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 (227 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: 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: 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: 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: Bill Schachter Subject: Duke Kahanamoku Uke Question: Great Sound here! Clean, what's the value?? Can you recommend any reasonable Jazz teachers in the NY area? Love your site! Answer: Bill...Call John Bernunzio at Bernunzio vintage instruments and ask him about a teacher..He lives in Rochester. Value??? depends on condition and age...sort of like partners. My guess 250.00 in good shape. best...chuck - Friday, June 14, 2002

Question asked by: Griffis Hames Subject: Buckulele? Other recommendations? Question: Hey Frets! Hope yer having a swollen weekend. Um, I mean SWELL weekend! Mr. Fayne, I have racked my brain and picked other's brains on the BB of this site, but I am going to give it to you to field as well. I have a Beltona which I love, but as I will be staring to play live this year solo, I am looking for a decent wooden uke with a nice tone that is fairly loud. My Oscar Schmidts are a joy to play for me, though I know they get bagged on a lot, but they are quiet ukes and I would like some more volume without having to use a pickup of some kind. I am sure the Fluke is a great instrument, but it is not really my style. Given that I cannot afford a nice vintage Martin or Gibson, and bearing in mind that I play concert scale pretty much exclusively, what can you recommend? In Oklahoma I will NOT have an opportunity to play before buying. Incidentally, I am primarily interested in a mahogany body if possible. Do you have any knowledge of, or preference in the foillowing brands: Buck (have you ever heard of these? They are called "Buckuleles" and look pretty nice in the $500 range), Earnest Instruments (works of art), Kenny Hill's Ukebrand Ukes, Third Wave Ukes, etc. etc. How about Larrivee (may be too short a scale for me. I know you like Kamakas, but they seem to be scarce and a tad out of my price range, plus are all koa. What about the new Nationals? Mainly, I wondered if you had any info on that Buck brand. I could find no mention of them doing a search of UkeYak or the BB. Thanks so much and sorry for bugging you once again.... take care. Answer: I have no information of the buck brand. My suggestion is to contact the Black Bear Guitars and write Duane Heilman and see what he would charge for a concert ukulele. He makes on of the best ukes around today....let us know how it works out...chuck fayne - Monday, June 10, 2002

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Never Seen One Before! Question: Chuck, Paul's uke has absolutely the most precious user decorated top I've ever seen on a wooden one. The elephant, bears and lady are darling, but the disembodied legs raise the decoration to the highest level of folk art. As to maker, the sound hole decoration is identical in every detail, as is the bridge from the top view, except for dings, with an early koa Red Head I have. My Red Head, with a picture and signature of Wendell Hall on the head, world famous ukulele player from the past, has a label that reads, "The Mele - B & J New York". I understand that "B & J" were distributors. (Don't ask me what "B & J" means. I've seen the actual names, and as I recall they are representative of the great flood of immigrant names that poured into the U. S. around the turn of the century through Ellis Island, that became attached to many retail businesses in New York City, including musical instrument distribution.) It is my belief that the maker is most likley Regal of Chicago. Not only because of the visible details of the uke, but also because Hall had a long time relationship with Regal, who made various signature instruments for this Chicago based, nationally recognized artist, he composed "It Ain't Gona' Rain No More", well into the days of the alleged 2nd Wave and TV. One might well argue that marquetry was generally bought from European suppliers and therefore the same decoration could appear in different makers ukes, but the detail of the black strip, which is not a part of the marquetry strip, on the edge of the sound hole would tempt me to say ...."Regal". The "Princes" label, and what appears to be a retail shop label, inside the uke may be helpful in more accurate identification. Only 4 strings and a 3 minute song? Perhaps more? drool, robert -founder Answer: Thanks Robert..always nice to hear from you...chuck and the gang - Monday, June 10, 2002

