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

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Question asked by: Doug Uke Subject: Nunes Radio Tenor Question: Having read so much about the Nunes Radio Tenor, I am wondering if it is possible for you to post a picture of this wonderful instrument. Thanks. Answer: I will try to post a picture. Its not easy for me..I am a computer moron...thanks for writing...frets - Monday, April 1, 2002

Question asked by: Ray Subject: Fret board Question: Hi Frets just been lookin and seen answers about the cleaning of a fretboard. I have used very fine wet & dry sand paper to clean it. it works very well also removes most of the finger grooves then put Ebony wood dye on it. its like new after Answer: Ray..if it works for you...great...Most purists I know would not want to tamper with the fingerboard in any way. Thanks for writing in and keep it up...cf - Monday, April 1, 2002

Question asked by: Ken Subject: Signed Keech Banjolele Question: Hi Frets, I have owned this tool for lots of years and love it like one of the family. It is a Keech banjulele, serial no L/B792 Registered design 767518 and marked "patent applied for".. It is in mint condition (see photo) with original case, banjo key, case key and spare sets of gut strings plus felt plectrum, and is fitted with an elephant ivory bridge. The back has a resonator plate finished in a fine sunburst to match the front and the instrument is concert size with ebony fretboard and beautiful action.I play it a lot but with lots of care as I do not want to damage the finish in any way. The Question is this, on the back resonator, just below the heel of the neck, the uke is signed in script handwriting Alvin D Keech (it could be Alun), Scratched very competently into the varnish. I have handled several Keech ukes but have never seen one signed in this way. Do you think that this has any significance? I would also be interested if you could give me any other info, value etc. Part of my collection is shown on the photo, I know that you are not over keen on banjo ukes but thought you might be interested. Best wishes from Croydon, Ken. Photos:      Answer: I have seen many different Keech Banjouleles, as he called them. The name is Alvin. I have seen them signed and don't know if there is any other reason other than identification. They are usually well made. As I am sure you know he and his brother Kelvin were the inventors of the banjo uke. Value in that condition...upwards of 400 dollars depending on the collector. Hope this has helped....nice collection...keech in touch....frets - Monday, April 1, 2002

Question asked by: Linda Wilson-Gray Subject: Hollywood uke Question: Hi Chuck, As I was browsing through the Uke Yaks I saw Elise's question about her Hollywood ukulele. My dad gave me a Hollywood banjo-uke when I was about 11 or 12 years old. That was a looong time ago! I still have it and I am bitten by the uke bug real good! My banjo-uke has a red stripe with Hollywood on the head stock. Could it be the same company as Schierson? My banjo-uke is priceless to me, but can you tell me what it might be worth? (Dad replaced the skin when he gave it to me back in the late 60's.) Any info you can give me would be greatly appreciated! linda Answer: It is the same company, but they did not make the banjo ukes. They only distributed them. The red stripe is exactly the same as the uke. The uke is worth about 200 dollars. Keep it and play it. thanks for writing in...frets - Sunday, March 31, 2002

Question asked by: Ben Subject: electric baritone uke Question: I seem to have a problem finding an electric baritone ukulele. I figure it's nearly impossible to find on the internet, if possible at all. Could you help me find what I'm looking for? Thanks. Answer: Try Kamaka...They will make you one special order. They are fabulous. You will own one of the best ukuleles in the world. Bob Gleason at Pegasus guitars also in hawaii will make you one. Let us know how it turns out. chuck - Sunday, March 31, 2002

Question asked by: David Bowles Subject: maikai ukulele Question: I own a maikai ukulele,i don`t know when it was made,the maker is J.W.J.S.M& co.can you tell me any thing about it.i have tried several sites with know luck.it is a four string uku.it don`t have the matal strings.any help would be appreciated. Answer: I will get you the name of the manufacturer and sent it to you in an email. Maikai was distributed by Schierson Music Company in the l940's. It was not made nor should it ever have metal strings. It will sound horrible and a good chance of breaking the bridge. It is made for nylon or gut strings. Good luck..Frets - Sunday, March 31, 2002

Question asked by: Herb Danziger Subject: vamp runs Question: Chuck, Are there any simple ways to figure out a nice sounding introductory run to a song? Thanks, Herb Answer: Herb...No....frets - Sunday, March 31, 2002

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: fret's board Question: Mike Longworth caught me using liquid metal polish to clean frets. He advised that he had always used very fine steel wool. No fluid spill over. robert Answer: Thanks Robert as usual. Fine steel wool it is. frets - Sunday, March 31, 2002

