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

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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: jim circle Subject: oscar-schmidt uke Question: greetings frets, i just recieved one the ou-3 aloha delux concert ukes from texas. i also was impressed with all the inlay work and the sheer prettiness of the instrument. but it came with strings the same dimension as the telephone wires on the pole outside of my house. the action was way high and the nut was square, protruded too high and dug into my hand when i played in the first and second frets. so i had a beautiful instrument that was not playable. i took my new uke, and my fluke to a friend who is a lutheran and works on acoustic guitars. (does that make him a luthier?) I told him i wanted the new uke to play and sound like the fluke. not an easy task i know, but he took a bit off the nut and a bit off the saddle and lowered the action keeping the intonation perfect. he filed down the corners of the nut so now it seems part of the neck as it should. we put a set of black hilo strings on her and not only does she look beautiful she sounds and plays beautiful. So i guess what i'm trying to say here in my disertation is that if you run across this uke and you have a lutheran friend that can help you out, it's not a bad way to spend 200 dollars. deep peace, jimmy o Answer: Thanks for the update...until your report all reports on the ou-3 ukulele were negative. Nice to hear differently. We appreciate letting us know. let us know how it breaks in....frets - Friday, October 12, 2001

Question asked by: Linda Subject: strings and more strings Question: Hi Chuck, We received our Camp Tenor Fluke and My son thinks it's great, I've been searching for old and differnt ukes to use in my home decor and hopefully learn to play. I know you think it best to replace stings with old ones so you don't have to break them in, but I'm finding it hard to tell if the strings that come on a used uke are in the right place or even the right gage, or just something someone put on not knowing there was a difference. Is there an easy way to tell the gage of a used string? Also do you have any neat wall hanging tips or do all yours hang from professional holders? Answer: Linda...you must take you uke to a music store. They can tell you what you need in the string dept. As far as hanging them...I use old uke string or the little hair things that girls use to make pony tails.....Now, thats professional isn't it. In Mt.Idy...its difficult to get good profesional hangers. I don't even know if they make one. Let us know if you find a holder. Were always looking for new product. cheers frets from down under.... - Friday, October 12, 2001

Question asked by: Joseph Alphabet Subject: Makea & Kamana Uke Question: Chuck, Have you had a chance yet to look into this uke for me? I might have called it a Makea & Kamaka in my original letter insted of a Makea & Kamana. Thank you for all your help. Mahalo, Joseph Alphabet Answer: Joseph,...I am looking into the makers of your uke. So far nothing, but don't give up. Makea & Kamana.....Anyone out there know about this uke...New or Old..I need your help yakkers. Somebody write. .....frets - Thursday, October 11, 2001

Question asked by: Mike Longworth Subject: Tuners Question: Tuning pegs can be a nuisance, as you know. Over the years I have had to repair many of them, and have a few thoughts on the matter. First the wear and tear problem. If it has seen long service, the area of the headstock under the washer/fluted shaft can become polished. I sand the area, and if necessary the underside of the washer. Chalk or rosin wouldn't hurt, either. Second is the slight shrinkage of the plastic knob. Often this is just enough to cause the screw to bottom out without becoming tight enough to hold. I have ground off a bit of the end of many screws. Finally I went to an old fashioned hardware store, took a sample, and bought a box of them. Lately I was in my favorite Radio Shack, and saw they had a variety pack of this very screw in different lengths. MIke L. Mike L. Answer: Now you know why this man sits at top of the uke throne. Best wishes to you and yours from all of us at Uke Yak..yakers and yakees both. frets... - Thursday, October 11, 2001

Question asked by: Lana Subject: Oscar Schmidt Ukes Question: Chuck, I feel obliged to help the poor guy who just ordered an Oscar Schmidt uke...I've played the two models they've got out now. The $50 model plays much better than the one Dave is paying $200 for. As it is, it's a step up from Hilo or Johnson but that's it. That OU- 3 David bought looks good, but that's about it. My local (expensive) music store was charging $150 for it and I thought that was about double what it was worth. Not a player and positively not worth $150 to $200 in one person's opinion. Answer: Thats what makes this column so interesting. Thanks for your one person's opinion. It lets us know that people out there are reading it. We really appreciate all the help. Its hard for me to play all the new stuff living down here in Australia, and I depend on all of you out there to help out. Thanks again Lana...Chuck Fayne - Thursday, October 11, 2001