Question asked by: Gary Moody Subject: Recommend a Uke Question: Chuck, I am sure this question has been asked and answered a 100 times, but serching thru 1300 questions can be time consuming so please forgive me. I picked up a factory second uke in Kona and am now hooked. What would be a good step up in a quality uke that won't cause my death when my wife finds out how much I paid for it. Thanks Answer: It sort of depends on how much it would take for your wife to kill. If she can handle it, I would take a look at the fluke uke. You will find it on this site in the on-line store. It is a marvelous uke for the price. I always say this when I recommend a uke from this site....I do this column for love. I get nothing by recommending the fluke. By the way, the hub caps on the last Rolls were a little dull, Jim, please watch that. I think you would be more than pleased. Go to the bulletin board on this site and browse around and get a feel for what others have said about the uke. I think its hot uke in town. Let me know what you think and if this is not your cup of uke...write and I'll give you other options. Please give your wife our best from all here at uke yak...were all nice guys...frets - Sunday, June 9, 2002

Question asked by: Dave Rampton Subject: vita uke Question: I have a vita uke that needs a bridge. The one pictured in The Ukulele A Visual History page 61 appears to have a bridge and saddle that are slightly tilted. Is this so? Is it a conpensated bridge? I am planing on making a bridge and saddle using rosewood and bone. Is this the correct material? Thanks for being there Dave Answer: Dave..that was my uke...and I don't remember the bridge being tilted, however, in that picture it sure looks like it. It was not a compensated bridge and I don't remember what the bridge was made from. However, if you decide not to make it yourself, Duane Heilman at Black Bear Guitars can make you one that only an expert could tell the difference...maybe. let me know...I will look thru the vita section and see if I can find out what they were made from...thanks for writing. frets fayne - Sunday, June 9, 2002

Question asked by: Paul Subject: Never Seen One Before! Question: Hi Chuck, I just got this beautiful old uke from my beautiful young wife for my birthday. It has great etchings on the front, sides, and back. The headstock has a gold star on it and it appears that the neck was painted black at one time. The label inside reads "Princess" and there is a partial store label from Astoria Long Island. Can you tell me anything at all about it? It was sent to her in an old Gretsch box, but there are no Gretsch markings anywhere. I do have more pics of the other etchings if you would like to see them. Thanks - Paul Photos:      Answer: Thanks paul..Your the first man to offer to show me his etchings. I'm touched. I have no idea what the uke is , but I would like to see some other pictures..I would not like to comment without being sure...send headstock and back where the neck meets the body. I like it...Its wierd and classy...thanks for writing in...frets fayne - Sunday, June 9, 2002

Question asked by: Mike Longworth Subject: Other makes by Martin Question: Ah, Yes, the magic Martin name! Fighting that name is an uphill battle for anyone. Note on ebay you will see "Brand X for sale,NOT a Martin, Gibson, Taylor, etc. These culprits know the listing will appear in all sections listed in the heading. Thus Brand x appears in the Martin List. Sneaky, eh? The recent allegedly Martin-Made Harmony is another good one. HMMM, I forgot the question... Maratin did not make baritones for anyone else as far as I know. Vega did have some apparently made by Harmony. Mike L. Answer: thanks mike...yeh its sneaky but I think the uke world is getting smarter. I can spot these a mile away. Some good information comes out of it...who not to buy from...thanks..chuck - Saturday, June 8, 2002

Question asked by: Randy Subject: RE: cleaning Question: In response to your response below, yes, I do have a music store near by. What type product do I need to pickup? Thanks again, Randy. Answer: Randy..there are many cleaners made for guitars. I like the Gibson cleaner best. I have used it for years. Its tough to get down here in Australia, but when I go to the states I always pick up some...Any reputable brand will do. good luck...frets - Saturday, June 8, 2002

