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 (230 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: 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: Archie Subject: Question: Hi, Ever heard of a uke with the name "Blaha" on the headstock? Any info appreciated! Answer: Archie...a stumper....I can't imagine what it must stand for. Reminds me of the sound I make when I find an anchovy on my Pizza. Anyone know what it is....Best of Luck, Another Happy Adventure or as they say "Blaha"...fretslaha fayne - Saturday, May 11, 2002

Question asked by: El Kabong Subject: Question: Not a question, just adding what little I can to the Nahenahe link from Flissy. Maui ukulele is indeed out of business for the moment as they did experience a devastating fire that destroyed the factory. The owner's hands were badly burned in the fire and he moved back to New York. From what I hear from Bounty Music on Maui, he is planning on starting up again, but to date has not done so. Answer: thanks "el"...always good to get new info.,.keep in touch...chuck - Friday, May 10, 2002

Question asked by: flissy Subject: nahenahe ukes Question: hey frets: i also sent this message to aaron who was inquiring about naheneahe ukes, though i would pass what little info i have along: i also own a nahenahe ukulele (i really love it, it has such a sweet sound!). i bought it while is in hawaii on vacation several years ago from maui ukulele. they owned their own factory and produced the nahenahe ukes as well as custom ukueleles. the one i have is a concert-sized koa, although they made all size ukes from several kinds of wood. i have heard that they had a devastating fire in their factory (last year i believe), and so they were forced to close the factory and store. however, i had also heard rumors that they were re- opening. unfortunately, i don't know if that has or will happen and i'm not sure who you can get in touch with to find out. hope that was somewhat helpful. take care! flissy Answer: thanks for the input....proving I can always count on you folks out there in yak land to supply the info I can't...I shall add this to my file and thank you very much from all at uke yak...keep writing in...It keeps me in touch...frets - Friday, May 10, 2002

Question asked by: grech Subject: gretsch american Question: hi, i found a gretsch ukulele that is unusual. it does not have the "gretsch" name on the headstock but rather in the soundhole with the "gretsch american" name on a brass plate. also, it has a serial number on the back of the neck with the number 6g891 (1991?) which is like the new gretsch numbers being used presently. is gretsch making new ukes? also, do you have an opinion on the old blue round gretsch ukes from the 1930's. they look great! thank you. Answer: Grech...don't know about the brass plate...never seen one in a Gretch instrument. However, the Gretch American has been around for a long time. Also don't know if Gretch is making new instruments. I think the little blue Gretch looks alot better than it plays. I have had a few of them and never been able to get a great sound out of one yet. They sure are cute.. Thanks for writing in and keep it up...nice to hear from you...chuck - Friday, May 10, 2002

Question asked by: John Gudmundson Subject: Radio Tenor Pictures Question: No ? Just sending you a photo of my Radio Tenor. If you respond with your actual e-mail address I could send several more photos. Photos:      Answer: John...long time no hear...nice to have you on board. That is a beautiful instrument. Only the second one I have seen with the short fingerboard. Beautiful...how's the sound?..for all of you who have wanted to see the radio tenor well there it is....here is another variation, you may have been able to tell that by my previous remark, the one with the longer fingerboard. Marvelous instrument, great sound...get one if you can...frets...and thanks john for sharing that with us...my email is cfayne@bigpond.net.au thanks - Friday, May 10, 2002

Question asked by: Milan Nicksic Subject: Baritone strings Question: What set of strings do I use on my baritone so it will play in G-C-E- A re-entrant tuning and not like the top four strings of a guitar. Thank you from the vast ukulele wasteland, MILAN NICKSIC Las Vegas, NV. Answer: I have used tenor strings, extra long black Kamaka, to tune it up, however, I don't like the sound. A baritone doesn't sound right that high. You can mess around between concert and soprano and even up to tenor, but a baritone is a baritone. I love the natural sound of a good baritone. Have I answered the question..??? frets - Friday, May 10, 2002

Question asked by: jeffrey lindenberg Subject: kumalae ukes Question: i just purchased a kumaae... on the inside it has number 576.... does this give me a clue of the year it was made? Answer: I wish I knew. I think the factory might. See how you do trying that way and let us know. I am not familiar with the numbering system for Kumaae...I have enough trouble remembering my mobile phone number. Thanks for writing in..let us know if you find out....frets - Friday, May 10, 2002

