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

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Question asked by: John Aiman Subject: Hollywood uke Question: I have inherited a Hollywood ukulele from my uncle and I wanted to see if I could find out what model it is, approximately when it was built, and if it is a collector`s item, though I`m not interested in selling it, as it is a family heirloom. There is no label in it, but the name on the peghead is Hollywood. It`s a tenor size, all mahogany, I think. The fretboard seems to be rosewood. The fretboard and peghead are edged in ivory-colored plastic or celluloid. The top binding and sound hole ring are also plastic: wbwbw. There are four different-shaped position markers on the fretboard, in pearl shell. The bridge saddle appears to be a piece of fret wire. It has a low action, easy to play, and a nice tone; very Hawaiian sound. I would be interested in anything you could tell me about it. Thanks Answer: Made by the Schierson music company in the 40's. It is the second from the bottom of the line. The bottom is just all mahogany with dots in the fingerboard. Yours is the next up. It was designed and built by a man named Robert Pearson. If you will notice that the sides are all one piece. No split at the bottom. A trademark feature of the Hollywood Ukulele. Its value is about 400 dollars. If you get a copy of Jim Beloff's book "The Ukulele, a Visual History" You will see a group of hollywood and pearson ukuleles. You will also own one of the most interesting books on the market today You must learn to play it. It is not just a wall hanger or to be placed in a closet. It is a players instrument as well as being collectable. Thats all I know. Thanks for writing in. frets - Wednesday, November 14, 2001

Question asked by: Dan Sawyer Subject: Vita Uke mystery solved Question: Hi Chuck. I wrote you a while back about the Harmony Roy Smeck "Vita Uke". I was wondering what the word "vita" signified. Well, a few experts wrote to me and i believe we now have the answer. One of them, Nathan Garrett, studied the banjo and ukulele directly from Roy. This is what he says: "Roy Smeck got his big break in 1926 when Warner Bros made a short film of Roy's vaudeville act using their brand new Vitaphone sound film technology. The debut of talkies was several of these short films plus a silent film, "Don Juan", that they added music to. All the shorts were classical pieces except for Roy's. His film was the hit of the night, and he became a media star in a brand new media. The film, "His Pastimes" was the first music video, and is still pretty amazing. This was a year before "The Jazz Singer" became the first official "talkie". A lot of the really old Looney Tunes cartoons feature the Vitaphone logo. I guess Warner Bros didn't mind Roy using their "Vita" identity, since he was Warner's first star, a fact that has been largely forgotten." *Chuck, i asked him if Roy Smeck really used a Harmony uke for his records and this was the reply. "Roy used Martin ukes for all his performances and recordings. He had a nice custom Harmony archtop electric guitar that he recorded with. I saw this guitar being offered on eBay within the last two months." Chuck, now it makes perfect sense. I have the Smeck Shorts video and just never put 2 and 2 together. It seems Roy put out quite a few recordings with his Vita Trio. It is interesting that he was able to use that name. In today's world, there would be too many legal barriers to using a corporate name like that. Keep on Plunkin', -Dan Answer: Thanks Dan...very interesting. You have the Smeck Shorts Video? Jockey or Boxer....I always wondered because of the odd way he sat....anyway, that is for another time. Thanks for the very informative information. I will keep in my file next to the Smeck Tie Video....fayne - Wednesday, November 14, 2001

Question asked by: Daniel Frank Subject: Fretboard Radii Question: Are there traditional radii for ukulele fretboards like there are for guitars or are they usually more flat? Answer: For questions like that, I would direct you to David Hurd....Ukuleles by Kawika. You will find his web site easily. He is the man to ask that question to. Thanks for writing in. chuck fayne - Wednesday, November 14, 2001

Question asked by: Jimmy Subject: Beltona Blue Question: I read several of your comments on the Beltona Blue....do you know of any dealers? I can't find much on the Beltona website. Thanks Answer: Jimmy....Write to the people who own Beltona. You have found the website...those are the owners. It seems to me they would know the dealers who carry their instrument. They are very nice people. They want to sell their instruments. Go back to the website and write them. frets - Monday, November 12, 2001

