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

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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: Dennis Ecklund Subject: Regal / The Benson Tiple Question: Hi Frets, I really enjoy your column, so far I guess I've read through about 600 pages. By now I'm convinced you could write an entertaining column on any topic. Attached is a composite picture of a Regal Tiple I just bought at ebay, and I'm wondering if you can give me an idea of when it was made and the price range it originally sold. Also what it might be worth nowadays. It's a little different from others I've seen here and on the Web. Actually I'd love to learn more about the Regal company, but there doesn't seem to be much info available. It has a Regal decal on the headstock, and there a re-seller's label inside that read "The Benson." It seems like a well-made instrument, with what appears to be solid wood back and sides and a fully bound body. The triangular- shaped neck looks like maple with a little flaming (kinda like mine) Overall condition seems to be sound. There are a couple of minor cracks, the finish is kinda crazed and there's some minor strumming wear in the upper bout. I removed the old strings to do a better job of cleaning it up. Now I'm really itching to restring it and start playing. I got carried away in a last- minute bidding frenzy and ended up paying about $175 for it. Probably way too much, but if it plays well I'll get my money's worth. It came with a "Bulls head" brand cardboard case. I buy and sell things on ebay all the time, but I've got a feeling my kids will end up selling this in my estate after I've gone to that great lutherie in the sky. According to my spouse, this may be sooner than I think, if I don't seek treatment for my M.I.A.S. (Musical Instrument Acquisition Syndrome.) Thanks, Dennis Photos:      Answer: Dennis, you didn't overpay..its a nice instrument. Its interesting that you can't find out information on the most productive music manufacturing company of all time. They made most of the ukuleles made in the United States in the l930's and 40's. They made for everyone. I have records of the instrument selling for about 45 dollars in the 30's or one like it. Today, you probably paid a little less than what it is worth, however condition has alot to do with it and it seems solid. Tiples are notorious for drifting out of tune. I would have a good luthier take a look at it and string it up for you. That way, if it needs any minor adjustments to the frets it can be done there. I hate stringing them up and love playing them. So I have a professional stringer who is not allowed to drift further from my side than the length of his G string. But that is another story. I love the tiple and am always surprised when I find out how many were played in the 30's and 40's. There is a very good article about the tiple in a new Ukulele book titled, "The Ukulele Occasional.It is available on this site in the On-line store. Look to the left to the black menu and you will find the on-line store. I suggest you all order the book, it wonderfully produced. I love my copy. Thanks jim and liz. well dennis, best to you and your tiple. any more, please write in...frets - Thursday, September 19, 2002

Question asked by: Liz Subject: Slingerland Maybelle Banjo Uke Question: Hi! I was wondering if you knew anything about this Maybelle Banjo Ukelele made by the Slingerland Bros. It doesn't look like the other banjo uke's that they made... it's body seems to be made of some sort of synthetic material. I know it is missing it's bridge, and I am ordering a new piece as we speak. How do you think this will affect it's value? I have three more photos I would like to share with you... but I won't send them unless you ask. Thank you so much! Photos:      Answer: Liz...I can't tell much from the front photo. please send others. It looks like a standard, better than the most, banjo uke of the l930's. So far, I see nothing out of the ordinary. Have had dozens tht looked exactly like that one. Good instrument...as I said, better than most. frets - Wednesday, September 18, 2002

Question asked by: Jim Subject: banjo uke Question: Hi Chuck: Recently I was given a banjo ukulele that had been my uncles, and I'm trying to find information and parts for it. I believe that it is from the 1930's or 40's, but there are no markings on it. When it was given to me, it had no strings or bridge and the back was cracked. This instument is built with a round wooden pot, that has holes on the side, which had metal grommets in the holes, and on which a skin is tightly drawn, like a drum. The mechanism for holding the skin tight is inside the pot, and a wooden back covers the mechanism. I've found a few pictures of banjo ukuleles, but they appear more like a modern banjo, with a metal system for holding the skin tight. I'm looking for several things: 1. A bridge 2. The piece that separates the strings at the top of the neck. 3. Frets (I need one or two) 4. Metal Grommets for the holes 5. Info on strings to use and tuning I've started working on the instrument, to get it into a playable shape, but I'd really like to find out what it looked like originally, and where it was made. Any suggestions, advice, or direction would be helpful. Thanks Jim Answer: My advise, since I can't tell much withougt seeing the banjo uke, is to get in touch with John Bernunzio at Bernunzio Vintage Instruments in Rochester N.Y. YOu will find him all over the web. Tell him I told you to call and He will help you. He should have parts to help fix the banjo uke. If you don't live close enough to take the uke to him, you will have to have some pics...There were only about 5000 varieties of Banjo ukes made in the l930's. They were very popular and everyone made them. Hope you find what you are looking for. Frets - Wednesday, September 18, 2002

