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

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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

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: Pat LaFleur Subject: hilo uke Question: Comment,Chuck re: HILO ukes. Tonight in Albany, NY, I saw a performance of Song of Singapore at a local repertory theater with equity players and musicians with college degrees. I almost jumped out of my seat when I saw a featured actor/musician get up for a number with a uke and was appalled when the instrument he was playing sounded like a toy. Afterwards at a question-answer period I asked about it and this talented guy said it is a terrible uke. I found out the uke which looked beautiful from the audience was a HILO. I know it is the fault of the rep theater group for providing this poor instrument for him and to be fair, perhaps hilos make some better ukes. However it disturbs me to read this column and see that people are buying "starter ukes" and wasting money on instruments that sound like that one tonight. Learn to play on a decent uke and don't waste your money on junk. My first uke was an Arthur Godrey plastic uke with the chord master in the fifties which sounded better that this thing tonight. I really learned to play on a Martin concert,which I still have. I know people have budgets and Martins are untouchables now but save up and get something good to learn on which will be more pleasing to the ear. Go to a reputable music store and pay a fair price for a good uke and if you find you don't like to play there are people who will take it off your hands. I've taught uke and believe that if you are going to put the time into learning how to play it, it had better sound good or you won't be satisfied. Sorry about rambling on but I was really disappointed tonight. Pat LaFleur Answer: If all that disappointed you was the ukulele, I think you should be thrilled with what you did get. A small rep company, equity players and musicians with college degrees, sounds like possible trouble. I try to support all small theater because that's where we all get a chance to be good, bad, practice, and on a good night be a star. The fact that the one thing that disappointed you, was the quality of the Ukulele, .....become a patron of the arts. Present these hard working people with a better uke...perhaps a Martin Concert...I'm thrilled every time I hear live theater is still alive. Lesson....If offered, don't buy the Hilo from that company when they upgrade. frets - Saturday, July 20, 2002

Question asked by: Gary M Subject: Fluke Recommendation Question: No question Chuck, just a thanks for pointing toward my new love, my Mango Fluke. You recommended it as a step up from my cheap Hilo. I take it everywhere and play it everyday. What a wonderful sounding little instrument. Keep up the good work! Answer: glad you like it...keep playing...make a cd and send it to us.....frets - Wednesday, July 17, 2002

Question asked by: Griffin Subject: plastic fretboard? Question: Dear Chuck, I would like to learn to play the uke and bought the Hilo 2649 with Hawaiian motif. Someone told me that this uke is worthless to learn on, that the plastic fretboard is garbage, and I should buy something with a wooden fretboard. I don't know what to do. I'd rather not drop $50 on another uke when I am just getting started (I have a history of not sticking with learning instruments, and don't want to make a big investment up front). Any advice you could send my way would be much appreciated. Cheers, Griffin Answer: learn on what you bought...you will soon enough learn whether or not you need something more..The little Roy Smeck ukulele has a plastic fretboard and plays just fine...Play this one for a while and just imagine, if you can make it sound good, you will be Benny Goodman on a better uke..A bit of advise " Never listen to the advise of someone named SOMEONE"...they usually know nothing. Its your ear that will decide...now stop frettin' and play....chuck - Tuesday, July 16, 2002

Question asked by: Dave Subject: Yasuma Tiple Question: Chuck-- I just bought a Yasuma Tiple on Ebay. The price was $250. My assumption, based on info on this site and the general going price for tiples, was that $200 to $300 is in the ballpark for the instrument. Am I right? A photo is attached. Thanks. Photos:      Answer: I think you hit a home run.They are a direct copy of a T 15 Martin Tiple and they play and sound terrific. You got a steal. I own one and it is a terrific instrument. As a matter of interest only, I own two. Don't ask how I got two, but I have them...Good score....frets - Tuesday, July 16, 2002

Question asked by: Josh Travis Subject: Singing Treholipee Question: Hiya! Upon my dear grandmother's departure from this world was bequeathed to me a olive finish Swagerty "Singing Treholipee" uke. I would never consider parting with it, but was curious as to it's value. It is in good condition, still tuneable and playable, with original black strings, and tassel strap. The strap pegs are of a different variety than I've seen in images online, and I've also not been able to find a pic of one with the olive color finnish, so it makes me curious. Anyhow, sorry if this has dragged on. Thanks for your time! Answer: Josh..there are collectors of those ukes. They are worth different prices depending on certain things. Length, color, condition...etc....If had to give a ball park figure without seeing it..I would guess about 250-300+...Oddly enough, they play pretty well.Sorry I can't be more helpful. If you go to the bulletin board and ask around, I know there are some Swagerty collectors. Perhaps they can come closer. thanks for writing...chuck - Tuesday, July 16, 2002

