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

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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: 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

Question asked by: chris helin Subject: 8-string baritone Question: Hey Chuck, I was wondering how common is an 8 string baritone? I would love to get my hands on one, but I've never seen one and I'm not going to have one made without hearing it first. Any ideas? Thanks, Your friend is uke, Chris Answer: Chris,...There are makers making an 8 string baritone now. They didn't used to be common but they seem to be more common today. Kamaka has made them and I see them once in a while on Ebay by makers I don't know. I would contact Duane Heilman at Black Bear Guitars...You will find his website....and ask him how much to make you one. He is a very good maker...best...chuck - Wednesday, May 1, 2002

Question asked by: bob Subject: supertone uke(?) Question: i have a uke with a supertone pep leader instrument... id#f13410... the only distinguishable markings other than the soundhole patch is a decal of a guy with a cheerleaders blowhorn (?).... it was my great grandmother's, but what i am wondering is, what it is, who made it, and when was it built? thanks very much for your time, bob Answer: Its a cheerleader uke made in the 30-40's by Regal probably. I have seen it advertised by both Harmony and Regal, But it looks and feels like a regal..Its a collectable uke...There are people who collect comic ukes and theme ukes. This is one. Hope this has helped....They usually came with school pennant decals on the fingerboard. Frets - Wednesday, May 1, 2002

Question asked by: Brad Aspey Subject: Amplifiers Question: Can you suggest a portable, battery-powered amp that has a mic input (XLR) instead of, or including, a line input? I love the Danelectro-look and want to use it for street performing and indoor use. The smaller, the better. Answer: I have not a clue about amps. I only know what it stands for. But if you put this question to the guys on the bulletin board, I'm sure you will get the answer you want and probably something about Ghandi before the answers stop coming in. Give it a try..There all a bunch of swell people who have lots of information. Thanks for writing....frets - Tuesday, April 30, 2002

Question asked by: elizabeth Subject: nahenahe six string ukulele Question: I risked a minimal amount on a 'maui-made' ukulele - turns out it is a six string Nahenahe uke, with some repair work needed - what can you tell me about these 'ukes'? has a great, bright sound, and I'm seeking input about what to do for the repairs - thank you - always a pleasure to read your responses.... best regards, el Answer: Actually, I have heard decent things about this uke, as I remember. Where do you live and I will do my best to put you in touch with a luthier who can fix the uke? I have no first hand information about the Nahenahe uke other than it is impossible to say. If anyone out there in uke land knows anything, please help out EL.. cheers and thanks for writing uke yak...and thanks for the nice words....chuck - Monday, April 29, 2002

Question asked by: Jaye Subject: 20's Uke banjo? Question: I have a uke banjo made by Lyon & Healy makers in Chigago, It says this on the back up at the keys, my question is where can I access information about this particular uke banjo. It has only 2 of the gut srings on it other 2 are missing. I am interested in the value and a bit of history. Thank you for any help you can give me. Photos:      Answer: Jaye..top of the line L&H banjo uke..if it has the inlaid back. Even if does not, it is a classy banjo uke. Built by the Lyon and Healy company in the l920's it cost quite a bit in its day. Very collectable and a good player. Value...hard to say...to a banjo uke player and collector probably 800+...Nice score...frets - Monday, April 29, 2002

Question asked by: Herb Subject: Martin 2M? Question: Chuck, I ran across a Martin soprano yesterday. It is Mahognay and has binding on the top only. It is in very good shape. It has wooden pegs, only one is original. It is signed on the back. Can you give me approx. age and value? Thanks Herb Answer: It depends on so many things and I can't write back to you on just your name. It depends on condition, what you think is original may not be. It may have scuffs, scratches, It may be 20 inches long or 23 inches long (approx)...The binding I am assuming is white. I know whatever it is, it is an older model with the stamp on the back of the heatstock. It sounds like, if it is a soprano (20) inches, a Style 2M. I would need to see a picture to give you an exact amount but a conservative guess without seeing it would be 750+..Now that can go highter and lower depending on the instrument...Please try to send a pic to this site or to me personally and I'll do my best...frets - Sunday, April 28, 2002

