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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

Question asked by: Jon Subject: what kind of eukulele Question: Ever since I first heard IZ play Ive wanted to go out and buy a Eukulele but im not sure what kind to get. Answer: Jon...It depends on your budget. There are so many ukes to suggest it would take two columns to give you the answer. My suggestion of to go over to the other side of this camp and get on Bulletin Board and ask the guys over there to suggest some ukes. Tell them what you want to spend and they have tons of information. Its where I go when I am stuck..Great bunch of guys with more information than you can handle. Have a save journey..Its smooth sailing once you get there.....frets ALSO TAKE A LOOK AT THE MARKETPLACE...LOTS OF STUFF FOR SALE AND GOOD PEOPLE TO TALK TO...FRETS - Saturday, September 28, 2002

Question asked by: Steve Subject: gibson TU2 and # Question: Sorry Frets for leaving you off my train...of thoughts. My wife was born in Delta...we could be cousins! Anyway Are the Tenors especially the fancier TU2 and 3's dressed up similar to the sopranos, as I do not have any pictures to look at on the net...waiting on my Beloff book on the ukes. example...did the 2's have white tuners rather than black, and did the binding just go top on bottom on the 2 or just the three's...Stuff like that. Answer: I own a letter from a man who worked in the gibson factory in the years when these instruments were being made. They made alot of special order ukes and many fancy ones. The Poinsetta, the Florentine, etc. The TU2 looks very much like the soprano 2. The 3 is very different from the soprano three. It has many rings around the soundhole and no fancy inlays on the fretboard. I own a strange style tenor. It is in the style of the L0-L1 guitar of l926. It has the 5 pin bridge. I know of only one other. It is owned by a friend of mine who is chomping at the bit to get it. I am having some work done on it right now. Slow work... The extra pin is below the other 4 and used in case you lose one. The ukulele I am holding in the picture on uke yak is a more modern made style 3. It is marked TU3 but , as I said, does not resemble the soprano style 3. There were many different 3's with different fretboard lengths, and different designs on the fingerboard. If you look at the beloff book, you will see one of the rarer fingerboards. It's a long answer to a short question. But the main thrust is, they made so many different styles and variations...you must take them individually. Hope this has helped. frets - Saturday, September 28, 2002

Question asked by: Lenore Barron Subject: Ukulele Cases Question: Hi Chuck, do you have a lead on any reasonably priced uke cases? They don't have to be hard shell. Not interested in gig bags. Answer: lenore...keep an eye on Ebay. Leslie Nunes from Hawaii offers soprano cases very reasonably. They are usually "buy it now's"}...I think they are around 39.00...Sorry Leslie if that is not the price, but there is not one up now to look at. There are many cases on the market now. If you are having trouble finding them write me again and by then I will have a list of case makers or distributors. It you go to the Marketplace on this site and put up your wants, you will get many answers. Also, the Bulletin Board is a good source for almost anything from Yak milk to Pizza...and ukes also...Ask that bunch of nutz..good people with lots of info...Keep in touch..good hunting...chuck - Saturday, September 28, 2002

Question asked by: scott araujo Subject: easier action Question: hi chuck :) i have an inexpensive Sunlite suproano uke. while playing a Fluke at the music shop i noticed it was much easier to play certain chords because of the lighter action. i wanted to make the action on my uke a little easier so i bought a spare plastic saddle, filed it down and slipped it into the bridge. after going too far on one the strings started hitting the frets. i started over with another saddle and it worked! the action was much lighter. i'd like to make it better yet by cutting the grooves in the nut a little deeper. i know, i should just hire a luthier or buy a Fluke but lack of funds prohibits both. it also seems a bit odd to spend any substantial money on a uke that only cost $40 to start with. more important, i really like working with my hands so i'm determined to do this myself. so, if i go too far and start getting twangs on the frets is there any easy way to repair or replace the nut to bring it back to where it was before i started? thanks in advance! scott :) Answer: As I have said before, I am Jewish. I repair nothing. Especially my nut. I once removed a splinter from my foot and I still have trouble walking. I hope there is someone out there who can give you some advise. I will post this and I am sure someone will answer. My expertise extends only as far as the knowledge of the instrument itself....I wish I could repair, I would finally be able to make a living. My folks wanted a doctor. What a laugh...Hope this helps.... Dr. Frets. - Friday, September 27, 2002

