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 (229 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: Richard Lazaro Subject: music sheets Question: My question is: where can i find music sheets with instrumentals for da new hawaiian songs (ex: ka'au crater boys). Not just the notes and lyrics of the songs but also the intrumental parts on how they do it. Answer: I do not know that much about sheet music...You will find uke jackson on the bulletin board. I would take a walk on the wild side and get on the bulletin board. They discuss everything, one is sheet music..Uke Jackson knows pleanty. Hope you find what you are looking for...chuck frets fayne,.....resident resident - Tuesday, May 21, 2002

Question asked by: Larry Frantzen Subject: Ukulele value Question: I have a Silvertone soprano ukulele which was given to me new in the 1950's. It is in very good shape, but I do not have a case for it. I would like to know what the current value might be. Photos:      Answer: About 100 bucks in this market. They were made for department stores but that doesn't mean they don't sound good. They sound their best when played at Montgomery Ward. Put your hat on the ground so it shouldn't be a total loss. Thanks for writing in and keep us posted...I don't know what about, but just write. Its fun to hear from friends...frets - Saturday, May 18, 2002

Question asked by: Lars Subject: more about framus Question: Something more about the german Framus Company in addition to the letter of Howard Finkel: the company was founded after world war 2 by Fred Wilfer. From the fifties to the seventies it became the biggest factory of musical instruments in Europe. At the end of the seventies they closed. Then the son of the founder, Hans-Peter Wilfer, founded the Warwick-brand, famous for their electric bass guitars. In 1995 the framus company started again. They build for example electric guitars of good quality. In the 50s and 60s they were known for their low priced archtop guitars. One archtop became famous: the AZ 10 built for jazz guitarist Attila Zoller (who designed the floating pickup). I never heard about Framus ukes, but why not? Answer: See ...What did I tell you...People do read this column and are happy to share their information. Makes me look good, because the next time a question comes in, I can answer it as if I really know. But its thanks to people like Lars who take the time to share their information who make me look good. Thanks lars and keep up the good work. frets fayne - Saturday, May 18, 2002

Question asked by: Howard Finkel Subject: Framus Help Question: Just a little info for the guy with a Framus Uke. Framus is a German company very similar to Hofner ( maker of the Beatle Bass). There modern claim to fame was Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones, used a hollow body Framus bass in the early days. I'm pretty sure they're an old Bavarian company that was around way before the 60's. I have a Framus acoustic guitar that looks very good but doesn't sound very hot. This may not hold true for their Ukes, I'd love to see a picture and find out about ths sound. This guy may luck out, since Framus was the instrument of choice for Bill Wyman, playing this Uke in public may make him a hit with 15 year old girls. Answer: Thanks Howard...very interesting...Will add to my file and nice to hear from you again....Once again it proves there are people out there with information and willing to share...Thanks very much...frets - Thursday, May 16, 2002

Question asked by: Lois LaPage Subject: Silvertone Baritone Ukulele Question: A friend was moving out of town and gave me this intrument to sell for him at our garage sale. I have no clue what to ask and have no knowledge of ukuleles at all. What I know is that it is a Silvertone Baritone Ukulele and has an instruction book within the case. It seems to be complete with strings, etc. Not in wonderful shape but isn't broken. If you can help me I'd appreciate any information or where I might go to find it. Thanks. Sorry I don't have the capability of sending a picture. Answer: Lois...It is not a real quality instrument. Sold at Dept. stores. Sears and a couple of others. I would ask 100 dollars and cross your toes....freets - Thursday, May 16, 2002

Question asked by: Bob Barrett Subject: Kent Uke Question: What is your opinion of Kent Baritone ukes. I can buy a "fancy" one for about $ 80.00. Will it play well?? Does this company have a good reputation?? Thank you Photos:      Answer: Kent is not a high grade instrument. There were alot of Kent instruments made for schools..The one in the picture looks like a qualty made instrument. I don't think you can go wrong for 80.00...give it a shot....frets - Thursday, May 16, 2002

Question asked by: Carol Subject: tenor/concert uke Question: My apologies for being attached to the requested picture. This is L'uke the Mutant Uke, per Bernie. It is a Gianini, made in Brazil. Nice sound given the person assembled on the other end. I didn't understand Mike's answer. Maybe he is saying you gets what you gets, regardless of what you call it? Photos:      Answer: Mike has give us information that is invaluable to some but not to all. My advise I gave in another answer. You have to experiment. Try different strings until you find the set that satisfies you. I wish there was an easier way, however, I don't know of one. If you know a decent Luthier close by, take it in and ask their advise. If I had the uke here in my hands, I would know what to put on it for my ear. I don't know yours, however from the pic, it seems to be an attractive ear. Give my best to Bernie and I would pose this question on the Bulletin Board where you will get answers you never dreamed of getting. Active bunch over there...Lots of fun and very informative. frets - Thursday, May 16, 2002

