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

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Question asked by: CHUCK FAYNE Subject: 1000 th QUESTION Question: What has it been like to answer 1000 questions??? Answer: I wanted the 1000th question to be mine. Before I answer it, I would like to thank a couple of people who mean the world to me. Jim and Liz Beloff. I would never tell them in person, but I would gladly do this job for nothing. Wait a minute....That is exactly what I do...Not really. Nothing could be further from the truth. I do this job because I love it. It has given me an opportunity to meet the nicest, most passionate and interesting people I have ever met. I have learned about them, and from them. Mostly from them. I have learned about me. I went into this thinking I knew it all and found out I didn't and never will. Its interesting what you can find out about a person by the questions they ask. I have made hundreds of friends that I may or may not ever meet face to face. But I have attached a face to each one. I know that no matter what time of day or night, I can tune into uke yak and there is usually a question of two for me to answer. What a great thing. Conversation whenever I want it. We all live to communicate and I get to do it most anytime. The questions are as different as the people who ask them. Some of you just want to yak. Others are stuck making a decision. Some just want to air an opinion. I get an opportunity to be serious and silly at the same time. I have had some questions that have made me work to figure out exactly what's wanted, but I have never had a question or an opinion that was the least bit hostile. How many people in the world can say they have had 1000 conversations and they have all been friendly? Wouldn't it be nice if it could be? I treasure the information I have gotten from all of you who take the time to share your findings. I know there is more I don't know than I already know. I want to thank each and every one of you who have written Uke Yak..I love this job and that feeling extends to all of you. I have a great feeling of job security...I can't be fired from a job I don't have. I have no boss, no time to punch in and no restrictions. One could hardly call that a job. I still have that box filled with answers, I just need questions. I'm ready for 1001 to start..Who's it going to be? With the world the way it is today, Its nice to know that we can sit down and with a piece of wood, a little metal, and four strings enter a place where all the people are "five foot two", live on the "sunny side of the street" and pack all their troubles in an " Old Kit Bag and Smile, Smile,Smile...I'd love to write more, but I have to go look over a four leaf clover.... Hope to meet you all down the fretboard of life....Peace....Chuck "Frets" Fayne - Tuesday, October 23, 2001

Question asked by: Doug Uke Subject: Strings for tenor uke Question: Chuck, I was reading one of your old postings (an amazing archive of information)on a Washburn and was intrigued by your comment on steel strings "and in our correspondence you told me you got the instrument with steel strings. It was not intended to be played with steel strings..... gut or plastic only. You loose the sweetness of the sound when you put a steel string on a wooden ukulele. Steel strings in an instrument that size are to be used on banjo ukes and then mostly for volume or to duplicate the sound of a true banjo. Put gut or plastic and enjoy your lovely ukulele." (September 13 1998) I own a custom tenor which was fitted with Martin strings when I bought it. The low G string is wound. Should I change the strings (I only play for myself and so don't need a loud instrument) or keep it as is? If I change it, noting what you said about old strings (which I don't have), are there any new strings that I can buy and try? Thanks. Answer: Thanks for the nice words. Don't change the strings. The low wound G is perfect. I like the Martin strings for a tenor..Great sound. You won't do any better in my opinion. My second choice would be a set of Kamaka Tenor, however, I find them harder to break in than the Martin strings. Keep strummin' and thanks for writing in. You are the 999th question I have answered. Please stay tuned for my 1000th. best to ya...chuck fayne - Tuesday, October 23, 2001

Question asked by: Tim Mullins Subject: Cigar Box uke on Ebay? Question: Hi Chuck, Is this what I think it is? Or rather was, he ended the listing and sold it . It sure looks like the ones in the Kamaka section of "Ukuleles: A Visual History." If it was, what should it have been worth? Thanks, Tim Mullins Answer: .Tim..If it were genuine, and I am not saying it wasn't, it would have been worth 1000 or more. Unfortunatly, there have been quite a few of those boxes show up in the past years and the ukelele has been duplicated. It would be very difficult to determine whether or not it was one of the Original Kamaka 7. I have seen many more of then than 7 , which leads me to believe some are modern replications., One of the two in the Visual History book, which by the way are both genuine, had a label in it. I owned it and it was a label of the distributor of the Kamaka Ukulele. I wrote Kamaka and they verified that the label was genuine and the uke was orignal. The reason I know they are both original is because they were around long before the new batch began to show up....Hope I have answered your question. I did not attempt to get the uke because I was not sure and not willing to take a chance....frets - Sunday, October 21, 2001

