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 (219 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: 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: 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: 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: Dan Sawyer Subject: LoPrinzi Question: Hi Chuck! For the fellow looking for info on the G-String ukes. Here is their new website: http:// www.travelhere.com/derek1/ Answer: Thanks Soybean...always good to hear from you...chuck - Saturday, August 24, 2002

Question asked by: Burkhard Ruemcker Subject: POLK-A-LEY LEE Question: Hi, I'Burk from Germany, a "low budget" collector of unusual string instruments, not just for the sound they produce, but also to present the different forms people have invented. Via eBay I purchased an instrument, offered with the above mentioned name, a jpg-file is added too. Unfortunately the seller could give me no further information about the origin or age. So I started Google worldwide for that name, and the only hit I got was your beautiful homepage! Even if you would not call it a uke at the fist glance, at least some details fulfil the definition, as for instance, the number of strings ... If anyone could give me a little bit more information, that would be a real present to me. Thanks and best regards! Burk Photos:      Answer: The Polk-a-leylee is a ukulele. It was made by the Swagerty company of San Clemente California. It was aimed at the beach crowd so when a big wave came in , you could stick the head in the sand and go surf. They actually sound pretty good. Is there alot of susrfing in 'Germany???? best to you ..chuck frets fayne addition...It seems that the Polk-a-leylee was made by the Polk Bros and Not the Swagerty Company...They sure resemble each other. good strummin..Thanks Jim Beloff for the additional information.....fretszla - Saturday, August 24, 2002

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: ukelins Question: I know you sometimes get queries about ukelins. (No wonder, the do make one scratch the head) I discovered that at geocities there is 'Bob's ukelin page' and there it is claimed that the thing is playable, that there exist recording of ukelin music, and there is a link to a ueklin instruction book with cassette. Thought I'd mention this for anyone who is interested. Evidently many of these things were sold...must have been a marketing genius. Answer: Your right, he must have been a marketing Genuis because the instrument is impossible to tune or play. I'm sure someone out there has mastered both. Would love to hear a recording of it being played correctly...on second thought...It kinds reminds me of the Bagpipe joke.."Why does a Bagpiper walk when he plays the Bagpipe?"...to get away from the sound....frets - Friday, August 23, 2002

Question asked by: kyle metcalf Subject: kumalae ukulele date Question: I just purchased a kumalae ukulele with a Sherman Clay label. Is there a way of telling the production date on this item. aloha Kyle http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAP I.dll?ViewItem&item=212964503 5 Answer: sherman Clay Music company was big in the l930's That would be my guess. Could be a few years earlier but not much later. frets - Friday, August 23, 2002

Question asked by: Mark Weisner Subject: Kumalae Ukulele Question: I originally posted this question July 28, 02 but it never got answered. In case it got missed somehow... How much is an original Kumalae (model type C)Ukulele worth? My neighbor has one for sale. It has the 1915 gold medal label headstock, flamed Koa wood, fancy rope looking binding, and is in good condition. The top is cracked around the binding but could easily be fixed. The wood is beautiful. It looks exactly like the attached photo, except the wood is more highly flamed. No cracks in the back or sides. Thanks for the help. Photos:      Answer: It is a very nice ukulele and a rare model. It is worth in the soft market of today about 400+...If it has an original case...a few more bucks. If you can buy it for a decent price you should and if you decide not to..please let us at the yak know. I'm sure there is someone out there who would like to own it. Thanks for writing and the pic is great....frets - Friday, August 23, 2002

Question asked by: Mark Barnes Subject: Regal uke/guitar Question: Hello Chuck, I'm so glad I stumbled into your site! I'm trying to identify a Regal 4-string instrument. Dimensions and other info - Bridge to nut: 21 in. Lower bout: 10-3/8 in. Upper bout: 7-1/4 in. Waist: 6 in. Depth: 3-1/8 in. Bridge length: 4 in. Overall length: 31-1/2 in. Inlays: dots, diamonds, "clubs" Tuners: Waverly Bracing: Ladder Frets: 19, 12 above the body Neck width @ 1st fret: 1-1/8 in. Neck width @ 19th fret: 1-5/8 in. The bridge is missing (although its "footprint" is still there), and there is a hinge-type metal tailpiece that remains. The one string left hanging off one of the tuning pegs was steel. There is a "herringbone" design around the soundhole, along the top outer edge, and down the middle of the back. I don't know if it qualifies as a uke, a small tenor guitar, or what! I want to put this instrument back together - properly! It has a great deal of sentimental value to me, as it belonged to my grandfather, who passed away more than 30 years ago . . . Many thanks, Mark Answer: Its a regal tenor guitar and should say so on the oval label on the inside if it still exists. It is quite common and that is good. If they lasted this long in quantity, they must be good. They were originally strung with metal strings i strung mine with gut strungs. I liked the sound..It is a fine playing instrument. They were made in the 30's...your model and a very fancy one with abalone in the fretboard, headstock and around the body and even in the bridge. I had one like that and let it get away. A good friend sold it to me and I should have never let it go. But thats the way it goes. Enjoy yours..its a good instrument...thanks for writing in..frets - Wednesday, August 21, 2002

