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

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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: Graeme Subject: Dulcet Ukes and Stringed Instr. Question: Frets, I am tracing the history of a "The Dulcet" zither-piccolo-banjo- mandolin. The only hard references I have are from the great George Formby's estate, listing "DULCET" ukes among his prized possesions, when his gear was auctioned back in the 1960's. I know that "Dulcet" is a name used by Barnett Samuel & Sons (who later evolved into John Grey & Sons, and later still Rose, Morris & co.) All used the name "Dulcet", but I can't find direct Uke reference as to who made George Formby's instruments. Also, all these manufacturers used the "The Dulcet" name intermittently from 1880'ish to 1950'ish on piccolo's, organs and recorders, not their banjo's ukes and mandolins....I am stumped - any clues where "The Dulcet" is from? Answer: Not right at this minute. I will research and get back to you. In the meantime, there is a George Formby club and site that you will find on the net. Look up Google, the search engine and punch in George Formby...You will get tons of references. Go to the Library and get a copy of Groves Dictionary of Music and look up Dulcet. It has alot of information as well. Will do my homework and get back to you....chuck...thanks for getting in touch with us... - Wednesday, December 5, 2001

Question asked by: Jerry Pena Subject: Ukelin Question: Chuck, Aloha from Chico CA. Anyways, we went to an antique store a year ago when we first moved here and picked up a Hilo Hawaiian(exactly like the one Elvis had in"Blue Hawaii") How much do you think its worth? The Hilo Hawaiian is the far right in the Picture. And also, found a ukulin(half ukulele and half violin) sorry no pictures but can you tell me something about the Ukulin? It keeped me wondering for a long time. Aloha, SSG Jerry Pena U.S. Army Photos:      Answer: The Hilo uke is worth about 200 bucks if its in great shape....the Ukelin..well where do I start. Go to the beginning of this site and where it says you can search, punch in Ukulin or Violin Uke. You will get all you want and more. Its an instrument that must have looked good on paper but thats where it stopped. I have never known anyone to be able to tune it let alone play it. Good Luck ...Thanks to you and all your buddies for all your doing for us. Stay safe and get the bastards. frets..... - Friday, November 23, 2001

Question asked by: Mike Longworth Subject: Weymann Question: If a ukulele is not marked as to the original source, some speculation and supposition is necessary. Martin made ukuleles for several companies, Weymann among them. Does that mean all Weymanns are Martins? Nope. Just like all blue birds are birds, but not all birds are bluebirds. (Whatever that means) Different shapes are not difficult. Just look at some of the Ditsons, which I think are more artistic than the Martin shape. Most of what is needed is simply a body shape mold, a one day project. Companies often spelled out their characteristics (ukes , that is), In my book you can see that most Wurlitzer stuff is bound or trimmed slightly different from Martins. I would look for craftsmanship, and particularly the inside of the uke. Martin might change the body shape and the bindings, and even the bracing, but the ribbons (kerfed lining) my guess is something that would be the same. Reshaping the heel is easy, and easily specified by the buyer. The scale? Now that is a different matter. While it is certainly possible to make a different scale fingerboard, this seems unlikely and somewhat unnecessary. Mike L. Answer: And there you have it. All the news that's fit to print...right from the horses mouth. For those of you who may not know Mike Longworth....He Be Da King. Go out and get the book...Martin Guitars..A History..by Mike Longworth. If you are interested in Ukuleles or String instsruments of any kind you must own this book. Thanks Mike as always...your biggest fan....chuck - Friday, November 23, 2001

Question asked by: Gerald Lamb Subject: open tunings for uke Question: I have a friend with artheritas and am looking for open tunings for uke? Answer: Gerald...My suggestion to you would be to go to a music store and find a decent guitar player. He will be able to show you many open tunings. There are as many as grains of sand. It just depends on what your friend likes and finds easy to play. Good luck..If this doesn't work, please write back. I'm sure some of the Yakkers out there will contribute their findings...Wontcha yakkers??????Let us know how it works out...thanks for writing in...Chuck Frets Fayne - Friday, November 23, 2001

Question asked by: Tiki King Subject: Show and Tell Question: Aloha Chuck! Always like to show you the new creations. This is my "Vita-Uke style" Tiki-Uke. Just finished the finish, and strung it up last week- end. Been playing it ever since. Hope you like it! Tiki King Photos:      Answer: Hello your Grace...always good to hear from you...How are things on the Throne..Hey everybody, take a look at Tiki King's new offering. Its beautiful I want to Thank you Tiki King just in case its for my Birthday. If not...Thanks for sharing it with all of us. It really is wonderful..Keep up the good work and send in your latest...chuck - Friday, November 23, 2001

