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 (211 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: Tom B. Subject: 14-string uke? Question: Chuck: What in the world is the 14- string instrument in eBay auction 915373949? Respectfully yours, tom Answer: I have never seen one before. Its fascinating. It it a 14 string, 3-4-4-3 grouping and I imagine tuned in unison. It is still only a four stringed instrument. I can tell you one thing about it...Its going to be very expensive. As far as I know it is unique and it is a Kamaka and thats spells Expensive with a capital "E"...I love the double pineapple decal under the strings. Its a remarkable instrument. It reminds us to keep looking. Stuff pops up all the time...will keep watching....frets - Wednesday, October 23, 2002

Question asked by: Michael Subject: KP Ukuleles Question: Hello Sir Charles (the knighthoods in the mail), Been enjoying the Yak! Since reading all the wonderful comments about Ken Potts outstanding ukuleles and looking at their great website I decided to give KP UKULELES a call on Maui and check it out for myself. After talking with Ken, nice guy, I placed an order and should be receiving it in the next couple of weeks. Keep up the Yak! Answer: You won't regret it...My baritone is breaking in beautifully. We have become really good friends. Glad to have the report on KP ukuleles. frets - Tuesday, October 22, 2002

Question asked by: Jessi Miller Subject: broken kamaka Question: Today I bought a broken Kamaka ukulele at an auction for $12.00.It looks like the picture of the F1 on their web site. I know nothing about music but my 16 year old son is into stringed instruments. The face(?) of the instrument is cracked 3/4 of the way from the bottom up. It is actually bowed as if the strings were adjusted too tight. Any suggestions on how I go about finding out about repair? Or if it would be worth repairing? I live in rural Ohio near Columbus. Evidently labels are an issue with Kamaka? This one is white with black and red lettering if that means anything. Any information would be greatly appriciated. Answer: You have to take it to a luther and find out how much...That will give you an idea. It is a nice instrument, and if it can be repaired economically, it sure is worth it. Anyone out there know of a Luthier near Rural Columbus Ohio? Jessie, I will post this and someone will answer...They always do. The uke is light enough to mail, so someone will step up. good luck and let us know how it turns out...frets By the way, I have a similar crack on my face 3/4 up from the chin...Just makes eating soup a problem, but I can still play the uke....chuck - Sunday, October 20, 2002

Question asked by: Pat Rouleau Subject: Sam chang uke Question: What is the value of a Sam Chang uke made in the mid 50's? Answer: Sam...it depends on the model. I need a picture..preferably of the Ukulele. It could be worth 150.00 and It could be worth 500.00...I guess that will get a pic HUH????? chuck of the Mt Idy Juice Harp Marching Band....It is not a band of just Juice. ...All are welcome....Frets...Head Melon... P.S. you can send the pic to this site or my email..cfayne@bigpond.net.au - Saturday, October 19, 2002

Question asked by: charles Subject: ukulin Question: I picked up a ukulin today. What is it? Answer: Put it down....right now, before you hurt yourself. Please go the uke yak page and you will find a section called "search the yak"..or just search. Type in Ukelin and you will find my last batch of answers to this question. Do this before you try to tune it, or you have no time left to read it. Hint, in order to fully enjoy the ukelin , you will need sa large block or chedar cheese.....frets - Saturday, October 19, 2002

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: eat string ukulele Question: Your use of the phrase "...is a dork. " Has given me great delight. I am giving serious consideration to using that phrase in my humble offerings to the Bulletin Board. May I say ... "Frets said it would be O.K."??? I have attached a photograph of one of my ukulele stands, illustrating the integration of the ukulele into every day life. Warm regards, robert - founder Photos:      Answer: That's some music stand. and yes you may use the word "dork" with my compliments. Nice to hear from you as always and happy you take the time to view my earth-shattering advise column....where standards are set and problems solved... all at no cost other than a few follow-up visits....your friend and lover of cats also....chuck - Saturday, October 19, 2002

