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

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Question asked by: Mike MacLeod Subject: Nunes Taropatch Question: I purchased a Nunes Taropatch at a Garage Sale about 20 years ago for $5.00. My friend Judy Threet (a luthier of no small talent) restored it. I rather enjoy playing it, can you tell me a little about the company or refer me to a source of information. The paper label inside is stamped "litho'd 1930" (I'm pretty sure of the date, but the instrument is not infront of me as I write this)It is a plain instrument w no binding and only 1 abalone position marker, but it is beautiful Koa. Thanks. Mike Answer: Mike. all the information you need is dependent on whether it is Manuel Nunes or Leonardo Nunes. Neither used only one dot on the fingerboard. So it will be interesting to see which it is., If it does say l930 it is Leonardo. Please attempt to send a pic both to my private email (cfayne@bigpond.net.au) and this site. I can do a better job if I can see the uke. Thanks for writing in. chuck - Saturday, January 19, 2002

Question asked by: Rick Rasay Subject: Just in case... Question: Chuck, In a earlier msg, I attached a pic regarding the Machete de Rajo 5 string uke I have. As it was uploading, I got a "parameter incorrect" message. If you do not receive that earlier msg with pic attached, please let me know your personal email again so I can send detailed pics, as I have had several crashes over a 3 month period, and lost most email addresses including yours. I was hoping you could assess its value, and some months back you had requested seeing pics again. If this message has become redundant due to receiving the first one with pic, my apology. Thanks for your help. Rick PS...I have read inquiries to the Harmony Johnny Marvin uke with airplane bridge by a few of your fans. I have to agree with your description of the koa version, very light in color, and more like a golden brown. My koa JM has a moderate flame to the top shell, and sports the gold tuners with gut strings...very cool looking and compliments nicely with the color of koa. I am fortunate to have one that would potentially rate a 9++! It also has white ivoroid binding on top and bottom edges. You referred to this model at one time as the "Prince of Wales"? Can you explain...again? I have had 3 of the mahogany models as well, so am pretty versed in the differences. Oh, sorry for the segway. Thanks for listening! Answer: rick..got the pics at home.....what you have is a machete de rajo. Five strings each different. Not sure yet where it was made..portugal..first guess, but as you know most south american and latin countries made an instrument that looked like that. I call the koa marvin the Prince of Wales because that is the way it was advertised in a catalogue I have. You are very fortunate to own one...they are very rare and have a very good set of tuners. Or as we in the business say " nice set".....keep in touch...frets...must run. its pudding night at the Mt Idy home and I am on the serving line.... - Monday, January 14, 2002

Question asked by: Dave Subject: Treholipee Strings Question: I recently broke a string on my Treholippe uke. As you know the uke looks like a canoe paddle and has long strings. Do you know where I can find replacement strings? Answer: Dave...take the string and the uke and go to the local fishing store. Match the gauge as close as you can. Cut a piece longer than you need. Total investment, if they have the guts to even charge you...one dollar. It will work. I have used that technique many times on instruments that have longer string requirements than ones you can purchase at your local music store. I always like the look on the face of the man when you walk into a fishing store with a Treholippe...First ask him to fit a reel to the handle....They love people like us...Then when you try to fit a string to your uke, it won't seem so strange...When you get it strung up, sit down and play and sing. "Down in the middle of an iddy biddy pool"...They also love that...be sure and report back and let us know if you got out alive.....frets... - Monday, January 14, 2002

Question asked by: David Subject: Question: i know nothing about ukeleles. i just want to know what the standard tunings for a soprano, tenor, and baritone ukelele are. Answer: Soprano...ADF#B and GCEA Tenor is one you have to play with. The spacing of the notes remain the same. I tune to gcea when the instrument will allow. I also like the low G in tenor tuning. The Baritone is just the last 4 notes of the guitar. To the left on this site you will fine the menu.. Go to online store and order any of Jim's Beginner books or CD's on the Ukulele. You will learn all you have to know about beginning to play the Ukulele. Welcome to the club. Don't forget to tune into the Marketplace and Bulletin Board. Interesting Stuff...Good Strummin...Frets Fayne - Sunday, January 13, 2002

Question asked by: Kevin Subject: Banjo-ukes Question: Dear Chuck first Happy Palindrome (2002)! Have been reading your site for a while and see Banjo- ukes alot I wonder if there are any new ones available and what sizes they come in. I have big fingers so like tenors and baritones . Thank for you time KC Answer: Kevin...Tyler Mountaian Banjos appear for on ebay all the time. I know nothing about their quality. If you find a banjo uke too small for your fingers you might want to jump into a melody or a tenor banjo. You can string them with strings other than metal. They have a wonderful sound. If I were you I would be looking for a tenor banjo. Write John Bernunzio at Bernunzio Vintage Instruments in Rochester New York. You will find his web site quickly and have a look. Write him and tell him I mentioned his name. He pays me very well. Last year he gave us tickets for my whole family to Australia. We live in Australia. What a guy that John...thanks for writing to the yak...chuck - Sunday, January 13, 2002

