & son`s banjo uke . As there are a few post before mine which were not on at the time of post I thought it would follow on sorry. Now the J.Gray uke in question they are not too rare. I think it was just to promote them as the Dallas did with G.Formby. Nice bit of beginners kit sound`s ok for a cheap banjo uke not like a Gibson ETC but like everything you only get what you pay for. As for the toilet line one day you might get it!!!. I don`t know were Bluesboyroy is but for the parts he needs try www.internationalalluthiers.com may have to take the spaces out if any. IF no joy he can try www.halshawmusic.co.uk He as the part needed and is very good, also sells 5 string banjo`s and parts. Hope this was better this time. Mit-iddy. Get back to you soon. Answer: Thanks for clearing it up. A "TOILET LINE???? It sounds like a place you hang your crappy laundry. Thanks for the valuable information about the websites. Always good to hear from you..Things are good at Mt Idy...The 4-H club is having nude nigtht...just the animals of course.....see ya...frets - Wednesday, October 30, 2002

Question asked by: Marty Strick Subject: Ukulele Question: What does the ukulele look like? Answer: It looks like a small four string guitar. Finally, a question I can answer....frets - Tuesday, October 29, 2002

Question asked by: Yak Patrol Subject: Roy Smeck Question: As you use to tell people yes I do have an idea send a photo so we can all have a look sound to be a one off. So be so kind and send us a photo old bean. How do Chuck I was begining to think you had changed your deodorant to essance of Bog (toilet if you didn`t know) water as you have not had so many posts this last week. Well is that why we keep seeing you on the other board ?? Get back to you soon Answer: Yak..I have no idea what you are talking about. Please re-read what you wrote and put in some punctuation. That is to a sentence, what a photo is to a description. If you are asking about a picture of the roy smeck John Grey Ukulele, I would have posted it if I had one. I lost you on the toilet water line. Always good to hear from you...I think...frets - Tuesday, October 29, 2002

Question asked by: Gary Subject: Malolo ukulele Question: Aloha Chuck... do you know anything about Malolo ukulele's? I might think it was made to be sold on the S.S. Malolo ship that came to Hawaii from 1927-. If you have any info on this ukulele please let me know. Mahalo Gary Answer: gary...no news on the uke...unknown to me. Looks like a kumalau or kohalas made uke. Already snapped up...John King...what do you know about this brand....chuck - Tuesday, October 29, 2002

Question asked by: bluesboyroy Subject: john grey banjo uke Question: Dear Chuck, Here's picture #2. I don't know how Roy Smeck connected with John Grey. I've seen a couple of these on e-bay , all with his signature. I don't think the signature is a fake. I have a couple of Roy's signatures and they are all similar. Greetings from the middle east coast U.S.A. . Currently the land of turning leaves. Roy Photos:      Answer: see pic 1 and the answer....frets - Tuesday, October 29, 2002

Question asked by: bluesboyroy Subject: john grey banjo uke Question: Dear Chuck, I'm so glad to get a chance to help with a question. Pictured is the headstock of a John Grey banjo uke I purchased a little while back. I'll send a shot of the body which is signed by Roy in my next message. It measures 21 inches long ( about soprano size). I need to find or make a bridge and I'm having trouble replacing a small metric screw in one tuner , so I can't comment on the sound. It is built nicely. I hope this helps. Fresh from Uke Expo 2002 Roy Photos:      Answer: I know that Roy Smeck endorsed many diffeent instruments. He endorsed the Vita series by Harmony and obviously the John Grey Ukuleles. He was quite the commercial dude.....An amazing player as well. When he passed away ( crossed over ala John Edwards) and they auctioned his estate, there were many ukes that were not ones he endorsed. His hands were insured for megabucks. Interesting man...Video available, will let you know from where ,if you are interested. Thanks for the pics...interesting. thanks roy, always good to hear from you...frets - Tuesday, October 29, 2002

Question asked by: sean topping Subject: Question: I am trying to find TABs for the cowboy song in Joe VS the volcano. ANy ideas? - Sean Answer: Look under the bed. When I am trying to find something, thats where it is...Now for the sensible answer...No...But I'm sure this question will get the answer..someone out there will know....please put it up on the bulletin board...They know everything and are more than willing to share all....brets, frets... - Tuesday, October 29, 2002

Question asked by: Makalani Subject: KP Ukulele Question: Frets, I was in New Jersey over the weekend attending the 2002 Ukulele Expo and had a chance to play a KP Ukulele. I loved it. You were right. It is a magnificent instrument. Now I know what to tell my wife to buy me for Christmas. Mahalo. Answer: Thanks for the nice words. I like the instrument also, as you know. Hope Santa is listening and yoy habe been a good little boy or girl....Let me be the first to wish you a Merry Xmas...Santa Frets and the elfs..... - Tuesday, October 29, 2002

Question asked by: memphis mike Subject: martin tenor uke Question: Chuck, I have in my possession a Martin Tenor Uke, guesstimated at early 1940s. For insurance purposes, I'd like to know about how much it's worth. It's in practically mint condition and plays/sounds like a dream! Gracias amigo! Answer: If it has the hard case with it...1200 would be an insurance price..I have seen them go for less and I have seen them go for more. That would be a fair price for a near mint Martin /tenor. Take off 200 if it does not have a hard case. Por Nada...( I think that is right)...Pancho frets fayne....multilingual head of the spanish dept at Mt Idy High... - Monday, October 28, 2002

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