Question asked by: Bill Sweet Subject: Chipping finish Question: Chuck, I'm wondering if you can help me ease some worries. I want to know if there's anything I need to be doing extra to take care of my much beloved Martin. It's a style O, and I'm told it's older, because it doesn't have "made in USA" on the inside. It's a little dinged up, and the finish has a series of hairline crack all over it. The looks have never been much of a concern for me, because she sounds so sweet, better even than another Martin I own that's in mint shape. In the past couple years, with more intensive playing, the finish has chipped off part of the face (see picture) leaving naked wood exposed. Again not a big deal for me. I just want to know if this is foreboding of something that may effect the sound. I worry that the surface cracks could turn into something serious. Some friends keep something in their uke case part of the year for moisture, the thing you put in a clarinet (sorry I can't remember the name). I wondering if I should be doing something like this, if maybe it's been too dry? Should I get one of these humidifier things? Should I do something to protect the face, and what? Thanks, Bill Photos:      Answer: Bill , have the cracks closed just so they don't spread and don't worry about the chipping on the face. Unless its your face and then I would worry. YOu can do nothing about the strum wear and it will not affect the sound at all. . You don't need to do anything. I have no Idea about the what you put in a clairnet case. I thought it was a clairnet, however I may be wrong. If you mean something for chance of moisture or humidity, don't waste your time. Use that time for playing. That instsrument has already been broken in, so it sounds, It will out-last us all. Put something in side of you, like a good Red Wine and just enjoy the uke. Its going to make it fine. Mt Idy's resident Dermotologist, specializing in Cracked faces...Frets Fayne....By the way did you know the word Dermotologist is an interesting word. It comes from the Latin , Dermo meaning skin, and the Greek, tologist, meaning to overcharge. see ya - Wednesday, September 18, 2002

Question asked by: Kristi Kennison Subject: Fin-der Diamond head Hawaiian Uke Question: Wondering if a 1950's Fin-der Diamond Head Hawaiian Uke would have any value? I have the chance to purchase one, and wondering if their is any value? If so approximately what is it worth? Thanks Kristi Kennison Answer: Kristie...it is worth about 100 bucks in todays market. There are people who collect them, however if it is for playing, it does not sound like a wooden ukulele. Good Luck.....frets - Saturday, September 14, 2002

Question asked by: Else Subject: le domino uke Question: Hi Chuck, you're very funny, I enjoy your answers. I DO have the middle half of the ukulele, the pic didn't come out that well though. Was the 200 dollars for your uncle or the uke? Is that's what's hiding in our closets? Uncles? Yikes!! Thank you for your answer, I really appreciate it. Stay cool "down under". Else :)) Answer: speaking of kool...you certainly..welcome to the site and I hope you contribute often. I'm not always sure people get my sometimes perverted sense of humor ...your twisted and I love it.....as I said...welcome ...and stick around..glad you got the middle of the uke...it makes playing so much easier....frets - Friday, September 6, 2002

Question asked by: Else Subject: Ukulele background Question: Hello Chuck, this uke was in a closet for about 50 years. Could you give me some information in regards to origin, value, etc. ? It has a pretty decent tone and no dings although tuning pegs had to be replaced. Thank you so much. Else Photos:      Answer: It is the bottom half of a Le Domino ukulele. They made alot of variations of this uke...one in maple, one with dominos on the fretboard, one with circles, They made a banjo uke, a tenor guitar and a guitar and even a drum. I hope you find the rest of the uke as you will need it to play. The other end looks like a railroad track with strings. I put that in so when you go looking for it, it will be easy to recognize. What a coincidence. I had an uncle who was in the closet for about 50 years also. He's out and has beome quite a uke player. Value???about 200 bucks without the original tuning pegs. Hope all this has helped. Keep in touch..frets - Thursday, September 5, 2002

Question asked by: soybean Subject: Tiple / Martin tenor ukes Question: Greetings Chuck. There was a famous group called "The Cats and the Fiddle" which featured the tiple. They had jazz tiple solos in many of their songs. Here is a website telling about the group. http://home.att.net/~uncamarvy/ Catfidd/catfidd.html I've owned both 12 fret and 14 fret Martin tenors. The 12-fret models have a deeper sound with more sustain. When Martin changed to the 14-fret neck design, they did not redesign the body. Therefore, the bridge had to be moved to a place that was not optimum for sound. Answer: hey dan...thanks for all the keen information...I have always wanted to use the word keen in a sentence. Thaks for the opportunity. Always good to hear from you, and keep in touch..Its nice to see you on this side of the site...I was beginning to feel lonesome. Remember the Mt Idy Cucumber Festival this year. There are no hard feelings about last year when you tried to eat the winning cucumber. The town council got together and they will allow you to come back if you promise not to do it again.....Ellie Mae says Howdy...frets - Thursday, September 5, 2002

