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

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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: Alan Springer Subject: Bruko Question: Hi Frets,I recently wrote about a "Peach"uke that I have been restoring and wanted to thank you for your reply to the question.It is finished and plays and sounds good (not pithy at all).My question is about another uke I just bought.I have seen a couple of comments on this site mentioning BRUKO ukes.I just got a mint condition Baritone BRUKO and was wondering what you can tell me about BRUKO. Thanks,Alan Answer: The Bruko is a German made ukulele. Of questionable quality. I have played a few of them and find them to be uninteresting. I am glad your ukulele is not Pithy...There is nothing worse than a Pithy Peach. best chuck - Tuesday, March 26, 2002

Question asked by: Chris Subject: Question: Hi Chuck, Just found your site! Wonderful! I just bought my first uke... never even HELD one before... so I'm pretty excited. This is the description of what I bought (auction -- haven't received it yet... I can't wait!!) Harmony Baritone Ukelele. Made in the 50's or 60's and refinished a year ago. Beautiful tone and sustain. Made of all solid mahogony wood. The fingerboard is made of rosewood with pearl inlay and shows no visible wear on the fret bars. Excellent play action and sounds beautiful. There was a crack on the back and repaired when it was refinished. Overall length is 30 inches. My questions: I paid $93.. is that a decent price? (I know, I should have researched BEFORE I bought!). Secondly, will I have to look for special chord charts, etc., since it is a baritone? Thanks! Photos:      Answer: Chris...nice uke, good price, and check out Jim's selection of books on this site... The chords are formed the same way, it is just tuned lower. It is tuned the same as the last four strings on a Guitar. Good luck...frets fayne - Tuesday, March 26, 2002

Question asked by: Tom B Subject: Kamaka 1928 Pineapple Question: Hi Chuck: You've mentioned how much you like the 1928 Kamaka pineapple. There currently are a couple of so-advertised ones on that auction site whose name escapes me. But looking at them, all I could tell is that they're not modern. How would one know if they're actually from 1928? And also, is a Kamaka from, say 1935 or some other year so inferior? Just wondering. Sorry if this is a stupid question. Thanks again for a great, informative and entertaining site. Answer: The site you are referring to is Ebay. The two examples that are on the site are kai-lai ukuleles. They are instruments made by Kamaka and Lai in 1928-1935. They are Kamakas. There was a link in name only. The 1928 Kamaka has a label that says l928. No Kamaka is inferior and the ones made around the year l935 may be some of the best ever made. Kamaka, as I have said before, is one of the only companies, in any field, that has maintained such a high degree of excellence for so many years.I'm curious why you would think a Kamaka from l935 is inferior. Just wondering too. Your question is not stupid and thank you for the nice words. Keep reading...Best from the Mt Idy Gazette....Gafrets..... - Friday, March 22, 2002

Question asked by: Ray Subject: Just a bit of info Question: Hi Frets Just a bit of info if anyone is interested . I have just started to play a uke banjo but I have restored about 3 upto now.I can`t play a song yet so I get a friend to try them for me.I set them up as i was told to by someone with a tuner but they never sounded as good as my friends. One of the banjos I got was off my friend just needed a clean sounded ok but I was not very imprest with it, that was until I found a very good web page How to setup a banjo on Building blue grass site Bill Palmer`s page.I followed his instructions that would apply to a uke banjo, I was amazed with the sound & what a differance it made . My friend say he would like it back as it sounds like never before and wants to know how I did it but thats not been told yet keep him woundering!! Hope this my help someone as it helped me as it don`t cost out to try it out Answer: Hey Ray...thanks for the good info. I'm sure you have helped many people. Getting a banjo-uke to sound good has always been a problem for me. Thanks for writing in...write any time. PS..I think your friend will know the secret now, if he reads this column Keep in touch...frets - Friday, March 22, 2002

Question asked by: Charlie Lesoine Subject: Martin ukulele Question: I own an old 0 style martin ukulele. It was originaly purchased some time before 1934. How much do you think it is worth? there are a couple scratches and such. Answer: Charlie..I know what scratches are but what are "and suches"...Those worry me. If they are dents, dings, cracks, separations, deep pits, broken necks and such...its trouble. If it is just normal wear and tear, no problem. In this wacky market today , that uke could be worth between 350-600 depending on the day and the customer. If it has a hard-shelled case add a few bucks to the total. Hope I've helped. Have to run...Its pudding night at the home. chuck - Friday, March 22, 2002

