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

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Question asked by: csrjupiter Subject: B&J Mele Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I recently picked up this B&J soprano "The Mele" ukulele. It appears to be solid wood, and has a nice rope design on the outer edge of the top and the rosette. Not sure what sort of wood. The label reads "The Mele" Hawaiian Ukulele, B&J New York. I understand that B&J stands for Buegeleisen & Jacobson. Can you discern what sort of wood it is made out of, and the uke's value? Thanks for all you do for us! --Best wishes, Cris Photos:                          Answer: It is made by the Mele company for G&J...Interestingly enough it is made in Hawaii of Mahogany...Odd....but not unheard of...value is about 350+...good luck..chuck - Monday, September 20, 2010

Question asked by: anita jones Subject: wanting to purchase Gibson UB2 Question: I am looking to purchase a Gibson UB 2 Deluxe Banjolele if possible. What would one in very good condition cost? Could you recommend another very good old brand to also look for. Answer: Call John Bernunzion in Rochester N Y ...Bernunzio vintage instruments...He is an old and trusted friend, perhaps hte can help you on both questions. He has the main pipeline to banjos and banjo ukes......best....chuck - Monday, September 20, 2010

Question asked by: Artista Subject: vintage LYRA Question: Im currently replacing the plastic nut which was glued onto the bridge. Id like to know if there is any definitive way of knowing the age of this baritone LYRA. I was told it is from the 40s.. 'Made in the USA' printed inside Thanks all Photos:          Answer: Artista....no way of telling, I would guess 50's Lyra was a name used by many companies...I think it just sounds good. Hope the uke sounds the same...chuck - Monday, September 20, 2010

Question asked by: Rusty Whitman Subject: Kamaka Pineapple Question: I'm trying to date this Kamaka Pineapple which I think is 30's or 40's. There is a number written by hand at the bottom of the label that says 8528. It has two cracks on the back and another on the front which I'm planning to have repaired. Belonged to my father, case is original. Photos:              Answer: Nice and valuaable uke. from the 30's most likely ....can you send me a pic of the label...might be earlier...thanks...chuck - Sunday, August 29, 2010

Question asked by: Mathew Robinson Subject: Kamaka Ukulele Question: Chuck, Thank you for getting back to me. In regards to your response, and questions about measurements, here is what I found: Full Length of Ukulele - 2 ft. Widest body measurement - 8" Second widest body measurement - 6" Fret Length - 9.5" Body Depth - 2.5" Hope this helps.... let me know if there are other measurements you need. I also included a picture of the case I had mentioned. Thanks! Photos:              Answer: at 24 inches its a tenor. nice uke...thanks...chuck - Sunday, August 29, 2010

Question asked by: Andreas Subject: unknown maker - koa tenor / bariton Question: Hi Chuck, I found this solid koa uke in a shop in London a little while ago. It was sold as a tenor (by unknown American maker) though it seems a bit large for a tenor to me and I tune it as a bariton (sounds great). The uke hasn't got a label (a blob of glue in the inside seems to suggest that there may have been one once). Please have a look at the head inlay which looks to me identical with the inlay in the picture of a Martin 5M Custom attached to email from from Robert. You thought that it looked like the work of Mike Longworth. The uke has a slighty arched back. Can you tell me anything about this uke? Thanks any information you may have much appreciated. Andreas Photos:                          Answer: Andrea...the first thing you have to do is get that finish off the uke. it needs to be satin finish so that the Koa or whatever wood it is, can show. It is a copy of a style 5 martin, but I can tell more when the finish is off. Nice instrument , as of now I have no idea who made it. Please have a qualified luthier (guitar) take the finish off. It looks like a table top in a Chinese Restaurant. I just made myself hungry....chow...chuck - Sunday, August 22, 2010

Question asked by: john Subject: vintage regal uke Question: I would like to find out more as to the date of manufacture of this regal ukelele. it was willed to us and is in very good shape with no scratches or cracks..the only thing missing is a string.it came with an arthur godfrey uke player still in its box along with a uke song book from 1929.the case has no rips as well and appears to be leather and felt lined. thank you for any information on this uke and its value..john r. Photos:                      Answer: John, pleae send me the measurements, total length please, it looks like a baritone. I can tell you more when I know which model it is. - Sunday, August 22, 2010

Question asked by: Doug Subject: unmarked ukulele Question: I am buying a uke but it has no label on it. Just a label on back with number BU527. Any ideas? Photos:          Answer: From the tuners and the label, it looks Japanese....thanks...chuck - Sunday, August 22, 2010

Question asked by: doug Subject: Favilla Baritone B2 Question: I have a Favilla B2 as mentioned. It has a burned in stamp on the inside with a 5 digit serial number starting 122XX. I thought they all had 6 digit serial numbers. Does this put it closer to early 1950's? Anyone have any thoughts? Thanks! Photos:          Answer: Tom ...any ideas....I am putting this to Mr Favilla....."Tom" who never fails me. Will write when I get the answer... - Sunday, August 22, 2010

