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

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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: 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: Doug Uke Subject: Martin Tenor Question: Chuck, I purchased an older (pre-1932 from the stamped logo on the back of the head) Martin style 1 mahogony that the seller called a tenor. It is a great ukulele but only measures 23 inches - about the same as my concert ukuleles. Is this the usual length of the Martin tenors? Also, I was thinking about changing the strings on it. It has what feels like the Martin strings for a soprano ukulele and is tuned to high G. I was thinking about putting strings on for low G but the tenor strings seem really, really long. Any views? Thanks. Answer: Doug the strings seem long because it is a concert. They won't be long if you put them on a concert....If your uke has a pin bridge its a tenor, if it has a regular bridge ,it is a concert. Go for the low string...I love the sound on a concert. length of a tenor..26 usually....chuck - Sunday, November 4, 2001

Question asked by: peter mari Subject: Beltona Blue uke Question: Chuck. Just a note to tell you and all your readers that you were right about the Beltona Blue uke. It arrived today and it's really wonderful. Every song sounds like it comes from the 20's. The workmanship is extraordinary and it is very easy to play. The blue color is very cool and looks even better than the picture on the Beltona website. I got the 14.75 inch fretboard and there's lots of room to go up the neck. Thanks for encouraging me to buy it. Peter Answer: Your Welcome. It really does have a different sound...thanks for the report..always good to get new info...chuck frets fayne - Friday, November 2, 2001

Question asked by: Laura Subject: Never mind my previous question Question: I'm afraid I asked my question (Martin vs. Fluke vs. Oscar Schmidt) prematurely without doing a more thorough search through the archives. In doing so, I found the answer to be 100% on the side of getting a fluke. Sorry to ask a question that has already been asked. I can't wait to pick up the Fluke, I think my boyfriend (and I) will love it! Answer: You have made a wise choice...The fluke is unbeatable....Please say hello to the boyfriend from all at mt idyak....frets - Friday, November 2, 2001

Question asked by: Jimmy O Subject: bones and saddles Question: Hey Chuck, I read the disertation by the guy who bought the Oscar Schmidt OU-3 uke. He commented on the sloppy work around the nut and saddle and I agree. I had both filed down on my uke. I had thought about replacing them with bone but was advised against it. I was told the plastic may be cheap but the density was consistant. If I was to replace it with bone, a natural occuring substance in nature, I would be taking the chance that the density would be inconsistant and it would alter the sound. Any truth to this? Thanks, Jimmy O. Answer: I am leary of anything new that has to be worked on to make it right. Why didn't the manufacturers do it right to begin with? It would be like having to personally rebuild your engine in the new car you just bought. I have no idea . I can't imagine anyone knowing enough about bone vs whatever else there is to suggest that you don't use bone. I have ukes that have wood, wire, tin, nothing , mother of pearl, bone, ivory and just about anything else you can think of. I honestly don't think that if someone came to my house in the middle of the night and switch my nut ( you'll pardon the expression) I would know it. Unless they had real cold hands. What I'm trying to say is send it back to the manufacturer and have them make it right or tell them to keep it and refund your money. There are alot of ukes out there that need no work. I have had many letters about this uke It may be time that the maker got a letter about the letters. chuck frets fayne - Friday, November 2, 2001

Question asked by: Vivien Subject: Wendell Hall Red Head Question: Hi Chuck, I have searched the Uke Yak for info about my Wendell Hall Red Head. It's my first ukulele; I am teaching myself how to play it. It is koa and has some inlay on the front. The sticker inside says Regal Chicago. I am wondering when it was most likely built? I note that someone in Uke Yak dates it to the 20s, but the page it is featured on in "The Ukulele- A Visual History" leads me to wonder if it wasn't built in the 50s. What else can you tell me about this uke? I'm not interested in selling it... Do you think it's a good uke to learn on? I wonder why it is called a "mere" collector's item? My untrained ear loves the way it sounds. Thanks very much, Vivien Answer: Vivian...where did you see that the Wendell Hall Red Head uke was called a mere collectors item? I cannot remember seeing that anywhere. I hope I didn't write it. I have had two variations of the Red Head...( one was not a natural red head)..Only kidding. Both were wonderful players. It was built in the late 40's early 50's. You have an untrained ear??? Use the reward system when training anything. Good luck ...frets - Friday, November 2, 2001

