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

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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: 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: allen lentz Subject: flamingo ukulele 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 Godfrey on the box. Can you tell me the value of this ukulele? Would you know if anyone would be interest in buying it? Answer: Nice piece. If you find the right collector a couple hundred wouldn't be too much. Especially with the box. Stick it up on our marketplace on this site and see what you get. Thanks for the letter and read our bulletin board while you are traipsing. I just learned how to spell that word. I hope I remembered it correctly...chuck - Monday, February 4, 2002

Question asked by: Frank Yourek Subject: Lymana Ukulel Question: Dear Chuck, I am learning to play Uke on a Kamaka Soprano Deluxe new (Jim Beloff's new soft felt picks are wonderful.....) Ukulele. I dearly love it. I want to have a Tenor in my future. I talked to David Fujikake at Uke World or Uke Store or some such at the Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center, and he said Lymana Ukes are the best. Have you ever heard of them? Can you please tell me whatever you know, as I want to send in a deposit tomorrow or Tuesday, Calif. time, for a Tenor, for delivery in 3-6 months or longer.....refundable. It would be very helpful to me if you could answer this. I love your whole list of questions. I have scanned them and read all I like, will go back and read rest soonest. Keep up the good work, and if you can't help me......"no worries.......".... Sincerely, Frank Yourek (frankyourek@earthlink.net) and Thank you very much.....!!!!! Answer: Frank..this is tshe first I have heard about a Lymana Ukulele....I really like the money back part. I wish all the builders would do that..It would get the instruments out there faster.,..If any of you yakkers know about the Lyman Ukulele please let us know. If you get the uke please write in a report., Thank you lots for the question...chuck - Monday, February 4, 2002

Question asked by: Ed Subject: Buying a Uke Question: I am a guitar player and I want to learn the uke. Could you recommend a good quality uke in the $1000 price range. I was thinking Kamaka, is there better value out there for the money? Also, I was thinking Barritone, are there advantages or Disadvantages to this style uke. How Bout' "Bear Creek" ukes.? Answer: Ed...Kamaka makes a wonderful 8 string Tenor. Perhaps the best around. I don't know how much they are,..they pop up for sale on ebay once in a while. They really are beautiful instruments. I would contact Kamaka and see how long the wait is and how much they are. If they are too much, write back and I will give you the names of a couple of makers who might want to make an 8 stringer.....good luck...chuck - Monday, February 4, 2002

Question asked by: Jim Eden Subject: Hawaiian ukulele Question: Hi Chuck: Hope you can help me out. I have a Hawaiian ukulele made from Koa wood. It is pretty beat up, 2 cracks on the top,bridge needs to be re-set etc. There is no makers name, only a crest on the head stock Made in Hawaii. Do you have any idea of its value? Sorry I have no image to send.It is not bound on the top or back. Pretty basic but made of Koa wood. Thanks Jim Answer: Jim ..If I told you how many ukes were made that fit your description, it would floor you. I need to see a pic. It could be very valuable and it could be nothing at all. Do your best to get a pic to this site or to my private email number. Will do the best I can.... thanks for reading and writing...frets - Monday, February 4, 2002

Question asked by: Matt Viotto Subject: Strings Question: Chuck. I am new to the uke and would like to know what the very best strings are for all around playing. I just got a new concert uke and it came with clear nylon. My Kamaka Soprano has black strings that I like very much. Thanks in advance. Answer: Matt..I like like the Kamaka strings most of all. They are the best all around I have found. I order them directly from Kamaka. If I can, I try to get as many used strings as I can. I like the sound...But I am a little different than most. best to ya...keep writing...chuck - Monday, February 4, 2002

Question asked by: Greg Mace Subject: Pick-up in Lili,u Question: Hi Chuck, I am interested in adding a pick-up to my Kamaka Lili,u, What do you reccomend? I have heard that some of the bug type pick-ups are very good. Also the Fishman under saddle types are OK too. I want to have minimal structural alterations to my uke. Thankyou, Greg Mace. Answer: Use the saddle pick-up . Its the best out there..Minimal structural changes. Small hole for the pick-up. You will be very pleased. The bugs are not reliable.....thanks for writing...frets - Monday, February 4, 2002

Question asked by: Gene Subject: Ukuele Martin Question: I opener an old trunk that was packed away in 1934.In this trunk is this Ukuele and I am trying to find out more about it. It is a Martin,C.F.Martin Co. Mazrath,Pa. Est 1833. It is in perfect cond.except for missing 3 strings. also have orig. canvas case & copy of Self Teacher. I would like to tune the Ukulele with new strings where is the best place to buy strings and get info on how to restring this insturment. Would apriciateany information that you can provide me. ThanksGene Answer: Gene...I sound like a broken record today, but you have not given me enough information to go on., Martin made many styles and sizes of ukes...They fit your description so far...This is an open plea to all of you out there. When asking a question about a uke, please accompany it with a description. It sure helps alot. The fact that your trunk was packed in l934 is a good thing. Now all we need is to find the year and model of the uke. Send a pic to this site or my personal site..cfayne@bigpond.net.au....will do my best., Purchase either martin or Kamaka strings at your nearest good Music store. they will work best and take the uke and have them tune it first time. send pic...chuck - Monday, February 4, 2002

Question asked by: Don Evans Subject: Kamaka F2 Concert Question: I have a Kamaka F2 Concert that I boutht in Honolulu in 1969. It is dated Feb 26 1969. There is a tiki on the neck above the KK logo. Can you tell me anything about the significance of the tiki and what the approximate value of the uke which is in really excellent condition. (I have the original strings.) Thanks a million. Answer: Don, ...from what I understand the tiki is ornamental. But don't rub it. You have a nice uke from a collectable time. Your uke is worth 400+ if it has a case. My suggestion would be to play it. It is my favorite size uke made by Kamaka.....stay tuned..something new every day...chuck frets fayne - Saturday, January 19, 2002

Question asked by: Nick Turkovich Subject: Question: I have recently started playing and I'm wondering if you could give me a suggestion on a good uke to purchase. I have an Applause soprano, but it doesn't feel right, I have a hard time with my finger placement. Would a bigger uke be better? Do you know anything about Mele or Brudah ukes from Maui, would this be a good buy? I need help. Thanks Answer: I have no first hand information about mele or brudah ukes. I would place that question on the bulletin board. I read about those ukes from time to time. I have no idea what you want to spend for a ukulele. It would be very difficult for me to suggest a uke without that information. The price range is so wide. Please write me back and let me know your budget, if that is comfortable, and I will do my best to advise. thanks for writing in. frets - Saturday, January 19, 2002

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