Question asked by: josh Subject: tenor tunin' Question: so what's the deal with tenor tuning? there's the guitar with a hi d or the soprano with a low g. is it just a matter of preference? or what? set me straight frets! also, do you know any good shops in the chicago area, suburbs or city? Answer: The tenor tuning has been a subject of discussion for years. I have tuned them all ways possible. I am not sure that is does not depend on the uke and what sounds best on that particular uke. Its not like a soprano, which may sound different with different instruments, but you havn't got the range of the tenor where you could get it up as high as a soprano and low as a baritone. I think it is a matter of preference. Chicago area...I will write a friend in Chicago and see what he has to say and add it to this answer. Look for it. thanks for writing in...frets - Sunday, October 21, 2001

Question asked by: Doug Uke Subject: Larrivee ukes and Chuck's preferences Question: Chuck, I couldn't find very much on your site about Larrivee ukes. Do you have any views on them such as, how do they compare with say Kamaka's or Martin's in terms of quality of manufacturing, playability and collectability? Separately, do you personally have a preference in terms of size of instrument that you play (that is, soprano, concert, tenor or baritone) and why? Thanks. Doug Answer: I have played Larrivee Ukes on a couple of occassions. I didn't run out and buy one...not too sure what that means. Sure are pretty. Dave Pasant,who writes both here and on the bulletin board loves them. He is an awfully good judge of quality. If you pose the question on the bulletin board I'm sure Dave will answer you. I really don't have a preference for size of uke. Each size has its own appeal. I am most taken by the instrument that makes me sound better than I know I really am. In this case size doesn't count. My two favorites of all time are the l928 Kamaka Pineapple and the Leonardo Nunes Radio Tenor, which is a concert almost. Mike Longworth made me a uke a few years back that is probably the best fit for me, but I don't know how you would go about getting one. It is a concert Ditson shaped, but with a little more of the French Guitar lines. It is the perfect uke. Ahhh,...so many ukes so few picks. I'm not sure I answered your question but it gave me a chance to babble and I thank you for that...frets - Sunday, October 21, 2001

Question asked by: Frederik Goossens Subject: red head Question: Hi Chuck, Wow this site of yours really is a treasure for uke lovers all over the world. I write to you from Belgium, a uke-sized country in Europe, because something has got me puzzled for over a few months now. In my search for a decent, playable and well sounding ukulele, I recently stumbled across a Red Head ukulele, which, I was told, dates from the twenties and is made out of koa. I liked the sparkling sound and the looks of the instrument and since a good (or inexpensive) ukulele is quite impossible to find in Europe (imagine that), I went and bought it. Afterwards I've been surfing the internet to find out more about it. You clearly consider it to be a "mere" collector's instrument and I found that to be true. I had the chance of buying a Martin tenor uke and since then I can clearly experience the obvious difference in quality, sound and playability. I fell in love with this beautiful uke (don't tell my girlfriend - she already thinks taking a uke to bed is taking things a bit too far. What does she know...) Anyway, about the Red Head, there was one on sale on ebay recently and that instrument was made by the Regal company. Mine has a lovely picture inside which states is was made by 'the Mele'. Moreover, a friend of mine, who builds his own instruments, has had a good look at it and says that it is quite definitely made of mahogany. what is happening? My head is turning Red, so many questions, no answers. Help Chuck, please Heeeelp!!!!!! thanks, Ukefrele Answer: Frederik...Hello I am in Melbourne Australia, bigger than Belgium but just as few ukuleles. I understand how your girl-fiend feels about taking your martin to bed...however, she might be more upset if you took your redhead...I have a feeling that your friend is wrong about the wood. I have seen many many red head ukes and never one made of Mahogany. They can look like mahogany, but all I have seen are Koa. It was made by the Regal company and Mele was only one of the many distributors. I'm glad you got the Martin tenor. Of all the Martin line of instruments, I like it the best. Good luck and thanks for writing from so far away. This has been quite an experience for me. I find your language very similar to English. I had no trouble reading your email at all. Please keep in touch. As far as I can remember, you are our only yakker from Belgium. Thanks and best from all over here.....frets - Saturday, October 20, 2001

Question asked by: Doug Uke Subject: Jazz uke Question: Chuck, Do you have any views or comments on the Jazz Uke built by Hank Robinson (link on the Flea Market link page)? Thanks. Answer: Loks good, sounds good. Don't know anything else...Can you get it on a trial period to see if it is for you? That approach always appeals to me. Let us know what happens....thanks for writing in...If anyone out there owns of Hank Robinson's ukes, please write in.. ..frets - Friday, October 19, 2001

