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

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Question asked by: The Slug Subject: Unknown Uke Question: Hi Chuck, My friend is selling an older uke with an interesting fretboard on ebay, but he has no idea what he is selling. Can you please give him a clue as to what he has? More pics are available at the the auction site: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl l?ViewItem&item=861733129 Thanks a ton, Chuck! Photos:      Answer: It is a regal ukulele made in the l940. I used to know the name of the uke but it has slipped my mind...I think it was the columbia. It been a long time since I have seen one. It is a low grade of Koa and not particularly well made. I wish I had a better report. frets - Tuesday, April 23, 2002

Question asked by: Dennis Harding Subject: Kamaka strings Question: Chuck- I know you prefer the Kamaka strings for ukes and I have searched the web for an adress or phone number for Kamaka to order strings and can't find anything. Can you tell me how to contact them or how to order strings? thanks, Dennis Answer: Dial 808 5551212 and ask for Kamaka Ukuleles ..they are on the main island. frets - Tuesday, April 23, 2002

Question asked by: Carl Subject: What's Shirley playing? Question: what's shirley playing? Photos:      Answer: Dark town strutters ball...on a l928 Kamaka style 1 Pineapple uke that I wish I owned. Where did you get the pic?..its terrific....Nice to hear from you Carl...best...The bunch at Uke Yak... - Monday, April 22, 2002

Question asked by: Harold Tuch Subject: What kinda Martin? Question: I've had this Martin uke a while, and would like to know what i've got. Where's the serial #? It has 2 CF Martin & Co. Nazareth, Pa. stamps -head and in soundhole, but nothing else. It has 3 different pegs. Any ideas? Thanks. Answer: Harold sent me a pic and the answer to his question is...there is no serial # Martin on ukes other than the very first few and then they no longer numbered them. His uke is a Style 1..dark binding around lighter binding and four small dots on the fingerboard. Earlier model with imprint of C.F.Martin on the back of the headstock and inside. Nice uke...thanks for writing...frets - Monday, April 22, 2002

Question asked by: leslie/raleigh, nc Subject: new at this Question: HI. I've inherited my father's baritone uke. All the books seem to be for the sopranos. Is tuning the same? Are the chords the same fingering? What's a good resource for a very real beginner like myself? Thanks. Answer: The fingering is the same. The chords will be different because of the difference in tuning. The best place to find out all you need to know is the products section of this site. You will find books, cd's, video's and people who will come to your house and place your hands on the uke...O.K I lied about the person...But do visit the On Line Store. You might also want to venture into the bulletin where the den of ukenutz hold court 24 hours a day. They will be able to answer all your questions. They will even answer questions you have not asked. I never miss reading the Bulletin board. If you love to talk, but you don't want to travel a great distance to yak...the bulletin board was made for you. thanks for visiting and welcome to Ukedom..frets fayne - Monday, April 22, 2002

Question asked by: John McDonald Subject: Tahitian Ukes Question: I read your answer about Tahitian Ukes, but when we were in Tahiti I saw a different style. It was not solid, but with a sound box. It was light wood and highly angular. It was prevelent through out French Polynesia. Can you give me any infnormation, particularily where I might locate one? Thanks John Answer: My immediate guess would be French Polynesia. That's one of those things you just have to shop around for. I live in australia and am closer to the product. I will do what I can to see If I can locate a source.Will look into it...If any of you out in yak land know of a source, please write in ...Thanks all..chuck - Sunday, April 21, 2002

Question asked by: josh Subject: re: low G on a concert Question: comment and a question here... tom b asked was worried about a low G string (do some sit-ups, it'll help) overpowering the sound of his uke. i felt the same way at first, but now i only string my ukes with a low G. i guess it's a matter of preference, but i loves it! just thought i'd toss my 2 cents in...also, senor frets, is there any way you could post a pic of your infamous nunes radio tenor, the one you love so dearly (and every uke nerd is searching for)? is it in the visual history? thanks! Answer: You made me laugh with the low G-string line. Thanks for you input..always appreciated. I will try to put a radio tenor pic up on uke yak...I am pitiful at doing that kind of stuff, but I will have greater minds than mine do it...thanks..frets - Sunday, April 21, 2002