Question asked by: Dennis Harding Subject: Where can I see a Fluke Question: Chuck..I would love to buy a Kamaka but since I am just learning to play a uke that would be like having a Rolls as a first car...hard to justify...I am intriged by the Fluke uke and that you know it to be a quality instrument...does it have a similar tone as the Kamaka?...is there any where in the Los Angeles/San Fernando Valley area where I can see it and play it before ordering one? I have a cheapie soprano uke and find it to play notes higher than my singing voice...I have been told that my voice is somewhere between tenor and baritone...would I find it easier to sing along with a tenor uke instead of the soprano uke? Also do you know where I can find a folksong book ( like Peter,Paul and Mary stuff) that has uke chords? thanks Dennis Harding Answer: You can call John Zehnder at Mc Cabes guitar shop in Santa Monica. He will either tell you where to see a fluke or how to get in touch with Jim Beloff who will know a store for sure. The sounds of a Kamaka and a Fluke are different. They are both wonderful. I would have no hesitation telling you to get a fluke. You can also find out all you want to know about ukulele books from John...You might want to brouse the product section on this site. You will find something you like. You will be able to sing along with any ukulele from a soprano to a tenor. They are just different registers. Your voice won't change ...good luck and write again when you decide what suits you best. It might help someone else in the same spot. best..chuck - Thursday, March 21, 2002

Question asked by: mike Longworth Subject: Robert Pearson Question: Chuck, I never heard of the guy. If he worked for Martin and was any kind of authority on design or manufacturing, I would probably have heard of him. Over the years I have heard many things I thought or knew to be untrue. As far as I know the only Significant, but small makers were the Beitel Family from Nazareth, who finally set up in DC, I think. Then there was C. F. Hartman who was for a short time a Partner in the firm. He was a Nephew, I think. In modern times we can consider John Huber who designed the N-10, N-20, along with Don Thompson, Dick Boak and John Marshall. Only Dick and John are still there. Mike L. Answer: Well there you have it. Robert Pearson was not a Martin Enployee. Thanks as usual Mike. Always a pleasure to hear from you. Hope all is well. Best from all at the yak.....chuck frets fayne - Wednesday, March 20, 2002

Question asked by: Elise Chubinski Subject: ukulele Question: Hello Chuck, I wondered if you could tell me anything about this ukulele. It's probably from the 'twenties and has the word "Hollywood" on the headpiece. Anything you can tell me, origin, value, etc. would be appreciated. Thank you very much. Elise Photos:      Answer: elise...It was made by the Schierson Music company in the l930-40"s. It is a very nicely made instrument. They made primarily concert size ukes, which it what you have...You have ,of the four styles... the third from the top. Yours is Koa top Mahogany sides and back. It is a lovely instrument. Hollywood ukes had an unusual feature. The sides are all one piece. They are not joined at the bottom. They only made two soprano ukes I know of. One was made by the designer Robert Pearson, an employee of Schierson for many years. The other was a custom made uke for the player and arranger of many uke tunes, Ray Canfield. The other three styles are a rosewood trimmed in abalone, an all koa, and an all Mahogany. I have seen a spruce topped one but only one. Perhaps it was a special order. I believe the name came from the fact that the Scheirson Music company was close to Hollywood. They also carried banjo ukes with the same red stripe that said Hollywood, however the banjo ukes were made for Schierson. There is a rumor ,and I think it is only a rumor, that Robert Pearson was an employee of Martin Guitars at some point. No concrete evidence. I will wait for Mike Longworth to write me and let me know for sure. You have a wonderful uke..One of my favorites and you may have guessed by this answer. thanks for letting me show off...frets P.S. The value of that style is in excess of 500 dollars. - Tuesday, March 19, 2002

Question asked by: Jack Lotz Subject: Gibson Ukulele Question: I have, what I believe to be, a small wood, Gibson Ukulele with cat-gut strings, which I think was made in the 1920's. Could you give me some idea of what it might be worth to collector? Answer: Jack...Gibson made many styles, sizes and variations of the ukulele. They vary greatly in value depending on many things. Rarity, condition, style, size, shape, wood, cased or not, trim, age....etc. You can see how difficult it would be, given the little information you have provided. Please send a picture to this site or my home email...cfayne@bigpond.net.au and I can tell you in a second. You are not the first nor the last to send a question of this type to this site. I thank you for letting me , once again, remind the yakkers how important information is to the answer of their question. Go out the back Jack and send me a pic quick... "paul simon l987"...thanks for the question....frets - Monday, March 18, 2002

Question asked by: Joseph Cagigas Subject: Just starting uke Question: What type of uke and price line would you recommend for a 65 year old who has had some guitar knowledge from the past.My hand are letting me down,so i am looking for something easier on my hands. I do want a good sound and some quality.Also would need books,etc on chords tabs,etc. Thanks much,Joe Answer: You've come to the right site. On the left you will find the menu. Go to the on -line store. Purchase a Fluke Uke.. the books and Cd's you will need to learn to play are all there as well. I have no affiliation with this site other than writing this column. I would not push the products unless I really believed in them. I don't get paid...the isn't enough money to pay for something you love to do..." I guess a hooker wouldn't agree with me"..The instrument is the right size for your aging hands _ - mine are right with ya- and the uke is very light and comfortable.I know you will be happy your wrote this site. We care..so let us know what and how you did. best from the uke yak...frets fayne..ps..take a walk around this site..bulletin board, marketplace and see what we have to offer. Lots of people with lots of opinions..some even on the ukulele. see ya.... - Monday, March 18, 2002

