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

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Question asked by: gordyramz Subject: What is it?? Question: Hi, I have an old Martin Uke that seems to be between a Style 3 and Style 5 according to the Gruhn book. It has 7 ply binding around the body and 9 ply around the sound hole. Any idea what it could be? It can be seen on ebay, item number is 851346693. In ebay, do search, then search by item number. THANKS, g Photos:      Answer: That is the standard style 3. It is the last incarnation of the style three. No it is not a four. I only saw one uke that could have been a four. It is not a five in any respect. It has no abalone, the fretboard is wrong and the binding is not correct, and it looks exactly like a style three martin. Other than that...nothing. It is a style 3. keep strummin....frets - Friday, March 15, 2002

Question asked by: Walt Whiffle Subject: Auntie's pineapple uke Question: Hi Chuck, My Aunt gave me this old uke. I'm wondering if it's a valuable old Kamaka or what? Here's a picture of her playing it by the pool. Mahalo! Answer: The pic didn't make it. Please send the pic to my home email..look below this answer a couple for the address. Will help if I can see it. I hope you don't need to know what kind of pool it is...I have no knowledge at all about pools. chuck - Friday, March 15, 2002

Question asked by: steve Subject: Mayfair Ukes Question: Hi Chuck,Do you know anything about Mayfair Ukes? Answer: Regal made according to the catalogs. If this is a new uke instead of the vintage mayfair, I know nothing. thanks..frets - Friday, March 15, 2002

Question asked by: Jim From Texas Subject: Aloha Hawaii Uke? Question: Hi Chuck, I just bought another uke.(is there a cure for this?)It has a label reading 'Aloha Hawaii'.The head stock has a crest with two figures standing on each side of a shield under a crown. I didn't pay too much for it (11 bucks). Any ideas about this one? Thanks, Jim Answer: Jim..your description sounds like a million other ukes made for the tourist trade in Hawaii...that is not to say it isn't a good ukulele. I can tell you one thing, 11 dollars was the bargain of the year. I don't care what it is. If its hawaiian its worth many times that. Enjoy it and if you can get me a pic, I could do a better job of dating it for you...thanks again...frets - Friday, March 15, 2002

Question asked by: Jerry Subject: Uke with girl's face Question: Chuck, Rosa Portell at the Stamford Museum pointed me to you. For years I've had this very old camp (?) ukulele that has an original litho of a pretty black girl on the face. Her singing mouth is the sound hole. The sticker on the head says Ferry Quality, and there is some kind of chord-maker on the neck that has a patent date in the 1920's. It was found in an old house here in the Chicago area. Can you tell me about it? I've never seen another. Photos:      Answer: does it say camp uke.???I have never seen one like it either but I think it is terrific. I love the painting. I have seen alot of ukes that attempted to use the soundhole as a mouth _ best so far was the laughing uke- but this one ranks right up there with the best. Hang on to it or mail it to me. Its a winner. The chord maker probably has nothing to do with the year of the uke. But then again its might. How does it sound....thanks for sharing that with all of us. chuck - Friday, March 15, 2002

Question asked by: Doug Subject: custom uke on order Question: Hi Frets, Just thought I'd share my enthusiasm with other like- minded uke players. I've ordered a very special 4 string tenor, dedicated to my daughter, Violet. It will be made of very flamey koa, purple heartwood headstock overlay, purple and white maple rope binding etc. Also, her (Hawaiian) middle name will be on the headstock, along with a Hawaiian quilt print pattern on headstock. Dancing hula girl, palm tree, rising full moon, star of her birth stone (diamond) on fret board. I wrote a lullabye for her (she's only 2 now) and every night we sing her to sleep with it. Soon we'll have "her" uke! Hope I can part with it on her wedding day in 25 years!! Mahalo Brah Answer: Your quite a dad. Start teaching her the uke as soon as she can hold it. Who made this beautiful uke. thanks for sharing...frets - Thursday, March 14, 2002

Question asked by: Doc Meachum Subject: Question: Hi Chuck. This isn't a question. Please don't take offense, but it's a grammer thing. In your answer below, you want to say "they're" instead of "their." Thanks for the great uke yak column! ============== ======== "I love it not because Jim gives the wife and me first class round trip tickets to anywhere in the world for saying their great...only kidding...there one way and economy class..." Answer: Doc...thanks..and I won't take offense. Especially if you tell me which they're your referring to. The one that appears before the word "great" or the one that appears after the word "kidding"? They are both incorrect. So they're you have it....Thanks for writing, it lets me know you read the column and thanks for the nice words. I is not always write. frets - Tuesday, March 12, 2002

Question asked by: Patty Subject: HARO MADE IN GERMANY Question: HI! I recently bought a old ukulele and I can't seem to find anything out about it. It measure 16". Right below the bridge says "GUARANTEED NOT TO SPLIT Made in Germany". Around the hole is some kind of "plastic" and inside is a picture of a lady(I think) playing a ukulele and it says "Haro Instrument Made in Germany". I was wondering what it is worth and history about it? Thank you for your time, Patty Answer: Hi...I have no idea what the Haro uke is. Sounds like it should be made in Japan instead of Germany. "GUARANTEED NOT TO SPLIT'...I think that means it won't leave. I would love to see a picture of it. Please try to send to this site or my email address. thanks again...frets - Tuesday, March 12, 2002

