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 (220 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: 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: Paul Kraus Subject: wood uke pegs Question: Hi Chuck, Thanks for the encouragement about wood pegs, I do have a website,www.go-surfer.com/ northpacific.htm This is pretty general, including my custom surfboards, but anyone interested should Email me. Oh, and watch out for Vegimite, its habit forming.PK Answer: FOR ALL YOU YOU WHO NEED PEGS....NOTHING LIKE VEGEMITE IS HABIT FORMING THAT TASTS LIKE EATING SOLID SEA WATER. AND THANKS FOR THE PEG INFO...FRETS - Friday, August 16, 2002

Question asked by: Gary Ukulele CA Subject: Unknown Ukulele Question: Oh Wizard of Ukes, I picked this ukulele up on Ebay. Has no name on it but seems well constructed and sounds real nice. I put Ko'olau gold strings on it and cleaned her up. Ever seen any like it? Any guesses as to when it was made or by whom? Value? Thank you oh fountain of knowledege. And damn good lookin too! Photos:      Answer: Japanese l950's..I had one almost exactly the same...Nice uke...very pretty. Value unknown..probably couple hundred + just because of its looks. The sound is the plus. thanks for letting us see it...chucik - Thursday, August 15, 2002

Question asked by: John King Subject: mystery instrument Question: Chuck, it's a Croatian tambura called a samica. Additionally, as a resident of Pinellas County, I can tell you that not only weren't there zip codes in 1898, there was no Largo, or no Pinellas County even. So it's not a date. But you had that figured out. I do think the pace of life was a little slower then (in 1898). Regards from sunny Florida. Answer: Well the mystry is solved. I'm glad..No more sleepless nights...See what this column does..Ask a question and a knoweldgeable voice knows the answer. Thanks John, your information is always welcome. Frets - Wednesday, August 14, 2002

Question asked by: Mike Longworth Subject: Alice, other photos Question: I was shocked by the Kanaka. Three guesses who they were hoping to fool by the similar name? Reminds me that one time I found a C. F. Mountain & Co. guitar. As for Seafood, try Sam Choy's in Honolulu. Mike Longworth is the Head Chef. I once asked if they would let me sign a tab.... Mike L. Answer: Your a Hoot. I always laugh at your letters. I have seen the Kanaka a couple of times and it always made me laugh too..nice to hear from you..keep in touch...frets - Wednesday, August 14, 2002

Question asked by: Mike Longworth Subject: Odd Instrument Question: Chuck, I don't know what this thing is, or precisely how to play it. My observation is it is set up similar to a mountain dulcimer, with the frets positioned so as to make a scale without the unneeded frets for the key in question. I tried to figure it out, but am not satisfied with my answer on the tuning. A mountain dulcimer player might regognize the configuration. Mike L. Answer: This is for the fellow who send in the pic of the odd-ball long scale folk instrument and for all of you who are looking at it trying to find out what it is. Is there a mountain dulcimer player out there who can put mikes theory to the test..if so..let us know...again, thanks mike...Your a well of information...Hope your well as well...frets - Wednesday, August 14, 2002

Question asked by: bluesboyroy Subject: folk instrument Question: Dear Chuck, Once again I'm going outside the envelope of "Uke" yak , but would like your opinion on an instrument I've been given to restore. I'm calling it a folk instrument . It measures 32 inches total and 26 inches from the nut to where the strings attach on the body. It uses two sets of two strings(like the bottom two sets of a twelve string guitar). The real curious part is the fret set- up.I hope my picture will show this unusual configuration. The first five frets are typical and after that is anybody's guess.The instrument looks to be homemade with a mix of hand manufactured and factory parts(that have been modified to fit this instrument). The tuners are "kluson" 3 on a side that have been cut down to 2 on a side. They look ancient and the buttons are starting to crumble.On the inside of the body, some one wrote E.M. Premru 1898 Largo, Fla. 33540.This just confuses me because in 1898 there were no zip codes. My plan is to change very little , maybe replace the tuner buttons, and tune it as I would the last four strings on a twelve string guitar. Your feed back , as always , will be of great value. What do you think this thing is? Your friend, Roy Photos:      Answer: Roy...I am puting this up so the yakkers can see an interesting instrument. I have no idea what it is but I feel you assesment is a good one. It is a hand made home job and its anyones guess how to play it. I have seen dozens of these things in my collecting career and always find them fascinating but never get into them because they always need work and I can never figure out what to do with them,. Let us know what happens and how it plays if you figure out what to do with it. thanks for writing in..frets - Tuesday, August 13, 2002