Question asked by: peter mari Subject: Beltona blue uke Question: Chuck. I had some comments about my new Beltona blue uke and it went directly to the questions answered. If anyone is considering the Beltona blue soprano, please type Beltona in the search uke-yak to see my comments. Thanks. Peter Answer: thanks peter for your comments... frets - Thursday, November 1, 2001

Question asked by: Mike Longworth Subject: tuner repair Question: Chuck, You have covered so much ground in your thousand or so questions and explanations. Around Oct. 9, I mentioned some approaches to servicing ukulele pegs. Send our friend to the list. Mike L. Answer: This is for Tim Mullins and all the rest of you who might be having tuner problems. If you would look at Mike Longworth Oct 9th...there is a valuable batch of information on just that problem. Go to uke yak and punch in Mike Longworth...Don't punch Mike..just the name. scroll down, it won't take long and there is the answer to your problems. thanks as usual Mike...Hope your feeling fine....chuck - Sunday, October 28, 2001

Question asked by: Tim Mullins Subject: Pegs & strings for my style 1? Question: Hi Chuck. I just received my first Martin, a soprano style 1. Do these tuners look like they are original? They work just so-so. Would it hurt if I put on Grover Champion 85Bs? Also, is it preferred to use Martin strings on a Martin? Thanks for your advice, Tim Mullins Answer: Tim...I tried to write you but the email would not go thru...If you have original mechanical tuners not pegs, they should work. Perhaps you need larger screws. I would have a luthier take a look at them before you scrap them for new ones. The ones you have might not be original martin tuners. You can't do much to hurt the instrument. It doesn't know what strings are one it so give them all a try until you find the sound you are looking for. You have my favorite of all the Martin ukes....best sound as far as I'm concerned..and I am concerned. best to you and your quest. If you sent a pic I didn't get it..If you want to send again or try on my personal email....do..and I will tell you what tuners you have. thanks for writing in.....chuck frets fayne - Saturday, October 27, 2001

Question asked by: Catfish Subject: NoName Banjo Ukulele Question: I recently picked up another banjo uke restoration project and would appreciate any guesses as to who may have manufactured it. It's got a fairly distinctive headstock shape with a single small slotted diamond inlay (see attached photo). It's got a HEAVY lathe-turned wood resonator with marquetry ring, and matching marquetry around the rim. I think it's a good grade of mahogany. The thing weighs a ton, but sounds great. Any ideas? Answer: dear cat..if I may call you that...I have seen and owned this banjo uke in a dozen different varieties. I have no idea who made it. I would say regal..,but the headstock is wrong...lyon and healy but the body is wrong...Harmony but the quality is wrong...so now you know all I don't know about the banjo uke. The pic you sent didn't come thru but the ones you sent to me privately did. Try again to send a pic to this site and I will try to add its to my answer. thanks and remember bend your knees when trying to lift this uke...otherwise truss will be something other than a rod...best to you and yours...chuck - Saturday, October 27, 2001

Question asked by: John King Subject: Kumalae Question: Chuck, RE: your comments about the Kumalae ukulele just posted. I looked at the ukulele you are auctioning on eBay, and it is a style 2, (sometimes called a style "B") not a style 1. The specs for a style 2 call for "curly grain koa" so there's nothing out of the ordinary about that being the wood used in your ukulele. While fitting the general description of "curly" the wood on your ukulele is more accurately called quarter-sawn or cut on the bias. rega Answer: Thanks for the info. Kumalae, as you know was the largest producers of Ukes in Hawaii. I have seen their many, many varieties called everything. I have not seen this one referred to as a style 2 but I am willing to believe anything. It seems they improvised as they went along. I must have had 30 varieties myself...Each called something different depending on which book of cataloge I had. I find them one of the most interesting makers of all time. Thanks for the info, I shall add it to my growing Kumalae collection. All info greatly appreciated. frets fayne - Friday, October 26, 2001