Question asked by: Lars Subject: Pendennis-uke Question: Hello! Not a special question. I bought a Pendennis soprano uke (Pendennis is a german luthier). The uke is all mahogany; nice uke, nice sound. To see pictures go to www.bouzouki.de/ukulele/ . What might be interesting is: He placed the soundhole a bit higher than usual, more to the end of the fretboard. The effect is that the soundhole comes nearer to the strumming hand. Good idea? Ever saw this before? Good wishes from Germany, Lars Answer: Lars,..nice uke and thanks for the info. Kamaka and sons and quite a few makers put the sound hole up high...I like the sound. Its much louder. Don't understand why someone doesn't do it today. I recently saw a Kamaka with a higher hole. Perhaps they will go back and do it again. Thanks for writing all the way from Germany. Keep in touch....Chuck - Sunday, November 11, 2001

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Value of a uke Question: Chuck, Interesting to see your views on value of ukulele. I certainly agree with your idea of the value, and care of, of wife in relationship to uke acquiring. I'm not sure if Doug, in the fund management business, wants to let go of his "day job" when addressing "uke", but I do recall someone who lives in the Southern Hemisphere once saying that when Martin style zeros went above $99.00 (US), that some of the rational had appeared to have escaped his area of interest. I may be wrong. As "founder" it is my position [prone?] not to discuss the financial requirements of uke acquiring as it drains vital intellectual elements that I could better invest in the understanding of the true meaning of "uke". To illustrate my point I have enclosed a picture that some nice man at Uke Expo 2000 gave to me. Me and two ukuleles made by Mike Longworth. To quote one of our recent modern day US Presidents.... "I am not able to recall how much I paid for that uke!!!!????" regards robert - founder Photos:      Answer: If I am that 99.00 man I have to revise my numbers. I just saw a style o sell for 599.00...My how time flyes when your spending money. Great looking Ukes in that pic....I have one as well and I couldn't buy it again. Glad I already own it. Thanks for writing in, always nice to see your name at the top of the morning. best....chuck - Sunday, November 11, 2001

Question asked by: David DeShong Subject: Beltona Blues Question: Hey Chuck-- Well, I am seriously in the market for a Beltona blue uke. After much research, and reading of your YakPages, that's what I've settled on. To assuage any fears, I wondered if you'd tell me-- being fiberglass, does the instrument seem sturdy enough? Does it seem fragile? Also, how does fiberglass do as far as expanding/contracting, dealing with humidity and dryness, etc.? Thanks a heap and keep up the good work. Take care! Answer: David...All I know about fiberglass is a corvette is made of it. They seem to do very well. I have never seen one swell or shrink during weather changes. When it comes to assuaging..You have certainly come to the right man..I was voted in my High School Class...boy most likely to assuage. I don't do it often, because if you rearrange the letters in assuage you get sausage and being Jewish, I have little to do with pork...But those little weiners in bacon make a great hors d'oeuvre. Now...hows that for an answer? I love my Beltona..All I can tell you is that when I play it It makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up..You have made a great choice. It is my second Beltona and they have been very different but both have the same thing I am looking for in an instrument. Attention to detail and a great sound. Please mention my name when you buy it..I get Brownie points when one sells. frets.... and a bag or Kreplah, the national food of Mt Idy...Thanks for your question, I must go take my medication ( as you can probably tell) - Sunday, November 11, 2001

Question asked by: David Talsma Subject: Bear Creek Ukes Question: Hi, do you know anything about Bear Creek Ukes? I'm considering ordering one, but I know very little about them other than talking to the maker on the phone, they look great in the flyer they sent me. I posted the question on the bulletin board with no response. I'm about 85% done with a Ditson 5K I'm building, at this point its stunning to say the least, I'll send pics when its all done. Keep up the good work, its my favorite reading on the net! Answer: Thanks for the nice words. Always appreciated. I know nothing about Bear Creek Ukes, but I do know your ukes and can't wait to see the 5k Ditson. Will you post a pic of it on this site when you get it done? Please. If you find out anything about Bear Creek Ukes, please let us know Always interested in the new makers. I always want to hear the sound...Somehow a pic just doesn't capture that. Good luck with the new ukes...frets - Sunday, November 11, 2001