Question asked by: Vern Subject: KP Ukuleles Question: As with both you and Randy, I just received my new KP Ukulele. I've seen good words from both you and Randy, but words alone cannot express what I think of this exceptional instrument. I spent a good deal of time talking to the luthier, Ken Potts on Maui and I have never dealt with a finer and more caring person. I now count Ken as a very good friend. More than that, Ken is an artist. My koa tenor is flawless. The care that went into this instrument is something you just have to see. And the sound!!! That's where I really run out of words! It sounds sweet, rich and alive - it feels alive in your hands. I'm not a skilled ukulele player, yet, but this KP tenor and I will get there - together. Buying this ukulele has been a great experience. It is rare to find a caring craftsman and a truly exceptional instrument in the same place, but we have in Ken Potts and KP Ukuleles. I can't wait to get my next uke from Ken. Wish I had a picture of the tenor - maybe later. Cheers. Answer: I have nothing to add. Thanks vern for your testimonial. keep in touch as it breaks in. frets - Tuesday, August 13, 2002

Question asked by: Paul Kraus Subject: wood uke pegs Question: Hi Chuck, Saw a question about wood uke pegs, and want to let you, and other uke yakers know that I make new uke pegs and replacements for old ukes. I use rosewood or ebony. The pegs in the photo are rosewood. I make these for my own 'North Pacific Ukuleles,as well as for other makers. Ask me for more photos and references. Do you get snow on Mt.Idy? Answer: Snow???Snow???? One night 415 inches fell..Almost covered the Watermellons we grow. Paul please write back and if you have a web site include it. They can get the email address off this answer and thaks for letting us know. I know you will be flooded with people who prefer wooden pegs to the machined ones or who are just looking to make an old instrument authentic. Give paul a call..Mt Idy's Resident poet..frets - Tuesday, August 13, 2002

Question asked by: ALYCE Subject: other pictures Question: HI AGAIN CHUCK....STILL MORE COMING....SORRY, BUT DON'T KNOE HOW ELSE TO DO THIS.....ALYCE Photos:      Answer: Alyce. I cannot post all the pics..only three came thru and alot of blank spots with no pics. The one that says hawaiian has no value. It is a tourist uke sold in cheap shops. I would not spend a penny on it. The Kanaka is also not a valuable instrument. It has a finish that looks like someone was trying to make a table top in a seafood restaurant. The finish is so thick you will not get to wood in your lifetime. The third uke is a mahogany one with no bridge. I cannot make out what it is, but is is again not a valuable instrument. Of the three the last one may be worth putting on a bridge and stringing it up to see if it plays. Sorry , wish it was better news..But the good news is...I'm going to sushsi dinner tonight. best from the frets - Tuesday, August 13, 2002

Question asked by: Ray Subject: Peter Pan banjo uke Question: How do Chuck Here my question do you know anything about a Peter Pan banjo uke`s? I do beleve The Hartney Company Montreal sold them but who made them ? Are they good ? what value are they ? Ive tried to find info no the net but nothing doing as yet. I know I may have to fly around a bit more yet to find out.Sorry I don`t have a pic of it as I am just thinking of buying it. Answer: I have seen many peter pan banjo ukes. They look like the generic banjo uke of the 30-40's. I don't know who made them and I have hundreds of catalogs and none of them list the peter pan banjo uke. I know who made the peter pan ukulele...The Rutan company, but that won't help you. The list of names for banjo ukes are greater than the grains of sand in your eye. I get many questions a year. If you can send a pic, perhaps I could recognize yours. Sorry and thanks for thinking of us. frets and the do da gang..... - Tuesday, August 13, 2002

Question asked by: Charles Suitt Subject: Wood tuning pegs Question: HOWDY FRETS!! I am a bit into repairing/restoring and haven't been able to find a source for wood tuning pegs for a couple of the quasi-antique ukes I'm working on. Feels really great to get one of these really old guys to sing again! Any ideas where I might find some... that is short of getting out my trusty pocket knife and resort to whittlin' and spittin'? Answer: Charles...the quasi-antique ukes..those are the old ones with the slight curvature of the back. You have to start calling around to music stores until you find the pegs. I don't know of anyone making them today. I know that violin pegs will work but you have to take the instument and have the holes bushed to size. We have a law firm here in Mt Idy called Whittlin' and spittin' what an odd coincidence. You might contact John Bernunzio at Bernunzio Vintage Instruments..you will find him on the web...and ask him if he has any spares...tell him I told you to call. He won't hang up...best fest fert ferts, frets (finally) - Tuesday, August 13, 2002

Question asked by: Roger Subject: Y'Ke Ke Uke Question: A friend came across this uke and brought it to me saying it had been her grand father's and that he had had it since he was a boy. It has a sticker on the head that say's "Y'KEKE" and another inside that says: "Y' Ke ke Ukulele made in the USA J.M.S." please help me find origin and value of this piece.. Thanks Roger Answer: Its a ukulele made on the mainland in the 30-4-'s...It is a take off on the word Waikiki...Y'keke...They are fun ukes and probably made by the Regal company. I will soon remember who J.M.S. is and will post it. I have to go look it up. Please tell your friend I'm sorry about the sticker on her Grandfathers head. A little rubbing alcohol should take it off. Best...Frets - Monday, August 12, 2002

