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

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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: Ken Bailey Subject: Ward Phillips Question: Aloha guys, unless I missed an exhibit, a secluded room or just plain visited a different Bishop Museum then you guys are talking about, I feel compelled to report that, the "hole in their collection" is a lot bigger then Ward is being lead to believe. I saw maybe two or three Ukes. A Santos, a Nunes or a Dias. I was so unimpressed with how such a "historically important, three dimensional art form"(Roth,circa 2002) could be displayed so insignificantly. Anyway if its your tutu wahines Ward, I'd count my blessings that she had the foresight to preserve it and I'd covet this Uke as if she was the woman we all dream about. Answer: kenny...good to hear from you...I think the Bishop has a few more...At least they did a few years back when Paul Syphers went there for research, but they are not known for the Ukulele section...Thaks for the report....Watch for the new book that is on its way out in Hawaii...I think the title is "Hawaiian Antiquities and Collectables" A Mt Idy. Resident, who shall remain nameless, wrote the chapter on the Hawaiin Ukulele...He wrote it a long time ago..The book has been a long time coming, but I understand it is spectacular. Different collectors wrote chapters on their specialties...They were not interested in my real special talents, so they elected to let me write about ukes....look for it...thanks chuck - Sunday, July 7, 2002

Question asked by: Daniel Prest Subject: Keech Banjulele Question: I have a Keech Banjulele, serial number A12165. It's in the original case. No strings on it but the bridge is in the case. There's artwork of a coloured guy with a big box tie and a floppy beret style hat, signed by the artist - although it's a bit rubbed out it looks like "David Hawthorn". Keech's signature also seems to be scratched on the back panel. Do you have any idea what this item is worth? Thanks in advance for your advice. Answer: Keech made dozens of different kinds of Banjo Ukes..I would have to see a pic to tell you exactly what it is worth. There were two brothers who started making banjoleles in Hawaii and eventually ended up in England. The Hawaiian ones are superior. Please send a pic and I will do my best to help..The pic sounds interesting also...thanks for the question....send a pic... - Wednesday, July 3, 2002

Question asked by: Peggy Cosnter Subject: Question: Chuck, we purchased a LeDomino Ukulele at a yard sale. Dominos on the bottom of it and orange triangles on the neck. Could you tell us the value of this please. Thanks. Answer: about 250.00 depending on condition. It would be worth more if it had the litle dominos on the fingerboard instead of the little triangles. Oh so close...Good uke and they were good players also..thanks for writing...chuck - Wednesday, July 3, 2002

Question asked by: Jean Eckerly Subject: stadlmair tiple Question: I believe I have one of these in very good condition. Ten tuning pegs, stadlmair on the neck, an orange label inside says Miami and recommended by Ukulele Hughes. Some script writing on the back of the box. Is this worth anything and how should it be strung? Answer: You do have one of those. You need to find a good luthier who is familiar with the tiple. It will ultimately be a ukulele. It has a set of two, a set of three, a set of three and a set of two. All that said, you need someone who can string it and get it ready for playing. I can give you the tuning part, but tiples are touchy. They need a little fiddling with in order to get them in tune. Because of the diferent size of the strings, many times the dept of the groove in the nut is off. (a condition I don't want). It takes a good luthier to set this up. Once it is, you will have the time of your life..I love the tiple. I have two and play them all the time. Is your's worth anything? Yes, it is fairly rare, however they do crop up once in a while. good score,..let us know how it turns out...FIND A LUTHIER, DON'T TRY IT YOURSELF....frets - Tuesday, June 25, 2002

Question asked by: Griffis Hames Subject: New Bari in the Family Question: My Dear Mr. Fayne, Hope this finds you well! I just today found out that I am going to be given my uncle's ukulele. He bought it new in 1953 or so. It's a Gibson with hardshell case. Not sure of the model type. He hasn't played in some years, but likes my playing enough to make a gift of it to me rather than make some scratch on ebay. Bless his sainted heart. As for my question. He claims it is a baritone uke-- I saw this uke years ago and in retrospect it seems to me that it is far too small for a baritone, but I could certainly be wrong. He may be mistaken and it's actually a concert or tenor. We'll see (I'll try to send a picture to you when I get it.) Man, am I excited! Now, my question(s) are, 1) what are your impressions of 1950's-era Gibson ukes, and 2) what do you think of different baritone tunings? I did a search for baritone tunings on the UkeYak and the Bulletin Board and get the impression I should NOT try to tune it to GCEA. What do you think of DGBE, but with the D string an octave higher to match the soprano's re-entrant sound? Thanks for all your help. I'll let you know how cherry this uke is when I gets it in my hot little hands.... Answer: Without a picture I cannot tell you what size it is...I would imagine, because of the rarity, it is not a baritone. If it were a baritone I prefer the DGBE tuning with the low D...Please keep in touch and send a pic when you can...How do I like Gibson Ukes?.I have many and I like them very much..They are much different sounding than other highgrade ukes of the time. I have a l926 Gibson style 2 sunburst that has the most marvelous sound of all my ukes except the nunes radio tenor. But thats another story...let us know what you get....thanks frettin' - Saturday, June 22, 2002

