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

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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

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: Wes Subject: Oscar Schmidt Ukes Question: Chuck, I like the looks of the new Oscar Schmidt Ukes. The OU-2 is an all laminated Mahogany Uke. The OU- 3 Has a solid spruce top And laminated Ovankol Back And sides. Both are Concert Size. What do You know about them? Which is better, or are they both junk? (OU-2 is $50, OU-3 is $90). Answer: sorry wes....reports are both junk...better value out there for your money..shop around...remember the instrument is for playing not looking. Its nice if it looks great also, but sound is important unless, of course, you want a piece of art for the wall. If thats the case..go for it. But, as I said, info has it they don't sound very good. frets - Monday, July 29, 2002

Question asked by: Allie Subject: Basic help Question: I really really want to learn but... why is it my ukelele only stays tuned for a few hours????? AND I can't tune it very well my ear is still not trained.so uless my music frineds are around I"m out of luck.Is there a viedo I can buy to learn?? I have Jim's book already but i need auditory please help Thanks Answer: allie ..first you must take your uke to a luthier and find out why it stays tuned only 2 hours.. I have ukes i havn't tuned in years...sounds like your tuners are shot....then go the the menu on the left and you have the option " E-Tuner" it is the notes you need to tune a uke. so all you have to do is log on to this site and go to e-tuner...but first, have that uke checked. frets... - Saturday, July 27, 2002

Question asked by: Rob Fetters Subject: 1928 Martin Question: Greetings - You have lovingly referred to your 1928 Martin. How do you date the little wonder? I ask because there is an "o" model on ye olde auction block and the seller claims it to be "c.1928 - The Steinway of Ukes" Love your Q & A and thanks. Answer: Rob...where did I refer to my l928 martin? Just curious, since you can't date them without a serial number which they didn't have. I speak alot about a 1928 Kamaka Pineapple ukulele, which is only possible because the label says so. Its still just a guess because the label is only when they started making them. c. 1928 and 1928 are very much different dates. Thanks for your kind words...Keep writing...frets - Friday, July 26, 2002

Question asked by: Steve E Subject: Ukiyo ukes... Question: I believe made by Mark Schoenberg in San Louis Obispo, Ca...anybody know anything about them or how to get in touch with the guy? I played one, it was dead nuts on! compensated bridge, the works! Thanks. SE Answer: I know absolutly nothing about this uke. I hope someone out there in uke land does. Let me know if you get an answer and I will also....frets P.S. Sorry to hear about the dead nuts. - Friday, July 26, 2002

Question asked by: Gary M Subject: Saddle Pickup Question: Chuck, Please excuse my ignorance but what is a saddle pickup? What part is the saddle? I did a search and it was coming back with alot of "under the saddle pickup". Is this the same? Can you recommend 1 at a price under a $100? I also want to play uke while my son plays drums and my son-inlaw plays bass. I have a Fluke. What do you recommend? Thank you! Answer: The saddle is the little part that is in the middle of the bridge. The part that the strings go over. That is where the pick-up is installed. I am not sure about prices, I live in Australia and have not kept up with American prices. I would guess that under the saddle pick-up is the same, however, I have never heard of them refered to as that. As far as the fluke goes, you can search for a pickup that has a suction cup so you can attack it to the face of the uke or if you sing...to your face. good luck...frets - Friday, July 26, 2002

Question asked by: Tiki King Subject: Annie get your Gub".. Question: I luaghed so hard I spilled my Mai Tai... Once again came to learn, got entertained.... Keep up the good work! T.K. Answer: Thanks...I wondered how obscure that reference was....Thanks for the support...chuck - Friday, July 26, 2002

Question asked by: Charlie Subject: uke w/ rock band Question: Hi, What is the best method for amplifying a uke? I have a nice Kamaka and played with a loud rock band. I am having trouble getting enough volume and definition out of just a mic. I have thought about getting a pickup, like a fishman. Should I get a string pickup, or a soundboard pickup? I am worried mostly about getting a good volume without feeding back. Is the soundboard pickup a good idea, or will it pick up vibrations from the bass and drums? Or is there a better microphone solution. The uke must be heard! Charlie Answer: the best is a saddle pickup. It picks up nothing but the uke and its inexpensive..good luck...chuck - Tuesday, July 23, 2002