Question asked by: Aaron Shear Subject: Nahenahe ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I bought a Nahenahe ukulele a few months ago. It sounds and plays fabulously. It has a small crack though, that I'm having repaired. Anyway I've been looking to buy another Nahenahe but I can't seem to find them anywhere on the internet. I live in Bellingham WA, were ukes are in short supply. I was wondering if you know anything about this brand? This is the information inside:It's a style No. 3 Serial No. 12971232, Muai Ukulele, Inc. manufacturer and distributer 283- C Lalo St. Kahului, HI 96732. It also list a telephone number which I've tryed to call(it was disconnected). It also says Member (made in Maui Hawaii) since 1996. Well that's all I have. I hope you have some information. Thanks alot, Aaron Answer: Aaron..If I were trying to track down this uke, I would try through another maker in Hawaii..Kamaka might be able to help you and I will see what I can do on my end. You can always call the Bishop Museum and have them run the name thru their index and see if they have a new listing for them..Perhaps they are still in business, but not in Hawaii. If they have changed their telephone number , the Bishop will know how to find it. Does anyone out there in ukeland know about the Nahenahe Ukulele company?..If so...Give Aaron a hand...thanks for writing, will get in touch if I find out anything...frets - Saturday, April 27, 2002

Question asked by: mike Longworth Subject: Wanamaker Question: Chuck, Martin made some of the Wanamaker instruments. Their place in the log book places the date about 1909, somewhat earlier than ukulele production. Therefore I presume they may have been guitars or mandolins. Martin stopped selling to them dues to a business conflict. Mike L. Answer: Thanks mike, I had no idea of the date. Will add this to my book of stuff. Thanks as usual and always nice to hear from you...best from all of us...chuck - Saturday, April 27, 2002

Question asked by: jim Subject: slingerland Question: I am looking for a slingerland mayy-bell guitar or bridge to a guitar. Any ideas on old pictures of this guitar or who might have one? thanks Answer: Jim...get a hold of John Bernunzio at Bernunzio Vintage Instruments in Rochester N.Y. He will know. His tele number is 716-4736140. Tell him Chuck Fayne told you to call. He is a great guy...frets - Saturday, April 27, 2002

Question asked by: bluesboyroy Subject: The Mele Uke Question: Dear Chuck, "The Mele" Uke arrived in the mail this week. It has minor cosmetic damage(paint and decals) that I have been able to mostly rub out.I've read your earlier responces,on the mele, and they helped my instinct in a great find.The binding is original and in tact. Where do I go for the correct tuners so I can string it up and hear what it sounds like? The finish is crackled like fine old furniture and the color is a deep mahogany red. The sun-shines on me these days. Roy Photos:      Answer: Dear Blue....Nice back...You have to look and see what kind of tuners it had..if it has washer marks they were mechanical tuners...no marks..push violin style tuners. I would decide which ones first and then write John Bernunzio and Bernunzio Vintage Instruments and see what he has in parts. Mele didn't stick to one kind of tuner...I have seen them with everything. Thanks for sharing it with us...cf - Friday, April 26, 2002

Question asked by: punchy Subject: baritone strings on a tenor Question: I tune my tenor Kamaka to DGBE (high D)and tenor strings seem slack. If I use a baritone strings set and find the odd high D string will this be too much tension and possibly damage the uke? Answer: I'd stick to tenor strings on a tenor uke...Get a new set of Kamaka black and they should work perfectly....frets - Friday, April 26, 2002

Question asked by: xxx Subject: Question: Answer: I'm at a loss...I need more information...frets - Friday, April 26, 2002

Question asked by: Ken Bailey Subject: Juniper's Koa Uke. Question: Aloha Chuck, "Junipers" uke was made by TB Company, Chicago, Ill. circa 1930. I've got one in my collection. Island Guitars in Honolulu, found that out while doing the research in appraising my little collection. I originally was calling it "the mystery Koa". Jim Danz and Neal Shimabukuro at IG saved the day. Answer: thanks for the info...and thanks for sharing it with us...It goes in my file..keep in touch..always welcome new information...frets - Friday, April 26, 2002