Question asked by: josh Subject: framus ukes Question: chuck- what, if anything, do you know about framus ukuleles? or framus in general? enlighten us, please.... thanks Answer: Josh..I know almost nothing about Framus Instruments. I am putting this up in the hopes someone out there will know and write in. I will do some research and put up what I find...thanks for writing in...chuck frets - Thursday, May 16, 2002

Question asked by: Soybean Subject: tenor/concert confusion Question: Chuck, in answer to the original query and based on the scale length, the uke in question should use strings designed for a concert. It's interesting that the manufacturers never agreed on their names for the different sizes of uke. For instance, a Harmony "Roy Smeck Concert" is a shorter string scale than a Martin soprano! Harmony also made some soprano ukes for Silvertone that were about 23 inches long. That would seem to be a concert uke, but it's not. Why? the scale length is 13 & 3/4, almost the same as a Martin soprano. It seems the best way for us to talk about the 4 sizes of ukes is to use string scale, not body size. Overall length can be a good clue and a good question to ask people who are selling ukes because it is very hard to explain how to measure string scale length to an antique dealer. However, there is such a variation in body size, that it's not a good way to tell (unless we're talking about Martin ukes which were very consistant.) So here are some rough guidlines for scale length. Soprano = 14 inches and under. Concert = 14 1/2 to 16 inches. Tenor = 16 1/2 to 18 inches. Baritone = 18 inches and higher. The easiest way to figure scale is to measure the point where the string leaves the nut to the middle of the 12th fret. Then double that measurement. For reasons we won't go into here, this is a more accurate measure than measuring from the nut to the bridge saddle. Answer: thanks dan...I have always handled the question of what is it by what it looks like. I realize this is not the scientific approach you have taken, however it makes it easier for people who are not going to try to measure scale length and arn't going care one way or another. I have been playing with these things for 35 years and I have never understood the variations in size. I agree with you, martin is the only company that sticks to a size you can count on. Gibson sometines. I never measure. I string it up and try it out..If I like the sound I play it. After all it is the sound were after, isn't it? I have used concert strings on a tenor when I didn't like the way the tenor strings sounded. I have purchased ukuleles just to get the used strings, because I like the sound of strings that have been well broken in. My radio tenor, which is a concert ( so they say) I have been playing with the same set of strings for 20 years. It is as beautiful a sound as you will ever hear. I appreciate your letter and will add the info to my file. Its always nice to hear from you..Your everywhere...chuck - Wednesday, May 15, 2002

Question asked by: John S. Subject: Wanamaker Question: Hi Chuck, Seemed appropriate, since I asked here, to thank you again, here in public, for your help re my Wanamaker uke, a Martin Style 0, for anyone who was dying to know ;-) The friends who gave it to me asked, as I never thought to, how much it sold for originally. Any idea? Cheers 'n' later... John Answer: Your welcome...thanks for the kind words. I have so little information on the Wanamaker uke. I have no idea what it sold for originally, however the martin uke of that time was selling for approx...10 bucks..too bad we didn't buy them all..frets - Wednesday, May 15, 2002

Question asked by: Greg Subject: holes Question: Hi Frets. I have a brown ukulele. Any idea what it's worth? Just kidding. I just bought an old Martin tenor that has violin style wooden pegs. I'd love to put some grover 88's on it, but I'd have to drill recesses in the holes. Is this a terrible idea? Would it kill the value? I could put champion jr's on without drilling, but they're not nearly as nice. One thing's for sure: I hate wooden pegs. Answer: Greg...If you are going to keep it as your player do what ever you want. If you are planning to sell it in the future, you have altered its value. I like push pegs in a soprano,but not in a tenor, so I would probably change them also. The brown uke you have is priceless as are all brown ukes..chuck - Tuesday, May 14, 2002

Question asked by: Mike Longworth Subject: tenor/concert uke Question: There is, of course, a difference in scale length between most concert and tenor ukuleles. If you draw a literal or mental picture of a Martin Tenor uke with a 17" scale...and then decide to move the bridge forward to the Concert 14 3/4" scale, you will be moving the bridge about 2 1/4" forward. It would then be very close to the sound hole and away from the large lower bout. Strange. If you put a tenor neck on a Concert body and placed the bridge to the 17" scale, it would be too far back toward the end block. Either way it is a bad idea. The real problem (I think) is there isn't and never was an industry standard for size, shape, scale, much as the string industry cannot agree on which gauges they should call medium. I remember having an airplane bridge "Wendall Hall" That professed to be one size while I would classify it as something else. I made a Plectrum Ukulele, fondly called the P-uke, and almost fell into the scale trap. You can add frets much like a Pete Seeger Banjo but you have to add fret distance according to a formula at the neck end. The scale changes, though. If you add them at the body end, you must reduce by the same formula. This still means the bridge must be repositioned. I sincerely hope you are totally confused...I am always in that state. Answer: Read above..thanks mike as usual....chuck - Tuesday, May 14, 2002