Question asked by: Randy Holsapple Subject: My New KP Ukulele! Question: Chuck, About 2 weeks ago, I wrote in about my KP Ukulele and tried to show a picture, but had a problem sending the pic. Well since that time I had ordered a tenor from him (Ken Potts) too, and you wouldn't believe this instrument. It's beautiful and what a player. You should visit www.kpukulele.com and see these wonderful instruments. He is a nice guy and great to work with. Answer: Randy and ALL THE YAKKERS OUT THERE... I think I told you that I was buying a K P Ukulele. Well, yesterday it showed up. It came packed in a hand made crate that is just a little smaller than my first apartment, but its what was inside that I will tell you about. I said many questions ago, that when a maker came along that needed to be talked about, I would let you know. This is one of the finest made ukes I have ever owned. When I first started playing and collecting there wern't many serious players. The demand for serious instruments was not great. With the latest craze all that has changed..There are players out there that can play rings around my soundhole. Here is a Ukulele for the serious player. The K P Ukulele has a feature that most instruments do not have. You need no finger pressure to play the notes. I have said for years " A great instrument is one that makes me sound better than I really am" This uke does that. The wood is to die for and the the workmanship is wonderful...Think I like it? I did what I said I'd do...I passed it on to you, now you all take it from here. Contact www.kpukulele.com and talk to Ken Potts. Nice guy, Great Instrument. Frets - Monday, August 12, 2002

Question asked by: Wes Subject: Applause Ukes Question: Chuck, I think I've Finally found that the Uke for me Is eather the Applause UA-10(center sound hole) Or the UAE-20(multi sound hole with pick-up). I like the Idea Of the UAE-20 because I use the Ukulele mostly to back My whistleing(my main musical tallent) because of the volume of my whistleing. Which do you feel would better fit my situation? By the way, I started playing uke after finding Jim Beloff's CD for $1.00 at a used music store. My Favorite song is Sunday Driving. Thanks, Wes Answer: Well blow me down. A whistler who will admit it. I'm a whistler too. And so was my Mother..Perhaps you've heard of her...Whistler's Mother. That was just kidding, but I am a whistler and good for you. Great instrument, packs small and you can take it anywhere and play it anytime you want. Low maintenance. I own both the instruments you are talking about. I like them both for different reasons. I like the little soprano because it is loud and cuts thru anything and I like the tenor, amplified because it is so quiet when unamplified, I can play it late at night and nobody yells. Its a personal preference, but I would go for the amplified uke. Please send in a picture of your lips since it is your main instrument. Be sure to attend this years Mt Idy Bird Calling Contest. best to ya...and remember what the Seven Dwarfs did...frets - Monday, August 12, 2002

Question asked by: Joe Sass Subject: Marveltone Uke Question: Hi, I got an old Marveltone ukulele today from my grandparents. But it has a large crack on the left side of the body, around 7 inches in length. I'm wondering if this uke has any vintage value or anything like that. If it doesn't I wish to try to repair the crack and refinish it, also maybe changing the tuners. What'd be the best way to "fix" the crack, or at least stop the wood from splitting more? I was thinking of sanding off the finish, trying to fill the crack with wood glue and then refinishing it, is this the right way to do this? Any info on the uke and any help with the crack filling and refinishing is greatly appreciated! Thanks, Joe Answer: Refinishing and repairing is not my strong suit. I'm Jewish..Nuff said???I tried to stop the toilet from leaking and ended up cracking the bowl and 800.00 later and 800.00 poorer....Now I'm the only thing that leaks..I would not fill the crack with anything. If it is only a crack it needs to be glued and clamped so that the crack goes back together. It will not stop the crack to fill it. My advise is to take it to a luthier who will be able to do it easily with the right equipment. It does not have great value, it was an inexpensive mass produced uke,however, they are all worth saving. It my have a wonderful sound. It should not cost a fortune to have the crack fixed. I always try to have the minimum done to a uke..thanks for writing in ..please let us know what happens...we care...fretzel and the gang... - Monday, August 12, 2002

Question asked by: Jed Subject: Martin Style Question: Hi! I have a Matin that I am getting ready to sell, but I can not figure out what style it is. It looks like a Style "0" as described by Martin, but also has fake tortuise shell binding. Has a decal on the front of headstock, and the stamp inside. Also would you guestimate what it might sell for. I know its hard without a picture. It has no cracks or repairs, a few very light scratches on back of body and headstock, and the tuning pegs were recently replaced. It comes with original ( I think) alligator skin case. Thanks for any help you can provide. -Jed Answer: Hey Jed..Hows Granny...Its a style 1 if it has the binding..and it should have 4 dots on the fingerboard...1 2 1...It is the later model. It has a decal..The earlier ones had a stamp on the back of the headstock. It also has to be 21 inches long. If it is longer it is a concert uke not a soprano. AS you say its hard to tell without seeing it. The replaced tuners will affect the price. It should bring about 300+ depending on the condition. I have seen them go for more, but they have to be spectacular in condition. I hope this helps....frets.... - Monday, August 12, 2002

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