Question asked by: ed Subject: l nunes uke, 1913 Question: Hello, can you help me with info on a uke i have... in the soundhole, a label indicating that this uke is made by leonardo nunes in 1913 (well before his father died and while they were still in Hawaii i think). made for sherman clay and co in San Fran. it is very plain everywhere except that it has design around soundhole. frets are in the neck, not on overlay, no pegs. Am i right in thinking that leaonardo was young when he made this? Answer: Ed...I wouldn't go on the information on a nunes label. They were known for making ukes and using whatever they had around., I had a uke that said m nunes on the headstock and a label that also said Sherman Clay..Leonardo Nunes in the sound hole. If your uke was made by leonardo I would think it was made in Los Angeles. Great maker..one of the best...thanks for writing the yak..keep in touch..lots of interesting stuff a'comin' chuck - Sunday, January 13, 2002

Question asked by: Janet Subject: Old ukulele Question: This is the pineapple picture. My son is having trouble keeping the ukulele tuned. The wooden pegs come loose when the string tension is too great. Any suggestions? Thanks Photos:      Answer: Either your tuning it too high or it needs larger tuners...take it to a good luthier ..don't try to fix the problem yourself...its too good a uke...hope i've helped...chuck - Sunday, January 13, 2002

Question asked by: Len Cofer Subject: Uke action Question: Dear Mr. Yak I have a Martin SO (Mexican made) uke that I bought used from a friend. I like the instrument fairly well -- but it seems if the action may be high. I have played guitar and banjo and prefer a low action for ease of fingering and sound -- rather than going for high action which seems to have as its only advantage a louder sound. The uke has 1/32" clearance between the top of the first fret and the bottom of the top string. The clearance is 1/8" at the 12th. string. This seems rather high and causes the string to go out of tune when pressed all the way to fretboard half way between the nut and the first fret. I have a fair amount of experience in adjusting saddles and nuts and have made several replacement ones. Before I start making changes, however, I would like to have your opinion. I notice that most ukes seem to have a high action, which may be necessary because of the nylon strings. On the other hand, the high strings do make for intonation problems. Your comments, please. Answer: Len...take you uke to a good luthier and have the work done by him. It could be many reasons for the problem and unless you are a trained luthier you will get yourself into more trouble. take it from one who knows. It seems easy when you start.....Yako the answer man...... - Sunday, January 13, 2002

Question asked by: Eric Stott Subject: Noteless Player Question: I'm playing a La Pacific banjo uke (cheap but nice) fitted with "Reed's Noteless Player". It's a 20's vintage clever push button gadget that comes with an instruction book of numbered music. Any information on this, or "Professor Reed"? Answer: There were many variations of that little gadget made. The most common was the Arthur Godfrey model. I have found them impossible to learn to work correctly. It is so much easier to learn to play the instrument without it. Try the on line store here on the flea market site and get a couple of books on how to finger the uke. That litle gadget only has a few chords..You need much more to play "flight of the Bumblebee properly" Which I understand is your goal.....Fretzzzzzzzz..... - Sunday, January 13, 2002

Question asked by: Stephen Poe Subject: Repairs for Martin tenor Question: Hi and Merry Christmas Chuck, Maybe I am just being a little lazy, but wonder if you know of any repair persons in the mid- Atlantic who might be able to do a decent job on my Martin tenor. It is late 30's vintage and went through WW II in the Pacific. In the process it got a pretty good ding on the upper edge of the lower bout. I think it deserves a proper repair at this point (I think the original repair involved pouring some glue inside - not bad under watrime conditions). I guess I could try the Martin repair dept. in PA - but I am a bit put off by their recent formica guitars - maybe the repair dept. is better. Anyway, I am near Baltimore and would appreciate any information you might have about folks doing repairs in this area with an affinity for ukes. Thanks Answer: If you are near Martin and Co. Take it there. Don't be fooled by the Martin SO..They can still repair their own instruments. If this doesn't work out, let me know and I will look further. chuck - Sunday, January 13, 2002

Question asked by: a Subject: tuning- Question: this is a retarded question but i just got a cheap johnson 30.00 uke for xmas and i was wondering what the standard tuning is... the E- tuner thing didn't sound quite right. Answer: Regardless of the cost....ADF#B or GCEA...those will do it.....thanks for writing in....F#rets..... - Saturday, January 12, 2002

Question asked by: james gill Subject: ukulele Question: what do you think of a johnson uke Answer: Not much......frets - Friday, January 4, 2002

Question asked by: uke jackson Subject: Question: hi chuck, not a question -- just a happy new year! uj Answer: Thanks UJ and the same to you and all our friends out there in yak land. Lets hope this year is more peaceful than last year. Also a healthy year to all....frets and U.J. - Friday, January 4, 2002

Question asked by: Jadene Subject: Ukulele value?? Question: My dad wondered if his dad's ukulele had any value other than sentimental of course! It has a small W or M depending which way you are holding it and the letters are made out of tiny nails. It is signed on the inside by "Ron Underwood", 1933, Victoria, Va. Also a plate on back top saying "owners no. 776 registered". I appreciate any information you may be able to offer us. Thank you for your time, Sincerely, Jadene. Answer: I have absolutly no information on that ukulele. I have no idea what the initial is and I have no idea who Ron Underwood is. I would love to see a picture of the uke. Always interested in ukes I have never heard about. I can tell you a couple of things. I don't think ron was a maker or a player. He may have been both, but I have never run across the name in thousands of ukes. Please send a pic to my email or to this site and I will do the best I can to tell you what you have. Thanks for writing in....chuck - Friday, January 4, 2002