Question asked by: Von Uke Subject: wear & tear Question: Chuck, I've got an old & well played martin soprano 0 that is in good condition but for the wearing away of the wood below the sound hole. I can even see fresh wood marks where my playing has knicked away the suface. I saw a Martin 3 at this years Uke Expo that had a tortoise shell -type pick guard on it and it looked O.K. and didn't seen to affect the sound. My question is: do you have any opinion / advice about attaching a pickguard to preserve & protect my uke? There's an excellent Martin authorized repair shop in my town that I feel secure in letting do the work, but I wanted to get your wise (and highly regarded) input. Thanks Answer: Von..If that uke is your player, You should do anything you can to keep it in playing condition. I think attaching a pick guard to protect the wood is a good idea. By all means have it done and having a good luthier do it is a very good idea. It will not affect the sound at all. Let us know how it works out. Thanks for the kind words. chuck - Thursday, October 11, 2001

Question asked by: Doug Uke Subject: Mike Longworth's book Question: An update on my earlier question. I just spoke to someone at the 1833 shop (Martin Guitar's shop) and was informed that Mike Longworth's book (Martin Guitars) is being updated and therefore out of print and not at the store. She didn't seem to know when it would be completed. If you can find out from Mike (assuming this is correct) when it might be completed, I will make a note and try to buy it. You should get Jim to carry it in his on-line store. Answer: Doug..I am sure Mike will read this and respond to it. I know his 3rd edition version is still available in music stores everywhere. Mike...If you read this...what do you know about a new edition. I will write mike personally and see what he has to say. More to come......chuck frets fayne.....Jim will read this as well...When this book does come out, run don't walk to your nearest store....I will.....chuck - Thursday, October 11, 2001

Question asked by: Doug Uke Subject: Mike Longworth's book Question: I have read about your many references to Mike's book on the Martin Guitar (and ukulele). However, I can't find one at Amazon, BarnesandNoble.com or at the Martin websites. Do you know where I can order one online? Thanks. Answer: I believe you but it is very hard to believe. I know the first edition is out of print, however the 3nd edition is still around, especially at this time when the instruments are hotter than ever. You must have talked to the wrong person at Martin. They carry them in their store. If they don't I'd sure like to know why. The book is printed and manufactured in the united states by the Four Maples Press. You need to contact a good music store and you will find it. I will write Mike personally and find out what gives. I know of people who have recently purchased them. Go to a site called Abe Books...If they don't have it, it doesn't exist. Let me know when you find it..also use the marketplace and the Bulletin Board on this site and let you wants known. Somebody will have what you want...and you do want this book...any serious collector does. thanks for writing..good huntin...frets - Tuesday, October 9, 2001

Question asked by: Brooklyn Ukes Subject: Thank you Chuck! More questions... Question: Thanks for answering my question so quickly! I live in Brooklyn, New York City-- not too far from the old Favilla factory. I think that I will try to take my Martin Style 0 to the place I bought my Fluke,Mandolin Brothers. Can you recommend anyone else in New York City, if they are too busy? When my friends and I (the unoffical Brooklyn Ukulele Club) visit Mandolin Brothers to strum their beautiful vintage ukes and drool, we sing a slightly altered Joni Mitchell lyric on the Staten Island Ferry: "I went to Staten Island, Sharon, to buy myself a ukulele..." Answer: Call John Bernunzio at BVI@servtech.com...He is one of my best friends and a very highly respected musical instrument dealer in the U.S. Tell Him I told you to call and ask him for his advise. You will find him listed in the yellow pages under Bernunzio Vintage Instruments. If you are interested in drooling, you need to visit John. I don't mean John drools, he has instruments to die for. Great guy, knowledgeable and other than wanting to lead all the time, a hell of a dancer. good luck...Keep strummin in these shitty times....It will make us all happier.... - Tuesday, October 9, 2001