Question asked by: Shea Subject: Question: Chuck I saw a Martin tiple for sale the other day. It's a T-28 in pretty good shape (it has some slight cracking around the bridge). I've seen in the past where you've said that Martin tiples could be dated by the serial #, Where is the year contained in that number? They were asking $200 for this one. I should get it, right? Answer: Are you serious.?????????..the bridge for a t28 tiple costs more than that. Get it before someone else does. The first person thru the door that knows anyhing about instruments will grab it. For future knowledge, you can buy anything with the martin name on it for 200 dollars except a picture of Steve Martin. AS for the number, it would be on the end block. You have to look thru the sound hole and back to where the neck attaches. If it is there, thats where it is. It makes no difference, if it says martin it is worth many many times what they are asking...Now stop reading and get back to the store. frets - Thursday, October 18, 2001

Question asked by: Doug Uke Subject: Gibson Tenor Question: TChuck, I own the attached Gibson tenor. It has a silver silver "The Gibson" on the head board. Anything you can tell me about it? I also note that you like your Gibson tenor, what style is it? Any idea of the value? Thanks. Answer: What you have is a style 2 gibson tenor uke. I have a few gibson tenor ukes so I don't know which one you are referring to. I like them all. I like the sound of the gibson tenor more than any other tenor, except for Caruso, who I thought had a marvelous range for a man who was not very tall. The value depends on the condition and whether or not it has an original hard shelled case. If it is in mint condition, 700 would not be outrageous. An autographed picture of Enrico Caruso goes for about 1200...So in the world of tenors, Your gibson seems like a bargain....best....chuck - Tuesday, October 16, 2001

Question asked by: rocco Subject: wrapped strings Question: hey, chuck. what do you know about nylon- wrapped nylon strings? a friend just sent me a pack for soprano ukes. they're from john pearse and apparently are "re-created according to exact specifications provided by the late, great benny kalama." i don't need to restring a uke right now, but i'm curious about their sound and playability. any experience with them? Answer: Rocco...I have only one experence with nylon wrapped strings. I have a set on a tenor ukulele I bought a few years ago. I like the sound, except for the squeeking noise that wrapped strings make. It is a soft sound, not at all like a nylon string ..I play the uke regularly. but am also conscious of the strings. I would not , myself, go out and buy a set for my own use. I have them already so I am lazy and don't change them, so I guess I don't hate them...I just prefer the regular strings. Does that bit of wishy washy help in any way. I have no idea what I wrote. I am distracted today, I misplaced the tooth I had pulled yesterday. Its gold.. frets... - Tuesday, October 16, 2001

Question asked by: malcolm bennett Subject: brazilian ukelele Question: Hi Chuck I have a nice uke which I've had restored with a label inside which says: Tranquillo giannini SA, Alameda Olga,414-Cx postal 1205 San Paulo Brasil Can you tell me anything about this maker?Thanks Malcolm Answer: He doesn't have an aunt named Sadie. That is all I know about him. I would love to see a pic of the uke. Please send one to this site.. always interested in stuff I havn't seen. Thanks for writing..wish I could be more helpful....best....chuck - Monday, October 15, 2001

Question asked by: Scott Kern Subject: so cal music co uke Question: Any info on Southern California Music Co.ukes? I know they were an instrument retailer and sold Marin made koa guitars in the teens.But what about the ukes. Who were they made by, etc? Answer: Southern California Music Company sold a huge variety of instruments. Weissenborn, Nunes, Martin, Lyon and Healy just to name a few. All these companies made instruments that were distributed by Southern Cal Music Company. I have a catalogue somewhere, I will try to find and xerox you a copy. I just received in the mail today a style 2 Koa Martin Uke..Oldest one I have ever seen..Stamped on the back below the martin stamp is "The Southern California Music Company Los Angeles. It is a fabulous instrument and in perfect condition. Fun to see the first edition of the 2k..Hope this helps...chuck - Monday, October 15, 2001

