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

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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: Marko Subject: T.T. Ukuleles Question: You set me way right on a Fluke!! Mucho Thanks!!! My Tenor with the rose wood fret board showed up about a month ago and I love it!!!! Great tone and construction. Now I am thinking about buying a Ukulele that looks like a Ukulele (This is where my questions come in). I really like the design of T.T. Ukulele's Foot Print Concert Ukulele. I am considering buying one later this year. Do you know much about them? How is the sound? Construction?? Thanks Marko Answer: Marko...TT's Footprint Concert Uke..???Never heard of it but very curious. Which end has the toes? Please let us know where we can see this uke. I know nothing about them but any uke that comes with an oder-eater can't be all bad. Please see if you can get a pic to this site. Anyone out there know about this uke, please write in and let us know. chuck - Monday, August 12, 2002

Question asked by: cameron Subject: NYLGUT Strings/Nut,Saddle Material Question: Frets, I'm glad to learn that these strings are wound!I didn't know that. I was just showing off by sending the picture of my uke (blush)... My question is:What do you feel is the best nut and saddle material tone-wise,for a concert uke made of koa? And are the tops of Fluke ukes a laminate wood(Australian hoop pine)or solid wood? I apologise if this has been answered previuosly. Thanks for any help! Answer: The fluke question will have to be answered by Jim. He knows all about the fluke. The material I prefer for nuts and saddles ( a famous law firm here in Mt Idy)...is bone. No need to blush..great uke. nice case...I want them both for my birthday. Forget the candles......fret - Saturday, August 10, 2002

Question asked by: Brian (Canada) Subject: Humidifier Question: Hi Chuck, How do you keep your favorite Ukuleles from drying out? What kind of Humdifier do you use? Cheers! Answer: I don't use anything. The weather in Australia is damp enough to keep the wood from drying out. Unless you live in a very dry desert area, I wouldn't worry too much about them...I would worry more about too much moisture. When I lived in Los Angeles, I used a de-humidifier to take the moisture out of the air....They can take radical changes of weather pretty well. hope I've helped...frets - Friday, August 9, 2002

Question asked by: bluesboyroy Subject: greetings Question: Dear Chuck, I'm jumping on the Thank You bandwagon going on today. Your efforts have benefitted me in several ways, best of all the chuckles(oops, bad punn)I get from your answers. I've had the opportunity to interest several young musicians to the magic of Uke playing. I give away cheapie ukes to those showing interest and direct them to fleamarketmusic. Jim's legends of Ukulele CD was a big hit at last years Philadelphia folk festival. I hope to get a chance to meet you someday. It's been terrific to be able to talk on line. I'll write back whenever I have something interesting to contribute. Strum on! Roy Answer: I'm at a loss for words...and you know what that means. Thanks for the kind words and your support. Thanks pal..from your friend....Frets - Friday, August 9, 2002

Question asked by: duane Subject: Web site? Question: Hello Chuck, Sorry, but I have no web site at this time. Perhaps in the future, I will consider this. For now, I sell all my new instruments (aside from any commissions) on eBay. I appreciate all the kind words and comments on my work. Glad to see others enjoy them also. I hope to continue offering ukes of all types and sizes on eBay. Keep up the fun and great advice on this wonderful uke site. All the best!...Duane Answer: I had a feeling I was wrong about Duane's web site. Now you know how to reach him.....Thanks for writing in and I enjoy playing the uke you made for me...As a matter of fact I was just playing the resonator koa you made..Its fabulous..No other sound like it....best....uke yak...the gang and frets - Friday, August 9, 2002

Question asked by: Diesel Subject: God bless us everyone... Question: Just a quick note to say thank you for being a good guy. Its not the little bits of wood, strings, glue and plastic - its the people. Answer: thanks for that...and of course your right. Uke players are a breed of their own...thanks for supporting the site...frets - Friday, August 9, 2002

