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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

Question asked by: ant Subject: Conrad Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I just bought a 1940s Conrad ukulele on Ebay. Do you have any info on this brand of ukulele. I know it's probably going to turn out not to be included in the Pantheon of Ukulele Manufacturer Gods but I'm just curious. Answer: I have seen Conrad Ukes and I remember an advertisement for them from a music house in the 40's. If I remember correctly they were grouped as a package with a couple of other ukes. No they will not reach the Pantheon of Ukulele Manufacturers because they were not manufacturers. I have never seen Conrad listed as a maker only a brand. I will now go look up Conrad in my messy library and see what i find. I will let you know if its anything more. best chuck... - Saturday, March 2, 2002

Question asked by: ALLEN LENTZ Subject: flamingo ukuleleI Question: I have a Flamingo ukulele made by Emenee industries, late 40's or early 50's. 21 inches long and all plastic. still in box with picture of Arthur Godfey on the box.can you tell me the value of this ukulele? Answer: To the right collector and they are out there...a few hundred dollars wouldn't surprise me, especially since you have the box. There are plastic collectors out there...get on the bulletin board and contact them that way. Its easy to do. Just go to the left hand side of this page and punch bulletin board and ask your question...You will get answers raining on your head. thanks for writing in...keep tuned for the next installment....fayne - Saturday, March 2, 2002

Question asked by: pete Subject: roy smeck ukes Question: I found my first roy smeck uke the other day and would like to get it back in playing condition-the wooden body needs some gluing but will probably be ok-my question is is it possible to replace the molded plastic fretboard-i guess I played it quite a bit as a kid learning to play and some of the frets are grooved-a Answer: You are a multi Roy Smeck Uke owner???I'm impressed. The plastic fingerboards were not only used on the Roy Smeck Ukes, they were used on other Harmony ukes. You have to search. They are not uncommon. I knew someone once who had a bunch of them..I am going to try to remember who. You might try McCabes Guitar shop in Santa Monica ( John Zehnder) or John Bernunzio at Bernunzio Vintage Instruments in Rochester N.Y. John might be the best bet. He has the largest known collection of Roy Smeck Fingerboards in the World. Unless it is just a little gluing, I would have it professionally done. Good Hunting......Dead eye frets - Saturday, March 2, 2002

Question asked by: Paul Subject: Tangi? Question: Hi Chuck, I currently have great fluke and an applause soprano that I enjoy. I am interested in a decent all wood ukulele and am intrigued by the cost of the Tangi ($150 - $185). Unfortunately, I cant afford some of the nicer instruments. Do you have any experience or info on them? Thanks - Paul Answer: Paul. I have personally owned a Tangi instrument and found them not worth the money. For the price you want to spend, I would be patient and search around for as decent older hawaiian. You can find them all over. Put your wants on our Marketplace on this site. Look to your left, you will see the word in the black column. You will find a uke in your price range that will suit your needs. You should be looking for a Kumalae, Royal Hawaiian...early Hilo...let us know if we can help you further. If I hear of anything, I will let you know....Please use the Marketplace and the Bulletin Board. I think I have suggested those combinations in the last three answers. But the communication on this site is remarkable. Try it out...good luck and be patient. chuck - Saturday, March 2, 2002

Question asked by: Nick Harris Subject: Old Ukulele Question: I have a old ukulele. I have no idea how old or who makes it. I was wondering if you had any information. It says on the inside Supertone with a little harp logo. It has six strings. I tried to find it online. I think it might be a old sears one but really have no idea. Well if you can help please email me. Thanks Answer: Nick...I would like to see a picture..A six string supertone uke is quite rare. Is it six different strings or are two of the doubled. You can tell by the spacing on the nut. Supertone was for and distributed by Sears....Thanks for writing.....chuck - Friday, March 1, 2002

Question asked by: Granjon Sylvain Subject: Gibson UB1 Question: Hello Chuck, I want to bye a Gibson UB1 (yuku-banjo) Can you tell me what you know about this instrument? Thank you. Sylvain from Paris Answer: Sylvain...now nice to hear from you. You have a very good little banjo uke. It is the smallest of the banjo ukes. They are very good sounding. They were made around l925. I have one a love it. Use nylon strings not steel and you will enjoy it alot. thanks for writing....chuck - Friday, March 1, 2002

Question asked by: c. bennett Subject: what uke to buy Question: hi, Chuck I'm new to the ukelele world and I'm wondering which uke to look for. I would like a vintage uke with some decoration(rope binding or inlay)but definitely one that's playable. My range is about 300-500. What's a good size to start with? soprano or tenor. I'm a guitar player. Answer: I would look for a Kamaka or a Kumalae. You should be able to get one the way you want it for the price you want to pay. They are both great players. Make your wants known on the bulletin board and the marketplace on this site. You will get a response. Let us know how it turns out. chuck frets fayne III ( minor third) - Friday, March 1, 2002