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: lindell uke Question: Color me confused, don't really since I seem always to have a bit of that tint about me. Currently on ebay there is (item # 909300511) a "Lindell concert size baritone" for auction. The seller quotes the source (that's you,by the way) about such ukes. One thing you say is that the Lindell was only made in concert size. So where did the baritone come from? The notion of a concert size baritone seems so oxymoronic that it caught my eye. I close in the surety that you will untangle this mess, or maybe add to it. Answer: Well. its too long for a tenor so it must be a baritone. I guess my information source, the catalog of the company, was wrong. Somebody made a lindell Baritone Uke. The decal on the headstock is not the same as the concert and I am suspicious that it is the same name, however not the same maker. I find it intersting that the third string goes through the sound hole. First time I have ever seen this on a uke..Must make some chords very difficult if not impossible. It also does not look like the quality of the lindell I have played. There is no such thing as a concert sized Baritone except in Opera. They are really easy to spot. Good luck...frets - Friday, September 27, 2002

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Gibson ukes Question: I have heard the soprano gibson style 1 and thinks it sounds pretty good! I currently have a Camp fluke and a concert Beltona and want to add a tenor uke...a The Gibson. But besides the descriptions on the style 1 soprano at this site, I could not find much info or descriptions of the u2 and u3. I searched the internet, as I am in the backwoods of Colorado and do not have any books on hand, and found out some info on the sopranos but not much on the tenors. Well just want to share the info I got, but go ahead and call me a knucklehead if I get it wrong...ukAlelehead? Gibson U2: Black patent pegs,White nut. Dots at fret space 3, 7, 10. Black and white edge top bout, none to bottom. black and white/natural rosette sound hole. And sometime in there a few of the soprano U2's had the fret board extend to the soundhole...pointed at the end. U3: The fancy one...had 17 frets with the board to the sound hole, pointed. This was a rosewood fingerboard. Body of dark stained Mahogany. Fancy pearl ornaments or diamond/snowflake pattern fret "dots". The top and bottom bound in white ivoiroid. The neck was also edge bound from the white nut to the soundhole. Bone nut and bone Bridgetop! Wow! I want one! Some time in the 50's the fret ornaments became simple dot inlays. But how about them Gibson TU2's and TU3's? Shakha Brah Steve Answer: Steve...very interesting. Whats the question? If I missed it let me know and I will try to answer something. Thanks for comming on board...and the train gets longer...now the backwoods of Colorado. My mother was from Pueblo Colorado. Just thought you'd eventually ask, so I got the answer out of the way. Found something to answer after all. Best of luck..frets - Friday, September 27, 2002

Question asked by: janice Subject: violin=uke Question: I have a violin uke dated 1928 with all the music and receited when he bought it and how much he paid for it could you tell me whats it worth? Answer: janice..please go to the search section of this column and type in violin uke, ...you will get more information than you ever wanted. Millions of them survived because nobody could either tune them or play them. They have little value other than an item to hang on the wall. Wish I had better new. frets - Thursday, September 26, 2002

Question asked by: Tiki King Subject: Question: Aloha Chuck! Regarding the Wanderlaylee, As I understand it, this and the Polkalaylee were made by Peterson Co. of Ohio, around the same time as (and, shall we say "inspired by") the Swaggerty kooky ukes. T.K. Answer: Thanks your Highness...You really are the king. Will file the interestring information for the next person who writes. Always a pleasure...chuck frets fayne - Thursday, September 26, 2002

Question asked by: Matt Subject: replacement frets Question: After really enjoying the sound of the uke while on my honeymoon in Hawaii, I brought back my grandfather's old ukulele from my parent's house. I think it's a pretty old Oliver Dittson and Co. model. Anyway, three of the frets are missing, and I want to replace them. How do I go about doing this? Answer: Matt...you go to a qualified luthier, someone who knows fretted instruments, and have them replaced. Not expensive. Don't attempt this yourself. The placement and height of the fret is very important. IF it is incorrect, the uke wont play in tune. You had time to play the ukulele on your honeymoon????? What a guy....best and congrats....uke yak and the gang..... - Thursday, September 26, 2002