Question asked by: Albrecht Rits Subject: Tuning a uke Question: Hello Chuck, I bought a uke at the cook Islands it has a hole at the back but i can't find information how to tune and play this instrument.I only have a small note of paper with the instructions . It has to be tuned on a other way as an Hawaiian uke they told me. Can you help me ? Albrecht Rits / Belgium Answer: They are Tahitian ukes and they are tuned the same as regular ukes. They use metal strings and are used primarily as a rhythm instrument rather than a melody or solo instrument. I kinda like the sound of them in an authentic Tahitian band. good luck..the strings hurt...frets - Sunday, March 17, 2002

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Martin SO Question: Chuck, Are you aware that if you bad mouth someone's effort to continue the revered efforts of their ancestors in ukulele production by shifting production from Nazareth, Pennsylvania, to some town along the boarder of Mexico whose previous means of acquiring income was support of binge drinking by American college students, with attended bordellos, there are people who will resent your views and will rank you as a grumpy "alta-cocker" (excuse my German). I've had the pleasure of encountering a couple of uke builders whose skills and good taste have come from long association with Martin's legendary ukuleles of the past. Kevin Hall is certainly one these crafty luthiers. I've attached a pic of the latest Timberline, Canadian, ukulele to come into my house. Kevin's choice of the "Ditson" style body for his ukes is only one example of his respect for Martin's history. The book matched Birdseye maple top, back and sides, from a "storm harvested" tree from his own wood lot, ebony (real wood) binding, and highly figured Brazilian rosewood fret board, may seem a bit over the top when compared to historic Martin ukuleles, but I can deal with it. It sounds superior. Craftsmanship is carried forward by the human spirit. Not by a Company name. As always, enjoying your yak, robert wheeler founder (a.k.a - grumpy old ......) Photos:      Answer: Your right, the craftsmanship is carried on by the decendents and deciples and not by the company name. That doesn't mean it has to be that was. Martin chose to have the deciples pass them by. Its just hard to sit by and watch on of the greatest companies lose the race. I am a grumpy old alta-Kocker...Have been from birth. Its one of my finer attributes. The timberline looks marvelous and I know how you feel about them. Your accurate in your assesments. If you were a themometer I would I would take my temperature. The under the tongue type only. As always, a pleasure to hear from you...Keep up the good work and feel free to write anytime your ...your friend and admirer...chuck frets fayne - Sunday, March 17, 2002

Question asked by: Tom Subject: Older Martins and Kamakas Question: Hi Chuck: I absolutely love and appreciate your site, and especially your knowledge, humor and generosity in sharing both. On to the questions... If I'm shopping for an older Martin (to play, not to collect), is there really any reason to favor a style 1,2 or higher over a style 0? I know the higher ones have more trim, and the 3's and 5's have more frets, but assuming that 12 frets will suffice and ruling out the all-too-rare koa ones, won't a plain-Jane style 0 sound as sweet as a style 1, 2, etc.? I just bought a Martin 0 from the 1950s or 1960s. It's in great condition and I was pleased to find that, even in this crazy market, the style 0s are plentiful and relatively affordable --- in fact they're cheaper than the new Martin S-0s. I got mine for $330. As for Kamakas, I know you favor the 1928 pineapples. Are there any Kamakas you just don't like? I want to know if there are any models to avoid. Thanks again! Answer: Tom..If its to play,the higher grade martins, in my opinion, don't sound better and in some cases sound worse. The best of the higher grades for playing is the style 3, because of the extended fingerboard. I favor the older version of the style 1. The one with the stamp on the back of the headstock and the violin push tuners. I have always like that one for sound. I have never met a Kamaka that I wanted to avoid. I love the sound and really favor the fingerboard. The neck is perfect for me. The only time they deviate from the norm is when they make a custom model. Then sometimes the neck can be a little think for me. The uke to really avoid, of the ones you mentioned, is the Martin So . Its a piece of $#%$....( cant write crap)..in my estimation. What a mistake...You got a good deal at the price you paid. Good strummin and I hope you write in again...thanks frets - Sunday, March 17, 2002