Question asked by: chris Subject: new uke!! Question: just found a very cool uke! Supertone/has a foil label inside (in Blue), and mod. name "The Prep" (in red and green)in the normal area--the lines on this thing are just great--super smooth- -it looks just great!--can you folks help me with year and value (if any--thanks a bunch!! Photos:      Answer: Chris...hard to tell from the pic..but my guess would be about 150.00...perhaps a little more. Made in the l940's as were most supertones. Hope this has helped...chuck frets fayne - Wednesday, November 21, 2001

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Harmony - plastic fret board Question: Chuck, Just a thought. A friend who I convinced that adding a hard saddle to an old Harmony is a good way to get an inexpensive uke to sound better, returned the favorer by telling me that because the plastic fret board is screwed on, should the neck arch in one direction or the other, thus causing the strings to buzz on adjacent frets, that the board can be "unscrewed" and shimmed to align the frets, thus eliminating the buzz. First, of course, one should have a plastic fret board. Where from? Have no idea. regards, robert Answer: thanks robert. always informative.. - Wednesday, November 21, 2001

Question asked by: Dan Sawyer Subject: Weymann ukes-made by Martin? Question: Hi Chuck, this is in response to the Bob Clayton's question. I have two Weymann soprano ukes, (Style 0 and style 2.) Although both look very Martin-like i believe both were built by Weymann. If examined carefully, the bodies are larger than Martin and a different shape. Another big clue is that the string scale length is longer than Martin's. I went back and found an article from the "Uke Said It" newletter of Autumn 2000 called: "Mystery". Here's a quote from the author. "I have seen many Weymann ukuleles, and although they are all very similar to Martins, I am not convinced that many of them were made by Martin. They usually have a slightly different shape to the heel and different bindings than those found on Martin ukes. There are likely some Martin made Weymanns out there, but I wonder if most Weymanns are just good Martin copies." Chuck, i would add that the Weymanns i've seen equal or surpass Martin soprano ukes in sound and workmanship. The neck angles however, are not as good. Answer: thanks for the info. .. I must admit, that I have two weymanns and they are slightly different.,.One is a style 2 sort of and it matches a Martin exactly. The other is a style o and the heel is different, but that is about all. The scale length is the same but it may not be a Martin. It has a good but not great sound. Thanks for your info....frets - Tuesday, November 20, 2001

Question asked by: Doug Uke Subject: ukulele cases Question: Chuck, I have some old Martin's that don't have hard cases (have the old soft ones) and I would like to buy a few. My thinking is while I am buying, I might as well buy the best. If price were not an issue, do you have any view on the best case I should buy (I only know three, the Pro-Tec, the Harptone and the case made by Martin)? As a related question, I would like to bring a uke with me when I travel. Up till now, I have travelled with my fluke (moo- kulele) which has the soft case. If I were to take a Martin soprano on a trip, would you recommend I take it in the hard case (I intend to carry it on the airplane and not check it) or is there a compromise gig bag that I can use. Thanks again as always. Doug Answer: Bernunzio Vintage Instruments sometimes has hard shelled cases...If you watch E-bay you will also see hard shelled cases offered for sale. If you are looking for vintage, it will cost you alot of money. If you are just looking for hard cases you can find them fairly cheaply at most good music stores. Always carry a Martin in a hard case...Best....chuck - Tuesday, November 20, 2001

Question asked by: Bob Clayton Subject: Weymann Uke -- made by Martin? Question: I have a nice little sporano Weymann and Sons uke that I think may have been made by C.F. Martin. At least I know that Martin made various instruments for Weymann, and the structural and stylistic points of the uke are, to my eye, Martin-like. Can you confirm that Weymann ukes were among the instruments Martin made for that company? Is there any way to be sure? Thanks Bob Clayton Answer: Weymann made many ukes for Martin...The way to tell since they didn't lable them, is if it looks like a Martin it most probably is. Send me a pic and I will do my best to tell you for sure. thanks frets - Sunday, November 18, 2001

Question asked by: Yuji Boraca Subject: harmony fretboard Question: is there a source out there for the plastic fretboards on old harmony ukes? Answer: There must be. Put an ad on the marketplace on this site. One of the Uke nuts will know. I used to know someone who had stacks, but I forgot who. I know that doesn't help much, but it lets you know they are around. good luck..chuck - Saturday, November 17, 2001