Question asked by: cameron Subject: Aquila NYLGUT Strings Question: Frets, What's the word on these Italian Aquila uke strings? Suposedly they are selling like the proverbial hotcakes;but I can't find anyone who has tried them on standard,concert,tenor or any kind of uke. Did read your mention that they are not your cup o' tea;but would like to hear more. Thanks for any and all info on these white (?) uke strings. Photos:      Answer: Nice pic...what does it have to do with the question? I don't like wound strings...I have trouble with the squeek. I like the traditional sound of the ukulele. I think they are fine but just not for me. I got a uke in the mail recently that had wire strings. It had an interesting sound. Not like a uke, but an interesting sound. I got rid of them at once. I don't like the sound of plain gut strings..too soft and muted for me...but a set of well broken in Kamaka or Martins do it for me. I wish I had more to say, but it is just a personal thing...The uke is a personal thing. I saw a group play recently that had a fairly good uke player playing an old beat up harmony uke. He had a good sound. So there you go..as a friend of mine once said...Strum on...frets - Friday, August 9, 2002

Question asked by: Griffis Hames Subject: New Old Gretsch Question: Howdy Chuck! Just scored a Gretsch uke from ebay. Hope it's as it says-- supposedly free of cracks, straight neck, pretty clean overall. $130. Anyway, I have read here that you hold these in fairly high regard, which is what gave me the courage to buy it really. For my question (I actually have some!)-- first: Gretsch made ukes from the 1930's to the 1950's? Is that right? Can you date by serial #? Finally, what is the best thing to use to keep old wood from developing cracks? I'm sure this will need a good polishing, but is there something like tung oil or lemon oil that might make the wood more supple or help keep it from drying out? Thanks as always, O B'wana. Answer: The drying out is not usually a problem. I sort of answered this question a couple above or below this one. If you live in the desert, drying out will be a problem. Then any good Guitar oil, (gibson makes a good one) or go to a violin shop and get some Violin polish . If its good enough for a Strad..It will probably do for a Dias...Koa is the wood you really have to watch out for. It seems that Koa has a tendency to crack along the grain lines. Not much you can do about it. If its going to happen, It will. Usually these go back together and they are invisible. The crack you have to be careful of is the one in your butt...Don't sit on a uke. That damage doesn't go back together easily. Gretsch is a favorite of mine and yes l930's-50's Nobody knows for sure. A good lemon oil will work fine. A serial numbered uke usually does not help date it. The records of these companies for ukes is the first thing they throw away. Most ukes are not serial numbered. Did you get a gretch with a number..Never saw one. Good luck..Thanks for writing in...chuck...."Mt Idy's O B'Wana" - Friday, August 9, 2002

Question asked by: Russell Subject: Oscar Shmidt ukes Question: Frets, I actually bought and Oscar Shmidt aOU3 uke for my birthday. Because the tuners were completely loose at the store, I bought it without hearing it first. I assumed something that looked so gorgeous and well made must sound good (I love the inlaid abalone). As you know, it's a little weak sounding. Any suggestions for strings that will make it sound richer? Answer: National would strings. The loudest I have come across. The problem is the "looking good, sounding good" concept. People fall into that trap with their own..don't they...??? The tuners should not be a big problem Any good luthier should be able to get you a better screw. ( Hold it guys..no need to head for your local luthier ) ..so I worded it wrong. You may need to change the tuners at some point. If so, get a set of vintage tuners from John Bernunzio Vintage Instruments,..He may have a few sets around. They were made better then. Not so heavy. Let us know how the uke progresses...There is nothing that will replace playing the uke and breaking it in..to get the best sound. Thanks for the question...frets - Friday, August 9, 2002

Question asked by: TomB Subject: Ukiyo ukes Question: Chuck: Don't know if this helps, but Gryphon Stringed Instruments in Palo Alto lists the Ukiyo Roy Smeck Vita Uke for sale on their web site. I assume it's a copy of the Vita. Go to www.gryphonstrings.com ... Speaking of copies of classics, Chuck, have you ever thought of teaming up with a luthier to copy your Radio Tenor? I'll bet there are a lot of us who would be interested in buying such a reproduction, and it really worked well with the Frisco. Just a thought... Tom Answer: Tom..Looked over the gryphon site and cannot find the ukiyo roy smeck. Have no idea what it is. The Radio Tenor will be made soon. We are working on a good reproduction now. Its hard , as you know...The ukes were made much differently in those days..They were hand made and fitted piece by piece and sanded and shaped until they sounded the way they should. It is very difficult to get someone to try that one today...It is very easy to fall into the trap of the mass production concept..cut alot of backs and sides and tops and then fit them together like a puzzle. There are many good luthiers today that employ the old method and I have listed and talked about them on this site. I will be glad to furnish that list again if anyone wants it. Our Radio Tenor will be made the old way and as a result there will be a limited number. I will announce their arrival on this site. Thanks for writing in and if any of you out there in uke land are interested in the Fayne Radio Tenor...let me know.....Thanks...frets - Friday, August 9, 2002