Question asked by: Juniper Subject: Any idea what I have? Question: Hello Mr. Frets, Thanks for all the cool postings, I have learned much from you! Hopefully you can tell me something about the uke I found (see attached picture), like who made it, when, and what it is worth. Here's what I have been told: THE ORIGINAL OWNER OF THIS INSTRUMENT WAS IN WW1. THE CASE HAS SEVERAL SIGNATURES. THIS UKULELE WAS MADE IN THE EARLY 1900'S AND WAS USED IN WW1 I WAS TOLD. DATED ON CASE JUNE 23 1918. THERE IS A ROUND PAPER LABEL ON THE INSDIE OF UKULELE THAT READS: GENIUNE KOAWOOD UKULELE MATERIAL AND WORKMANSHIP GUARANTEED. Thank you in advance! - Juniper Photos:      Answer: I think this uke is later than the early 1900's...the ukes that date that far back were all made in hawaii. This uke is a mainland copy of a hawaiian ukulele, probably made in the l930's. It doesn't have the headstock of a regal, however it does have the body of one. I think the case is earlier than the uke..for the uke to have been made in l918 it would have to be a one piece back including the little piece that goes over the heel cap. I think if you look closely, you will see that the neck( where it joins the body is one piece) an early hawaiian is two piece with a splice at the neck joint. I would need a better pic of the side to be 100 percent sure. Let me know about the little piece..If it is part of the back it is hawaiian if it is not..its is mainland. It is impossible to tell for sure from the pic...keep in touch...frets - Wednesday, April 24, 2002

Question asked by: John S Subject: Wanamaker? Question: Do you know who manufactured ukuleles for John Wanamaker's department stores? I was recently given an old friction-pegged uke (with one remaining gut string!) that has "John Wanamaker" stamped into the back of the tuning head. I'm interested in learning as much about it as I can. It's very well-made, in good condition, and has a beautiful voice. Any information you may be able to provide will be greatly appreciated. Thanks! Answer: Many companies made ukes for John Wanamakers'..I would need a pic to be able to tell for sure..You can mail one to this site or my personal email...cfayne@bigpond.net.au..... I have seen martin, lyon and Healy, regal, harmony, and a couple of hawaiian manufacturers. They were a big store and carried a wide range of ukes. I have a cataloge of their offerings, and it is quite extensive. Please send a pic and I will tell you what you have. With that label. The label is also a common label that sort of suggests hawaiian without saying for sure. But they are always mainland ukes...thanks for writing..hope I can help...chuck - Wednesday, April 24, 2002

Question asked by: The Slug Subject: Another mystery uke Question: Hi Chuck, I know it's a crummy picture and a pretty non-descript uke, but any idea what it is? Thanks! Photos:      Answer: Its real hard to tell what it is. But its not exciting. It seems, from the pic, to be cheaply made. Wish I could do more..frets - Wednesday, April 24, 2002

Question asked by: Dennis Harding Subject: More on Kamaka strings Question: Chuck: I was able to contact Kamaka and ordered a set of strings. Cost $4.00...for others out there in uke-land, their phone number is 808-531-3165. They can also be contacted by e-mail at info@kamakahawaii.com....thanks again, Dennis Answer: thanks for the report..I'm sure lots of people out there will want this information...frets - Wednesday, April 24, 2002

Question asked by: Richard Subject: Strings for a Martin Baritone Question: Chuck, I recently picked up a Martin Barione uke. It's strung up with "the usual" baritone strings tuned DGBE. I'm not that happy with the sound--it's no louder than my Kamaka concert for such a large box, and lacks sparkle. Any suggestions? What about those Hilo strings baritone set that can be tuned GCEA? Answer: When you say the usual Baritone strings, I am assuming that you mean the Martin strings. They should work well..Have never played a Martin Baritone that didn't sound great. I would first get a new set of Martin strings and if that doesn't work, try the Kamaka Black. If neither of those work, head for a luthier and see if he can figure out whats wrong. I wish I could do more, but its a puzzle...frets - Wednesday, April 24, 2002

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