Question asked by: Lou Guiol Subject: 8 string uke Question: Chuck, Got your message.I have a 8 string instrument given to my mother about 1920 by a diver in Hawaii.It says genuine mad in Honolulu T.H. It has crossed spears and a hut and says Hawaii branded on the back of the neck at the top.It had some Hair line cracks fixed in the 40's by a good guitar maker in L.A.My mother played it quite well and it had gut strings at that time.I tried to get gut and they said that the 8 string only used gut and steel, is that correct. I intend to keep it and but was wondering if there is any value in it. Thank you, Lou Guiol Answer: yes it has value. It is a taropatch and the person who told you about the strings knows nothing about this instrument and my guess they pretty knows nothing about anything else. It never had steel strings and anyone who would suggest that you string it that way is a dork. It is strung exactly like a ukulele only the strings are double. The concert strings seems to work best for me. If you are in Los Angeles, go to Mc Cabes Guitar shop in Santa Monica 310 8284497 and see John Zehnder and tell him I told you to come in. He will either sell you a set of taropatch strings or two sets of concert strings. He will even string it up for you. I love taropatches. If you don't live in Los Angeles, don't make that trip. You might want to call John or write back for a good music store in your area. They will know exactly what you need. If you can't sort it out, we can. All you have to do is write back..day or night..the elfen ones are working around the clock for you. Frets Headelf fayne - Friday, October 18, 2002

Question asked by: foolish jac Subject: tenor guitar or baritone uke? Question: for sale at a local music store is a (used) Kay archtop tenor guitar. it is in excellent condition, the neck is warp-free, and it has a nice warm tone. i was thinking of buying this 4 string wonder, but i'd like to set it up to be a baritone uke. any opinions about this? i trust your judgement. thanks. Answer: You've got to try it and find out. I have a regal tenor guitar set up as a baritone, however, I have a feeling the scale length is shorter..The Regal tenor is a very small bodied guitar. I'm sure its worth the investment to try a set of long gut strings , tune it up and see what it sounds like. I love the way mine sounds. I have done it before on a t 15 Martin Tenor with decent sucess. But the Martin really is a tenor guitar and not a baritone. Good luck and let us know what happens...frets - Thursday, October 17, 2002

Question asked by: steff Subject: uke Question: i have a stadium uke that belonged to my friend she had it when she taught kindergarten children and she died about 15 yrs ago i was trying to find out if it had any value to it the front of it is in good shape but the back of it a piece of the wood is off i guess from the moisture Answer: Unfortunaly, the uke's value is in the memoriies. It was not an expensive uke when it was made and the fact that the back is missing wood doesn't help it any. I would hang it on the wall and remember your friend. chuck - Thursday, October 17, 2002

Question asked by: Andrea Howar Subject: price of a martin Question: I would like to know the price of a martin #442629 Answer: Me too...It sounds like $442,629.00...must be one hell of an instrument. I have no idea what that means. I assume it is a serial number of some sort. Could you please give me a little information about the instrument. Is it a uke, guitar, mandolin or???? A pic would be nice, and if that is not possible, a detailed description. I will be glad to help once I know what it is. thanks for writing in... - Thursday, October 17, 2002

Question asked by: Gary Pomeroy Subject: Martin Tenor Ukes Question: I have two Martin tenor ukes, circa 1950s that belonged to my Dad and Aunt who used to play together. They are in mint conditions with no cracks 26" long, 9" lower bout. What might they be worth. Also have a Gretch baritone uke (30" long) circa 1960. All play well. Answer: The Tenors are worth 1000+ depending on the weather and if they have cases. Take off 150 if they don't. The Gretsch Baritone about 500. The Gretsch baritone is not all that common. Good luck , keep on writin in...frets - Thursday, October 17, 2002

Question asked by: chuck fayne Subject: Lou (G) something Question: Lou I deleted your question by mistake. Sorry, If you get this, please write again. It was about a Hawaiian Lana uke of your mothers. Answer: Lou (G)...please ask the question about the uke that was given to your mother by a driver in Hawaii. I deleted it by mistake. So sorry..frets - Wednesday, October 16, 2002

Question asked by: hyperferts Subject: Shimo Uke Question: I found a beutiful uke but don't know if it has good tone or not? Answer: look to make sure it has strings...then play it..if still can't tell, play some others and see which one appeals to you...if none do...buy an english horn...you really won't be able to tell on that one....you'll go back to the uke and be right where you are now. Try the advise of a good Luthier ...frets - Wednesday, October 16, 2002