Question asked by: peter garnett Subject: kamaka ukulele Question: hello Chuck....I have inherited a kamaka pineapple ukulele.it is 21" long and has a white label inside that reads FLAMENCO P-1 it is in great shape except the decals are about 50% Could you tell me the date of manufacture,approximate value. .......Thanks.....Peter Answer: I would like to know more about the wording on the label..Flamenco P-1 is very curious. Have never seen that on any instrument. If you can send me a picture of the uke and the label I would appreciate it..Thanks alot...chuck frets fayne - Friday, August 9, 2002

Question asked by: Griffin Subject: tuner Question: Hey Chuck, Thanks for answering my last question about my starter uke. It may not be the best in town, but at least it's got me playing! On another note (sorry for the pun), I'd like to get a tuner (I have no ear), and am considering the KORG CA-30 Chromatic Tuner, but the Intellitouch also appeals. I don't know what's the best uke tuner, and when I ask the guitar snobs at my local music shops, they turn their noses up at the very word "ukulele." Any advice? Thanks again, Griffin Answer: Griffin...look to the left..you will see a section called e tuner...that is a tuning site...just tune in ( sorry about that) and tune away. Go to the products section and order the little tuner...that, combined with the site, will give you the ability to tune your uke..your ear will develope. I know a guy who now has an year the size of a cantalope...see they can develope. My advise is when they turn up their noses at the word uke, you stick the uke up there also. Any of the electronic tuners will do exactly the same. They work on Vibrations...who by the way recorded some of my favorite music. best of luck..hope I've helped...I can't imagine..frets - Friday, August 9, 2002

Question asked by: Jim Subject: kamaka Question: Howdy I was surprised on recent trip to Hawaii to see a ukulele just like my little yard-sale beater. A Kamaka with no fret-board, just frets in the face of the neck. Theirs was in nicer shape but they were asking alot more than the 10 bucks I paid! Mine has a couple small separated cracks in the soundboard and a non-original, koa bridge. How could I figure out how old this is? It plays and sounds wonderful. Thanks Jim Answer: Send a picture and I will do my best to answer your question...I really do need a picture. Through the years , Kamaka has made dozens of sizes, shapes, varieties...etc....Send soon..frets - Friday, August 9, 2002

Question asked by: Catfish Subject: Supertone Concert Question: Hi Chuck, I just picked up an old Supertone concert scale uke and am curious as to it's vintage, It has a solid, decent-grade mahogany top, sides, and back with white/black/white plastic binding on the top and soundhole. It has a yellowed mother-of-toletseat fingerboard. Plays nicely although it arrived with (auggghhhh!) steel strings which did a bit of damage to the bridge saddle and the first few frets (now repaired). I know Supertone was sold through Sears in the dim, dark past... any idea of it's age? Answer: 40-'s 50-'s....not a bad instrument..Some sound really good. They appear in some of the Sears catalogues of the time. Steel Strings. What a mistake. Glad you got them off and they did little damage..keep us posted...Write often and send spirits at the Holiday Times. Santa Frets..... - Friday, August 9, 2002

Question asked by: Mike Subject: arthur godfrey uke player Question: Dear Chuck I would like to know if this Ukulele is worth anything I got it at a flea market for $2.00. Here is the information. Arthur Godfrey UKE Plyer Islander UKE Made of Styran Designed by Maria Maccaferri French American Reeds Mfg Co. Inc. It also comes with a song book 5 Minute Ukulele Course Thanks again Chuck Answer: 150.00 in excellent condition ...There are plastic collectors who would love to have it,..If you are going to sell it , put it up on our marketplace on this site. best....Mr Plastic...fayne - Friday, August 9, 2002

