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

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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: Supretramp Subject: Antares brand? Question: My mother has a Ukulele that was made in Japan. ALl I know about it is that the inside label says Veag Music International model # ABU36 and the headstock says Antares. Does anyone have any information about this Uke? Answer: I don't but perhaps someone out there in uke land will....We will wait for an answer. Do nothing till you hear from me..( Ira frets Gershwin) - Monday, October 14, 2002

Question asked by: Erin Subject: Gibson Syle 3 vs Martin Style 3 Question: Chuck, a Gibson Style 3 has just been listed on Ebay. I probably will never get a chance to examine this one first hand but I'm just curious for future reference. The pictures shown in the listing may not being doing the instrument justice. My question: is the construction quality of the Gibson as high quality as the Martins of the same era. Answer: Its a very hard question to answer. I think the quality is pretty much the same. I don't know if everyone would agree with me. I have had Gibson ukes that sounded every bit as good as any martin I ever had. You have to judge it on each individual instrument. I think the gibson style 3 on ebay is a beautiful instrument. I have always been very partial to that uke. I like the style 3 gibson ( top of the line) , as a player, better than I like the 5k ( top of the martin line)...Again , just a personal preference. If you are seriously considering the gibson 3 on ebay, I would ask for a 3 day period in which to make up your mind. If the uke is in great shape, the seller should have no problem. I always offer complete satisfaction....I would like the same courtesy extended to me. Let us know how it turns out. thanks for writing. frets - Sunday, October 13, 2002

Question asked by: sheila Subject: Question: I have recently found one of these in my loft. It has a signature on the back and a metal name plate on the top. Where can I find out how much, if anything, it is worth. Answer: Sheila...can you send me a pic to this site or my home email? cfayne@bigpond.net.au.....Keech made many many styles of banjo ukes..some quite valuable, some not. He and his brother kelvin were the inventers of the banjolele ( as they called them)...Would love to see the pic and I can answer for sure....chuck - Friday, October 11, 2002

Question asked by: John King Subject: Treeholipee Question: Chuck, the Treeholipee was available for purcahse as early as April 9th, 1965: an ad in the Washington Post for Hecht's has the instrument pictured and described. The patent was applied for May 24, 1965 and over one year later it was finally granted, August 23, 1966. Answer: See...what did I tell you??? "THE YAKKERS TO THE RESCUE' Thanks again John as usual. Its always fun to get your answers....Don't tip too much, keep something in reserve. I must send you a pic of me and a treholipee..I am 5'9 inches tall and it is taller than I am. It doesn't belong to me but it was found at the Rose Bown Flea Market in about l975. Its the granddaddy of them all. This could double as a surfboard. Always good to hear from you and I treasure your valuable, endless supply of useful information and your willingness to share with all of us. your devoted fan...frets...president of the Mr Idy John KIng Fan Club... - Friday, October 11, 2002