Question asked by: Doug Uke Subject: Value of ukuleles Question: Chuck, I have been bitten by the ukulele bug for only about four months now but have amassed a reasonable collection which I hope to keep and expand on for the rest of my life. In reading the Uke-Yak, I notice you have referred to the current pricing as a mania - which it probably is based on prices that I now see for the really collectible Martin ukes for example. I am in the fund management business and I have seen my fair share of booms and busts. For all of us new to ukuleles, can you give us a perspective on how prices have varied since you began collecting ukuleles? (I guess the best way is to highlight high and low prices you have paid for some collectible ukuleles through the years). Also, how have the prices charged by the most well known luthiers like David "Kawika" Hurd escalated? Thanks. Answer: I have given you question alot of thought and I'm still not sure of how to answer it. There have been a few uke explosions but none like this. I think it has to do with alot of factors. I think that people finally realized that it is a serious instrument that was made by some very serious makers. Great Makers. Also some really crappy ones too. I think they were thought of as a toy or a souvenir brought home from Hawaii...much like that giant hat you buy when you are in Ensinada. When I started colleting Ukuleles people paid me to take them off their hands. I won't tell the most I have paid for a Ukulele..then it will be in print and my wife will finally know. Only kidding....She's a very understanding woman...the wife of a Uke collector must be understanding..or they will kill you. Thank God she collects nothing, otherwise, we would not be able to fit in the house. Well, there is that leiderhosen collection, but it doesn't take up much room. I wish there were more Luthiers like David Hurd. Considering the quality you get, David's ukuleles are a bargain. If he has done anything for the Ukulele craze it has been to separate the cream from the crap. When you play one of his ukes, you will have a better understanding of what you don't want. I'm not sure I completely understood your question and I am sure I don't completely understand my answer. thanks...frets - Sunday, November 11, 2001

Question asked by: Ginger Subject: a Harmony, a Decca, and a crude no-name Ukeleles Question: I am not a musician, but I bought a box with 3 ukeleles at an auction the other day, very cheap. One is very light weight, balsa wood or something, 6 strings, very crudely made, with hand carved pegs and neck. It's painted wood finish has greenish-blue, with some very, very crudely painted flowers on the front, and decor around the sound hole. A nice wall decoration, I think. One of the others is a Harmony, brown "woodgrain" plastic fretboard, real wood body, with a white painted ring around the front edge and sound hole. The other is a Decca, black plastic fretboard, real wood body, lable inside "Made in Japan, inported by Decca Distributing Corp, New York,NY, USA". I bought a Ukelele Chord booklet and a Mel Bay's Fun With the Ukelele book, new strings, and a Master Key Chromatic Pitch Instrument. Both the Harmony and the Decca have cheap tuner pegs(a musician friend told me, after playing one). They don't seem to want to stay in tune very long at all. (After my spending 1/2 an hour or more getting them tuned by combination of digital tuner and blow in they tuner.) Any opinions on what they worth? And is it worth replacing tuning pegs on them or on one? Or are they all just "wall hanger" decorations? Thanks, Ginger Answer: Ginger..I wouldn't spend any more money or time on the instruments you described. Hang them....wish it was better news, but keep looking....chuck frets fayne - Saturday, November 10, 2001

Question asked by: Bryan McCahill Subject: Another Question: Hi Chuck! I'm pretty happy with this one, but I've scoured the entire instrument inside out and can't find a hint of who made it. Notice the "fleur-de-lis" (?) on the headstock and the design around the rim. It's a little tough to play at first, but after awhile I can get a nice woody sound out of it. Best Regards, Bryan Photos:      Answer: Glad your happy...me too..its a well made uke...have seen hundreds like it and they are all a cut above the rest. Remember to put nylon strings on it and it will not hurt you...frets - Saturday, November 10, 2001

Question asked by: uke jackson Subject: uke strings with rabbit toes Question: chuck, as part of my obsession with the round blueburst gretsch camp ukes (i have 5 now), i came across something quite unusual and maybe you can tell me if i'm nutz or what. one of the ukes had original strings on it. the string slots on the bridge of this uke are larger and square. the original strings (only 2 unfortunately) have little furry ends. upon close inspection, the nylon goes through what appears to be rabbit toes (one on each string). have you ever heard of lucky rabbits toe strings? this is a serious question. Answer: This is a serious answer. The only toes I have ever heard of being used for ukulele strings are moose. The uke is gigantic of course and the Moose hates it. UJ..I have never heard of rabbit toes being used as string holders. But I will check with all my friends who would be likely to know. I must thank you for the wacky question of my second 1000 answers. I will let you know when this question gets knocked off the top. Don't worry, one will come along that will make this one seem tame. Thanks for thinking of me.. chuck "toe-fretish" fayne - Saturday, November 10, 2001