Question asked by: Spencer Subject: Sears Silvertone Barritone Question: Aloha, A friend of mine in Washington State found an old Silvertone at a garage sale. He baught it for $2 and thought it would be a great gift for me so he sent it to me to add to my small 5 Uke collection. I play this uke almost everyday until I someone told me that this uke could be very very old. Its in awesome shape and has a very baritone deep warm sound. It even has a model serial number. I'd like to find out where I could get the year of this uke and about how much its worth today. Not to sell it but weather to keep ripping on it or not...hehe. Any info would be cool, Mahalo Spencer Photos:      Answer: Spencer...play it forever. Regardless of what it is worth, it is for playing not looking. It is not very very old, it is not even very old. It was made in the 50's and is not very valuable. However, they do have a good sound. So rest easy..You are not doodling on the Mona Lisa....A condition my uncle suffered with for years...Best from all of us...Nice gift..good friend....frets - Tuesday, July 16, 2002

Question asked by: Gary Shrager Subject: Aquila Nylgut strings Question: Chuck - Have you ever played/heard of the new Aquila Nylgut strings from Italy. They are supposed to sound better than nylon, without the weather sensitive quality of gut. Thanks. Gary Answer: I have a set on the way to me now. I hear great things about them. I will let all know when I get them...thanks for writing..I have had many questoins about this string, so something must be happening....chuck - Sunday, July 14, 2002

Question asked by: Robert Warren Subject: One of a Kind Question: Chuck, 35 years ago I built a ukulele from a 2 by 4, some steel pie pans, and sheet metal for tailpiece and bridge. Have you seen any others like that? Do you know if anyone around still has plans for such a beast? Answer: Sounds more like my wife's kitchen than a ukulele. I really have no idea what you are talking about. I know one thing for sure, I don't want to hear that instrument played. This question is my favorite for a long time. It will be included on my Goofy list. A 2x4...My choice for a mellow sound. And a pie pan...obviously a resonator 2x4...and if all that is not enough ,a sheet metal bridge and a useless tailpiece. I have a hunch your just yanking my fretboard. Do I owe you any money????? satisfied but confused....futz...... - Sunday, July 14, 2002

Question asked by: Ken Bailey Subject: Question: No question, just observation. That wise crack about the new Martin S O's not being worth $2.25 was great! Maybe there is a question. Will Chris Martin personally greet you at your next visit to Nazareth with a shot gun or an AK 47? Keep up with the great reading material. Kenny Answer: I think Chris Martin realizes that the S.O. is not up to Martin Standards. He must know something is wrong when people are selling them when they are less than 2 years old. They are for sale everywhere and few sell. I hope that someday Martin will again make the Ukulele that helped make them famous. Remember, at one time in the History of the Martin Factory, They were making more Ukuleles than Guitars. I have never understand why the company stopped making quality ukuleles at a time when they have never been more popular and made an inferior product. I guess I do understand and that makes me sad. frets - Sunday, July 14, 2002

Question asked by: don hill Subject: k' aloha ukulele Question: what is the quality of ukulele produced by this company? Thanks Don Answer: Don, I have heard mixed reviews about this ukulele. I have never played one so I can't really comment. I also have not had any feedback from anyone I think might be able to tell. So for the time being, I suggest you pose this question on the Bulletin Board. You will begin a dialog that should last well into the decade....best to ya and thanks for writing. pass the buck chuck...... - Sunday, July 14, 2002

Question asked by: Wendell Guthrie Subject: Nunes Question: Chuck, I own a Leonardo Nunes and a no name that looks a lot like his work which I've just restored. I hear that Leslie Nunes has a site about Leonardo's Ukes. I've seen a couple links to that site that don't work. I'd like to investigate this latest uke on Leslie's site if possible. Do you have a good link? Thanks for the efforts on this site. It has been a real addition to my uke "problem" for some time now. (They continue to occupy more tme and space every month.) Answer: The best way to handle this is to write Leslie direct. His email is Ukulelenut@hawaii.rr.com....He will be glad to discuss the ukuleles with you. Dont ever let lack of space stop you from buying another ukulele . Always overpay, nobody every lost money overpaying, you only lose when you don't buy what you know you should..wise words from a very wise man...Me.... "The Oracle from Mt. Tidy...The compulsive area of Mt Idy...frets - Wednesday, July 10, 2002

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Manhattan Luthier? Question: Hello Chuck, I have an old Akai uke that is in excellent shape except for a chipped nut. Can you recommend a luthier in Manhattan that does good uke work? Thanks for your column. Answer: I had a chipped nut in l957...Awww..too easy...Call John Bernunzio at 716 4736140...He is in Rochester N.Y. , but He knows everyone on the planet. Tell him I told you to call...Top rate music dealer and real mensch ( Yiddish for good guy ) ... - Wednesday, July 10, 2002