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Dating Martin Style Question: I'm prompted to send off this e- missive because I've been walking around for a couple of days with a rock in my left shoe and I can't figure out how to get the damn thing out of my shoe. The rock!!! Quote from YAK..."...I'm guessin" your probably right. Decal on front of headstock...??? .... The most valuable ukulele that is stuffed onto my Martin wall is one with a C.F. Martin decal. On the front of the head ..... that was manufactured by the Harmony Company of Chicago, ILL, at the time, '50's, an wholly owned part of Sears. In matter of truth a forgery. Your writer's comment, "but they do have the "fin" type of tuners. ..." is of interest. Based on the general understanding of the English language that "fin" usually applies to an asymmetrical object (i.e. a fish fin -- a Cadillac fin - a ten dollar bill ) and "button" is usually considered to be symmetrical.... and that all (at least as far as I'm aware...) of Martin's pegs have "button" shaped peg heads, including the BackChucker and the SO, and that the majority of "fin" shaped tuners appeared on Harmony products in the 50's (see above for Sears reference and place of manufacture), Milan may well have one of the really rare counterfeit Martins that is only in the most prestigious collections in the United States. And perhaps Australia. You, Chuck may be able to advise us on this point. Quote from YAK ".....The tuners don't necessarily narrow down the date, The tuners don't necessarily narrow down the date, ...... (sorry about the repeat. Slip of the keyboard..)...).." Martin used easily identified tuner buttons in the '50's. Not only are the outline of the peg buttons quite different, but the configuration of the peg shaft, (which I won't go into, but will mention that the flawed design of the shaft leads to the dreaded peg slippage, which all true ukulele officenotos absolutely hate because after 1 year of usage the uke won't stay in tune and you have to communicate with an expert to deal with the situation, might give a clue to when a Martin uke was made, unless the pegs have been replaced... Oh NO!!!! Not replaced pegs!!!!) ....(..an after thought - the difference between dead elephant material and petroleum based products of the buttons may also help. This of course requires that you burn part of the item in question and then being able to tell the difference in smell between a burnt dead critter and a burnt Barbie Doll. ) Further more ..... "the type of bridge, ...." By the early to mid- 20's the shape of the bridge for Martin ukes was pretty much set, as was the size of the peg head, which could be considered one element to look at when dating Martin ukes, so using the bridge as a clue (before/after May 1923???)may not prove helpful. Most helpful might, just might, be Mike Longworth's Book, "Martin Guitars - A History", but considering the percentage of Mike's book dedicated to Martin Ukuleles is about 01.25555%, and that the issue of the types of early wooden pegs is not addressed at all, nor is bridge shape, it is not clear that Martin Uke dating will be much clearer to anyone who reads Mike's book, though there are some dating elements in the text. I would suggest that you NOT get a first edition of Mike's book, in spite of the better price that first editions get on eBay, because the production totals of ukuleles prior to the SO, are contained in latter editions, and while not helpful in dating your ukulele might give some perception about the difference between the 1st and 2nd wave of ukuleles in the Mainland ukulele maker's community. It is very, very important to know the date of manufacture of Martin Ukuleles. Who would want to get a "bad" 5K??? Warm regards, robert - founder P.S. Dear Chuck ----- Short enough for you???? Answer: Robert, Robert. Robert. At last something I can get my teeth into...Your left foot. I have it on good authority that you are the first person who has been able to use the phrases "dead Elephant Material and a reference to a rock in your left shoe" in the same message. Congrats. I knew if anyone would or could it would be you. Nice to hear from you as always. I have had many Martins with , what Milan refers to as a fin shaped tuner. IT is exactly what you said it is..that sort of Harmony , cheapie tuner. I have also had counterfeit Martins. I have never had a phony one with those tuners, however I have had many genuine ones with them. I don't think Milan may want to go into the esoteric variations of the size of the peghead and the difference of the sloaping sides of the bridge or the maple ,vs, the other material saddle. By the way, a maple saddle is hell on the tailbone. My feeling, and I may be wrong ( God forbid) that the use of the fin tuners was , in most cases a replacement by the owner. For what reason , I am not sure, but the tuners were available tor purchase in your local music store. They, in some ways, are not a bad tuner. They stay stiff for a long time. Even I understand what I have just written and chose not to comment. ( by the way, a "fin" is a five dollar bill not a Ten) Not a contradition , just a piece of useless information to add to your fabulous collection. As usual We always look forward to your answers, messages, comments and all around good will and fabulous sense of humor of the absurd. You are truely the founder...we are just foundees. I have a couple of martins ( a style 1 and a style o that have as the stamp on the back of the peghead just the single word "Martin". The same type of impression used on Mandolins, where they didn't have enough room for the longer CF Martin Nazareth Pa one. These are both genuine Martins and they both have the fin tuners. Both great players and both from the same sounce. Any ideas ???? Until you write again or I need to call on you..I remain in debt....your pal...frets - Friday, October 11, 2002

Question asked by: larry gann Subject: uke strings Question: I bought a Hilo baritone uke. When it came it had, strings 3 & 4 were copper colored & wound. I have tried to replace them by asking the people I bought it from no response can you help?? Answer: Larry, any set of Baritone strings will work. If you are looking for exactly the same set, you might look a long time. Go to a good music store and get a set of Kamaka Baritone or Martin Baritone strings and get on with playing. As far as getting the people to respond, I don't think I can be of much help there. They never write me anymore either....frets - Friday, October 11, 2002

Question asked by: Janet Ng Subject: Patent Pending Treholipee Question: I have a Treholipee that has "Pat. Pending" on it instead of a patent number -- made before patented, I guess. Does this add anything to its value? Thanks, Janet Answer: I wouldn't pay any more for it..However, somebody might. I'm sure the answer will come from one of the ukeyakkers out there who know about the pat numbers of treholipees....thanks for writing in and be careful......I know someone who sat on their treholipee...actually I should say...I knew someone who sat on their treholipee...best ....fretholipee... - Friday, October 11, 2002