Question asked by: TRS Subject: Kamaka labels Question: I have been trying to get good info on Kamaka labels as far as what is indicated by the color. I know there are White labels and Gold labels and perhaps, older White labels...... when someone mentions the color of the label, what should that tell me? I appreciate your wealth of knowledge and willingness to pass it on. Thanks. Answer: There are too many to list. But here are some of them....l928(marked as such and the only one that is) square white label with pencil numbers ( usually). Blue label from about l935 with a pineapple in the middle,..Gold label ( who knows) and white label( who knows)...Kamaka had a habit of using what was at hand. So it makes dating the uke almost impossible in the later years. Finally, a Kamaka label collector.....frets - Thursday, September 26, 2002

Question asked by: WanderALayLee Subject: who made Wander a lay lee? Question: Ok i can't find ANYTHING on this instrument. What is it, who made it, how old is it and what is it worth in excellent condition. It resembles the polk a lay lee but it is Clearly marked WANDER A LAY LEE. It also has an additonal knob lower down on the neck as you can see in the picture. Photos:      Answer: First one I have ever seen...Great looking...Anyone out there know. Looks like the same maker to me and kinda like a four string drunk banjo uke. We'll find out and get back to you...For now, just sit tight and don't try to straighten it out....frets - Thursday, September 26, 2002

Question asked by: laurie malo Subject: Martin Uke Date Question: I have a martin ukulele and was told it was built in 1949. But someone on the internet said it was 61 because it had MADE IN THE USA stamped in the soundhole. Is this correct. THX Answer: that is correct...60 or 61 but certainly not l949. thanks for writing. frets - Wednesday, September 25, 2002

Question asked by: Phil Subject: bridge repair Question: A uke I found has suffered at the hands of a knucklehead who thought it would sound better with ball type guitar strings. Problem: 4th string slot on bridge is enlarged and won't hold a knotted nylon string. The bridge is in good shape otherwise and is glued well to the top. Is there a fix for this without replacing it? Help!!!!! Answer: phil...get a little bead from a bead shop....make the knot, slide the bead down and it will fit. In case it doesn't work, buy two beads adn make a lovely pair of earrings. "Jewels from Frets" .. - Tuesday, September 24, 2002

Question asked by: DEBORAH SMITH Subject: faerie queen banjo ukulele Question: I RECENTLY PURCHASED A BANJO UKULELE WITH THE NAME FAERIE QUEEN PRINTED ON IT, IT WAS MADE BY JOHN GREY & SONS LONDON, IT HAS REALLY GREAT SOUND AND CAME COMPLETE WITH A CASE, CAN YOU ESTIMATE WHEN IT WAS MADE OR TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT ITS HISTORY? Answer: Again, Deborah...I would need a pic...John grey was one of the premier builders of musical instruments and made some very fine banjo ukes and some really terrible ones. I need a pic to tell you which one you have. You can either send the pic to this site or my home email which is cfayne@bigpond.net.au. I can then tell you alot. thanks for writing in..look forward to helping you...Just a side note..John Grey really had dark hair....frets - Tuesday, September 24, 2002

Question asked by: Corky Reynolds Subject: Gretsch Uke Question: Hi, I bought an old Gretsch ukelele at a auction last night, it's in very good shape, w/ case. what are they worth? Answer: Depends on which gretch it is. They made different models and they are all worth something different. The bottom of the line is worth a couple hundred the top a couple thousand. A pic is the only way to tell...look at the question above yours and you will get my email number..send pic there or here and I will help..thanks chuck - Tuesday, September 24, 2002

Question asked by: Mark Lewis Subject: Is it something or is it nothing? Question: Hi Chuck! Ever heard of the brand Aloha Royal? It seems to be Mahogany and made pretty well. Don't know the age. Another one of the large pool of anon. makers and brands? I can scan and send if there is any curiosity... Answer: scan away...love to see it in person...chuck..i'm beginning to sound like a broken record....frets - Tuesday, September 24, 2002

