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

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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

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: Edwin Subject: Bobby Henshaw Question: I am bowing. Can't you tell? This close (picture my fingers)to 3 years ago-28 August 1999-youvowed you would someday have "all the answers" regarding Bobby Henshaw. Has someday arrived? gracias mi amigo Answer: Not yet...Bobby is still a mystery. I hope someone out there in ukeville will read this and know more than I do. Won't take much...thanks..chuck - Wednesday, August 7, 2002

Question asked by: dabrake Subject: Bought my first uke Question: Chuck: Today I bought my first ukelele, a modest Regal in good condition. What is your advice for a total beginner? Are instruction books or videos the best way to go? Which ones would you recommend? Much appreciated - sorry for such a basic question! Answer: Look to the left of the page here and you will see an online store. You will find there all you need to start out..Videos, books, picks, strings, and a host of great stuff for the beginner all the way to professiona. Thats the place to start. thanks for writing in and let us know your progress. Write every day...Its lonely here in Mt Idy. frets..Sheriff of Nothingham..... - Tuesday, August 6, 2002

Question asked by: Ayn Hahn Subject: Black Bear Uke Question: Chuck your positive comments added to my decision to have Duane build a 6 string tenor for me. I thought you might like to see his latest. Thanks, Ayn Photos:      Answer: Ayn ..Duane is a class act. Thats the blue gum tree wood isn't it? I know you will enjoy it. I have 3 and love them all.....write often...and buy bonds....remember " Loose lips sink ships".....Omdr. Fayne..Mt Idy Coast Guard..... - Tuesday, August 6, 2002

Question asked by: Roger Subject: ukuleles Question: I have two ukuleles I am interested in selling. One is a Martin I bought in 1958 on Maui, excellent condition with original case. I also have the Ukulele-C Notation Pitch Pipe in the original box. The other ukulele was made by a prisoner of Olinda Prison, Maui in the 1950's. It is made of monkeypod wood and the back of the ukulele is carved in the shape of a turtle, it needs minor repair of small crack near sound hole. How do I find out the value of these ukuleles? Answer: Roger..these two items belong on our marketplace..look at the menu to the left of this column. The martin, if in great condition is worth 400+ and the prison uke is worth what you can get for it. Not a trackable record on prison ukes. I would give the marketplace a shot..It seems that all the ukes on the markeplace sell..I myself have bought ukes...great place to do all your Xmas shopping...thanks for writing in..Frets... - Sunday, August 4, 2002

Question asked by: Katie Waterhouse Subject: tuning Question: How do you tune a ukulele? My husband has one he bought at a flea market and he wants to tune it. We have a piano, just need to know which 4 notes to tune it to. Answer: go to the menu on the left to e-tuner...it will be the notes to tune your ukulele..thanks..chuck - Friday, August 2, 2002

Question asked by: Gary M Subject: New Strings Question: Hey Chuck me again. I have the bug and I am starting to collect ukuleles. Starting slow with cheaper ones. First 1 I bought is a 1961 Harmony. Has a plastic fret board and plastic strings so I know it is not worth much, but I did not pay much and it sure is purdy! Question is, would it sound better if I put real strings on it? If so, what kind? Did you finally try those Nylgut strings? Use them or Hilo blacks or GHS? Please advise, oh Great One of Ukulele Knowledge (he says bowing from waist with arms straight out in sign of reference)! Answer: Your out of your mind. Just bow and scrape...that will be enough...I like black kamaka strings or a really good set of already broken in strings. I did try the nylongut strings and they were ok...Not my kind of string. I also tried the wound nylon strings and liked them better..I'm old fashioned, I like a good set of broken in strings. Thanks for the kind words. I dont deserve them....on second thought......best from frest... - Friday, August 2, 2002