Question asked by: Jason Childers Subject: Luna Ukelele - Rhythym Band Inc. Question: I bought a Luna Ukelele manufactured by Rhythym Band Inc. I have no idea if this ukelele is worth anything or even if it is a real ukelele. I was hoping you might be able to help place an estimated value on it - I am planning on selling it if it is worth $20 or more. Thanks, jason Childers. Photos:      Answer: The only Luna Ukulele I have ever seen was made by Kamaka and it was marked made by Kamaka. They were made in Japan. I have no idea what the Rhythm Band Inc is. I think it is a group of guys who get together every 28 days and make ukuleles. I think any Ukulele must be worth 20 dollars if you can make a sound with it. Is It pineapple shaped or conventional uke shape?..I have seen both styles in a Luna. - Sunday, March 17, 2002

Question asked by: Fred Subject: Banjo Uke Question: Why do yanks not like banjo very much? as you all seem to like only ukes & tenor`s etc. never very much yak about banjo uke anyway i still love to read your page keep it up but more banjo uke yak`s please Answer: Fred..there are alot of banjo uke players in America. I am in Australia and the last banjo uke player died in the the trojan war...If you will go on the bulletin board on this site...just look to the left.,..you will find lots of players. Watch ebay and you will see alot of the same names crop up when as decent banjo uke comes up for sale. I take it you are from England. You have to remember you have a few really famous men who made the banjo uke famous. We had primarily the hawaiian ukulele until the banjo uke caught on about l920. I do think we have manufactured the best of the banjo ukes. If you have not had a chance to look at the Tsumura 1001 banjo book, please do so and you will see the most remarkable collection of banjo ukes in the world..If I am wrong and you are not from england, then disregard this letter. best from Aussieland, mt idy and once from America...frets - Saturday, March 16, 2002

Question asked by: Alan Springer Subject: Bruno soprano uke Question: Greetings from Southern Indiana.So happy to have found this website.I started out in the early 50's with a Islander plastic uke at age 10,have played guitar for years and have come full circle back to that sweet sweet sound!The uke in the photo was in pretty poor shape when aquired.It had dried out and had a couple of soundboard cracks which have been filled and cleated.The top and back were reglued and the frets re-dressed.The bridge saddle was built in wood and worn down so it had to be replaced.A black one is coming.The frets are set into the face of the neck but not sunken in.The pegs were missing so a standard set of Ping friction pegs were installed.I used a fine quality antique restoring oil on it and use a guitar type humidifier to prevent further damage. It now plays well and has a sweet tone! It has the round Bruno "Lighthouse" Label on the inside and another round label on the peg head with a picture of a peach and the words "The Peach" on it. The wood looks to me like maple or birch but I don't know enough about wood to say for sure.My question to you is,do you know about how old this might be and approximate value? Kindest regards from Southern Indiana,Alan Answer: I have seen many peach ukes...both banjo and ukuleles. I have a suspicion that regal made them for the bruno company. I don't think bruno made them. They didn't make much in ukes. As for the value, in nice condition I have a record of a Peach ukulele selling for 325.00. Glad you found the site also. Keep in touch and let us know how the peach turns out. Is it peach season down there?...They are a little pithy here in Australia...best frets - Friday, March 15, 2002

Question asked by: Carl Subject: Smallest uke? Question: Chuck, what's the smallest playable ukulele you ever saw? Are there sopranino ukuleles? Answer: About 9 inches..it was made by kalai and I also had one the same size by ss stewart. I don't know what would classify as a sopranino ukulele. I have seen a kumalae that was about 17 1/2 inches. I guess that would do it. Nice to hear from you again. Come to Australia again...chuck - Friday, March 15, 2002

Question asked by: lynne Subject: Gretsch uke Question: Hiya Frets, 2 questions, first, did Gretsch make a 5-string soprano or tenor in the 50s? Seller claims this uke measures 20.5", but headstock's got an extra hole, bridge an extra slot. Second, what do you know about a Wabash uke in a strange, boxy shape? Answer: I am not familiar with a Gretch 5 string ukulele. Anything is possible. I can't find in the catalog that they ever offered a five string. It is most likey a home made job to double up on a string. If I had it in my hand, I could tell by the spacing on the saddle. 20.5 inches is a sporano. I know Wabash was made in California in the 50's. I have owned one and am in the process of trying to purchase another. I have a feeling Wabash was a manufacturer because I know of no other uke shaped that way. I have seen a Wabash in a standard ukulele shape also. Hope I've Helped.....frets - Friday, March 15, 2002

Question asked by: Dan Sawyer Subject: Odd Shaped Harmony Question: Hello Chuck, i came across an old Harmony catalog with a model I've never seen before. It's the odd- shaped one to the right on the page (model #72). Have you ever seen or played this uke? Your impressions please. Answer: Hello your beanness...I didn't get the pic you obviously sent. Please send it to my home email address. cfayne@bigpond.net.au...I will try to help....frets - Friday, March 15, 2002

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