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 (243 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: 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: 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: Lou Gardner Subject: Strings Question: Dear Mr. Yak I have seen several references to the fact that ukes are often tuned to gcea, with the bottom string tuned to the g below the c-string, rather than the g above c-string. I have found no references, however, about what the string weight of the low-g string should be. I have tried using the standard issue strings and the low sting is just not heavy enough. I assume you have to go to a wound string. If this is the case, can I buy a single classical guitar string (rather than buying a whole set)? I just purchased a new Martin Soprano S-O uke. I was also wondering if the neck of the banjo would be strong enough to handle the heavier wound string without bending? Answer: get a wound D guitar string and use that. It works and I would hope the uke will be strong enough to hold it. You may have to do a little altertation to get the bridge to accept the string but it should hold. good luck..let us know how you like it...frets.... HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL FROM US A THE YAK....... - Monday, December 31, 2001

Question asked by: Uke Dude Subject: Older Uke Finishes Question: I have a 60's era Kamaka Soprano ukulele that sounds excelent, but over the years the top finish between the soundhole and the bridge has the spider web finish fractures. Do you know of anything that I could use to clean the uke and maybe help restore the finish? I am leary of using anything, because of the threat of damaging the finish further. Thanks Answer: Leave it alone. Its called patina and it is most desired by collectors. I have a theory " If it doesnt hurt the sound don't do anything to it." They really are designed to be listened to and not analyzed like a painting. You might try bug spray just in case it is a real spider.....best...chuck - Monday, December 31, 2001

Question asked by: Angel Subject: banjo-uke Question: I've read the questions and answeres about banjo-ukes and acquired some interesting information. I do have some questions. I just acquired a banjo-uke that belonged to my Grandfather. Mom thought it was about a hundred years old, but judging from the notes I've read, banjo-ukes were made in the 1920's at the earliest? The one I have has no brand name on it. The only place I see any name is on the tailpiece "U-KING". What is the general value of banjo-ukes that are this old? Why nylon or gut strings instead of steel strings? Can you get gut strings at a music store? What notes do you tune the 4 strings to starting from the top (heaviest guage string) down to the bottom. I have never held a uke let alone played a banjo-uke. The one I have needs some work before it's even playable. Anyway, thanks for sorting through all this stuff to address my questions. Sincerely, Angel Answer: U king is the maker of the tailpiece. You have a generic banjo uke. It is tuned exactly like a uke. If you are holding it in playing positsion the strings are tunedl ADF#B or GCEA...thats from the body side to the outside. the value is usually about 150 bucks in great shape. Go to the on line store on this site and get a couple of beginning books and perhaps a video on how to get started playing. It will help alot. Have the uke strung at a mucic store. It so much easier. good luck report the progress....happy holidays....chuck - Monday, December 31, 2001

Question asked by: Ullrich Subject: Uke tune Question: What is the original tune of a Uke??? Is it A/D/F#/h or is it A/E/C/G?? Thanks for answering! Answer: you were so close.....ADF#B or GCEA....either will do. It a matter of preference. Never use H...it can _urt the instrument. frets... - Monday, December 31, 2001

Question asked by: bluesboyroy Subject: LaFilipina uke Question: Dear Chuck, I wrote to you a while back about this LaFilipina uke I have . I threw it up on e-bay and gladly it didn't sell. It has become one of my favorite ukes. It stays in tune and has a lot of volume. Can you tell me, by the pictures ,what kind of wood the body is made of? Photos:      Answer: I have enough difficulty telling when I have the uke in my hand....A picture is out of the question. I have a feeling the company is still in business. Write them and ask the quetion. They, I'm sure ,will be flattered that you have taken the time to write them. I'm glad it turned out to be a great player. Lyle Ritz is also a great player. Best from Mt Idy. We have the poison oak festival today....Next week we have the Calamine Lotion Festival. Make it if you can. frets - Saturday, December 15, 2001

Question asked by: Shawna Subject: Ukulele value Question: Hi Chuck. I had no idea there was a web-site like this for ukulele lovers. Good job! I wonder if you may be able to help me. I have a "J. Chalmers Doan JCD-2" made in 1974. Have any idea what kind of value this instrument would hold. Any ideas on web- sites that would, if you are unable to help??? You time is appreciated. Best of Blessings and Merry Christmas! Answer: J Chalmers Doan is a teacher and ukulele builder in Canada. He has been making ukes for many years. The uke you own was at least assembled in Japan, perhaps even made there. He has had many courses for playing the Ukulele.. He may even have a web site, I don't know for sure. Perhaps one of the yakkers will write in and let me know. His ukes are most distinctive...they look like a picasso painting. They play well. The value, depending on the condition, in excellent shape is about 200.00.. Good playing frets - Friday, December 14, 2001