Question asked by: Mike Peterson Subject: Hilo Hawaiian Question: Fretman - I've read all the Hilo Q&A and am still confused. I just purchased a pair of Hilo Hawaiian Ukeleles, soprano and baritone, (Ebay #855408771). They are stamped "Made in Western Germany" inside the sound hole, and I think are from the early 50's. The baritone plays and sounds great! The soprano plays and sounds weaker and is harder to finger than my 1998 Kamaka concert. My questions include: Are these the good ones? From the 50's? Was this a good deal? What kind of of wood is this blonde? Could the baritone handle the higher tension from regular uke tuning? (I'd rather just focus on uke chords when learning songs rather than transpose back and forth from guitar chords.) Why are there so many soprano ukes when concerts are so much easier to play and sound better? Hope your answers include some of the same. I love your column and am considering quitting my job so I can read all the back issues! Hang loose. Mike Answer: Mike...unfortunatly, I can answer all your questions with only one answer. The modern made Hilo ( not the vintage hawaiian ones) are not very well made. I don't know if the baritone will take a higher tuning. I would assume that if it is not a pin bridge it will not. There are many more soprano's because that is what most people saw for so many years. Its only in the last 10 years that the larger instruments are becoming popular. I like the concert also. Don't quit your job. Print out all the uke yak answers from the last five years and take them to work and read them there.. You won't have to quit...they will fire you...best...frets - Sunday, April 21, 2002

Question asked by: Dave Subject: Strings Question: Chuck: After doing a bit a research(including the comments in this forum), I purchased a Fluke and I am very pleased. The sound quality is very surprising. What type of strings are best for a Fluke? Thanks in advance. Dave. Answer: I use Kamaka Black strings for most of my ukuleles. I like the fact that they break in very quickly. Did your fluke come without strings? The reason I ask is, that I have ukes that have had the same strings on them for years and I like them better that way....or did you wear them out. Thanks for the report and were happy you like your fluke....frets - Saturday, April 20, 2002

Question asked by: Rach Subject: solid body electric Question: there's the Konablaster sold by elderly.com :) Answer: an answer to the solid body question...thanks Rach... - Saturday, April 20, 2002

Question asked by: Tiki King Subject: Electric Uke Question: Aloha Chuck! Regarding Marks question about a solid body Electric Uke, I know Elderly Instruments offers the "Blue Star Konablaster" they can be seen at: http://www.elderly.com/new_instrume nts/180N.htm Hope this helps! Answer: How are you "Your Highness"...Thanks for yet another answer to the solid body uke question...See you all over the place. Nice to hear from you again...the gang at UkeYak thank you..frets (gang member) - Saturday, April 20, 2002

Question asked by: bluesboyroy Subject: weather conditions Question: Dear Chuck, I have a great opportunity to write and ask another mind bending question. I just got delivery on my first Kamaka uke from Hawaii. It is used and recently repaired( split back). I'm in southern New Jersey, U.S.; and I've read some cautionary items about the change in weather conditions that could effect my uke. Can I have your valued opinion? Answer: Roy....I think the weather conditions you should look out for are: avalanche, a lightning bolt hitting your headstock ( or your head for that matter)...Flood..now theres a bitch...Now to the real questions...Changes in humidity. I always de-tune a uke when I am not playing it. Rapid changes in humidity can cause the strings to stretch and do damage to the bridge or the top of the uke...I wouldn't worry too much about a vintage uke..It has seen most of the weather changes and survived them. I have had many ukes and the only damage has been a stress crack now and then -nothing you can do about that- and a bridge or two popping off. Just remember not to tune them up to high and leave them that way...hope this has helped. frets - Saturday, April 20, 2002

Question asked by: Doug Uke Subject: electric ukulele Question: Risa Music - a German company makes a solid electric guitarlele that looks is the size of a tenor ukulele. I have never used it but it looks interesting. They also have a "ukulele stick" which I own and is good if you travel a lot and don't want to take a regular ukulele or, if you are like me, you like to practice quietly on the airplane or at home in an apartment building. You can find both at http://www.risa- music.de/english.html Risa also occasionally sells instruments on ebay. Answer: Boy, I've learned alot about solid body ukes. My file is busting...Another thanks from the Uke Yak bunch...frets (bunch member) - Saturday, April 20, 2002