Question asked by: SCOTT Subject: UKULELE INSTRUCTIONS Question: Aloha Chuck, I was wondering if you could please help me. I started playing the ukulele about a year and a half ago. I have been teaching myself because the Ukulele is not the most popular instrument in the Mid-West. I have gone as far as I can by myself and would love to take lessons. I live in the Chicago suburbs and was wondering if you know of a club or place where I could find lessons to better my playing? I am desperate. Thank you, Scott Answer: Scott..Move this question over to the buletin board and you will get dozens of answers about the Chicago Area. You will also find in the Player Directory (to your left in the menu on this site) the names of the players in the Chicago Area..Write them and You will have all you need in a short time. Thanks and keep tuned into this site for further news about the Automatic uke player...Frets... - Friday, August 9, 2002

Question asked by: John Gudmundson Subject: Black Bear Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I am a Black Bear Uke owner and Duane Heilman fan as well. He made a Spalted Koa Tenor for me last year. It sounds and plays beautifully and is visually breathtaking! You made mention in your responce to Mike Longworth that Duane has a web site. I can't for the life of me find it " HELP ". As alway, enjoy your show, John G. Answer: I think I may have made a mistake...hard as that is to believe...just ask my wife....on second thought ..dont ask my wife. I will have to check with Duane..I know I can reach him by email, but I am not 100 percent positive he has a web site. If not...he should...Isn't his stuff wonderful...Stay tuned..I have another maker coming along, I have already mentioned him..KEN POTTS, who will give them all a run for their money..Beautiful and great sounding. I am waiting for mine as we speak...but reports from people I respect are fabulous..He is located in Hawaii...land of ukuleles...Not all great, but in this case I know his are going to rock the uke world. Keep tuned and if you need his email address you will find it in a previous answer. I will give you a first hand report when my purchase arrives. I can't wait. I know its on the way and I'm like a kid at Xmas time ( I know very little about that being Jewish)..My mother would have been proud of me..Her dream was that I become a Ukulele Expert. My father wanted a neucular Doctor. Somehow I think I am having more fun with the uke. Keep tune for the KEN POTTS UPDATE. FRETS - Thursday, August 8, 2002

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Duane Question: Where does Mike see the buttons? What is Duane's site web internet address? Both of you guys are fonts of knowledge. founder Answer: robert....founder....font here...I have seen duane's buttons on the ukes he makes. He has them in different colors...He's a classy guy. I may be wrong about his web site...I think he may only have an email address. I will publish that if you don't have it. It seems somehow fitting that you are my 1501th answer. 1500 have gone by in such a short and fabulous time. I re-read them now and then and make myself laugh. I always marvel at how many close friends I have made thru this site and how thankful I am that it exists. I said this at 1000...Its nice to know that when I am asleep, somewhere in the world, someone is writing me a letter. My thanks to JIm and Liz without whom, we would have no site at all. Imagine...as we say so often...just four strings, some wood and a little plastic....THANKS TO ALL OF YOU WHO TAKE THE TIME TO WRITE IN AND A SPECIAL THANKS FOR ALL THE NICE WORDS. The knowledge I have gotten from all of you makes me look good. Keep those cards and letters coming and remember MT IDY... is beautiful any time of the year...Please come visit and bring your uke. We all play...Chuck Frets Fayne - Thursday, August 8, 2002

Question asked by: Bad Lad Subject: Not A Question Question: Hello Frets I don`t want to ask a question just to answer one for you. Its the one from Edwin about Bobby Henshaw. He was not a maker of uke`s just use to import them around the 40`s. He put his name to them as a lot did in them days. Some were made by good firms and others were not. Alot came from all around the world. I did answer this on the bullitin board the other day but Edwin must not look after I added to his question. Any way I hope this helps a little but I don`t think he sitting on a bar of gold if that what he thinks. Now go do your strummin and keep it up (T.T.F.N) Answer: Thanks tigger..(ttfn)....good info...still don't much about him..who was he and what did he do...??? Somebody once told me he was a minor actor. I wonder how many parts there were for miners.....TTFN from MT IDy...land of HUnnnnnny.......fets - Thursday, August 8, 2002

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