Question asked by: kelly bennett Subject: ukelele Question: I'm a beginner uke player and I have a chance to buy either a 1910 kumalae or an echo or a makini. What would be a good choice not only for a player but for a collector. they range from 250 to 450 in price and are in original Answer: Its very hard to answer your question without seeing the instruments. The three companies made so many different varieties. The Echo Uke was made by the Hawaiian Mahogany Company ( maybe Kumalae). If I had to buy by name alone, I would choose the Kumalae. But I would have to see all the instruments first. It all depends on which model they are. Makini was also a good instrument, possibly made by An Tao Kam in the l940's or 50's. They are all about equal in quality. Is there any way you can send a pic to this site of the three ukes? I would be most interested in seeing the Makini...there are not alot of them around. Kumalae possibly had the best quality control. If the Kumalae is highly trimmed, it would certainly be the one for investment. Send a pic....frets - Monday, October 15, 2001

Question asked by: ted middleton Subject: Uke Cases Question: Do you know of any dealer that sells Leslie Nunes uke cases? Thanks. Ted Answer: Ted...Leslie is in the phone book in Hawaii. He, as far as I know, sells them directly.. I'm not sure if there are dealers who carry his cases. let us know what you find out..thanks for writing in.....chuck - Sunday, October 14, 2001

Question asked by: Al Subject: Akai Question: What was the quality of Akai's ukes. I know that he was an early maker, but from the photos on ebay, it's hard to determine the quality of his product. Thanks, Al Answer: well made uke. I have had a couple of them and they play very nicely. They are not large ukes, a little on the slim side, so they are not super loud. But, don't let that stop you from getting one in good condition for little money...my advise for almost everything. They are early ...l920's..not many makers from that time. Good huntin' frets - Saturday, October 13, 2001

Question asked by: Mike Johnson Subject: Warped Islander Question: Hi Chuck, I have a very neat Baritone Islander (cutaway) whose top is a bit deformed - the bridge canted forward. Have you ever tried applying heat to flatten the warped top of a platic uke? If yes, any advise? Thanks - Mike Answer: Mike, as I have said before...I am Jewish. The chances of me trying to flatten the top of a plastic uke is about the same as doing angioplasty. I have never removed a light bulb and had the little metal part still attached. Any advise???? Yeh....Don't.....I also knew an Islander with a deformed bridge. But that is another story. Aloha from the Island of Idy....frets - Saturday, October 13, 2001

Question asked by: Al Subject: Last time...Diastone Question: Ok, this is my last missive, i swear!! just wanted to pass on the link to the diastone. More pictures there. http://cgi.ebay.com/aw- cgi/eBayISAPI.dll? ViewItem&item=1474411192 Until I'm confussed again, Al Answer: Al. You will never be confused again. However, write whenever the mood strikes you. Thanks for the link. frets - Saturday, October 13, 2001

Question asked by: Al Subject: Diastone again Question: Don't know when it was made...I'm thinking maybe sixtys, only because there was a tiny bit of corrosion on on of the screws that tightens the tuning peg in the back. Why I associate corrosion with the sixty's I don't know...Maybe I thought it was from the sixtys because it has the word 'stone' in its name...or is that tone?? Dia Stone, Dias Tone, I don't know. Anyway, I'm getting ready to list it on ebay, so we'll see what we shall see. Thanks Again for the wit and wisdom, Al PS included a photo to show some detail Photos:      Answer: Al thanks for the picture. When you say detail, you mean detail. I don't think you would get much more with an electron microscope..good luck on selling the uke. I will be watching with rapt attention...(that is my wife)....she Latvian...chuck - Saturday, October 13, 2001

Question asked by: Tiki King Subject: Question: Aloha Chuck! The Phoenix Uke is what I think most of us would consider a "student" or "beginner" Uke. They are made in china, usually ply construction. I have seen two models, standard soprano and Pineapple. Price is usually $20- 40, depending on who is selling it. Quality is a bit below a Johnson. But, without seeing it, this is based on other ukes I have seen with the "Phoenix" name. Cheers! Tiki King Answer: Thank you your Highness. Its always nice to know that someone, somewhere is reading this column. Your input is always greatly appreciated. In case you out there don't know...Tiki King makes great stickers for your uke case. Look on the Marketplace to find his ad. I have one on mine. ( Uke that is)...Long live the King. thanks frets.... - Saturday, October 13, 2001

Question asked by: Al Subject: RE: diastone uke Question: I forgot a few things. One...the photo. Two....Thanks for your time and Three....Thanks for the wisdom that you so freely give, I've really enjoy reading your commentary. Thanks Again, Al Photos:      Answer: Al ...never saw one but it sure looks nice. When was it made and do you know anaything about it. Diastone....what a terrible name for a uke...It better sound good. I passed a diastone a couple of years ago. Hurt like hell...Anyone out there know about this uke????I would like to know..looks exactly like a Martin....thanks all...frets - Friday, October 12, 2001

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