Question asked by: David DeShong Subject: Dem New Oscar Schmidt Ukes Question: Howdee from Okiehoma, Frets. Felt like I should follow up regarding the new OU3 Aloha concert uke by Oscar Schmidt Co. I acknowledge that I have no frame of reference specifically for uke quality, but I have played guitar most of my lfe, and I actually think this is a pretty decent ax. The construction seems solid, it is a beauty to look at, the sound (to me) is quite crisp and resonant, bridge and tuners seem well put together. I'm overall pretty happy with it, especially as a first step into ukedom. They are getting hard to find from what I can tell, or at least there has been some delay in their manufacture. I got mine through the fantastic Mr. Roy T. Cone at UkuleleWorld in Seabrooke, TX--he threw in some picks, Jumpin' Jim's Xmas songbook(a wonderful resource!) and a more than passable case. This thing played decently and was in tune straight out of the box. I hope you get to jam around on one at some point-- I'd love to hear your thoughts on it. In any instrument that is mass-produced overseas there are bound to be turkeys. Perhaps I just stumbled onto one that was made by the best who worked at the plant and he was having a good day... I DO have to say, though, that I agree with the gentleman who was talking about the nut and saddle. Both are cheaply done. The nut is way too high and made of cheap plastic. The saddle too is cut fairly rough and is also too high, making the action a tad uncomfortable. I shall soon have both either replaced or at least shaved down and adjusted. Aside from this, a couple of the fret-ends could stand a modicum of filing down and fine finishing, but I'm gonna stand by it here in front of everyone. It's no old Martin or Kamaka, and it's not "priceless heirloom" quality, but it works and sounds good. With a bit of touch up work I think I will have more than gotten my $$$$'s worth. But I will continue shopping for a more pro model--hopefully a tenor of some kind. What do you think of those Applause Tenor Acoustic/Electrics? Well, take care, thanks for listening to my SECOND LOOONG email, and keep up the fine, fine work! xoxo, ~Griffis Hames PS-(off the record)-I have made a comp of some pretty obscure uke music circa 1920-1950. Lots of black medicine show performers, etc with some Hawaiian and Tin Pan Alley type stuff thrown in. I sent one to Beloff and he gives it the thumbs up. You may have some/most/all of the stuff on here, but I doubt it. (The Pebbles...Danny Small and Ukulele Mays...Ciro's Club Coon Orchestra...Ukulele Bob Williams--all recorded in the 1920's or before) If you'd like a copy of this one (there'll be future volumes), shoot me yer mailing address and I'll get one to you free as a bird. Answer: Thanks for the report. Always good to get opinions. I like the tenor applause uke very much. I have one and play it all the time. Again,thanks for your yakkin...its always appreciated...frets - Friday, October 26, 2001

Question asked by: Dan Sawyer Subject: Smeck Vita-Uke, origins Question: Hi Chuck. I've always wondered why the Harmony company called the Roy Smeck model with the seal holes the "Vita Uke". The word "Vita" sounds like vitamins or vitality, but doesn't seem related to ukuleles, seals or Roy Smeck. Well, we may now have the answer. On ebay there is a 78 rpm record by "Roy Smeck and his Vita Trio." Of course, that was the name of his group! Now with a little more research maybe we'll find out they had a trained seal as part of the act. Answer: dan..thanks for the info...vita-trio makes as little sense as the vita series of instruments. I will attempt to get in touch with his wife Faye and see if she has an answer. I think I can do it. If I get through, I will post it on this site. Thanks again for the info...all this stuff counts... - Friday, October 26, 2001

Question asked by: Barbara Brown Subject: Info On My Kumalae Uke Question: I'm not a musical person, so I might not describe my uke correctly. I saw your Kumalae Uke on e-bay, and after checking this site, you seem like a helpful, knowledgeable person. I own a Kumalae Gold Medal 1915 Hawaii (that's what it says on the decal on top) Uke. It is inlaid with a circle wood design around the circle. It is approx. 20-1/2" long. The finish on back is highly polished and no cracks. On the front, below the circle are 2 cracks. The 4 wood screwpegs on top are there. There is a thick string, but I'm not sure it goes with it. I've figured out Kumalae must be the maker of the instrument? Do you have any info on my Uke? Does it have any value? Where would I go to sell it? Thank you very much for any information you can give me on this. I'm also a novice computer user, so I hope I submitted this correctly. Answer: Barbara..you did everything o.k. If I were you I would put your Kumalae on the Marketplace on this site. Put it up with 125.00 or best offer. It is a nice uke but the cracks hurt it. Kumalae was a maker in the l920'- in Hawaii. He made heaps of ukes in all styles. Yours is commonly called a style 1. It has the least amount of rope trim. If the trim is just around the sound hole it is a style 1. The things that affect the price is the quality of the wood, if you saw mine on ebay..that is AAA quality. That is the best quality available. It is also crack free. Yours is still worth money as a player. Please use this site. You will find someone who wants a good player...thanks frets..fayne - Friday, October 26, 2001

