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 (218 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: 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: rocky Subject: uke construction Question: What are the basic understood uke construction elements that separate cheap (low volume, bad tone) ukes with more expensive loud good sounding ones. In other words if someone described the construction of a uke what would tip you off that it was a good one or bad one? I know there are an infinite number of subtle secrets of the masters but I'm looking for basic accepted qualities. Answer: I think the answer to you question of a little more complicated than just a simple answer. I have had cheap low volume ukes that have had marvelous sounds and high end ukes that sounded like crap. I have never been able to tell anything about a uke from the description. I once owned a banjo uke made from a spam can..it was great. You just have to go try them out. I would suggest that you might find a better sounding uke in the better names. But, as I said, that is not always the rule. I have played martins that I would not own if given to me. I have a Japanese made uke from the 50's that I play constantly. I guess I have said it too many times already...I have no hard and fast suggestions...thanks...chuck - Thursday, August 29, 2002

Question asked by: Les Rietfors Subject: flag on my ukulele's Question: Hi chuck I was just wondering why don't you like the flag thatI inlay in the head of my ukulele that has been my logo for the past 17 years and everybody loves it everybody think it was a good way of showing that it is made in Hawaii it stands out in groups of ukulele's. I was born and raised in Hawaii and it helps me sell the ukulele in Japan, and all around the world it also shows a lot of imagination and talent and time that it takes to inlay the flag or the Hawaiian Coat of Arms that I also inlay. The flag by the way the has 6 different woods in it and the Hawaiian Coat of Arms has 7 different woods. Thank you very much Les Rietors rietforsukes@hawaii.rr.com Answer: Les...as I said when I wrote the answer, for me it is just a personal thing. I don't think its bad, for me it is a little too much. I hope I have not insulted you by my comment, it was only meant to be a personl opinion. If if helps you sell ukes and people like it thats all thats important. I wish you all the best....I hear nothing but great stuff about the sound of your uke and for me thats the ultimate compliment. A flag wouldn't make me want to own it if it didn't sound good. Yours do and perhaps someday I will own one. Till then..."Its a grand old Flag"....frets - Thursday, August 29, 2002

Question asked by: Michael Subject: Maybell banjo uke Question: Hi Chuck (or may I call you "Frets"?), I'd like your take on this Maybell banjo uke. I'm considering trading for a wooden soprano uke, but I don't know how to begin to put a value on this instrument! I might guess it's all original, it's in real good shape. Answer: Michael..no pic came thru..but a maybell banjo uke is worth in the neighborhood of 150-300 depending on condition and trim..try to send a pic and I'll hit it closer...frets - Thursday, August 29, 2002

Question asked by: lori Subject: Decca import Question: Does Decca still import ukes from Japan, or when did they stop. Do they have any value? I saw a very light weight koa ukulele at a thrift shop, I liked the sound and all it said was handmade in HI $300- . It was being passed off as a Kamaka, I thought they are signed. Is it worth it? Mahalo lori Answer: Decca hasn't been around for 30 years. The Kamaka should say KK on the headstock or/and Kamaka inside..If not, its not a Kamaka. I need a pic to tell you what it is and if it is worth it. Hand made in HI is the most common label in the islands..Means nothing usually. send a pic and I can help...frets - Wednesday, August 28, 2002

Question asked by: bruce Subject: concert ukulele plans Question: Aloha Chuck, PLease let me know where I may purchase some plans with the dimensions for a concert ukulele. Mahalo Answer: watch Ebay ,...they come up all the time...go to sold items under the musical instrument section and try putting ukulele luthier plans and see what you come up with....you will eventually find them..I will watch and if I see them , I will let you know...thanks for writing in and keep in touch,..chuck - Wednesday, August 28, 2002

Question asked by: Terry Nagel Subject: 1927 Oscar Schmidt Question: Chuck -- I was just given an Oscar Schmidt soprano uke which my step-father says he won in a charleston contest in 1927. He had it stashed in his furnace room, and it looks neglected, but fixable. The brace running down the back has come unglued, and there are two places where 1/2 inch of the herring-bone binding is missing (the real thing -- individual little pieces of wood.) It also has a stip of herrign-bone binding running right down the middle of the back. It has a paper sticker inside with a hula girl and a pineapple that says Manufactured by Oscar Schmidt, Inc., Jersey City, N.J, with a penciled notation N190, and a serial number 02431 stenciled on the wood. It also has a little plaque on the headstock that says "Fillmore's, 528 Elm St., Cininnati." I assume the sponsored the dance contest. I'm inclided to fix it up and play it, and had a couple questions: 1. I know Oscar Schmidt labeled ukes are as common as dirt, but does a 1927 one have any value (beyond the obvious sentimental value of this one?) 2. Would it harm the value to have the binding repaired by an excellent luthier? How about replacing the tuners? Ok, that was three questions. Anyway, I'd like to know what you think. Thanks. Answer: Fix it up, no it isn't worth more, have the binding repaired...You will find out when play it you will also have the desire to do the charlston. Best of luck...Watch those tappin feet...frets - Wednesday, August 28, 2002

Question asked by: Lloyd Smith Subject: uke identification Question: I found the uke in a dumpster it was not busted but tuners were missing I installed tuners and strings to my suprize it sounds pretty darn good ,it is labeled BARCLAY, any info on this Barclay Uke will be greatly appreciated Lloyd Photos:      Answer: Japanese, l950's , enough finish to make a seafood table. If it sounds good play it and enjoy. Know little else. Have seen the barclay label but no idea who distributed them....let us know how it turns out....thanks for the question....chuck - Wednesday, August 28, 2002