Question asked by: Brooklyn Ukes Subject: Martin Style O tuners Question: Chuck, I enjoy reading your Uke Yak musings. I am lucky enough to have aquired a 1950's Martin Style 0 soprano for a decent price (under $400). My problem is: the strings on the uke seem to be the original strings, and when I try to tune the uke, the pretty Ivory-ish tuners don't hold in tune more than 1 song. I gingerly tried the tightening the screws, and the uke finally warmed up after some strumming--now I understand what all hullaballoo about old Martin ukes...What an amazing sound! I would like to play this uke, not just put it in a display case, but I worry that even with new strings it won't stay in tune like my Fluke. Is it a sin to put on new tuners? What kind of tuners would be best? And what kind of strings should I put on this ukulele? Thanks for your help. Photos:      Answer: thanks for the kind words....It wouldn't be sin to change the tuners. Not a sin in the way we know sin. No lightning, no burning doorways, however there are ways around the problem. Get larger screws. That seems to be the problem. You have to go to a good luthier, not your local music shop. Not that you won't find a good luthier at a local music shop, but this requires someone who really knows what they are doing. A set of original tuners can sell for 150.00 themselves. It also takes a time for the new strings to break in. When they are new, they are tight and will go out of tune alot until they settle and stretch. Kinda like jockey shorts...You should use Martin Strings on the uke if you want to change them.,,where do you live and perhaps I can send you to the person who knows. You have a great uke, don't put it in a display case...Its a musical instrument and likes to be played. thanks for writing in....chuck frets fayne - Monday, October 8, 2001

Question asked by: David DeShong Subject: new oscar schmidt ukes Question: Hey Chuck-- bless you for all your good works. Well, I've been a guitar player for the past 17 years or so. You'd think I would have progressed past the "fairly poor/below average" stage, but no such luck. Recently I have gotten bit by the uke bug. I feel it will be the perfect instrument to accompany the old-time tunes I like, plus I enjoy the novelty of it. When you put your hand around the neck of a string instrument, you got 4 fingers looking at you. This is why 6 string instruments are difficult for me to get I reckon. Aside from my Grandad and Uncle (who has a 1940's Gibson tenor uke he's going to leave me in his will!), I know NO ONE personally who actually plays uke. I have endeavored to acquire a decent uke to no success. I traded some stuff at a pawn shop for a Tangi concert uke which was pretty, but I was a fool not to check it out thoroughly because it has just enough neck twist to make it both unplayable and irreparable. I then snagged a cheap soprano "Hilo" uke off ebay, but it has hopelessly stripped tuning pegs and fixing it would cost three times as much as the $25 price I got it for. Jeez, I didn't mean to give you my life history... my POINT is that I just ordered a new Oscar Schmidt OU-3 Aloha Deluxe Concert uke from Texas. It has mother of pearl binding, geared Grover tuners, spruce soundboard, comes with a serviceable case... I was wondering if you had heard or seen or played one of these. It was only around $200. I sure hope it's a good one--should have it soon and if you don't know anything about them I'll fill you in as far as quality. If this one is a piece also I may just cave in and get a Kamaka. My wife, though, is getting a bit tired of the rotating selection of ukes. Bottom line-- if a fella has $500 or so to blow on a uke, what would you recommend? I am sure that the Fluke is as wonderful an instrument as you and others claim, but I just have to be a prig and say I desire a more traditional, guitar-shaped uke. Help? Thanks! Answer: sorry...my answer is going to be short by comparison to your question. My thesis is short by comparison to your question...only kidding. Its time now to stop and bail out of what you have...they will sell for something somewhere and spend the 500 dollars on a style O used martin uke....or that Kamaka you were talking about. I wish you had written me first, but its not too late. After you get the uke, get on this site to the on line store and purchase a couple of Jim's books on how to play the uke and with the knowledge you already possess you will be playing in no time...If there is anything else I can do to help, please let me know. chuck frets fayne - Sunday, October 7, 2001

Question asked by: Doug Uke Subject: Question: Aside from the amount of decoration and cost, what (if any) are the differences between a 2k and a 3k? Answer: The length of the fingerboard...the 0, 1, and 2's all have a short fingerboard. The 3 and 5 have an extended fingerboard all the way down to the sound hole. doo dah....doo dah. Best....frets - Sunday, October 7, 2001