Question asked by: Mike Longworth Subject: Tortoise plastic bindings Question: The tortoise style bindings were made of cellulose nitrate, similar to movie film. After some years the Nitrate starts to deteriorate. You might be more likely to notice the aging effect on an arch-top guitar with a suspended guard that is unfinished. On such a guard the plastic will crystalize under certain conditions. A later effect is that it starts to liquify and damages the top of the guitar. Fortunately this is not normally the case on a Martin instrument binding or pickguard because they have a finish over the material. Nitrate loses some its components through evaporation or other causes over the years. You may have heard than many old movies are no longer available because the nitrate film deteriorated. All this leads slowly to the answer to the question about Martin tortoise bindings. It was recognized that Nitrate was flamable, and became downright explosive as it aged. OSHA regulated the use and storage of Nitrate items, and Martin was obliged to go to Boltaron, a rubberized plastic without grain. This means the grained Ivoroid and the Tortoise bindings and guards disappeared at about the same time. Now to the "Book". On page 56 there is a notation that the change to boltaron bindings ocurred in 1966. On the style-18 guitar, bound in Tortoise-style material, the change to black ocurred with #212100. The date was May 26, 1966. It is my presumption the change on ukes would be at the same time. And now our new friend on the list has one more piece of information he might have wished not to know! Mike L. Answer: As usual MIke, I couldn't do it without you. Thanks very much....Very interesting and I'm sure that our new friend has just what he wanted. I sure will save this and keep in in my file. Its nice to know you read uke yak and answer all my calls. Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year from All of us at uke yak and all of you out in uke yak land. chuck frets fayne - Friday, December 14, 2001

Question asked by: Tim Baxter Subject: Nu-Way, Houdlett and Gretsch Question: Interesting site, even for someone like myself who knows nothing about ukes. I think we may be able to help each other out, though. I saw this question from Dec. 8: Question: Every hear of a banjo uke manufactured by the "Nu Way" company. Answer: No...send picture...can tell you it was not a manufacturer..never heard of it and probably built by one of the hundreds of banjo uke makers of the 30's and 40's..please send picture...name is not enough...chuck - Friday, December 08, 2000 Well, I can tell you Nu-Way was a named used by the A. Houdlett company of Brooklyn, NY. I don't know if Houdlett made ukes, but they did make banjos and drums, so it's not much of a stretch to figure they made some banjo ukes, too. They went out of business in 1930, if my research is correct. For my own research, I'm trying to find out more about this Houdlett company and its founder, Albert Houdlett, so if you know anything, I'd be much obliged. Also, the uke section of my site, gretschpages.com is pretty thin, so if there's any info you'd like to add, I would greatly appreciate that, too. Thanks. Answer: How nice of you to write. We always appreciate information. There is so much out there, we really appreciate you taking the time to let us know what you know ..With the information you have give me, I will try to extend and find out what I can. When I do, I will publish it and send it off to you. Thanks again for your kindness. Keep in touch...You may no nothing about ukes now, but if you keep reading this column you will know more than you ever wanted to. Welcome to the yak....frets fayne - Wednesday, December 12, 2001

Question asked by: Tim Mullins Subject: Martin tenor binding? Question: When did Martin change from tortoise to black binding? Is there such a thing as a 14 fret tenor with tortoise binding? Answer: Tim..I am going to defer this question to Mike Longworth..Mike are you out there. These questions are not answered in the Martin Book and I know there was a change in binding, am not sure of the date. Can you help....Thanks Frets - Tuesday, December 11, 2001

Question asked by: Amy Subject: Dana Banjo Question: Hi. I recently ran into a Dana brand 5 string banjo in Canada. It came with a case and the asking price was $214 (Canadian). I have been trying to research the banjo, but I can't seem to find any information on this company. Would you have any leads? Answer: Dana. wish I could help you but this is a ukulele site. Your question would be better asked of John Bernunzio of Bernunzio Vintage Instruments. You will find his web site if you search. He will be able to help you. Tell him I told you to write...thanks for writing us...chuck frets fayne - Tuesday, December 11, 2001

Question asked by: Richard Keller Subject: Question: Giday Chuck,You mentioned once that you had an Applause Tenor that you liked to play a lot.Who puts them out, are they still available and if so,how much?Is this the uke you are holding in your photo?And one last thing,when you give a valuation on a uke, could you specify if this is American or Aussie dollars.Cheers! Answer: The Ovation company makes the applause ukulele. Go to the Google search and punch in applause....that will get them No, that is not an applause I am holding it is a style 3 tenor gibson ukulele.. a rare bird, now residing in the nest of a marvelous collector. When I quote prices, I only quote in U.S. Dollars. best and thanks for writing...frets - Tuesday, December 11, 2001