Question asked by: Doug Uke Subject: Your performance with Australian Symphony Question: Chuck, I was reading some back postings and was interesed by your performance with the Australian Symphony Orchestra. Which ukulele (s) among your collection did you play? Why did you choose it (them)? Can I buy any recordings? Thanks. Answer: Doug..please go back to the reference to the australian symphony orchestra and re-read it. It was a joke...as a matter of fact I confessed at the time I wrote that, It was a lie. I did however play with the "Five Young Cannibals" Sorry, I just found out they are now "The Four Young Cannibals.....Guess I got out in time...frets - Tuesday, November 6, 2001

Question asked by: keith Subject: may-bell uke Question: I have a May-Bell uke, good condition, straight neck, 11 frets, cherry sunburst(?), wooden nut and bridge, no other identifying numbers or codes. I'm wondering if you could give me a ballpark value. Thanks a lot. Answer: 150.00...Sorry, wish it could be more...and That's in great condition. Not very collectable...frets - Tuesday, November 6, 2001

Question asked by: Ennio Valente III Subject: islander uke maccaferri Question: Hello, I am looking for an islander maccaferri uke as mint as possible,box does not matter, I already have one. What ukelele's had the best overall playability and tonal qualities in your opinion and researched information that you may have found? Thank you, Ennio Valente III Answer: advertise your wants on the marketplace on this site. You might just find what you are looking for. I could'nt tell you how to find one...but, you will reach alot of uke nuts on this one site. As far as the best over playability , I wouldn't even know how to start answering that question. You ask 100 people you will get 100 answers. Mine, and it has nothing to do with research, is the Manuel Nunes Radio Tenor....Hope this helps somehow...keep writing. frets - Monday, November 5, 2001

Question asked by: Bryan McCahill Subject: Identifying a Banjo Uke Question: Hi Chuck - sorry to hit you up twice in a day, but figured I'd strike while the iron's hot. Got this a short time ago - liked the inlay and the "F" holes on the back - can't say it sounds real good, but wonder if you can identify the maker. Thanks again, Best regards, Bryan Photos:      Answer: Brian...wish I dould identify this uke. I have seen literally hundreds of ukes like this one. The use of the fholes on the back was common in the 30's and 40's. They none of them sounded really great, they were made as a item to sell more than an intem to play.. That does not mean they sound bad...well at least not all of them. try gut strings , it you can get a set. it sometimes helps. frets - Monday, November 5, 2001

Question asked by: Frederik Goossens Subject: Jetelele banjo uke Question: Hello Chuck, I've been browsing the uke yak again and I noticed a question on 4th of january from Leila Alberici, who asked you about a jetel banjo uke. Well, my guess is it could be the Jetelele model made by the company of Thibouville- Lamy who were (are?) based in Mirecourt, France. They made this uke with wood resonator around the 1930's. I have tried to add a picture. hope it works... By the way, I tried to reach you on your personal email a few days ago, but haven't recieved a reaction as of yet. I hope you haven't changed your address in the recent past (cfayne@bigpond.net.au???) Greetings from Belgium. P.S.: I hope I didn't offend anyone calling the Red Head a 'mere' collector's instrument. (I am not a native English-speaker and it shows) I just wanted to state that, in my humble opinion, it doesn't compare to a Martin uke. But I also like the clear sound of the Wendell Hall and I enjoy the uke very much. Photos:      Answer: Frederik...thanks for sending the pic..it looks very nice. I'd like to know more about the company I'm sure you didn't offend anyone with your reference to the Wendell hall uke..You are right, very little compares to the sound of a Martin Ukulele. I wish you luck in finding one. I was not able to open your file on my system, however, I had a friend open it for me and now I can answer it. thanks again frets... - Monday, November 5, 2001