Question asked by: Gail Feddish Subject: Marin Ukelele Question: I am interested in purchasing a Martin Ukelele. A good quality instrument, that I am willing to pay a fair price. Do you have any suggestions or recommendations. Thanks, Gail Feddish Answer: Gail...same advise as answer just before you. Go to the bulletin board or the Marketplace on this site and make you wants known..Someone may have what you are looking for. Hope this helps....chuck - Friday, March 1, 2002

Question asked by: Char Morris Subject: Duke Kahanamoku ukulele Question: I'd like an idea of the value (cost) of a "Duke" soprano, in very good condition. Looking at one as a gift for my guitar and banjo-playing husband.How much is too much? Thanks in advance. Answer: Char..its a tough question to answer. The Duke Uke has been made for many years and in many styles and grades., If you find a good koa pineapple or regular soprano from 30's=-40's...you could spend 250-300 bucks. If you get a more modern one, not made from koa you should pay not more than 150 dollars. This is in good shape of course. I hope I've helped..I know its kinda sketchy, but the question is very complex. frets - Friday, March 1, 2002

Question asked by: Nick Turkovich Subject: Follow up ? Question: Thanks for answering my question on Mele ukes. As for my question about a good beginner uke for me, you asked what my budget looks like. I'm looking for something in the $200 range. New or Used. I also want to know if a concert is easier to play than the soprano. Thanks Answer: If you have been a guitar player a concert uke is easier than a soprano. If you are just beginning, it makes no difference what you learn on. If you have huge hands you might want to stay away from as soprano and look at a concert or a tenor. Also, go to the marketplace site and bulletin board and see what you find. Frets - Friday, March 1, 2002

Question asked by: John King Subject: Piccolo Ukulele Question: Chuck, The smaller than soprano ukuleles were known as _Midgets_ The first marketers of these instruments that I have have found are James Anahu and Ernest Kaai, from 1913. Midgets were also made in the taropatch style, probably 8 strings arranged in courses of twos. In the 1917 inventory of the Anahu shop there is one Midget mould, as opposed to 92 soprano moulds, so they did not make a lot of these small Answer: John...thanks for the info. Always good to hear from you. I saw a small mando uke...( turnover uke) the last time I was in Los Angeles. I have also heard of a small p-nut uke. I used to have quite a few of them. Thanks again for your information. Its always valuable. frets - Thursday, February 7, 2002

Question asked by: Herb Danziger Subject: Favilla baritone Tuning Question: Hi Chuck, I just purchased a Favilla baritone uke. It has 2 nylon and 2 wound metal strings. I have tuned it as the last 4 strings of a guitar. Is it possible to tune it like a soprano uke? Is there any reason why I shouldn't? What strings do you recommend using for this type of tuning? Thanks...Herb Answer: If you mean tune it up to the pitch of a soprano...there are alot of reasons. The first and most important it will pull the bridge off and hit you in the head if you are lucky., The spacing is the same as a soprano when it is tuned like the last four strings of a guitar. don't do it....chuck - Thursday, February 7, 2002

Question asked by: Russell Golobic Subject: Uke Recordings Question: Hi Chuck, Thank you for all the great postings, I have learned much from you, most importantly which ukes NOT to buy. I have been playing uke for about a year and a half (been playing bass guitar for 13 years) and now own over twenty- five ukes (granted, most are plastic or Harmonys). My third uke purchase was my best, a mint Johnny Marvin with the airplane bridge. If anyone is looking for a quality uke, I highly recommend the JM! I have been playing around with recording songs on my computer using my JM and my bass guitar. I am no Jim Beloff or Chuck Frets, but the result is pretty interesting, so I thought I'd share. Check it out: http://www.users.qwest.net/~schlumb erger/tunes/ Answer: thanks the nice letter and thanks for sharing.....frets - Tuesday, February 5, 2002

Question asked by: Bruce Barnett Subject: picollo uke Question: Dear Chuck, have you ever run accross a smaller than soprano koa uke with tuning pegs, all koa, thanks,Bruce Answer: Yes many. Most of the Hawaiian companies made smaller than soprano ukes..Kal-Lei made one with a perfume bottle but the little uke played...not great. I had a Kumalae and a Paul Summers., I have also had U.S.makers., I had a koa s s stewart with red binding. In the 20's and 30's it was popular to sell small ukuleles in the gift shops....many survived. Why the question? just curious frets - Tuesday, February 5, 2002