Question asked by: Judy Subject: Grandmother's Uke Question: I have my grandmother's uke and am trying to figure out how old it is. The inside is stamped with what looks like "J. N. Pas...., Honolulu, HI" It might say "Pastimes" or something like that. It also has a label with "Aloha Hawaii", a blue ribbon containing words we can't make out. It's a plain instrument, no roping or fancy work at all. It might be mahogany. Any ideas on who manufactured this old uke and how old it is? It still sounds great. Answer: Judy, I am publishing this question in the hopes someone will recognize it from the info you have. I have requested a pic and that will help alot. If anyone out there has one, please write in. thanks yakkers and keep tuned judy...This group of nutz knows all....frets - Thursday, September 5, 2002

Question asked by: Ken Subject: Marcus Martini Oval Uke Question: Hi Chuck, What a great site you have. Like talking to people back home. Have you ever heard of a Marcus Martini Oval Ukulele? eBay is selling a few... http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl l?ViewItem&item=902570760&rd=1 I want to buy a beginners Uke, any suggestions? Thanks so much and please keep on writing...Ken in Los Angeles Answer: I have heard and seen the marcus Martini Oval Uke. It comes with either an olive or an onion on the headstock. I know little about its sound as I have never played one. I have not had any negative word, which for this site is a good thing. I hear all...What do you want to spend for a beginner uke. If I know that , I will have an easier time helping. Have you considered the Fluke???you can find out all you want to know in the On-Line section of this site. Great uke, beginner or not. Great price, great value. As I have said before ,I get paid nothing for this site and the opinions are mine with no influence from Jim or Liz..By the way Beloffs, thanks for the tuition to Harvard for my son. What a surprise gift,. He's only 15 ....And that car..You shouldn't have....Thanks for writing in Ken and if there is anything else we can do to help you...don't fret...frets - Thursday, September 5, 2002

Question asked by: bluesboyroy Subject: KP uke Question: Dear Chuck, Good morning from the Atlantic coast. It's still summer here and I'm still retired. Life is good. I was looking at the life size picture of the KP uke you just posted. I was surprized to see a fret right before the nut( I think this is called a stop fret ). I've seen these used on some guitars, but usually not on high quality ones. The KP uke looks like a real nice instrument, certainly quality workmanship. Is there a reason the maker used this set-up, and do you have a preference? How does this set-up effect sound and playability ( in your opinion )? With guitars I found that other factors effected the instrument more but I never cared for the "stop fret" design. Now back to the rigors of retirement. I'm heading for a campout in mountains this weekend, and looking forward to Uke expo 2002. Thanks as always Roy Answer: Roy...Its called a zero fret and I like the feature. I am not sure exactly what it is suppose to do, however I notice that this instrument stays in tune no matter how long it sits. The zero fret technique has been used for years and on some very high class instruments. Most Oboe's have one. I think the zero fret also make it easier to apply the minimum of pressure on the string to change the note. I like it....but thats just one man's opinion...like to hear from the rest of you...chuck Your right...the KP Ukulele is a quality instrument all the way...I'm really enjoying it alot... - Thursday, September 5, 2002

Question asked by: Sheehan Subject: Quantity Ukes / Uketopia Question: Hey Chuck, Came looking for the tabs to Yes Sir, That's My Baby and wound up checking out your Q and A. You were very helpful re: my Weissenborn last year. Hope that you'll be in town for the Uke Doin's at McCabe's again on 9/22/02. For those who need a quick and cheap Uke Fix (the lady looking to hook up her church choir?) I'd like your opinion of the Kay ukes that may be purchased wholesale. Thanks, Michael Answer: Mike...thanks for writing in..Nice to hear from you again....I will not be able to attent Uketopia this year. Its the Rhubarb Festival in Mt Idy and I am the Head Rhubarb...I will ,however, attend next year ad we are expected to have a bad crop. I know nothing about the new Kay Ukuleles..I know they exist but have not had one on my hands yet. Perhaps a yakker will have more info. Thanks for sharing. frets - Wednesday, September 4, 2002