Question asked by: Reid Welch Subject: Question: Chuck sir, when did patent friction pegs begin to show up in the uke catalogs? I ask because you know your onions. Oh, that reminds me your last tip in my off line question was great. I keep a fork in my mouth now when reading Uke Yak. No more tears. Mucho obligado, Reid Answer: patent pegs have been around forever. I don't know the earliest date, but I have had ukes from the teens with them as original pegs. I have an extensive collection of sets of three patent pegs and I find references to them in the earliest catalogues I have. Be sure you take the fork out of your mouth before you sing. Be careful if it falls out while you are sitting. You might hit notes you never intended. frets - Friday, October 11, 2002

Question asked by: Genuke Subject: fretboard on a Fluke Question: Fretsie...i understand that they have a replacement fretboard for the Fluke..and if i'm not mistaken it's made out of Rosewood and has fret wire...let me know if you know anything about this..or where i could find out about it...Thanks Genuke Answer: I would guess the best place is to start at this site since we sell them. Go there and either email jim or call on the 800 number. thanks for writing in.....fretsie....Remember we now have the Mt Idy Didy Service...for all your kiddy needs......Help, I'm lost....frets - Thursday, October 10, 2002

Question asked by: Tom B. Subject: Can you ID this concert uke? Question: Hi Chuck: Can you identify this ukulele for me? It's a concert-size uke made of what appears to be mahogany. It has a four-color rope binding around the top and soundhole. No binding on bottom. The back is slightly arched. I can't find any identifying marks anywhere. Also, would you have any idea as to value? It has no damage whatsoever. Thanks again for your super-entertaining and informative column. You're the greatest! Answer: I'm getting a mental picture of your uke as we speak. Its about 6' tall, red hair, long neck , tapered waist...sorry, thats my next door neighbor. As a clairvoyent I make a great plumber. A picture might help. It sounds like a Regal but I would really have to see a pic to be sure. The four -color binding was a favorite of the regal company. There were just Dozens of ukes made, I understand, the description is a little to little...thanks very much for the nice words and Please mail a pic to me at my email...cfayne@bigpond.net.au or this site.....Lets see how well I did..Sorry I have to run, my neighbor is mowing the lawn...frets - Thursday, October 10, 2002

Question asked by: Russell Ginns Subject: All-walnut uke? Question: I'm thinking of having a custom baritone uke made from all claro walnut--mainly because I like the look of it. Do you think it's a mistake sound-wise? I know Taylor Guitars offer an all-walnut dreadnaught, but it has a huge body to help amplify the sound. Would I be compromising my new uke? Answer: Russell....Walnut is not my favorite for a ukulele, however in a baritone size, if the box if big enough,it might work...If you get someone who knows how to really make a uke, and they sand the wood thin enough, you will be ok..I wouldn't have a soprano made of walnut. That is a personal opinion only. I'm sure there are wonderful walnut ukes out there, I just haven't played them. Who is going to make this uke? YOu can answer that on my email if you like..cfayne@bigpond.net.au..remember, loose lips sink ships....tight lips make it possible for you to spit watermellon seeds. frets - Thursday, October 10, 2002

Question asked by: Gary Stylist Subject: kamaka age Question: Hello Mr. Fayne: I own an old Kamaka pinapple uke and was wondering if you or someone you know can give me an idea how old this instrument is? The inside label was white (it's pretty yellow now!) and has 14718 written in pencil at the bottom. It is a plain Jane model, no binding, inlays, marquetry (don't you just love that word?). I know you don't give estimates of value and I'm not interested in one anyway. It belonged to my late grandfather, so to me the estimated value is one million dollars (American). I know you love Kamakas and I hope you can help, I am trying to figure out when he got it. Many thanks to you for your help and your column, I enjoy it very much, and thanks to Flea Market Music for providing it! GT Answer: Gary...the white label should have the date l928 printed on it. The 5 diget pencil number is a late model. The uke was probably made near the 30's. The next label is a blue one with as pineapple on it,.Hope this helps...thanks for writing in and the kind words......chuck - Thursday, October 10, 2002

Question asked by: Milan Subject: Dating Martin Style Question: I just recently obtained two Martin "O" ukes in great condition. They dont have Made In USA stamped inside, but they do have the "fin" type of tuners. Does this narrow it down to a specific time. I'm guessin the 50's. Thanks so much. Answer: I'm guessin" your probably right. Decal on front of headstock...??? if yes , your right for sure. The tuners don't necessarily narrow down the date, its the size of the dots in the fretboard, the type of bridge, where the name is ( back or front ) and the original sales slip with the date it was sold..that is probably the best. thanks for writing in.... chuck - Thursday, October 10, 2002