Question asked by: Pat Maguire Subject: big uke Question: Chuck, I just got a big ukulele from my aunt who lately past away and I want to play it but I'm not sure how to string it and tune it. The beastie is about 28.5 inches long from the bottom of the body to the end of the tuning head(?). The body itself is 12.5 inches long and the fretboard is 12.75 inches long. Is this a Baritone uke? In which order do the strings go? HELP! I dont want to damage the poor thing! Pat M Answer: You won't damage it..It is a baritone, most likely and the tuning is the same as the last four strings on a guitar. You should take it in and have it strung by a good lutier and tuned...you can then go to the products on-line store on this site..the little black area to the left of this answer, and you will find all you need to get started. thanks and hope I've helped..chuck - Wednesday, August 28, 2002

Question asked by: Mischa Sobel Subject: intonation? arch top ukes? Question: Hey Frets - Just got my first uke. It's supposed to be a '20's Regal, and it sounds pretty nice but the intonation is awful about 8 frets up the neck. For a first one it's OK, I guess, (it was cheap!)but I'd like to upgrade in a few months. The Fluke looks interesting and certainly within my price range... what about the intonation on it up the neck? Also, have you ever heard of any arch-top uke, or uke-style instruments? Thanks... Mischa Answer: Foget fixing the regal...Get a fluke...the intonation is perfect...It would be hard to imagine a company as successful as the fluke making a uke that is not good all the way up the neck. There have not been alot of arch top ukes..arch top tenors abound..see ya...frets - Wednesday, August 28, 2002

Question asked by: Lee Subject: Guild uke - baritone? Question: I have inherited a ukulele - it's about 31" from top to bottom. 20.5" scale, an 10" wide at the lower bout. Made by Guild, with a sticker inside identifying that it is from the Hoboken, NJ factory days. It is strung with soprano strings and tuned dGBE. I bought a set of D'Addario baritone string, with a wound 4th, but when I try to crank that low string up to D, the tuning peg slip. Before I tighten the peg - I'd like to know if this is the right thing to do! Is this, indeed, a baritone uke and can it hold a DGBE (guitar-like) tuning without damaging the instrument? Answer: should be able to hold the tuning...Guitar tuning is what is recommended, but be careful..If the tuners slip, it could be the tuners. take it to a good luther and let him do it. He knows how. Don't attempt it yourself. Just about the time the peg holds, the bridge will pop off and hurt you..take it to a good luthier...chuck - Wednesday, August 28, 2002

Question asked by: Michael MacLeod Subject: 1920's Martin 0 Question: I'm new to Ukes but have fallen for the pesky little critters and have started selling the Flukes locally, Even though my guitar playing buddies are threatening an "Intervention". I've just acquired what I believe to be a 1920's 0 in remarkably good condition. It is missing one peg, but one of the remaining peg has a short length of genuine gut string remaining. This leads me to believe that the instrument is gernerally original. It also was supplied with a perfectly fitted professionally made corduroy bag. Question 1. Was this bag an original Martin option/ accessory? Question 2. Where can I get a matching Peg? Mike Answer: You must search for the peg...Send a pic to this site and someone will probably have a match...hard to answer the question...there were thousands of different kinds made and there exist, at last count, about 3,000,000 sets of three..good luck...chuck - Wednesday, August 28, 2002

Question asked by: Dana Subject: violin-uke Question: I have a violin-uke and i was wanting to know how much it is worth and maybe how old it is? Here is all the information that it has on it.(patent applied for guaranteed 5 years), (35.00), (Marxochime colony), (New Troy Michigan). Thank you Answer: Dana...At the top of the page you will find a search option...Please punch in violin uke and you will see everything I have written about it. If you still need help, please don't hesitate to write...thanks...frets... - Tuesday, August 27, 2002

Question asked by: Royce Subject: Sam Chang tenor uke Question: Hi, I just found a ukulele, marked Sam F. Chang Honolulu. Total length 25-1/2 inches. Neck looks like koa wood, the body I'm not sure about. There is a split in the back which needs repair. Any ideas of value, or where I can find more info on this maker? Thanks. Answer: He was a very competant maker in the l930-4o's. He made quite heavy ukuleles. The fact that this one is 25+ inches long is unusual. Hawaiian makers tended to stick to sopranos, However, I have had Changs in the past that were larger size. It is sort of concert/tenor. His Granddaughter is still alive and living in Hawaii. I will give her your email number in case she wants to write. You never know, she may need a pen pal. thanks...frets the matchmaker of Mt Idy.... - Tuesday, August 27, 2002

Question asked by: Joseph Ho Subject: Les Rietfors Question: Aloha Chuck!! Well here is a picture of the "Dolphin" Tenor Uke by Les Rietfors. Please excuse the photo. I'm trying to get used to the new camera!! But let me tell you the picture does not do this piece justice. Thanks!! Photos:      Answer: AT Xmas time do you change your name to Joseph HO HO Ho....???? Joseph there is no Justice. If the picture does not do it justice...either get a better uke or a better camera. I assume you mean its more beautiful in person...We really appreciate you sending it in and I'm sure Les does as well. If he'd just get rid of that flag in the headstock ( just a personl opinion of course)...but then again it is my column.....Keep in touch...Pics are always welcome...thanks...chuck - Monday, August 26, 2002

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