Question asked by: Bob Subject: Southern California Music Company Question: I bought this uke at a yard sale in the Catskills of New York and was wondering if you could tell me about it. It came with a case that opens from the bottom and the label inside reads: "Hawaiian Ukulele - Southern California Music Company, Los Angeles, California." As far as any dates, there was a little ad inside for a La Fontaine Ukulele System pocket instructor - copyright 1919. A friend said that Martin made it and it is made out of Koa wood? Any clues? I've attached a pic to help. Thanks, Bob Photos:      Answer: Bob..three things I can tell you right away. It isn't Koa. Its Mahogany. It isn't a Martin and your friend knows nothing about ukuleles or wood and its not Hawaiian. Regardless of what the label says. So.California Music company had many, many makers manufacture for them Nunes, Kumalae, Martin...However,the martins that were made for So. Cal Music were clearly marked Martin and had an impression on the back of the headstock that said. So. Cal. Music Company. If it were a Martin, with that many dots on the fingerboard ( by the way what are those dots..paper????) It would need to have tortois-shell binding on the edge of the top and this looks like it does not. Now what I can tell you for sure. Its a Ukulele. Who made it, I have no idea. If you wanted to you could remove the so cal music label and see if there is anything below it. Look on the back of the peghead for some kind of a stamp...If you find it let me know. I have been wrong before.,.I think....It may have been someone else., sorry the news is not terrific but keep playing it., frets - Sunday, March 10, 2002

Question asked by: Nick Turkovich Subject: advice Question: I am currently playing an Applause soprano uke. I'm looking for something better and I want to spend around 150-200. I have read your advice on Flukes and I am considering buying one. Could I do better in that price range. Or should I stay with the Applause. Answer: Nick..look into a fluke. It a great uke for the price. for any price. The applause is a good uke too. They are very different and sound very different. Is there some place you can go to play the fluke..if so...do it. you will be very surprised...Its success says alot. I endorse the fluke because I love it not because Jim gives the wife and me.. first class round trip tickets to anywhere in the world for saying their great...only kidding...there one way and economy class...All kidding aside, you will love the fluke. let us know what you decide and why? frets - Sunday, March 10, 2002

Question asked by: Portland Uke Subject: What is it? Question: Hi Chuck, I picked this uke up for $100. There are no markings on it. Can you tell me what it is? It looks like a Martin to me. It's about 26 inches long. Thank a lot! Photos:      Answer: Port...It does look like a Martin, But, it should be clearly maked inside and either on the headstock or the back of the headstock. There is a chance that it is an employee made instrument and in that case it needs no markings. The tuners are absolutly not martin tuners. They look more like the Kamaka Tuners. Regardless of what it is, Its worth 100.00....I'll give you a chance to double your money sight unseen., hope it sounds good. thanks for writing. frets - Sunday, March 10, 2002

Question asked by: Bob Subject: Thumbs! Question: Chuck, I'm starting out on the ukulele and want your opinion on thumb-strumming. Should you keep your thumbnail as short as you can or average length. When I strum up with the thumb the sound is much different than strumming down with the fleshy part - the thumbnail changes the sound that much. And it's not that long, maybe a sixteenth of an inch. No, this is not a joke question. And if I qualify for dumbest question of the year award, send me the prize. Thanks - I check out the Yak everyday. Answer: Bob..you don't even come close to the dumbest question of the year. I understand what you are tallking about and its for that reason that I use the second finger ( pointer) for strumming. I use the thumb sometimes but I use it more for picking than for strumming. If your not going to pick and don't want that type of sound, file the nail down so it doesn't touch the string, but remember if you do you won't be able to pick up a sewing needle when you drop it. ( from the Mt Idy Hint book)...I hope I have helped....good luck as you start out. It won't take long, I promise..Check out the book on this site to help you get going....thanks again and keep in touch...chuck - Friday, March 8, 2002

Question asked by: slim Subject: What is Godfrey Playing Question: Hello Chuck, I recently viewed the movie "The Glass Bottom Boat" with Arthur Godfrey playing what looked like a cut away Baritone uke. See the attached picture. (Sorry the uke is cropped). What kind of instrument was it? Sounded real good Answer: Slim..It looks like a vega baritone perhaps the solo lute..Those large square fingerboard markers are very Vegaish ( made up that word)..It is obviously custom made with the cutout. thanks for asking...chuck - Friday, March 8, 2002