Question asked by: John King Subject: Domingo ukulele Question: Chuck, RE: Domingo's Hawaiian Ukulele. There was a ukulele method published in Berlin in the 1930's by one Gregorio Domingo. Considering the location of the instrument in question there is a good possiblity of some connection. I could find nothing about Gregorio Domingo in the Zuth, Buek or Prat dictionaries. Regards, Answer: Thanks John...always as pleasure to hear from you...Will file this away for future reference. keep writing in. we need all the info we can get. chuck - Thursday, November 15, 2001

Question asked by: Jason Verlinde Subject: can you identify this uke? Question: Hi Chuck, Great service you run here. I've asked a bunch of experts but nobody seems to know who made this particular koa uke that I found a while back at a California flea market. Here's the URL for it: http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Mus eum/Ukulele/RopeBindUke/ook.html It stumped the Gryphon Strings gang, but maybe you've seen similar models? It looks like a label once existed inside, but it's now gone. Really nice sound and sorta smallish (under 6" body diameter). I don't want to part with it, but do you have any idea of its history or value? Thanks, Jason Answer: You will never find the maker of this uke. It is not the work of one person. It is, as you say, a great piece of folk art. Old...at least the headstock...but the inlays are very American....Fun...I have seen others very similar but not as ornate as this one. It was very popular in Hawaii in the 20's for prisoners to decorate ukuleles to make them more saleable. Hence, the pin scratching work of Rickard Lee, whos favorite uke to work on was the Kamaka. Surf boards, fish etc. This was done by a person with a lot of time on their hands. Wish I knew more about it and wish I owned it. Is your site your collection or instruments for sale? If you out there in uke yak land want to see interesting stuff go to Jason's site and look around. Nice collection. chuck frets fayne...thanks very much for sharing this with us... - Thursday, November 15, 2001

Question asked by: Rich Lewis Subject: Smeck Uke Question: I found a Roy Smeck Uke, from The Harmony Co. It is in great condition, with carrying case. The strings are plastic, so it may not be an original. Any thoughts? Is it worth anything? Answer: It depends on the model..If it has the plastic fingerboard it is not worth very much...there were thousands made. However, they still play...The plastsic strings have something to do with its originality. They came with plastic strings...hope I've helped...chuck - Wednesday, November 14, 2001

Question asked by: Daniel D�ster Subject: historic uke Question: Hi Chuck, I just was offered a 'historic' uke. On the head it says 'Domingo's Hawaian Ukulele'. There's also a case to it. The bottom is split, but the soundboard seems ok. It was strung with steel strings. The body is made from a very dark wood similar to ebony. Perhaps 'wenge' (German Term). Do You know anything about such an instrument? Answer: Daniel...as happens so many time, I have never heard of this brand. I would need a pic to be able to tell if it was really made in Hawaii...Many ukes say Hawaiian so people will buy them...It needs to say "Made in Hawaii" and then it doesn't have to be true. Try to send a pic to this site. The fact that it is made from a very dark wood and the name is not hawaiian makes me think it is not a hawaiian uke. thanks for writing...frets - Wednesday, November 14, 2001

Question asked by: Chris Subject: B&J New York-Serenader Question: Hi! Any information on this maker or value. Just picked it up this evening--pretty neat looking. Thanks so much! Photos:      Answer: real neat.. not real valuable. distributed by B.J. distributors and If I could remember their names I would write it for you...The second name is Jacobson and the first escapes me but when I find it I will add it to this message. They also distributed a banjo called the B&J Seranader. Nice find. Value.....200 bucks on a good day. frets - Wednesday, November 14, 2001

Question asked by: su lane Subject: value & info Question: I bought this beauty, a Kamaka uke, koa wood I believe at my daughter's school yard sale for $5. Could you tell me something about it? Photos:      Answer: The first thing I can tell you is that people with no knowledge of Ukuleles go to your daughter's school yard sale. The instrument is a wonderful Kamaka Soprano Ukulele. Current market value about 350+...It has the little ornament at the bottom of the fretboard for which you have to pay more. It is among the best ukuleles ever made. Nice score...Go back...perhaps someone has a Rolls Royce for sale.....Let me be the first to offer you a chance to double your money.,...Chuck frets Fayne - Wednesday, November 14, 2001

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