Question asked by: phil Subject: martin uke style 1 w/ hawaii crest Question: Wondered if you or anyone has seen a Martin style 1 with this hawaii crest on the peghead before? Photos:      Answer: Phil...Those little decals are available in every Hawaiian tourist shop on the islands. Don't let it fool you. All the best...Chuck Fayne...Don't forget to wash your apples....and Its not true what they say. I had an apple yesterday and a Doctor came to visit....fruits fayne - Wednesday, July 10, 2002

Question asked by: Bernie the Mutant Subject: 6 string tuning Question: Chuck, I posted this on the bulletin board, but would like your opinion as well. I just got a used Sonny D 6 string and was interested in how people tuned their 6 string ukes. This one has all nylon strings. I know some ukes have a wound G string .....(OUCH!!)....and tune it low. Presently I've got the pair of C strings tuned an octave apart and the A strings tuned alike. What do you think is the best tuning for sound quality!!?? Do some people tune the A strings an octave apart also? Thanks for input!! Your mutant friend from San Diego. Answer: Mutant....its a personal thing. I don't use the octave apart A string, I don't like the sound. I don't use the wound string, I don't like the squeek or the feeling...I do use the low fourth string tuning and the octave apart c strings...I would experiment and suggest you do...I don't because I hate to string ukes. If I get it close, it stays that way. I can't see the little hole anymore...I am training my son to string instruments. Now I know why I had kids. thanks for writing in..do so any time..were always here...chuck - Wednesday, July 10, 2002

Question asked by: John Gerlach Subject: Slack-key Uke Question: Chuck, I primarily play slack-key guitar and from Heeday Kimura's Slack Key Ukulele book it looks like a Uke migh be a good traveling instrument. Kimura recommends a tenor or baritone uke with a wire wound Kamaka Ukulele top string and a G-C-E-G tuning with the low G one octave below the usual "my- dog-has-fleas" G pitch. I was considering a tenor _guitar_ which is tuned the same as a baritone uke, but they are still a little big for carry-on luggage. From your posts it is pretty clear that you don't like steel strings, but since I can't grow thick fingernails it seems like steel is my only alternative for getting a good sound. Also, I was looking at Len Young's web site and the pictures at least suggest that his finish has improved from when you last saw his Ukes. Len suggested that I go with a Liliu size Uke which is between the size of a tenor and a baritone. Kawika also makes this size uke. What would you suggest for a traveling slack- key uke. Thanks Photos:      Answer: John...you can use anything for a slack key ukulele. I would probably stay away from a soprano, but a tenor would be o.k. When playing slack key, the brand name is not that important. Since it is tune to an open chord, you can use almost anything. Slack key guitar players can use warped necked instruments because there is no pressure exerted on the strings to use the frets...so I always sounds in tune. I am not a fan of Len Youngs Ukuleles and see nothing or have heard nothing that makes me believe that he is making better ukes. I am willing to give him the benefit of the doubt since it has been a long time that he has been making. He may have gotten better. That pic you sent ..sent me over the couch..But it is the sound your after. I would love to play one of his new ukes and see if things have changed,. I am not a fan of steel strings, but that is on a conventional ukulele. I don't know what else you would use on a slack key uke. Good luck and let us know what you find out. write anytime...frets - Wednesday, July 10, 2002

Question asked by: Randy Holsapple Subject: cracks and refinishing Question: How does refinishing and crack repairing affect the value of a uke if it is done well by a pro compared to a like uke that needs no repair at all? Answer: It depends on the initial rarity of the uke. A dias uke repaired by a pro is worth a great deal of money in any condition. The answer to your question depends on the collectability of the instrument. A less valuable uke ( a style 3 martin) could be affected up to 50 percent of its value. There are collectors who only want as near perfect as they can get. I have spent fortunes repairing very rare instruments and have increased their value by doing do. Its a tough question to answer. If you have a specific uke in mind and know the damage and what it will take to repair it, I could tell you if it will increase it , decrease it, or do nothing..chuck - Tuesday, July 9, 2002

Question asked by: Alice Hall Subject: oiled finish on ukulele Question: I recently purchased a Pacific ukulele from Australia. It has a koa top and bottom, and mahogany sides. It has an oiled finish that seems alittle dry, can you let me know if I should treat it with something. Answer: A good music store will carry a line of oils and cleaners that are fine for instruments...Don't wax it..it clogs the pores...If you can't find a music store, find a violin shop...They carry a good brand of oil also...Keep it off the strings for obvious reasons...good luck...let us know how the Pacific Uke plays. I live in Australia and have never seen one..Hope to soon...chuck - Monday, July 8, 2002

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