Question asked by: Tiki King Subject: Morris Ukulele Question: Aloha Chuck! Regarding the question about the Morris Ukulele. Morris is a modern Japanese manufacture. They make (or made) Ukes, but are mainly known for their "affordable" guitar line. They seem to be prevelent in Japan, but I have never seen one in person stateside. Thats my story, and I am sticking to it... Tiki King Answer: Your thron-ness....as usual, thanks for your vast knowledge of the unknown. You are really the John Edwards of Ukedom. My uke recently passed and I am interested in contacting it. If you get any message from a brown uke...please let me know ..in the meantime, thanks very much for the info..I will file it in info file in case I get another question...then I can look good. Keep writing in..always nice to hear from you..frets - Thursday, October 10, 2002

Question asked by: cameron Subject: Martin Repairs Question: G'day Chuck, I have a 30s/40s Martin 3-M that has a wood-to-binding separation on the back at the lower- bout curve. It is about 3 1/2 inches long;and seems like it's getting worse. It pops when I push on it with very little pressure. //I would like to find a good repair person;I don't care if they are in my area or not. I live in Georgia. Oh yeah,the bar frets really grab my fingers when I try to slide;should they be crowned? Please tell me names of some good repair persons? THanks in advance.Ta,cameron Answer: Blackbear@nwinfo.net...write to Duane Heilman and explain the problem..Probally the best repairer in the business today. Great maker as well. Tell him I told you to call..He is very busy but well worth the wait. I use him and have never been dissatisfied. If you have trouble reaching him, please write me back at cfayne@bigpond.net.au and I will put you in touch directly....thanks for writing in...frets - Wednesday, October 9, 2002

Question asked by: Elaine Subject: Sunny D Question: Hi Chuck, I bought a beautiful almost new Sunny D concert ukulele about 2 months ago. The top is constructed from two pieces of koa. When I bought it I didn't notice the seam on the top. I live in a fog belt, very moist area near San Francisco. After spending a weekend in the desert last month, I began to notice the seam. I go to the desert often, so my concern is that the dryness of the desert might cause the seam on the top to widen or somehow damage the ukulele over time. I'm thinking I should sell it and get and older one that has been around and is made of solid wood pieces. I need a uke that I can keep in the desert. What do you suggest? Answer: The age of the uke has nothing to do with the age of the wood. The wood is cured and is already old when the uke is made. I wouldn't worry about it. I have moved a dozen times from one temp zone to the next and had very little problem If the seam lifts, it is an easy fix. Don't sell the Uke..It is a fine uke and the two piece construction is not a reason to get rid of it. frets - Wednesday, October 9, 2002

Question asked by: Lloyd Subject: sizes of ukes Question: being new to the uke world and reading your yuk yak everyday I realize that I do not know one size or type yuk from another I own a baritone and am enjoying my very modest progress but have no idea what a " concert", "tenor" " Answer: soprano...approx...21 inches long concert 23 tenor 26 baritone 28 these vary but will give you a good start. thanks for writing in...anything we can to to help..dont hesitate...we live here...frets - Friday, October 4, 2002

Question asked by: eddie Subject: uke-banjo Question: I have just purchased a uke-banjo (Windsor the Whirle) It looks to be 1920s reg (450220)it is very plain looking with no back, could you tell me anything about it? Many Thanks Answer: made in England in the 30'40's...made millions of them....Famous name over there and they were tuned with metal strings. Put on nylon..save your ears and fingers and any friends you might want to keep..good luck..frets - Friday, October 4, 2002

Question asked by: Ali Subject: royal hawaiian Question: Hello Chuck, I've just bought this uke on Ebay : it's a royal hawaiian uke (written on the headstock only). I've read somewhere that Kumalae may have made them. But the headstock shape doesn't seem to be a Kumalae shape (?). Do you think there is a way to know who made it ? Thank you and le bonjour à tous from France. Answer: Kumalae made many headstock shapes. I am not sure who made Royal Hawaiian and it may have been many companies. If you can send me a pic to this site of my home email address, I will tell you exactly what it is...cfayne@bigpond.net.au....thanks for writing in and welcome all the way from France..Nice to have you aboard. Send me a Renault car next time you mail a package to Australia....chuck frets fayne - Friday, October 4, 2002

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