Question asked by: Jon Pult Subject: P'Mico Ukelele Ike Question: hat can you tell me about the Cliff Edwards "Ukelele Ike" ukulele made it seems by the P'Mico in the earkly twenties. It has a caricature of Cliff in black face ion the headstock and a fingerboard that goes beyond the Soundhole. Thanks Answer: You have most of the information already...P'mico stands for The Philadelphia Music Company. They were known for their comic theme ukes. I can't tell you much more than you already know. thanks for writing in...chuck P.S. How much beyond the soundhole does it go? I assume that beyond does not include covering it completely....see ya... - Saturday, June 22, 2002

Question asked by: Richard Albright Subject: ukklele tuning Question: Dear Sir: If I tune my baritone ukulele to D-G-B-E and a tune is wrtten for a soprano (G-C-E-A) and written in, say, the key of D Do I use the fingering notations that is listed above the tune? ==== Thank you -- Answer: Thank you very much for calling me SIR. Very people know that I was Knighted...Sir Frets of the Round Sound Hole. As far as you question goes...I will take a little longer to answer that one. I have my family working on what it means at this very moment. The immediate answer that comes to mind is....NO...however I have no facts to support that claim. I will work on it....Best from the Castle of Mt Idy...... - Saturday, June 22, 2002

Question asked by: Chris Subject: Just a comment Question: Hi Chuck I was just looking at you answers to some of the questions and you seem to tell them all time after time about sending pics. Dont you think its about time you got a cristal ball ah aha It may be a bit easier than keep repeating yourself all the best Answer: Personally chris, I'd rather keep asking for pics rather than have crystal balls. I live where its very cold. But really folks...It would help alot if you did send more pics. Thanks for the "Just a comment" ..I hope it helps...frets - Wednesday, June 19, 2002

Question asked by: Cade Hoover Subject: ukulele Question: are there other ukulele types besides the fluke uke. if there are plez tell me all of them so when i go to buy one i will know which are which.thank you!(i'm 12)! :) ps. how do you play one? Answer: Hey cade...how are you...thanks alot for writing...I think the thing I would do first is go to any search engine..like Google and type in Ukulele, ukelele, and uke...some of the more common spellings for ukulele. It will tell you where to go to look at ukuleles. You will see hundreds of different ones. When you are really confused,write me again and I will help you find what you are looking for. Ask your folks to buy you a book called "The Ukulele a Visual History." You can order it on this site in the on-line store. Look to the left and you will see a black menu with white writing..second one down...click it and have a look at all you can get. How do you play one? You buy a beginners book and you just follow the directions. You will be surprised how fast you will learn. If you know someone who plays guitar, they can help alot. Please keep in touch..Tell your friends about this site and I'm glad your interested at your age. Its a fine time to start. I wish I had. see ya...chuck frets fayne - Wednesday, June 19, 2002

Question asked by: Ted Nunes Subject: old hilo-how old do U think Question: Hi Chuck, I recently got this Hilo uke. The decal has a surfer floating over a volcano between red palm trees and the neck and body have lots of wonderful wood inlay (photo attached). Any idea how old it might be and what it's really worth? Frankly, I'm in love with it so it's easily worth more than I paid. Thanks -Ted Answer: 1930's and my guess would be around the 300 dollar mark...look at the new Chris J. Knutsen book by Most and Noe and you wil see on page 174 a pic of your exact uke. Your in good company. thanks for writing in...chuck - Wednesday, June 19, 2002

Question asked by: Craig Robertson Subject: Regal Tuner replacements Question: I have an old mahogany Regal Soprano with great tone that I love to play and would like to add to my arsenal of instruments on stage. The problem is that it has violin (friction) tuners, which, although great for the livingroom, are a pain in the...in performance situations. The Regal head stock is the usual narrow one and the new Grovers (which I have on my Kamaka and like) are too big. I need the older, small (less than .75 inch) buttons...but still a substantial shaft. (if I can say that on a PG bulletin board!) Do you have any suggestions or sources? Thanks. Answer: Craig. of course you can say substantial shaft on this column. I have no idea what you mean...In uke terms it means you have to call John Bernunzio at Bernunzio Vintage Instruments in Rochester N.Y. 716 4736140.....and he will find you the tuners you are looking for. Tell him I told you to call and he can keep my Jammies....thanks for writing in...chuck - Wednesday, June 19, 2002

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: Vega baritones Question: I've read here that there are two Arthur Godfrey Vega's and I understand the solo lute has a longer scale-don't understand the effect of this to be truthful-but I have seen two non-lutes. They seem to come in standard and deluxe. Does this just indicate a difference in trim levels? Thanks, this site and the bulletin board are a continuing education for me. Answer: I'm not sure I understand either. But the difference between standard and delux is the trim. Nice ukes..They play well...Keep in touch...We miss you..write every day...frets - Wednesday, June 19, 2002