Question asked by: Dave Subject: Tiple recordings Question: Regarding the recent chat about tiple recordings. I have some CDs of the old Gabby Pahinui Hawaiian Band. The tiple is a featured instrument and is used both as a solo instrument as well as an accompanying instrument on many of the tracks. You can buy them on the web at www.mele.com Answer: There you go..another helpful yakker. Hope the tiple man is still watching and for those of you who are not familiar with Gabby Pahinui, this would be a fabulous way to do it. Great player and great band. thanks Dave...frets - Wednesday, September 4, 2002

Question asked by: rocky Subject: Question: Chuck, what years of Martin tenor ukes are the most sought after by players?. Not the rarest or oldest but the ukes pros think of as the ones with the best sound and action. Answer: Rocky...it has nothing to do with years. It has to do with the sound of the instrument. Some sound great, some sound better. You just have to search for the sound you like. Players seem to favor the 14 fret model over the 12 fret...Doesn't make any difference to me. I like them both. I wish I could be more specific, but I can't...Thanks for writing in...frets - Wednesday, September 4, 2002

Question asked by: Koos Venter Subject: Keech banjulele banjo Question: Hi,i would like to sell, the original travelling case is also available but needs a lot of attention. Photos:      Answer: Koos....I would put this up for sale on the marketplace..look to the left and you will see it in the black menu...go there and you can put it up. Put in the ad that the uke can be seen on uke yak..That way you will reach all the yakkers on this site...good luck...frets - Wednesday, September 4, 2002

Question asked by: Elizabeth Subject: which to buy Question: I am a music director at a church, and we are starting a uke band for special uke Sundays. I need to buy some inexpensive ukes. I have looked at Hilo, Johnson, Lauren. What do you reccommend for us to start with? Elizabeth Answer: Elizabeth..I suggest you start with the collection plate. The ukuleles I have heard about that have been good value for the money are Johnson and Hohner. You will find both of them thru their websites..Just punch in Google.com and you will get a speedy search engine....put on your little conductors hat and go to the site you want....Uke Sunday....Is that one of the Original Holidays. ????I missed that one...Please keep in touch, if there is anything we can do to help your project be a success, please don't hesitate to ask...I am going to deliver the sermon on the Mt Idy this weekend. Good luck in your project. I'm sure the uke will be in good hands. chuck frets fayne - Tuesday, September 3, 2002

Question asked by: Wes Subject: I've Got my uke!!!!! Question: Chuck, I finally got my Applause UA10. This uke is amazing! It is loud, deep, and clear. The action is nice and low too. I got it from Music 123 for$120. When it comes time for new strings, which do you like for this uke? I usually Use Martin Crystal Nylon for my other uke( a piece o' junk Hilo soprano). Thanks, Wes Answer: I am and have always been a fan of Kamaka black strings. I hate breaking them in, but it has to be done. Martin strings have always been a little stiff for me. Glad you like the instrument..and thanks for letting us know. I have the same instrument. If you play your cards right, you won't need strings for years.....best...frets - Monday, September 2, 2002

Question asked by: robert Subject: any info on this banjolele? pic1 Question: frets, just found your Q&A page. thanks for the service! I've stumbled onto this uke at an auction. There are no identifiable markings on it (maker, etc). The seller suggests that it is quite old and that perhaps the "starburst" pattern on the resonator may lend a clue to its history. Any insight? Also, there are no strings on it and no bridge (I assume it needs one). What kind of strings/bridge would you recommend? thanks again, robert Photos:      Answer: Robert...Its a generic banjo uke from the 1930-40's. I would use gut strings. Its anyone's guess who made it. Without a name its almost impossible..They were made by the hundreds of thousands by many companies. With gut strings, its has a chance of sounding good. With metal strings the only noise you will hear is your screaming as they stitch your fingers. Good luck, glad you found the site,..keep tuned for updates..on what, I don't know...frets - Sunday, September 1, 2002

Question asked by: mike Longworth Subject: Question: I have seen very few tiple' recordings. Last year at the expo a young man showed up with some old albums by Grandpa Smith. Grandpa was an old friend, a fine musician, and a Polish Comedian, real name Tony Kovaleski. Some of these might show up this year. His son Oscar has a speed shop in Scranton, Pa. Auto World, I think... There was a Black man named Timmie Rogers who lived in Hollywood and played Jazz Tiple' He also did comedy and appeared on the Johnny Carson show. Does he have any recordings? I really don't know. MIke L. Answer: Thanks as usual Mike..How was the move..hope your settled in and feelin'good...from all at uke yak...we thank you...frets - Sunday, September 1, 2002

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