Question asked by: Carol Amon Subject: old Tahitian uke Question: Met a 76 yr old woman in British Virgin Islands who owned a uke she purchased 30 years ago when sailing near Tahiti. It was one piece of carved wood with a round bowl at bottom (the size of a grapefruit. She has lost the strings and bridge. She said it was not tuned like a standard uke. I want so much to buy her a new uke and take it to her when we go back in 4 weeks; but I don't know what to buy. Would you have any idea what she may be talking about? Answer: What a coincidence. I once met a 76 year old Virgin in the British Islands. Only kidding, it was San Francisco. I know the instrument you are talking about but I don't know where to get them except for the Islands in the South Pacific. I just got back from a cruise and wish I had known..I could have gotten all you wanted. They are called Tahitian ukes, but I have a feeling you already know that. Where do you live and perhaps someone I know in that area might know. The ones I have played are tuned like a standard uke but use steel strings because they are more of a percusive instrument. I like the sound of them in a Island band. Hope you find what you want.....chuck - Friday, May 10, 2002

Question asked by: bill Subject: martin uke Question: I have a Martin Uke and orginal simulated alligator case.The uke is bound around the edges with a white hard binding.There are a few minor[barley able to see]scrathes around the sound hole.It was purchased new either in the late thirties or forties .Is it of any value to a collector? Answer: /bill..the uke does have collector value...if it has a white, black, white edge around the top and a white edge around the back it is a style 2 martin....It is worth from 500-800 depending on the condition. Please send a pic if you have a chance , either to this site or my hone site..cfayne@bigpond.net.au...if you want to sell it, you might want to put it up on the marketplace...on this site..just look to the left and you will see how to get into it. We have great response...More uke nuts read this column than any other....thanks for writing and if I can be of any help...just hollar....frets - Wednesday, May 8, 2002

Question asked by: Edwin Subject: date for answers Question: No, I am not looking for answers of the opposite gender to set up a dating service. What has got me curious is when in the answer portion there is a date. Just saw one which read May 02, 2002, have seen others with various dates. If this is to reference an answer you composed on such a day how do we find them? I typed the date in the search field and was told there was nothing that matched. I really have learned a bunch here and at the bulletin board and thank everyone for that but this time I just had to ask. Answer: That is the date the question came in. They are in no particular order when I answer, becuse I need to write some for further information. Sometimes it takes a while to get it. Is there something in particular you are looking for, perhaps I can help...thanks for the kind words....Keep writing in and reading the columns...tell your friends...chuck - Wednesday, May 8, 2002

Question asked by: Jon Subject: re: my T.B. uke Question: Sorry about the wrong spelling of UKULELE, and the poor gramer, but I was in a hurry. Answer: John...don't worry, there are many people who are not in a hurry who can't spell euchalellay...this is an example of one of the dozens of ways I have seen ukallalay spelt. keep writing in....don't care how you spell ukieleelee just as long as you right...frets,.... - Wednesday, May 8, 2002

Question asked by: Ed Subject: Excel uke Question: I can't seem to find any info on an Excel #BX902 uke. Answer: That makes two of us...Anyone out there know what this is....frets - Wednesday, May 8, 2002

Question asked by: Herb Subject: Martin 2M? Question: Chuck, I'm getting back to you on my previous question. I was out of town on business when I saw this uke so don't have a pic. The owner said it was bound on top but it was solid mahogany in color. It appeared to be 20" as opposed to 23" in length. The owner was a guitar maker and repairman. In my mind I wondered about the "binding" but didn't want to get into a pissing match with an "expert". Can it still be bound and be one color? If I get back to that town I'll make sure I have a camera. Thanks, Herb PS: He wanted a grand for it. Answer: No...a style 2 has a definite white border, then a black stripe and another smaller white strip...but don't worry, if he is mistaken about the uke he is also mistaken about the price...1000 may be a little high for a 2 but its the right price for a person who knows nothing about ukuleles..why shouldn't he know nothing about the prices as well...no need to go back and get pics...go to a music shop and look at a the Marton book by Mike Longworth...There are pics of all the ukes...send one to the seller...frets - Saturday, May 4, 2002

Question asked by: Kerry Char Subject: Shireson Brothers Question: I read an old uke-yak from Gary the Grandson of the founder of the Shierson Music Co. You gave an e mail address for him that no longer works. Do you have a current e mail address? I have several Shireson instruments Ide like to talk to him about. Thanks Answer: Kerry, I have just the one email..His company name is volu-tone and it is located in the Simi Valley in California. You can reach him that way...if you have problems, give me a hollar...chuck frets fayne - Saturday, May 4, 2002