Question asked by: Russell Golobic Subject: Ukulele Story Question: Hi Chuck, I have been collecting ukulele images on my compter for almost a year and a half now (mostly images of people with ukes and art of people with ukes, no ukes by themselves). When I am all done with the collage I am making, I will forward on an URL where it can be viewed. While scowering the web for uke images, I came across a cute uke story, how a boy saved a town from a huge monster with his ukulele (spelled "ukelele" in the text). Thought I'd pass it on: http://pbskids.org/lions/zoop/index .html Enjoy! Answer: Thanks Russle..for sharing this with us..nice to hear from you and write again...cf - Thursday, August 1, 2002

Question asked by: Mike Mannion Subject: choice of ukukleles Question: For several lyears I have been stsrumming a custom-made (for me) Martin tenor guitar. am now ready to move on to a ukulele. Which of these ukes would you recommend that I first purchase? A Martin soprano or concert uke, a Gold Tone banjo uke, or a National resonator uke? Thanks. Answer: You must keep in mind that it is my choice based on my preference. I would pick the Martin Concert. Love the sound. Now go try them all and pick the one you like , not the one I like. Frets... - Thursday, August 1, 2002

Question asked by: Lars Subject: Cort ukes Question: Hello Chuck! I posted this question on the bulletin board too. There is a Cort uke offered on the german ebay. The woods are solid (so I am told): mahogany back and sides, maple top. Cort is a well known brand among guitar players; jazz guitarist Larry Coryell plays their (cheap) archtops. Do you know anything about their ukes? Best wishes from Germany, where the uke family is small, but growing, Lars Answer: thanks for writing all the way from Germany..Nice to know we are read all over the world. I know about the Cort guitar, but this is the first I have heard about a Cort Ukulele. I would love to see a pic of it and if anyone out there in ukeville has one, please let us know how it is...thanks again and keep us posted. Will let you know if I find anything...chuck+ - Thursday, August 1, 2002

Question asked by: kevin maher Subject: regal uke Question: Hi Chuck, I picked up a Regal Uke in an antique shop. I liked the look & tone. It appears to be Mahogany & is unadorned(no bindings,rosette etc..) It has the Regal Label in the headstock. The small print under the logo is indistinguishable. The top of the headstock is rounded.It's in very good condition except for a few surface scratches & a slight crack above the soundhole. What can you tell me about Regal,the possible vintage & value of the uke? I paid $38. for it. Thanks Chuck. Kevin Answer: vintage.....30'50's....value...more than 38 dollars. Impossible to tell you without seeing it...Send Pic. But definitly more than 38 dollars. Enjoy....frets - Thursday, August 1, 2002

Question asked by: Terry Nagel Subject: pickups Question: Chuck -- I'd like to suggest an alternative to under saddle pickups for your readers. IMHO, most contact mikes fail to sound like the acoustic instrument. I've had great success using an audio-technica Pro7a clip on condenser mike. You need a mike cable and a little inline matching transformer, and the whole rig only sets you back about $100. And you can move it from uke to uke. It has a little box that clips on your belt, and a thin wire that goes to the mike. I used it at a festival in New Bedford a few weeks ago through a ten gazillion watt PA, and it sounded just like it should. Answer: They still make the Ten Gazillion Watt P.A....We use it here in Mr Idy...We only have one radio and everyone has to hear it. Thanks for the info, I will add it to my list of stuff so the next time someone asks the question about amplification, I can sound real smart. Thanks for that. Frets..or as the say here in Mt Idy over our P.A. system.."FRETS" - Thursday, August 1, 2002

Question asked by: edward Kauf Subject: duke stamp Question: Hi Chuck: On August 24th the US postal service will be issuing a stamp honoring Duke Kahanamoku. I Just thought the Duke uke owners might find that interesting. By the way. What make of uke are you holding in your picture. Best Regards Ed Answer: I understand the Duke Stamp will only work with Sea Water. Thanks for letting us know. I am holding a style 3 Gibson Tenor...Very rare..So rare that I don't own it any more. Its residing in a fine collection. Thanks for writing in and keep in touch. Frets Fayne - Thursday, August 1, 2002

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