Question asked by: Tom B Subject: Cleaning the fretboard Question: Hi Chuck: I just acquired a 30-something- year old Kamaka Ohta-San concert. It has that lovely worn look of an instrument that was played a lot but never abused. The fret wires have a little green tarnishing, however. What can I use to clean them that won't hurt the fretboard itself? Thanks again for your informative and entertaining site. Tom Answer: Tom. I personally wouldn't do anything to it at all. But if it buggs you, take a little metal polish and be very careful not to get it on the fingerboard.. andjust rub lightly. Even if you got a little on the fingerbord, it wouldn't hurt it much. If It has lasted 30 years, I'm sure its had worse than a little polish on it. I have a feeling that you could also just rub it with your fingers and to amuse yourself while you are doing it, strum with the right hand. That is called playing and it will clean the frets guaranteed.. congrats, thats a nice instrument. great shape and great maker...frets - Friday, March 29, 2002

Question asked by: Kevin (The Ukulele Bike Guy) Subject: Telling The Difference Question: Hi-Dee-Ho Chuck! Bob asked how to tell the dif between a soprano and a concert uke. Just count the frets (don't count yourself) Also, my wife will tell you the concert burns longer. Answer: thanks for the funny reply...made me laugh...However, it is not always the only way..There are 12 fret concerts, 14 fret concerts...the only real way is to measure (don't count yourself)..I understand the wife comment. My wife used to say" I understand the ukes, but do the cases have to be in the living room also."...good luck...sounds like your well on your way...frets - Thursday, March 28, 2002

Question asked by: Murray McDole Subject: banjo uke Question: I just got interested in a banjo uke. There are several around under $250. I like a good sounding uke and by comparison this sounds (boy does this sound funny and wierd) inexpensive. Can one get a decent banjo uke in such a price range? Will it sound decent at all? Answer: sure you can get a good banjo for 250.00..If you put gut strings on it it will sound better. There is a fellow who sells a new banjo uke on ebay, ( he also makes them) for a decent price. I will look and find out the name..You can fine him..He always has a buy it now for about 185.00 bucks..don't quote me on that price. I wish I could remember the name. I wish I could remember where the hell my car keys are. I wish I could remember. let me know how things turn out...frets - Thursday, March 28, 2002

Question asked by: Dave Subject: Lanikai Question: Frets: I really enjoy reading your comments here. My friend was thinking of buying a Lanikai ukulele. Have you heard anything about ukes made by Lanikai? Also, I am in the market for a vintage uke. I am checking the Marketplace on this site. Can you offer any other suggestions for the So. Cal. area. I'm guessing that prices will be better in a good store rather than some internet auction. Thanks! Dave. Answer: I know nothing about a lanikai ukulele. But there's a good chance someone out there in ukeland might know. The music store in So Cal would be Mc Cabes Guitar Shop in Santa Monica...310 8284497...ask for John Zehnder..he will be able to help you. Good guy, old friend and marvelous musician. Nice combination. As far as a vintage uke..keep looking on the marketplace, you might want to put your wants up on the site....also keep in touch with me, I hear of stuff all the time...good luck and keep in touch..p.s. say hello to John for me. frets.. - Wednesday, March 27, 2002

Question asked by: steve Subject: 8 string baritone Question: For years I've wondered about the existence (even feasibility) of an 8 string baritone uke. Easier to play (?) than a guitar, but with a full, mellow sound. I just found your website thru a fellow barbershop singer. What in the world is a taropatch, other than a field in which you grow (gag) poi? Answer: A taropatch is an 8 stringed native hawaiian instrument that is about the same size as a concert uke with a wider, thicker fingerboard. It got it's name from the taropatch where they grow (gag ) taro...There are many makers of 8 string Baritone Ukes. Go to the link section of this site and start writing around to the makers. Someone will have one in production. They pop up for sale all the time. You might want to place a want on our marketplace. All this is possible from your friends at fleamarketmusic and your friendly Texaco dealer. It must be a wondeful feeling to know that your years of wondering are over. If you are unable to find a maker who has one or is willing to make one, please write back or write me personally...cfayne@bigpond.net.au and we will help you further. best ..frest... - Tuesday, March 26, 2002

Question asked by: Casey Nakatani Subject: Restoring a Kamaka Question: A friend of mine has given me an old Kamaka ukulele. Unfortunately, the back seam is separated (split) from the body, and the bridge broke off. How much would it cost to fix it and do you know of a place to repair it in Los Angeles? Answer: Casey...I can't quote price, but take it to McCabes Guitar shop on Pico Blvd in Santa Monica and ask for John Zehnder. Tell him Chuck Fayne sent you. He will be able not only to fix it, but tell you how much it will be. Its worth fixing. Say hello to the gang for me...You will be among friends..thanks for writing and keep in touch...frets fayne - Tuesday, March 26, 2002