Question asked by: Richrd Albright Subject: Ukulele Purchase Question: Dear Sir: I know little about music but have decided to purchas a baritone ukulele. Not knowing how well I'll do I found one in a music store that cost $60. and got it for $50. My question is do you think this will be OK for me or should I go a little more in cost? I would hate to spend a great deal unless you thought it would be a lot better--- Thank you Sir for your assistance -- Sincerely, Richard Answer: I wish I could answer your question. Only you can..I have a 10 dollar harmony uke that has a fantastic tone and a beautiful High grade that sounds like crap. The cost doesn't mean anything...Its the sound your after. If you like it and it plays well and sounds good..you got a bargain. You could spend alot more and do alot worse. good luck..frets - Saturday, June 8, 2002

Question asked by: Olga Subject: Playing a Uke Question: Hello, I am interested in playng the Uke. I currently play the guitar but I find the Uke very fascinating. How confusing would it be to play both the guitar and the Uke. The chord fingering would be different, of course. Any 'How to' books out there that you would recommend? Thanks! Answer: Olga..as far a fingering goes...The strings on a uke are really the spacing of the first four strings on a guitar. No problem at all. The books you will need are right to your left where the black and yellow menu is. Go to on-line store and go shopping. There are books, cd, and an assortment of cooking books using ukes as seasonings. please take a look around The only way playing both a uke and a guitar would be confusing is if you do it at the same time. Then, you will need our book "The Ukulele as a splint" good luck...frets - Friday, June 7, 2002

Question asked by: Randy Subject: Cleaning Question: Chuck. I have a couple older Martin sopranos that need some cleaning. I did a search and saw that you said to go to a violin shoppe and get some oil. I do not have access to a violin shoppe. What type of cleaner/oil could I use that I could pick up at a hardware store that would do the job? Thanks, Randy. Answer: Do you have a music store near? If so, let me know..if not , please let me know where you are and I will put you in touch with someone who can answer your question. The best answer is..don't get fancy...a small amount of very gentle soap and a little water will remove the grime and not the stain. give it a try in one spot on the back and see how it works. chuck - Friday, June 7, 2002

Question asked by: lynne Subject: He played his ukulele when the ship went down!! Question: I wonder if you can solve a question for my dad. He wants to know who sang "He played his ukulele when the ship went down" sometime in the 20s or 30s. Would be very grateful for any ideas. Answer: I have had many copies of this piece of music, but never the name of the singer. Go to our bulletin and search around until you find ukejackson. He is a music specialist and will be glad to answer your question..you will also have a great time reading the bulletin board...careful...you'll get hooked...frets - Friday, June 7, 2002

Question asked by: Brian Baummer Subject: Early 30's Martin Style O Question: Too bad I have no image to send to you. I own an early 30's Style O Martin uke that is all original and in unplayed condition. The canvas bag snaps have left minor, small, very light scuff marks on sides of the lower bout. Other than that, this instrument is clean, straight and gorgeous. Ted Johnson, my friendly neighborhood luthier, tells me that my uke is the "most gorgeous" Style O he has ever seen (he has about 30 years of experience). My question is, what is the best way for me to find the right buyer for this special instrument? It definitely is not a time-worn player. It shows literally no sign of wear or even light use. I would like it to go to the right buyer willing to pay the fair but relatively high price which such a desirable piece in rare condition should command. Any ideas? Thanks for your input. Answer: Brian...List your uke on the Market Place on this site. You will get players who are interested in the uke. Take a look at the site...if it doesn't appeal to you, write back...I have found it personally very satisfying to place instruments on the Marketplace. good luck...frets - Friday, June 7, 2002

Question asked by: Desmond Subject: Baritone Tuning Question: Hi, How is a baritone uke tuned? Thanks, Desmond Answer: A baritone uke is tune by twisting those little white knobs on the skinny end of the ukulele. Now that I have been goofy, let me answer correctly. I tune mine like the first four strings on a guitar. I like the sound. Go to the Marketplace on this site and you will find books that will help you...Also go to the bulletin board and pose the question. There are a bag of nuts over there that would love to give you their opinions. They are all great people with great ideas. Thanks for writing in...good luck....frets - Friday, June 7, 2002

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