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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:
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:
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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