Question asked by: Frank Yourek Subject: Lymana Ukuleles Question: Dear Chuck, I asked about the Lymana Ukulele a week or two ago.....correction on my part conerning my original question. I assume my deposit is refundable, as the Uke takes 3-6 months or more to make, but I never asked. I do not plan on asking for a refund once I order anyway. At the time I was just searching for a 2nd opinion on Lymana's Ukulele's. I still would love to hear what anybody has to say, but I am ordering anyway, as I am very pleased with what Ukulele House and Daniel there told me. He even sents pictures of one. Several other people since have told me they are the wonderful ukulele's. Kawika also gets highest praises, and Kamaka and Ko'aluo (possibly misspelled) also are very highly thought of by all I have asked. I know my Kamaka Soprano is wonderful, and again Jim Beloff's soft picks really make a sweet sound. Thanks again. I am still looking forward to hearing what all of you have to say. Answer: OK GUYS...AND.....GALS....lets hear what you think about a lymana ukulele. I know nothing about them. I know about all the other instruments mentioned, and would like to know about the lymana. write in.....the 1000th reply wins a big prize. winner to be announced at the super bowl...oh thats already over....frets - Tuesday, February 5, 2002

Question asked by: Dave Rampton Subject: uke anonymous? Question: Help! I started playin one two years ago. A co-worker saw me playing and gave me a treholipe then I saw a cute plastic Lisa in a store window. Now I have 15 ukes and more coming in the mail. I've replaced bridges and nuts on the wall hangers to make them sing again. Some times I have as many as five all tuned and strum the same turn arround on each one. Is there a limit and how can I hang/rack them in order to have good playing access? Dave in need of more hands to strum Answer: Sounds like you need more wall space. Your only limited by your budget and I think the best way to hang them so you have good playing access is within reach. Sounds like you have the bug...Welcome to the uke itch club. thanks for sharing....frets - Tuesday, February 5, 2002

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: If you got the guts Question: Regarding guts: They are made from the intestines of dead, hopefully, animals. Armor meat packing company made a lot of them. I kind of recall Mike Longworth, in his book, or in conversation, indicating that Martin bought strings from Armor. Remembering that nylon uke strings didn't get to our neighborhood music stores until 1946+. I've come across old gut strings on ukes and in packages accompanying ukes. Considering that they are real old dried up animal intestines, the likelihood of them bein useful would be slim. I've always liked the colored ones. Did a CD with about ten ukes using gut strings, which I got from Bernunzio in Rochester, NY http://www.bernunzio.com/NEW/. I've heard a rumor, which I have not tracked down, that because of mad cow they stopped being important so not now available. It was fun hearing what the ukes sounded like before plastic. regards, robert founder Answer: AS Usual...thanks Robert...Always glad to hear your thoughts. Mad Cow???? I hear if you play a uke with strings made of a cow with mad cow disese you have the desire to dance. I love your letters, they are like no others. Keep em comin' friend.....frets - Tuesday, February 5, 2002

Question asked by: Ken Bailey Subject: Minneapolis, Minnesota Question: Aloha Chuck, could'nt help but Chuckle (pun intended) about your reply to Bob Claytons Minnesota inquirey. In all seriousness, some of my best vintage Uke acquisitions have come from believe it or not, that Uke hot bed, Minneapolis. There's a couple of gentlemen up there with some big time collectables. Mahalo, Ken Answer: Who'da thunk...Minnesota a hot bed of ukedom. Well its nice to know. See if you can get the big collectors to join the flea market music fest. We have a party here 24 hours a day. Its nice to know that when I am sleeping, someone is writing me a letter. I'm never alone.....thanks for your info...I'm off to Minn. to search for the pot of ukes.....chuck frets fayne - Tuesday, February 5, 2002

Question asked by: Sean George Subject: Baritone ukes and eletrics Question: I play the baritone uke, and I pretty good at it. I like having four stings, but I also like an eletric sound to play around with, is a solid body electric baritone even made. Or should I just "chump-out" and get an eletric guitar? Answer: Don't know of a solid body baritone uke being made today., You might want to try contacting Dane Heilman about making you one. You will find his email address in previous yaks. Just enter Duane's name and you will find the address. He would be the one to make it for you. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. Have you ever thought of amplifying you baritone uke? A simple saddle pick-up would do the job nicely. It has a great sound. Let us know what you find out. If you find a solid body baritone...pass the info along. thanks for writing.....frets - Monday, February 4, 2002

Question asked by: Murray McDole Subject: Gut strings/ Question reply Question: Re Martin tenor and gut strings. Thanks fro your proompt reply! Yes decal is on front of headstock, don't know if dots are large (I'de say average),fret bars are silver and I believe what they call "T" shaped. Binding is tortise shell and appears to be plastic, which should put it post 1937. But, it has only 12 frets to the body (I understand some had 14) and 18 in total. The strings are in an officieal Martin sleeve and are labelled "true gut, natural color. They do say "Approved Musical Strings", but5 bear C.F.Martine and co. etc. The third string is "wound on silk" and purple feather wound into it's end.Looking at them, I'm pretty certain they are real gut strings. Answer: You have one of the older models and yes it should have l8 frets in all. Sometime they changed to 14 to the body but nobody seems to know when. Interesting about the strings. Try them out..they might be great. thanks for all the info..chuck - Monday, February 4, 2002

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page