Question asked by: Sheldon Brown Subject: KP Ukulele Question: Question per Randy Halsapple! KP Ukulele(Ken Potts) Craftsmanship are exceptional. His custom made koa 'pro' models are in the hands of the elite Ukulele players here on Maui. The KP's are not massed produced, but are crafted with time,patience, care & precision. It's unique water soluble clear mirror finish resembles the pride of it's maker. The only thing that outweighs the ukulele diamond lustre. . . . is its incredible sound. As one ukulele virtuoso mentioned, " this is the way the ukulele is supposed to sound ". When it comes to Ukulele's, Luthier Ken Potts is truly a Hawaiian at heart. Aloha, Sheldon Brown Answer: Well there you have it. Another endorsement. Sounds great doesn't it? - Tuesday, July 23, 2002

Question asked by: Jonathan Subject: Hanalei Ukuleles Question: I inherited my grandmother's ukulele. It was made by Hanalei Ukulele "Royal Hawaiian" I'm not all that informed on all the makers of ukuleles, but I would like to know anything about this company/maker(s)history are thy still in business, etc. Anything would help. Best regards, Jonathan in florida Answer: Jonathan...go to the bulletin board and punch in Royal Hawaiian..It has alot of information. The Royal Hawaiian was made for and sold by the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in the 30'40's,. It is not known who really made the ukes, but my guess is Kumalae. They were making the ukes most of the companies at that time. Nice uke and most of them had really pretty grain. Speaking of pretty grain, have you seen the fields in the summer in Kansas??.Beautiful...frets - Monday, July 22, 2002

Question asked by: Herbert Danziger Subject: Kumalae Soprano Frets Question: Hi Chuck, I have a Kumalae Soprano uke. When I run my fingers along the edge of the neck I can feel the end of the frets which are rather sharp. I know of one other Kumalae with the same "feature". Is this typical of Kumalaes, a sign that it has been repaired, et cetera? None of my other "older' ukes have this. Thanks, Herb Answer: Herb...take it into a good luther and he will file them down..The fingerboard has shrunk and the frets are sticking out...Nothing to worry about. I have the same problem in the cold weather, but I won't let a Luthier near me with a file. A rule I've had since birth...Best and nice to hear from you again,...chuck - Monday, July 22, 2002

Question asked by: Randy Holsapple Subject: KP Ukulele Question: I just played one of the most amazing ukes I've ever had my hands on. It's a KP Ukulele from Hawaii and it plays and sounds incredible. Do you know anything about this uke maker? I've got to have one. Answer: Its funny, I was just about to give this maker a plug. I just saw his wonderful work and had a chance to hear it. I told you all that I would let you know when a new maker comes along that deserves your attention,. This gentlemans name is Ken Potts. His company is K.Pl Ukuleles web site http://kpukulele.com and his email is Ken@kpukulele.com. Take a look at his work. I have heard from more than one reliable friend that this is a great uke. If any of you own one or have played one, please let us know..Until then...take a look at his site..You will be impressed. fretsw - Monday, July 22, 2002

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Martin SO Question: Howdy Chuck, Have any suggestions on how to get more pop/umph out of my Martin SO? It is a nice uke, it just lacks...well, you know, volume? Thanks, Steve Answer: amplify it. you could try the national would strings..they are really loud. wish I could be of more help...SO...rry......chuck - Sunday, July 21, 2002

Question asked by: Brian Wragg Subject: regal banjolele Question: I've seen a Regal forsale and I am told it's american 1920s. It's in good condition. Would you have any idea on it's value as i'm interested in purchasing one. Thank you, Brian Wragg Answer: Brian...I wish I could help you. Regal was made in the 30-50's and its like asking the question," I have a Chevrolet for sale, whats it worth"...They made millions of them and as many varieties. If you can send me or this site a pic, I can do a much better job. Thanks..chuck fayne - Saturday, July 20, 2002

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