Question asked by: Carl von Baeyer Subject: Uke Stick Question: Chuck, my Uke Stick arrived last night and I was sure you'd be interested to see it. This is an instrument intended for uke practice when you don't want to bother people nearby. (See www.risa-music.de/english.html ). The instrument is very solid and well made, with an ingenious design as you see. It is as easy to play as any soprano uke. The sound is tiny, as it is supposed to be, but consistent across the strings, and it sounds okay amplified (sound sample on that web site). I don't think this is the world's smallest playable ukulele, but it's probably the smallest sounding one. What do you think? Photos:      Answer: Hi Carl and welcome back to the yak....Thanks for sending this pic. I have known about this uke for a year or so. Somebody sent me a pic. However yours is the first, first-hand report. It sure is wacky looking. I think I will order it because I love to play in bed after my wife has gone to sleep...as so many of us do...and it keeps waking her up unless I play "Down Among the Sheltering Palms...which makes her slip into a deep, deep sleep where she dreams of me as I once was. Try it. It seems to work for everyone. Either that, or your wife will wake up and beat you over the head with because you have a tiny uke. Its always nice to hear from you..You have interesting stuff. Best from the Yak...Frets Fayne - Friday, May 3, 2002

Question asked by: D. Dawson Subject: Japanese Question: Just scored for $40 a fiddle- backed, wooden uke (light colored and light weight) w/ wooden pegs and label inside says "Indiana Ukulele Company, Nagoya, Japan." Ever heard of such a thing? Stays in tune OK, but the wooden tuners are a challenge to stay put a G-C- E-A and experiences a slight buzz when played too fast or hard. Any info greatly appreciated on what I have, how old it is, what it's worth and how to make it mo bettah. Mahalo nui, - Mainland D. Answer: Second Indiana uke I have heard of in one week and ever before. There is one up for sale on Ebay now...It is Black in color. Japan has never been known for its Ukuleles. Collectors have, for the most part, stayed away from them. They have not been made very well. The exception is the Yasuma company, which made a martin tiple that you cannot tell from the original and a Guitar, I played a year ago, which was wonderful. I think they are trying to edge into the market. I think the Indiana is a modern made ukulele and I look forward to playing one soon. I would change the tuners to a better brand and look around inside for the buzz. It might be a loose brace or possible a fret is too high and needs to be pounded down.( pounded is only an expression, don't pound anyting on a uke. Please give us an update as you try to solve the problems. We are always interested in the new stuff around. Thanks for writing and perhaps your buzzing is a "B" string..Boy..thats terrible. best..frets - Friday, May 3, 2002

Question asked by: Bob Subject: The Question: Chuck, Can you inform on how to identify an authentic vintage Hawaiian made Hilo Uke (the good ones)? You have said before that the originals were good but the later models are not worth the time or money. I wanted to add an authentic vintage Hawaiian Hilo to my collection but am not sure what to look for. Thanks! Answer: Bob..I could tell if I had them in my hands..I think it would be an easy job to tell a brand new instrument. The original Hilo ukes were made in the 30-40 and would have some age to them I have no idea what is on the headstock of the New Hilos...If I were you , I would contact the Hilo company in Hawaii or get on their website and either see what they look like or get them to send you a cataloge of their instruments. You would then know what the new ones look like. I think you will now when you have one in your hands. I have located on page 174 of the Chris J. Knutsen book by George Noe and Daniel Most, a picture of the original Hilo Ukulele. Get a copy of the book but in meantime I will describe the headstock decal to you. It a oval yellow and red decal with a surfer at the top. It reads 'Hilo Hawaiian Ukulele" It has red palm trees on either side. Hope this has helped..chuck - Wednesday, May 1, 2002

Question asked by: bluesboyroy Subject: More or The Mele Question: Dear Chuck, More on this The Mele uke and another question. I'm hoping to send you the front picture I took of this Uke. There are no washer marks on the head stock , indicating the type of tuners needed. I've never used push violin tuners before and did not find anything on your friend Bernunzio's web site. Is there another idea before I strike out on my own. "Patience Skywalker"? Photos:      Answer: roy...strike out to a violin shop,..,,take your uke and they will be able to find tuners to fit. Best I can do...chuck frets - Wednesday, May 1, 2002

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