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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
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(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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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