Question asked by: Melissa Subject: Stella Banjo Uke Question: Hi Chuck-- I just bought a Stella banjo uke--it looks like a 20s-30s thing, no resonator on the back, no holes in the skin, a few signs of wear but otherwise in good shape. do you have any idea what it might be worth, and do you know anything else about Stella ukes? Answer: Stella was a huge company in the 30'40'and 50's...they made guitars, tenor guitars, ukuleles, and banjo ukes among the many instruments manufactured. They made garbage and they made great stuff...The instruments made in the teens were the best and usually have a label inside of a black man playing an instrument,. They made the instruments for leadbelly, a great blues singer of the 20's. Your banjo uke was probably not made by them, but they had their logo impressed in the headstock. It is a generic instrument..one of thousands and thousands made at the time. Its value is, in perfect condition, and only to a collector , about 150.00. Thanks very much for writing in, keep in touch.....Your all invited to the xmas party at the mt idy town hall. BYOU.....frets - Monday, September 23, 2002

Question asked by: Mike Longworth Subject: Changes in nut slot for 3rd string. Question: I could probably come up with a few complicated ways to solve this problem, but... If we assume the need for a larger slot, and also assume the possibility of wanting to reverse the process, the logical answer to me would be an extra nut. I have known guitarists who carried several bridge saddles to compensate for weather changes. An extra nut will cost a few bucks from a good luthier or repairman. They really need little or no tacking down.(Ten penny nail will suffice) or a dab of elmer's Glu-all If someone really wants to do it in a sophicated manner, whatever that means, I suggest: A very low nut with a slot down the length in the center, but closed on both ends. A top piece is carefully fitted to the slot, and the slots for strings made according to your taste. Make anouther similar nut for the set with the wound third. You can then change quickly from one to the other. At Martin an old Foreman named John Deichman did this on several guitars so he could play in the spanish or Hawaiian style without changing the overall appearance of the instrument. Nope! I don't want to make you one... MIke L. Answer: Thanks MIke. Seems like alot of work to accomplish the task. More than I want to take on. I guess I am really old fashioned. Other than tuning the 4th down an octave, I usually leave the instrument the way it was designed to be played. I rarely change anything including the strings. Easier and a much happier existence for me. I feel the instrument has a sound already and when I try to get the sound I want, the instrument balks. As always, we at the yak appreciate all you contribute....If we didn't have you, where would we go....frets and the gang - Monday, September 23, 2002

Question asked by: Terry Nagel Subject: Tenor and baritone Uke tuning Question: Frets -- I'm a big fan of Lyle Ritz, and in two of his books (purchased from this site) he states flatly that the baritone and tenor should be tuned DGBE, with the D tuned high. A couple questions: 1.) Do most tenor players use this tuning? At least one uke maker (Kawika) says on their website "These days, at least in Hawaii, the most common tuning for the 4-string tenor is G(4th), C (3rd), E(2nd), A(1st)." 2. I've tried tuning up one of my Baritones with a high G, and it sounds pretty strange -- and the thin string kind of rattles around in the nut. I'm curious whether you've run into other bari players using a high G. TSN Answer: Terry, I've said this so many times I am getting tired of my own answer. Its an instrument. Its primary purpose is to make a sound. If you like the sound of the low 4th, by all means play it that way. If it bothers you, change it. It doesn't matter who and how they tune their ukulele. They will all give you the answer based on their personal opinions. Yours is as valid if not more. Its your instrument and the sound is the one you are hearing.. You have choices and thats all that they are offering. Try them out. Rights and wrongs are based on fact only...ie...2+2=4...fact...correct.. Low g string is declared flatly the way to go...Not a fact...wrong....Let your ear be your guide and try all the options and then select the one that makes your boat float. happy to help...frets - Monday, September 23, 2002

Question asked by: mike Longworth Subject: Question: Chuck, A larger string will indeed reuire enlarging the string slot in the nut. Larger diameter translates to a higher center for the core at the bridge saddle, and if large enough will keep the string from seating properly in a nut with a small cutout for the string. High action, in turn, spells intonation problems. Intonation problems are frustrating enough without such problems. On a flat-top steel-string guitar you will notice the slanted bridge saddle. This is because the larger the string diameter the greater the intonation problem. Often the 6th string is at least 1/8" longer than the first string. Fortunately the problem is less severe with a ukulele, IF the bridge is in the right place. Trouble is no one can agree on where that proper place is located. Mike L. Answer: Thanks mike. What do the people do who want to go to a wound 3rd string but it rides too high. I get alot of questions about this. good to hear from you...frets - Saturday, September 21, 2002

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page