Question asked by: Kevin Barney Subject: 32 annual Uke-fest Question: Hi Chuck Any feed back or reviews of this years festival in Honolulu. would like to attend next year and wonder how big the crowd is and whether the classes are reasonable... Thanks, Kevin Answer: I don't know...I live in Australia..We are getting the news from l960...Sorry to hear the BG's split up. Someone out there will write in with all the information...Comon yakkers...write in...thanks frets - Wednesday, August 21, 2002

Question asked by: mike Longworth Subject: Kanaka Question: For John, Thanks for the explanation. Neither Chuck nor I Kanaka man who has the facts! Mike L. Answer: ditto,.....chuck kanaka frets fayne - Wednesday, August 21, 2002

Question asked by: sheldon brown Subject: KP Ukes Question: Question per Mark Lewis! Here's a pix of the emerald 'GEM' of Maui, Hawai`i! It is my baritone ukulele hand crafted on Maui by Luthier Ken Potts of Lahaina. The photos can only show you half of it's beauty! The other half is in the touch and feel of this Koa uke. . . . and in it's sound. Note the 'flaming' or 'feathered' koa texture of the wood. The backside is the same as the front face. The sides and neck are a woodgrain line textures with the familiar Koa Wood three tone color. The fretboard is rose wood. Note the gold keys!!! I tried to take a photo without the glare, however, the brilliance diamond finish made it difficult to escape it's shine. Photos:      Answer: Thanks...its nice to have a life sized picture...its so much easier to tell if you want to buy one if you know it fits..only kidding. My KP ukulele I bought looks exactly like this one except for the cutaway. I love it...Give the site another look. frets - Wednesday, August 21, 2002

Question asked by: Jordan Schwartz Subject: Question: Chuck: A couple of years ago I bought a new ukulele completely for the way it sounded--the sweet resonance in particular. The name was new to me and the shopkeeper didn't know much about it. I couldn't be happier with it but I'm curious if you've heard of the maker, "G String," and if you know anything about them. Thanks for any insights, -Jordan Answer: The only thing I know about G String is, if they are the wrong size, no matter what your voice range is before, you are now a soprano. Perhaps Tiny Tim's secret. More than one reason to tip-toe. Again, perhaps one of the yakkers out there will know about g-string ukuleles. Let us know if you do. It never ceases to amaze me that so many people are making ukuleles. Just when I need a crankshaft. Twenty years ago you could buy a crankshaft anywhere, now try to find one. The shelves are full of ukuleles. Thanks for writing in and hope I've helped...Frets Garage of Mr Idy.....No job too easy.... - Wednesday, August 21, 2002

Question asked by: R Subject: Toy? Question: We have an Ukulele that we are unsure if it is a toy or not. It was made in 1960 by the Kay company. How do we find out? Answer: R..If I may call you that. What to they call you for short? Must be tough. It is not a toy it is an actual instrument made in the l960's by the Kay company. Other than that, I can tell you little. If you mail me a picture, I will then know what I don't know about, looks like...That sentence would kill my already dead high school english teacher. good luck..Chuck frets Fayne... - Wednesday, August 21, 2002

Question asked by: Mark Lewis Subject: great looking uke Question: Chuck, as a collector, what is the BEST LOOKING uke you have ever seen? Did it's looks correlate with it's price? Would you happen to have an image of it? (Got one?) Just curious... This question is also to the peanut gallery.... Answer: Mark..That is an impossible question to answer. I have seen thousands of ukes and I wouldn't have a clue as to the Best Looking. As in anything else...cost has nothing to do with looks. If it did...the Elephant man would have been worthless and as we know he was priceless..I hope you understand...If I can help you with a Ukulele question, don't hesitate to ask.. - Sunday, August 18, 2002

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