Question asked by: Denise Brakefield Subject: Fluke Question: Hi Ken: I wanted to offer some reassurance to those who may be considering purchasing a Fluke. I've learned the hard way that you better know what you're doing before buying a vintage instrument. There may be damage the untrained eye doesn't recognize and repairs can be costly. The unusual shape of the Fluke initially put me off...thinking it looked more like a toy than a real instrument. But I'm very pleased with it. The sound is far superior to my Regal. The owner of the instrument shop told me the Fluke is the absolute best value available and they have a hard time keeping them in stock. So if you're hesitating...don't. A great instrument for us beginners. And the shape is starting to grow on me! Answer: Thanks...if the shape is starting to grow on you..you are holding it wrong. see ya..and thanks for the report....frets - Wednesday, October 16, 2002

Question asked by: Jeff Subject: Favilla Baritone Question: Hey there, I have a favilla baritone and am trying to find a value on it. The only info I can get from it is that it says b-2 and the serial # is 504314. Any ideas. Answer: Jeff..there are millions of them out there. IF it is in perfect condition, probably about 200+ dollars. Baritones are not easy to sell. The Favilla Baritone Uke is a little heavy and that has always been against its popularity. The fact that it says B2 usually means it has a bit of trim around the outer edge. You can add an extra 50 bucks if this is so. Thanks for writing in and keep in touch. frets - Tuesday, October 15, 2002

Question asked by: Griffis Hames Subject: Blunderbuss Wahoo Question: Hey Frets-- just wondered if you had tried out a uke-stick yet. If so, what're your impressions? (I hear you do a great Milton Berle...) Also, there was some discussion on the bulletin board about banjo-ukes. Do you know of any decent ones being made today? Familiar with Gold Tone? Thanks! Answer: I tried the uke stick. I threw it and it didn't come back. ( I live in Australia)...I didn't care much for it. It was a little soft for my liking but that is what it was designed for. I'm old fashioned, I like ukuleles. Please let me know what a great Milton Berle is....Just because I like to hit myself in the face with a powder puff and scream "make-up" and dress like a woman sometimes..Is that enough for that reputation ? The Goldtone is what I would recommend for a decent modern made banjo uke. Search the yak for the name roycon and give him a jingle. He at one time either made or distributed banjo ukes. Hey..I just found if you put a bout a 30 degree bend in the uke stick, it does come back...tie me Kangaroo down boy.....Chuck Frets Fayne - Tuesday, October 15, 2002

Question asked by: Bob Subject: beginner books Question: Hello Chuck, finally bought a Fluke sounds good to me. My question is in the Flea Market brochure they have Marcy Marxer videos for kids. Do you know of books (not videos) for beginner kids? I have Jim's beginner book but was hoping for something more for children. I bought a couple of real cheap ukes before the fluke and with my two girls and the neighbours kids I am hoping to instill the love of the uke on them all. Thanks bob Answer: Bob...a beginner book is a beginner book. The only thing that would make it a Kids book, is if it had tunes that directly targeted to children. But the chords would be the same. Once you master the first 4 chords, you can play about a million songs...any kids song you want. I don't know of a book targeted specifically for children. I taught both my kids to play the simple chords in an evening. I'm not sure I completely understand your question. If you are asking for a book that has simpler chords in it, there are no more simple chords than are illustrated in Jim's beginner book. If for some reason I didn't answer your question...please write in again....frets - Tuesday, October 15, 2002

Question asked by: Lisa Subject: geared tuners for martin uke Question: Dear Chuck, I would like to put geared tuners on my Type O Martin soprano uke. I believe it was made between 1930's to 1960's. I just seem to spend too much time trying to get it in tune. Can you recommend a type of tuner, and someone in the Los Angeles, California area to replace them for me? Thanks, Lisa Answer: Lisa..go to McCabes Guitar Shop in Santa Monica and ask for John Zehnder. Say hello from me ...He is one of my oldest and dearest friends. Ask him the same question. I would have the tuners you have on the uke looked at first. Perhaps it is just a simple adjustment. Martin used good tuners and they rarely go bad. If that fails, then it is a simple matter of what you want to spend. There are many, many tuners made today that will fit the Martin you have. You need the advise of a Good luthier and John is that. The tele number is 310 8284497.. - Monday, October 14, 2002

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