Question asked by: David Subject: Just bought a Uke Question: Hey Chuck, I Just Bought an Islander Baritone Uke from a friend for $3 and I was wondering how much it was worth. It is in its original box which is falling apart because its is really old. The designer is Maccaferri. It is made out of plastic, with a cream color front and an imitation stained wood color for the rest of the body. It has an inlay that looks like a vine with flowers around the accoustic hole, and is is good condition with a few small scratches. Please help if you can. Sorry for the limited info. David Answer: Plastic ukes don't really have an established value..You have to find someone who collects them and there are alot of people out there. I can tell you one thing for sure, It is worth a hell of a lot more than 3 dollars. Get on the Bulletin board on this site and I am sure you will find others with the same interest. Let us know what happens. My range of knowledge stops just a little short of plastic ukes...I will tell you, there are many many varieties and many many collectors...do write the bulletin board...I will be interested to see your response.... Thanks for taking the time to write us...frets fayne - Monday, November 5, 2001

Question asked by: Kevin Coulson Subject: Restoring Grandma's Uke Question: I am new to the uke world. After playing drums and guitar in school and bar bands for many years, I became disenchanted musically. I bought a cheap little hilo uke after deciding not to spend more money on a mandolin just to see if I'd like it. With Jim's 60s book and a felt pick, I plucked at it for about a year until my love for this little plink box intensified over the last few months. My Grandmother was an avid uke player in her day. I had the honor of serenading her with "Old Rugged Cross" and "Amazing Grace" (two of her favorites)on my Hilo while she was still lucid. After the passing of my grandmother this summer I aquired her (God knows how old) Harmony Ukulele which I'd like to lovingly restore and play. It just needs some tuning keys, strings and some cohesion. The latter being the subject of my question. The sides are separating from the bottom. What is the proper way to fix this problem? And also, what can I use to clean and treat the wood so it doesn't become brittle? I've used pledge on my guitars in the past. Thank you for putting up with my lengthy story. I hope you liked it. Answer: My advise is always never ( I love using those two words together) do it yourself. Go to a decent luthier who has the tools, the proper glue, the clamps and most importantly, the knowledge. Speaking from experience, more decent ukes have been screwed up by people like us trying to do a job that looks simple until we try it. frets - Monday, November 5, 2001

Question asked by: Bryan McCahill Subject: Idnetifying a ukulele Question: Hi Chuck - I was directed to you by David Hurd - perhaps it would be easier to just paste the correspondence - I'm trying to identify the uke in the picture. Thanks much. Sincerely, Bryan Here is the info I sent to David Hurd: (see beneath for response) It is pineapple shaped. It is dated 1949 with a stamp which is directly visible through the sound hole - apparently the day and month were also stamped but they are too blurred to be legible. The headstock, neck and sides are all one piece, though it is seamed right where an end pin would be located on a guitar. On the back of the headstock is a circular faded stamp - I don't know what it says at the top of the circle, but the bottom half of the circle says MADE IN HAWAII . In the center of the circle it says GENUINE MONKEYPOD. It has what appears to be a rosewood back, and I'm not sure about the top - a pretty soft wood. It has cracked in a few places and the bridge came off, so it needs some work - I have never strung it to see how it sounds. It also has a fingerboard, twelve frets, and I have no idea what kind of wood was used; but the fingerboard extends beyond the neck onto the top, though it is flush with the top - it comes to a dull point. Though it has cracked in places, it looks like it was made by a serious craftsman. Do you have any idea who might have made this? Thank you for your assistance. Sincerely, Bryan McCahill Hi Bryan, Thanks for the additional photos. My best guess is that this is a Kalai or Kalae ukulele. These were made from the late 1930's through the 1940's for Johnny Lai who owned the House of Music in Honolulu at the time. They came in both pineapple and standard shape and all had the single piece neck and sides combination. Monkeypod was a common wood for them because it could be gotten very cheaply and in sufficiently thick pieces for the bandsawing operation. I don't think that Johnny Lai was actually involved the building process. I also wonder if the Kamakas were doing some of the production... Perhaps Chuck Fayne (Chuck's Uke Yak at www.fleamarketmusic.com ) would know that many more details. aloha, Photos:      Answer: Brian...the answer David Hurd gave was on the money..It is a ka-lai...however my thinking was that it was one of the ukes made by ka-lai..the ones that were made by kamaka are really kamakas. Regardless, don't spend alot of money restoring it unless you have alot of loose money. It won't sound like anyhing when its done. Its much too heavy and the no brace concept makes it a good war paddle. I have owned them in both shapes and now don't.....tell you anything? thanks for writing...frets fayne - Sunday, November 4, 2001

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