Question asked by: Jamie Subject: UKE 101 Question: OK Chuck, I think I've dived head first into the ukulooney band wagon and hit my head a little too hard. I just read Jim's "Visual History" to myself, to my children, to my mother-in-law, to unsuspecting strangers in the inspection station waiting room... I thank Jim, you, and everyone else responsible for creating that great little book. Your uke collection is mouth watering. I've fallen in love with the Smeck Vita Uke, and The Camp Uke, and the Cocolele, and the Bell Ukes, and that elegant "Non- Pareil" Uke detail... well, you know. They're mostly your ukes. But, what is the story behind the Hilo Ukes? My first uke (1973) and second uke (1996) are both Hilos. Every Hilo I've ever tried to play has had very bad intonation and sounds perpetually out of tune. This is extremely discouraging to a beginner. Is this a typical Hilo problem, and why they aren't mentioned by serious uke enthusiasts? My son and I have both acquired Flukes within the last year, and they are far superior to any uke (all Hilos)I've ever played. Now I can't wait to get my hands on a Kamaka, a Martin, a Nunes, a Dobro... (I think I've got it bad!) Answer: Jamie..thanks for your kind words and welcome to ukedom and this site. The Hilo uke that people talk about is the Hilo of old the 30's and 40's..The modern ones are, in my opinion, not worth the money- and they don't cost that much either-...You havn't got it bad, you got it good. Talk a walk on the wild side and explore this site. Keep you busy for years. Stay in touch. Even when frets is away, there are small elves working at their benches creating answers for yet to be asked questions....I never read to my Mother in Law. What gives??????frets - Tuesday, March 26, 2002

Question asked by: Jim Shimensky Subject: Nunes Ukelele Question: Good afternoon, I recently ran across what appears to be a refinished Nunes ukelele at a music store. I am familiar with Kamakas and Martins, but very unfamiliar with Nunes ukes. This ukelele is made out of koa and is standard sized, with no fancy details whatsoever. There is a label on the inside that reads somewhat like "Richard Nunes, grandson of Manuel Nunes." It also contained some numbers, but I can't remember what there were. The store had $349.00 marked on the tag. My question is: Does this sound like a Nunes, or is it a fake with a label to throw off the buyer. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Sincerely, Jim Answer: I would have to see the ukulele tell you exactly what it is. However I have handled hundreds of Nunes Ukuleles, both by Manuel , the father, and Leonardo the son. No label I have ever seen made reference to a Richard nor have I have I ever seen the word grandson used at any time. The world of the Nunes ukulele ended with the son Leonardo. From the description you have given me someone is pulling your nunez. Nunes ukuleles are also not numbered. Hope I have helped. chuck - Tuesday, March 26, 2002

Question asked by: Bob Subject: Telling the difference Question: Chuck, Kind of an elementary question but... How do you tell the difference between a soprano and a concert uke based on pictures? Thanks in advance, I really enjoy the Uke Yak. Bob Answer: Bob..It would be impossible to tell from a picture. I can tell , but only on martin ukes because the bottom bout on a concert is larger than the soprano. You would need the measurements. A soprano is about 21 inches long and a concert is about 23 inches long. If you could really tell size by a picture, dating services would send pics of things other than faces. Heres looking at you...frets - Tuesday, March 26, 2002

Question asked by: David Talsma Subject: Uke guru Question: Hi, I was wondering (and others albiet) if you could put out a bio of yourself, how did you end up in the outback and have you been playing and collecting ukes all you life? Also if you were sent to spend the rest of your life on a remote island, which uke would you bring? (only one). Answer: David. We ( my family and I) moved to Austsralia for the safety of our children. I started playing a Ukulele when I was seven years old. I have always owned at least one. I started collecting seriously about 20 years ago when a Martin O could be bought for 10 bucks at a flea market. How times have changed. If I were sent to a remote island, the uke I would take would be the Motorboat Uke and get myself of that Island. In the boat I would have my Leonardo Nunes Radio Tenor Ukulele. Thanks for asking...Frets - Tuesday, March 26, 2002

Question asked by: Jeff Subject: Ferry Ukes Question: Chuck, Jerry asked about his "Camp Uke" with a black woman's face and a sticker that says Ferry. I have a 1926 catalog from Ferry and Company, Chicago, Ill. That model is called the "Topsy" and sold for $6.95 ($5.55 if I ordered within 15 days),and came complete with a Ferry EZ player. Ferry has many models of ukuleles, banjos, tenor banjos, banjoukes, guitars and mandolins and an EZ player for each one. The booklet is full of customer testimonials -- "It took me just four minutes to play Old Black Joe." The book and uke belong together, and since there is little chance Jerry will send me the uke, if he will contact me at jduke@netins.net, I be glad to send him the booklet. Jeff Answer: Thanks for the update...Always welcome new information. I had never seen that uke before and I liked it alot. I will file this under " information sent in by nice and intersted people"....thanks again from all at the yak.... - Tuesday, March 26, 2002

Question asked by: David Talsma Subject: Question: Hi, Did you ever recieve a link from me about a new article my local paper ran on myself? Answer: No, but I would like to...please attempt to send it again. chuck - Tuesday, March 26, 2002

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