Question asked by: lynne lasser Subject: kumalae uke Question: Chuck, I'm considering bidding on this you-know-where, though it has a tight 3" crack bottom back. Condition otherwise looks stellar. Marked Gold Award 1915 on headstock. What do you think it's worth? For more pix, see item #1521878644. Thanks! Answer: Lynne...It absolutly georgous...I'm not sure how to advise you. As far as the price goes, its is still decent. It all depends on what you can afford and are willing to pay for the instrument. It is the next to the top of the line., The only difference between this and the top is the rope binding on the back. The wood looks fabulous. Does it have a case? That would be a consideration for me. I would not be surprised if this uke went for 600+. Good luck..I hope it goes your way...chuck - Thursday, March 7, 2002

Question asked by: howard finkel Subject: Hank Robinsons Jazz Uke Question: Hi Chuck, Have you played Hank Robinsons Jazz Uke ?. It's an archtop, tenor size instrument with f holes. It sure looks purty but before I part with some hard earned cash, I would like to know if it sounds as good as it looks. Your advice has done wonders for the Beltona Blue, mines coming within the next week. Thanks agai Answer: Howard, the best advise I can give you is to get the uke on a money back guarantee. If you don't like the sound and you can return it and only pay the postage. I think every maker who has faith in their product should offer that option. Your opinion is what is most important. We also need your report here on the yak..If you like the uke you can do the same for Hank as I have done for the Steve and the Bentona. Please write Hank a letter and ask for that consideration. Every time I have asked a maker to do that for me, ...they have. I have never been refused and I don't believe Hank will refuse either. Let us know either way. Thanks for the question...It gave me a chance to spout my feelings concerning something I feel strongly about. frets.... - - Thursday, March 7, 2002

Question asked by: Oscar Subject: The difference? Question: What's the difference between a tenor and sprano ukulele? Physical and sound? Answer: A tenor is almost twice as big as a soprano. The sound is much deeper. a soprano is about 21 inches and a tenor can be 23-24 inches long. They are two very different ukuleles. There is a size between them ....its called a concert and a size larger than a tenor. Its called a baritone. If you get Jim Beloff's book..The Ukulele a Visual History" , which you can order from this site or purchase at any good music store, you will have more information than you ever wanted. It will explain in detail the differences and show examples. thanks for writing and keep in touch...always ready with an answer...frets - Wednesday, March 6, 2002

Question asked by: Carl Subject: Rhetorical question Question: Can I find out more about this funny guy Chuck Fayne by reading the latest issue of "Uke Said It!", the newsletter of the Ukulele Hall of Fame Museum? Answer: Carl... I have no idea. I only know frets fayne a distant cousin to chuck fayne. But it must be nice to be talked about. thanks.....frets ( name witheld) fayne....and thanks carl..nice to hear from you.....visit again soon... - Wednesday, March 6, 2002

Question asked by: Tom Subject: kamaka Question: Hi, I recently purchased this Kamaka and I was wondering about it's age. I know the labels don't help but are there any other things I can look for. Also, I paid $180 for it. Whether it was a fair deal I'm not sure but I do enjoy it. Photos:      Answer: Tom...This uke was made in the 50's maybe even the late 40's. Its the older style. 180 bucks ,if it is in great shape,is a deal. I would have paid that. It should have a great sound. That early soprano did. In the next ten years Kamaka was to make their first real change and today's soprano is what they changed to. The one you have is more the traditional Hawaiian style. The new ones are kind of a break with tradition. They have a wider body, different fingerboard. They still have the great Kamaka sound but ones like yours are quite rare. good find. have a good time and thanks for writing us here at the yak...chief yakker chuck - Tuesday, March 5, 2002

Question asked by: roy mayberry Subject: new martin baritone ukes Question: How good are new martin baritone ukes? Are they a decent value? Thanks roy mayberry Answer: Roy...I don't know exactly what you mean by new martin ukes. They were first made in 1959 and were discontinued a few years ago. They were the most recent of the martin styles. They are all the same. If there are any new martin ukes, they had to be special orders from the factory during the few years they attempted to make ukes again. Martin baritone ukes are wonderful players. Are they a decent value? I don't know. They go anywhere from 750-1000...If you want one bad enough they are great buys. They won't make any more. I think there are better sounding baritones out there..Kamaka for example...My favorite sounding larger martin is the 15t tenor guitar. All mahogany, bottom of the line. Only slightly larger than a baritone uke and can be strung with gut strings and played exactly like a baritone. The difference is the sound but most of all ... the fingerboard. Best fingerboard ever made for a four string instrument.. try one if you can...thanks for the question..keep writing in...chuck - Tuesday, March 5, 2002

Question asked by: Tiki King Subject: Emenee Gold Banjo Question: Aloha Chuck, and welcome back to the yak. Regarding Jenny's question, I had the opportunity to play with an Emenee Gold Banjo that is in the collection of Ukulele Dick. It was pretty much a "toy" Uke. Plastic construction, Sound was a banjo-ish version of a plastic Uke. Looks neat though, and a fun addition to a collection, if you are into Banjo Ukes. Cheers! Tiki King Answer: Hello your honor...nice to hear from you again. And thanks for the valuable information. I'm sure Jenny will be thanking you as well. Your all over the place. Nice to hear from you again....your pal...frets - Tuesday, March 5, 2002

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