Question asked by: Jack Traylor Subject: date of Martin Style O Question: Can you tell me the approximate year of production of this instrument. I could not find a serial number,only a martin logo inside and the one on the head. Photos:              Answer: 50's+, Martin style o. Thanks for writing in.... - Sunday, August 22, 2010

Question asked by: Loren Subject: Royal Hawaian Uke Question: I have inherited a Royal Hawaiian Ukulele, what is it worth and who would want it? I need to sell it due to unemployment in CA. Photos:      Answer: The headstock, since that is all you sent me, has no value by itself. If it is attached to a ukulele you might want to send a picture of the front and back. I can tall you alot more...thanks for writing in...chuck - Sunday, August 22, 2010

Question asked by: Robert Kennedy Subject: Custom 1927 Soprano Uke; requesting information regarding the maker Question: I recently acquired this custom soprano uke, which bears a note attached to the inner end of the bridge that reads, "Made especially for Miss Leona Chellis, Xmas 1927", and a makers mark stamped on the inner body, "No 44 LD". The uke is mahogany (or so I believe), 21 3/4 inches tip-to-base, with a slightly sloped back (not retrofitted, so it must have been a design choice), a carved wooden bridge that is held in place by wooden dowels, and a headstock that is reminiscent of a variant common to banjoes. The metal frets are inlaid directly into the neck, rather than into a fretboard. Also, the inlaid fret markers appear to be hand- shaped mother of pearl. I bought the uke from an antique dealer in Independence Missouri, who knew next to nothing about its origins but pointed out that the nut looks like it has been replaced at some point, and that the bridge needed to be reglued (which I've already had done). I was wondering if you've seen anything like it before, as the style of build seems fairly unique and the maker's mark leads me to believe that the luthier has made a small number of similar ukes that may still be in circulation. Please let me know if you can add any additional info to the working history of this instrument, and thank you for your time. Best, Robert Photos:                          Answer: Robert, I don't think you will ever know who made it. It is quite a home made job. The one piece back and heel cover suggests that they may have had a Hawaiian uke to look at. I wish I could be more helpful...But....chuck - Sunday, August 22, 2010

Question asked by: Rusty Whitman Subject: unknown baritone uke Question: I'm trying to identify this instrument. It is 31 inches long. There is no label although it looks as though there may have been one at some point. The only marking on it is the number 626 stamped on the end of the neck. It belonged to my father and it may have come from Italy as that's where he was during WWII. Photos:          Answer: Rusty, I think it might be a Regal. Regal decal and fretboard. I can't see the headstock clear enough but I feel it is definitly U.S.Made. thanks chuck - Sunday, August 22, 2010

Question asked by: Herb Subject: Tabu Uke Question: Chuck, Id like to send you some pics of a uke I have been offered to buy. The email I have doesn't seem to work. Do you have a new one? Thanks, Herb Answer: Post the uke on this site. thanks.. - Sunday, August 22, 2010

Question asked by: pete thomas Subject: Risa concert acoustic Question: Hello Chuck. I have a chance to purchase this Risa concert uke but was looking for more info. Can't find anything about it on there website. Questions like; What is the model? When was it made? What it might have sold for new? Also, have you encountered this style of uke before and if so what was your impression?. Much thanks. PT Photos:              Answer: I have seen them, but I know nothing about them. I find it hard to believe a website is not available. I'll see what I can find out and reply...chuck - Sunday, August 22, 2010

Question asked by: Dennis Arnold Subject: Scott McRae's Question: Not sure if he's a aware of it, and since it wasn't mentioned in his email, or your answer, I just thought I'd point out that the bridge is on upside down... I'm just sayin, if he's gonna play it, he's gonna have to string it in a pretty weird way to do so the way it is now... Answer: thanks..I missed it completely....chuck - Saturday, August 14, 2010

Question asked by: Sean Subject: M. Nunes Uke Question: Chuck, Thanks very much for the reply and advice. Who would I go to to fill a crack in back of my Uke? Or what can should I use to do this? Thanks very much. Answer: any good guitar luthier...don't do it yourself. I never do anything myself if I dont know exactly what I am doing. good luck.....c - Saturday, August 14, 2010

Question asked by: Milan Nicksic Subject: Rutan Uke Question: I agree with your evaluation of the Rutan uke except that if you look at the first photo it is missing three frets! A definate factor in its value. Answer: MISSED THE MISSING FRETS....FRETS - Friday, August 6, 2010

Question asked by: Emma Subject: Vintage Uke Question: Hi There, I have just acquired this Vintage Ukulele and really know nothing about it. Any info would be greatly appreciated! thanks! Photos:              Answer: Appears to be a mainland copy of an Island uke. Maybe made by Regal. Can't make out the label...thanks for writing in...chuck - Friday, August 6, 2010

Question asked by: Sean Turner Subject: M. Nunes Uke Question: Hello! I have a M. Nunes uke I love playing (sounds great) and I want to insure it but I have no idea of it's value. Can you help me with this or refer me to anyone who can? Thank you very much! Sean Turner Photos:                          Answer: Nice early Nunes uke. Fix the back crack before it separates any more and then insure it for 750.00....or send it to me....chuck - Friday, August 6, 2010

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