Question asked by: Bernie Subject: solid body ukes Question: Mark asked about solid body ukes. John Kitakis of Ko'olau ukuleles makes some beautiful solid bodies. They have a great web site and make wonderful instruments. http://www.koolauukulele.com/ Answer: and yet another answer to the solid body question...Thanks Bernie and write us again....Were having another grab bag question day. If the answer I have fits the question you send in...You win absolutly nothing. Try it ..its fun...frets - Saturday, April 20, 2002

Question asked by: David Subject: Beltona blue Question: Hello Chuck, I received my beltona blue uke a few months ago. I ordered the model with the concert length neck. The sound is very unique. The workmanship is very good and Steve at Beltona was very helpful in answering questions before and after purchase. He was even willing to customize the neck inlays (real pearl) for a very fair price. It is very fun to play! Thanks for all the good fun and practical information too. Answer: David...thanks alot for the Beltona report. I love mine, I'm glad you do yours as well. Thank you for the nice words...Its nice to know you enjoy the column. - Saturday, April 20, 2002

Question asked by: Malcolm Manning Subject: Kumalae Question: Dear Chuck, i have recently bought a Kumalae koa soprano uke, & was wondering if you could date it for me. I would have sent 3 photos, but i can`t, so thought this 1 might give you the best clue. love the site. regards, Malcolm. Photos:      Answer: Thats an odd place for a decal,(on the butt) but I have seen them there before. They are referred to as cigar labels. Thank you for sending more pics to me personally. Your uke dates from the 30's-40's....Its a nice one...good luck...You might want to place it on the Marketplace on this website..We get great results. hope you get what you want..( The Stones l973)....frets - Saturday, April 20, 2002

Question asked by: mark Subject: Question: Is there a non acoustic electric ukelele Answer: Mark...I know of a Korean made 4 string mandolin that you can tune like a ukulele. It is a solid body and looks like a little fender...I will see if I can find out who makes it and will post it on this site or write you personally. If someone out there knows of anyone making a solid body electric ukulele, please let us know...thanks..frets - Thursday, April 18, 2002

Question asked by: Huss Subject: Buying a L&H Uke Question: First of all, excuse me for my poor english, but it's not my native language. I would like to buy a Lyon&Healy Uke, but I (as well as the guy that is selling it) don't know the price of it. It's a uke that has the shape of a small Balalaïka(or something like this)and it's dark brown with a little green around. There are numbers on it : 8828 and 5330 at the outside and 2623 at the inside. There's a flight case with it too. Could you please help me ? Thank you very much . Answer: Your english is fine. Where are you from?..The ukulele you describe is the mahogany shrine ukulele made by Lyon and Healy in the l930's. It is very,very collectable. I would not be surprised to see that uke with the original case in excellent condition sell for 1500.00 U.S. I hope you get it. It is a beautiful ukulele and a fine player. Perhaps on of L&H finest. Let us know how it works out. chuck fayne - Thursday, April 18, 2002

Question asked by: tom scott Subject: uke Question: have you ever heard of CANDELAS ukes ? they make guitars. in east L.A. Answer: Yes I have...there used to be a place on sunset blvd that carried them 20 years ago. They may still be there..Its across the street from Guitar city. I have a picture of the candelas Guitar company from the early 20's with all the makers at the desks making instruments. I know little about the uke other than they exist. I have never seen one. hope this helps..frets - Wednesday, April 17, 2002

Question asked by: Charley Montroll Subject: Apology Question: Hey, Chuck- I just wanted to apologize for what was essentially a 1:00 a.m. sleepy blurt of nonsense (my recent posting about the "philosophy" of ukes & toddlers). I deserved the sarcasm my post received, having tried - immaturely - to level some myself. You've always provided a valuable means for collectors to get answers about their ukes that they might not otherwise be able to find, and I wish you continued success in your music and your magic. Anyway, Have a great Spring, Charley Montroll Answer: Hey Charley..no apology necessary. If there is a lesson to be learned from this, I think I learned it. Never do anything at 1:00 a.m. when your sleepy ...but sleep. However, if you do temporarily slip and try to make sense at 1.am and don't... your friends will always understand. Thank you very much for the very nice letter. I hope you will keep in touch no matter what the time. If the truth be known, I am very happy you are introducing music to children...The ukulele has brought me more pleasure than I can ever express, And has given me a chance to know people like yourself. What a blessing. cheers...frets fayne - Tuesday, April 16, 2002

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