Question asked by: Bernie Subject: I'm the Mutant!! Question: Hey Chuck, I'm the Bernie that Carol had said she talked to about her uke. Its body was a tenor and it had a concert playing scale (about 15 inches). We put my Ko'olau tenor next to her uke...the body size was identical, but her scale was about two inches shorter. And NO, I'm not bragging about my extra inches!! :=} Answer: Bernie...sorry to hear about your problem, however the answer to the ukukele problem you will either above this or below this on the list. Mike Longworth has cleared it up as only he can. I have decided to copy the answer and late tonight when my brain is at its best, I will read the words or a man who truely knows...hope all this has helped...oysters..eat oysters..frets - Tuesday, May 14, 2002

Question asked by: Ponga Geoff Subject: Question: Frets - Emailed a few days ago, but I figure it got lost in the ozone, so I'm trying again. I posted this on the BB also, but no response there either. Have you ever heard of Pohaku (Hawaiian for 'rock', usually referring to petroglyphs) as a maker? They are out of San Francisco and I believe they have been around since the mid 1990's, but I cannot find anything on them anywhere. I have a nice concert size uke - real vintage look, like a Kumalae, with rope binding and a nice sound - but I was wondering if they are still around, if they make other sizes, if they manufacture for other companies or just under their label? Anything at all. Thanks again. Answer: Geoff..Call Marc Silber at Marc Silber Music or Berkeley Music and ask him the question...He lives in the area and is one of the grand old men ( he'll kill me if he reads this) of stringed instruments. He knows tons. He will know about this uke. I don't..Never heard of it and I'm sorry, I either didn't get your question or overlooked it. Let us know what you find out. It will be interesting to us all...thanks...chuck fayne...Say hello to the old man for me... - Tuesday, May 14, 2002

Question asked by: judyp Subject: TV PAL Question: I have a plastic uke named "TV PAL". I have no idea what it is worth. It's in very good condition, but no box.Do you know what it is worth? Answer: If it has no cracks and is in perfect condition about 75 bucks. Perhaps a little more if you catch a collector who does not have one...unlikely...frets - Tuesday, May 14, 2002

Question asked by: Carol Subject: uke strings Question: Okay, this is probably the dumbest question on the site, but I still need to ask it. This weekend, Bernie kindly informed me that the "tenor" uke I thought I owned is actually a concert uke with a tenor body. Which is fine because the tenor body gives the instrument a great sound and my fingers are too small for a tenor neck. However, the strings I bought to restring the instrument are tenor strings. Do I need to switch over to concert strings? Does it matter? Answer: The only thing that matters is "Who's Bernie" I have been in this business 234 years and have never heard of a concert uke with a tenor body. The size of the uke is determined by the body. Does Bernie mean it is a tenor uke with a concert scale length. I am stumped. It is not the dumbest question only the strangest for a long time. Please send a pic of this mutant( not bernie, the uke) to this site or my home email...cfayne@bigpond.net.au. I will see what you have. Does the uke have a name...not like "Linda or something like that..but a factory name. can't wait...frets - Monday, May 13, 2002

Question asked by: T Moore Subject: Le Domino Ukulele Question: I have just been given my Great Grandfathers Le Domino Ukulele and was just wandering if you could give me any info on it's history and value? Answer: They were made in the l940's...There are many varieties and sizes. Could you send a pic to this site or to my emal cfayne@bigpond.net.au...That would help alot. They are all decent instruments, just some are rarer than others and I can't tell without a pic...so shoot....frets - Monday, May 13, 2002

Question asked by: Mike Longworth Subject: Gretsch plate Question: Chuck, I haven't seen a brass plate on a Gretsch ukulele, but I have seen it on other things. When Gretsch had the "Country Gentleman" green version of the Chet Atkins model, A couple of friends had them with a small brass plate in the headstock. I think it just said"Country Gentleman", but darn, that was over forty years ago. Another friend had a mid sized Gretsch acoustic guitar with the little plate that said "Burl Ives Model" or something similar with Burl's name on it. All of these instruments came from the mid to late fifties. Fred Gretsch, Jr. was selling imported Gretsch branded guitars a few years ago. I only talked to him once, so I have no information as to whether they are still going, the quality, etc. Mike Longworth Answer: Thanks as usual Mike....Interesting Gretch stuff. I will add it to my file. Thanks from all at uke yak...chuck - Sunday, May 12, 2002

Question asked by: Mike Rosen Subject: Question: Chuck, I'm trying to track down Duane Heilman. All the links come up dead. I have a picture of him, Andy Berard, and me, at the last GAL convention, holding the ukes we built. Thanks, Mike Answer: His Web Site as I remember, I am not at my computer is Black Bear Guitars..perhaps without spacing.Go to google and type in either black bear guitars or the name Duane Heilman...If all this doesn't work, let me know...frets - Sunday, May 12, 2002

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