Question asked by: unclezac Subject: paul sommers Waikiki Question: I work at Norwalk Music in Norwalk Ct and had a customer bring in a paul sommers waikiki model uke-it appears to be all koa and even though it was split on the side of the lower bout he brought it back to life and plays great-however... I never heard of apul sommers...is my head in t Answer: paul and harold summers were brothers who made and distributed ukuleles in the 20's and 30's...They made some really beautiful ukuleles..They were known for their woods. They made a large variety of decorative styles. Many of their ukes survived which means they made them well. IF you get a chance to own one...do...frets...thanks for writing and stay in touch... - Friday, December 7, 2001

Question asked by: Rosie Hutzel Subject: Question: Hi Chuck You asked me to give you the length of this Harmony so you could better identify it. It is 30 inches long. Thanks Rosie Photos:      Answer: Rosie...It is a Baritone...the largest of the ukuleles. Thanks, I had a hunch it wasn't a soprano. It doesn't change the value much...Its just bigger. frets - Thursday, December 6, 2001

Question asked by: Geoff Menzer Subject: Leonardo Nunez ukes Question: Hi Chuck,I noticed that you said that a favourite uke of yours was a Leonardo Nunez.So could you please tell me exactly which model/size it is,and any other details.What do you like to rate it so well.Is it the sound,volume,tone,intonation good,general playability or what? Have you made any recordings of your act/playing,if so how can I get it?REgards from Leeds England Answer: Geoff. I have never made a recording of me playing. The reason I love the Leonardo Nunes Radio Tenor is for all the reasons you listed. It is a concert not a Tenor...I have no idea why they called it that I hope you find one some day. They pop up, but as you can imagine, very rarely..Thanks for writing. - Thursday, December 6, 2001

Question asked by: Jeff Subject: Uka-lin Question: Have you ever heard of a uka-lin? Thanks. Answer: Jeff...go to the search section of the uke yak and punch in uka-lin..ukelin, violin uke, untunable wall hanger...you will find out all you ever wanted to know about the uka-lin.....thanks for writing in.....frets - Thursday, December 6, 2001

Question asked by: Brooklyn Ukes Subject: Beltona Blue Uke review Question: Hi Chuck, Thanks for letting us know how cool Beltona ukes are. My new Beltona Blue resonator uke arrived from New Zealand last week. This uke is filled with that magical 20's sound. It sounds like the love child of Billie Holliday, Ethyl Merman, and a drunken flapper. The blue uke is loud and perfect for outdoor playing. I was near Ground Zero here in New York and after some volunteering (giving out snacks)I strummed the blue uke while a cop played the bagpipes. The uke was as loud as the bagpipes!!! Everyone laughed and clapped and complimented the little "banjo" (wink)...thanks again for recommending a fine instrument. Answer: Thanks for the update on the Beltona. I like the sound alot also. Keep strumming...I understand the reason bagpipers walk when they play is to try to escape the sound. Please, all you bagpipers out there...no letters. It was just a joke. I happen to like the sound of bagpipes with my morning toast. best from Mt Idy...Home of the retired Bagpipers of Australia..frets - Thursday, December 6, 2001

Question asked by: fleastomper Subject: what is a good uke? Question: Chuck, Mr Longworth has sold one more book! Anyway, He mentioned the binding on ukes made by Martin would probably be used in the ukes they made for other companies as opposed to the designs they incorporated or (am I right when I say? )materials used. Is this an important feature to consider when buying a uke? I try to find acoustic instruments built with " lighter" materials and I look for bracing that apears shaped. Do or did martin put that much work into the bracing and binding to create a finer instrument? Or was it something that just came naturally to the maker/makers? Why can't they do the same thing today at Martin? Do they know their history when it comes to ukes? Their new ukes I have played vary alot, but don't seem to show (or sound) the same quality. I know...It's a mouthful! I have alot of reading to do in Mike's book! Thank you for being you, fleastomper Answer: I"m sorry that I don't understand your question. I look for instruments that sound great. I try not to buy with my eye unless I am buying for that reason. I am a player and as such, I look for instruments with great sounds. I have played Martins that didn't sound great and I have played Harmony's that were a real surprise. Please write again. If you can make the question a little more simple, I might have a chance. Remember, my mind isn't what it used to be. Last night I wandered away and they found me in the next town. Back in Mt Idy now and ready to work...frets - Wednesday, December 5, 2001

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