Question asked by: Leanne Bertino Subject: Timberline Uke Update Question: Chuck, about your response to the guy asking about Timberline Ukes. You should know that Kevin Hall is not taking orders for ukes at this time. He's booked for a year in advance and won't take new orders. He is not primarily a uke builder, and is really much more focused on guitars. He told me people could contact him from time to time in case he has "orphans". Hope this helps. Answer: Thanks for the info...its always helpful...chuck - Sunday, October 7, 2001

Question asked by: Tom Subject: Mahalo Ukes Question: Do you have any Experience with the Mahalo ukeleles? I am specifically speaking of the Mahogany Baritone? They also have the same model, but with Film Tiger Koa?? What does that mean? Do you know where I can get prices on the Mahalo instruments? Thanks! Tom Answer: Tom...I have little knowledge about the Mahalo ukes. What I have is second hand. They seem to be a little more popular than the other new makers, but have not exploded. As I said, its second hand info. I have not played one. You can find them on the internet. Use the Google search engine and go to Mahalo ukuleles. Also Bounty Ukuleles in Hawaii will know. Mahalo...frets fayne - Sunday, October 7, 2001

Question asked by: Joe Subject: 1928 Gibson tenor Question: Hi Chuck! I found a new uke and I am wondering if $800us is a good price. No pictures but here's a description. 1928 Gibson tenor.12 fret. Excellent condition, no rashes or blemishes. Original dark brown finish. Rather bad crack on the side that has been professionally repaired. The repair included refinishing the effected side only. If you look close you can see the repair though. Single stripe of ivory colored binding with a 3color (ivory, black, ivory) binding around the soundhole. Original tuners and a very nice custom built case by TKL that was bought recently. What do you think? Is it true that Gibson only made 200 +/- of these from 1927-1951? Thanks! Answer: Joe..what you have is a style 2 tenor uke. They made many. The style 3 is the rare one. I am not sure how many 2's were made but 800 sounds like the correct price if the uke is in great shape and a hard case...they are not the rarest but they are rare. go for it...chuck p.s. if it says "The Gibson in silver of gold handwriting script it was made about l927-1935...not 1951.... - Sunday, October 7, 2001

Question asked by: Axel Richter Subject: Carbon strings Question: Hi Chuck, have you ever heard of Carbon Strings for uke? In my opinion, they sound GREAT!!! They are made by a German manufacturer, called Pyramid. They're just developin it, it's not in their catalog. If you like, I can send you a set. Greetinx from Germany Axel Answer: Axel..I have not heard of carbon strings...Please send a set and I will report. Thanks for writing all the way from Germany...Its nice to know all the different places and people who read this column. Keep in touch and I will report on the uke yak as soon as I get the strings.,..Watch you email for my home address. thanks and Guten Tag...chuck - Sunday, October 7, 2001

Question asked by: jim miller Subject: banjo uke Question: Chuck: I recently purchased a Slingerland Banjo uke and case at a ( flea) market. It appears to be in good condition head and the mahogny body are like new. It is a Maybell and there is the number 24 stamped on the neck piece . Frets are metal, on what looks like ebony with mother of pearl inserts. The case is an old leather style with a drop bottom. lined with green felt Without seeing it can you give me any Gestamation on it's mfg date or any idea of it's value ? Thanking you in advance for any words of Wisdome Jim Miller Answer: It was made in the 30's and a gestamate ( is that how it is spelled?) would be, in great condition...250.00...good banjo uke, well made...put nylon strings, not metal. unless you want to cut the cheese ( sorry about that one)..metal strings are very hard to play and hard to listen to. thanks for writing in....frets - Sunday, October 7, 2001

Question asked by: Ukelady Subject: Question: Hi Frets, I just received a uke in the mail from ebay which appears odd to me. The nut (at the top) is at least twice as high as normal, maybe 1/2 inch off the neck. There is a decal under the sound hole which reads "The Hawaiian". I am wondering if this uke is meant to be played as a "slide uke", or if this is just a real piece of junk. I really need your expertise on this one. Thanks so much for your time. Ukelady Answer: I have no idea why the high nut. I don't know of a ukulele that was made just for slide playing., I think this is a home job and perhaps it was altered for slide. I think I did write to you for a picture, I would still like to have one. Send it here to this site or to my personal email. I would like to see what it looks like. Thanks and good pickin' ...chuck - Sunday, October 7, 2001

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