Question asked by: Edward Kauf Subject: Johnny Marvin uke Question: I just purchased a Harmony Johnny Marvin Uke off ebay. This uke needs some majore restoration work which will mean some wood replacement. The wood has a very fine tight flame grain pattern. I have seen you mention quilted mahagony on these ukes. Is there any chance that this one is koa? It looks like the koa that you see on the older martins. Thanks Ed Answer: The Johnny Marvin Koa uke is unmistakable. The wood is light, very light, golden wood. The tuners are gold plated grovers. It has to have the airplane bridge. I have only seen two of them and they are, as i said, unmistsakable. If there is a doubt, it is not koa. It would make it much easier if you sent a pic. You can send it to this site or to my personal email. I hope you have a koa marvin, but my guess is that it is mahogany. Thanks for writing in and keep strummin...."the duke of Mt Idy...frets - Friday, January 4, 2002

Question asked by: Clarke Subject: LILI'U ukuleles Question: Chuck, Thanks for faithfully answering all of these tough questions! One more for you: I am looking for a 6 or 8 string Lili'u uke (new or used) and would appreciate some input on quality makers to look into other than Kamaka. Thanks! Clarke Answer: Write Duane Heilman at Black Bear Guitars and see if He will make you one. He is one fine maker. David Hurd in Hawaii, however the wait for his ukes are 3-4 years. A lili'u is only a six string uke. If it is an 8 string it is usually a tenor or a taropatch. Good luck...You might want to write Dave Talsma...you will find his address on this site. Just go back to search this column and you will find his address. If not, write me again and I will send it to you. best...frets - Friday, January 4, 2002

Question asked by: Tom Smith Subject: Wurlitzer Uke Question: Chuck If I did this right here's a picture of my wurlitzer uke that I wrote you about awhile back. I have a few others pics if it will help. Question asked by: Tom Smith Subject: Wurlitzer Uke Question: Chuck. I picked up a soprano Wurlitzer uke at a flea market last weekend for $40. I've never seen one. Can you tell me anything about them? There are no markings on the headstock or inside, only an oval label inside that says WURLITZER REG. U.S. PAT. OFF. with a trade mark symbol that looks like a backwards R WB and CINCINNATI-CHICAGO. It has rope binding on the front and back edges with an inlayed ring around the sound hole and a slightly arched back. The body is mahogany and I'm not sure what the neck is made of. It has ebony friction tuning pegs. It's looks to be pretty old and it's not in perfect shape. It's not really a good player (high action up the neck) but it still looks nice. Do you know what this might be worth? I would apreciate any info you can give me. Thanks. Answer: Tom, I would really need a pic to do it justice ..My guess is that it is a Regal made for Wurlitzer. Wurlitzers made by Wurlitzer had a stamp imprint somewhere on the uke. This does not always hold true but most often it does. Please send a pic. I have no idea what the value is without seeing the uke. Thanks chuck - Wednesday, December 05, 2001 Answer: Tom...You didn't do it right. NO pic...try again. I will keep from commenting until I see the uke. thanks and please try again.....chuck - Friday, January 4, 2002

Question asked by: Janet Subject: Old Ukulele Question: My mother gave my son her ukulele for Christmas. She has had this as long as I can remember. It says Kamaka Hawaii on a blue decal and has a pineapple between the sound hole and the bridge. It has white edge around the body, and wooden tuning pegs, and 12 frets. It's total length is 21 inches. Was this made in Hawaii? How old is it? What is it worth? Thanks Answer: It was made in Hawaii. It was made from l928-1935..I would love for you to send a pic, but a guess on the price... 650 dollars +. I hope your son is not 8 months old. Unless he is an adult I would replace this uke with another less valuable ukulele ...this is one of the most collectable ukes in the world. Nice score. frets - Friday, January 4, 2002

Question asked by: Bruce Barnett Subject: Question: how are you and where is Billy Goldman, sell me some ukes Answer: I am fine. I don't know Billy Goldman and I have no ukes for sale. Wish I could help. Any one out there have any ukes for bruce....Sounds like he is desperate. Make sure you include how you are and where Billy Goldman is. Nice to hear from you. Thought you were out of the uke biz. keep in touch....cf - Friday, January 4, 2002

Question asked by: Douglas Back Subject: Carrie Bacon, tuning Question: 1. I came across a copy of Carrie Bacon's (banjoist Fred Bacon's wife) chord melody solos for uke. Is this a fairly rare edition? 2. I have two old uke books which differ by a whole step on standard tuning. Which is the most common tuning for soprano uke? Answer: Its not a real common book. The two most common tunings for a soprano uke are adf#b and gcea. Good luck and thanks for writing in...chuck frets fayne - Friday, January 4, 2002

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