Question asked by: vincent Subject: Newbie is me... Question: Hello, I am totally new to the ukelele, although I have been playing other stringed instruments for years (guitar, bass, Oud, mandolin). Do you reccomend me starting out with a standard uke, or possibly a baritone due to its scale lenghth. Also, any explanation of the differences would be appreciated. Thanks, and I cant wait to start strumming. Sincerely, Vincent Answer: I don't know if I would go to a baritone, but I certainly would not go to a soprano if your hand is used to the spacing of all those instruments. You will find it cramped. Perhaps a tenor ukulele would suit you best. You should go to a good music store, one that carries all sizes, and try them out. You will find out quickly which one is for you. Please let us know what you find out.. You play the OUD? Your the first oud player I have ever met. Best in your search and if I can help in any way...Watch oud.....sorry I just had to...please dont hesitate to write...thanks for your question...frets - Wednesday, June 19, 2002

Question asked by: Rob Subject: My antique uke Question: I have an OLD ukelele that was found in an attic in Stockton, Cal in about 1950. Could have been there for 1, 2 decades prior, we don't know but we estimate that it had to be in that attic for several years. No markings other than a worn one on the head. Only the outline really remains. THe outline appears to be the shape of a crest/coat of arms and has a ribbon across the bottom. Yellow/gold and red were prominent colors from what little I can tell. A smallish ukelele but well built, plain design. Any ideas?? Thanks ahead, Rob Briesch Answer: Rob...I have a great idea...send me a pic. I cannot tell much from that description...will do my best...chuck - Tuesday, June 18, 2002

Question asked by: Eric Stott Subject: Uke or Guitar? Question: OK, time for a dunb question. How do you tell a Baritone Uke from a Tenor Guitar? They are tuned the same, aren't they? My no-name instrument has uke tuners, and I play it with uke chords, but someone tells me it's a guitar. I also play a mandolin un uke tuning (G string down an octave) so what do I know? By the way- I took the advice of quite a few people and bought a Fluke- I'll never regret it. Answer: Although there is no standard size for any uke , a baritone is usually about 30 inches give or take a little. A Tenor guitar is quite a bit bigger. I have a tenor here that is about 34 inches...I tune my tenor like the last first four strings on a guitar. It was made to be tuned like a tenor banjo. It was designed so banjo players could play guitar as well. I can't play tenor banjo, so I tune mine like a guitar. I also tune my baritone like a guitar. The nice thing about these instruments, is that you can tune them the way you like the sound as long as you don't damage the instrument. Glad you like the fluke..its a tuff one to beat...write often...its fun...frets - Monday, June 17, 2002

Question asked by: josh cunningham Subject: regal dobro uke Question: hiya chuck i'm on a search for a regal dobro uke ever since seeing the picture in jim's book. any chance of pointing me in the right direction in terms of stores, collectors, value, prices etc. any info would be much appreciated. thank you josh Answer: Wish I could help..You have to look at everything...ebay, marketplace on this site, ads in magazines...and put your wants on the marketplace and the buletin board on this site..Somebody may have one. Will let you know if I hear of one...frets.....price..not sure today....2000+ wouldn't surprise me. - Monday, June 17, 2002

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Contemporary Ukuleles Question: Chuck, Clyde's comments and picture of the Buckulele are nice to see. I believe that Carl Dieterichs was at a Uke Expo. His ukes looked and sounded great. When I hear words of sadness about a certin long time ukulele maker giving it up, I'm cheered by the number of contemporary makers that are doing the job. I can't resist the urge to send you a picture of a uke I just got from Kevin Hall of Wilno, Ontario. I think of it as the T5K ("T" for Timberline) and have, to honor the Canadian dollar coin, named it "Loonie". My wife insists that the name represents the character of my interest in ukuleles. How would we do without them? regards, Photos:      Answer: too bad they couldn't find a good piece of Koa...better luck next time...only kidding..its fabulous. I hope it sounds as good. From your past reports, I have a feeling it does..thanks for sharing...chuck - Sunday, June 16, 2002

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Swaggerty Ukes Question: ......"..and I dont' think any of the family are still active." Are you sure? robert -founder Answer: Robert ...to the best of my knowledge the family is not active presently. You will find all you need to know aboutr the Swagerty company on page 62 of Jim Beloffs book Jumpin Jim's Ukulele Beach party. Its the most complete history of the company...All I knows is what I reads in the Beloff song books...frets - Friday, June 14, 2002

Question asked by: Clyde Subject: Buck ukuleles Question: Hi Chuck, someone inquired about Buck ukuleles and I thought you might like some info on them. Buck ukes are made by Carl Dieterichs in New Britain, PA. I really like the ukes he makes. I own a curly maple prototype (see picture). They are beautifully made and sound great. As far as I can tell they are available only through "Bucks County Folk Music" which is Carl's family business. Carl is noted for his Bodhrans (Irish drum) and other hand drums. You can check the ukes out at www.bucksmusic.com. Photos:      Answer: Looks beautiful..thanks so much for the information...I will go in my file so I can look smart when the next person asks....keep writing in....we like it...frets and the gang - Friday, June 14, 2002

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