Question asked by: John Subject: Over a thousand questions! Question: This is really a significant accomplishment. You should be very proud. I know us readers are very grateful. Come to think of it, you should be very tired! Here is a question for you… out of the 1001 questions you have answered, which one was your favorite? Thanks for your tremendous service, and especially your great sense of humor! Answer: Thanks...I am very proud. It was and still is a lot of fun. My favorite question was....I have a brown ukulele, what is it worth? ..Thanks again for the kind words and keep writin' in...we need you...frets - Thursday, October 25, 2001

Question asked by: josh Subject: check this out Question: hey frets and the world, lookit my new uke! it's a tenor even, arched top, shoehorn tailpeice, maybe somebody else saw it around...it sounds funny, but in a good way. my question is this: some of the frets (not the man) are too high and there are spots where it buzzes, etc. how do i get rid of this problem? should i file the fretwire down or hammer it (yikes) or what? advice from anyone would be great. and thanks for answering my question about tenor tuning last week! j Answer: Josh ..am I correct in assuming that you sent a pic with this question. If so...it didn't make it. My advise on work of that nature is to have a competent luthier do the job. I have tried to fix problems I thought I knew the answer to...and you can guess the rest. I can glue a crack shut, and polish the hell out of a uke and on a real good day, play so the uninitiated think I am terrific...but other than that, I leave the heavey stuff to the experts. I would advise you to do the same. If you want to let me know where you live ( not the exact address) just the general city would do...I will do my best to "point you a luthier", lyrics by Ira Gershwin...Frets Fayne - Thursday, October 25, 2001

Question asked by: BillZ Subject: Beltona and new strings. Question: Hi Chuck, I've just received my new Beltona tenor and would like to say it is one great ukulele. Very nice workmanship and it sounds just as I'd hoped. My question is, it looks like it has Kamaka tenor strings on it and I know that National markets a string set. What makes the National strings different? The Kamakas sound fine but I'd like to hear what you have to say about string choices for metal body ukes. thanks. PS. on the pic of you is that your Gibson tenor your holding? Answer: I have a Beltona also and I am notg sure what the strings are. But they sound fine and I am going to leave them there. My string choices are always tough, bucause I hate to string anything with new strings. I don't like the sound or feel until I have played them alot. I tend to lean toward the Kamaka strings only because I think they take less time to break it. I must confess, my ear is not that fine...I would recognize great differences but the subtle ones slip right by me. I guess the answer to your question is to order a set of National Strings and try them out. If you do. please report back to us..All informaation greatly appreciated....best...frets fayne - Thursday, October 25, 2001

Question asked by: Ken Bailey Subject: koa uke Question: What do you know about Koa Ukes with no other id. then a round label with green ink writing that reads "Genuine Koa Wood Ukulele" "Material and Workmanship Guaranteed" ? Answer: Ken....I have seen that label many times and don't know what to make of it. I have seen it in other shapes and colors. I can tell you how to tell a hawaiian made ukulele with that label. Look at the back of the uke. If the back includes the little piece that goes over the spot the neck joins, it is Hawaiian. If that if the back does not include that little piece..it is a mainland uke. Now that said, It hasn't always held true...I have seen the label on more mainland ukes than island ukes. I have always wondered what "Material and Workmanship guaranteed" really meant. Guaranteed against or for what? Hope this has helped some. You are the first question of my next 1000. 999 to go...Thanks ....frets - Wednesday, October 24, 2001

Question asked by: gary Subject: 1950's Martin Tenor Ukes Question: Can you give me a value of my two l950 tenor Ukes. Thank you very much. Answer: Gary, is there any chance you can get me pics of the ukes, either to this site or to my personal email address. Thanks...Frets - Tuesday, October 23, 2001

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