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

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Question asked by: MARC Subject: JESSIE KALIMA UKE Question: HI CHUCK MY QUESTION IS WHO MADE THE JESSIE KALIMA KOA UKE,HOW OLD IS IT,GOOD UKE OR NOT AND WHAT IS VALUE OR WHAT IS THE MOST ONE SHOULD PAY FOR ONE. ALSO WHAT DO YOU KNOW ABOUT THE UKE COMPANY HAWAIIAN STYLE . THANKS FOR YOUR TIME-MARC Answer: This is the easiest question I have had in a long time. I don't know the answer to one of you questions. I will find out. I am familiar with Jessie Kalima, however, I have just begun to hear about a Jessie Kalima Uke. I hope there are some people out there who kow the answers. I depend on you to bail me out so I can look smart somewhere down the line when you have all forgotten I didn't know. Sorry Marc...I would have faked it if it were just one question. But far too many ..You'da caught me....Hiding in the briar patch....chuck - Tuesday, September 25, 2001

Question asked by: freda cooper Subject: old small banjo Question: id like to have an idea of the price of this old banjo , small in size , a beautiful back brown with a flower and one screw , also pearl frets Answer: Freda..Its a little hard to give a price based on the information you have provided...send a picture and I will do my best. I do think I knew a woman named Pearl Frets...Owned a Deli in the Bronx...Send me the pic to my email or to this site., I will look and let you know. In the meantime I will see If I have picture of Pearl...perhaps you will recognize her....chuck fayne - Tuesday, September 25, 2001

Question asked by: Pam Lanford Subject: pegs or screws? Question: Hello again. Thanks for your quick response to my first question! RE: a Roy Smeck tenor uke - Dad's uke doesn't hold it's tune for very long. Initially, he thought it was the pegs. Could it be the screws? Your advice is much appreciated, Chuck. *Pam Answer: Pam..you need to take the uke to a good luthier and they might have to replace the tuners or go to a larger screw. It is definitly not the pegs...pegs usually mean like a violin...mechanical tuners have screws and the peg part doesn't really turn in the hole itself. It turns in a metal doodad that fits in the hole. Its a good uke. Where do you live..perhaps I can direct you to the right place...chuck - Tuesday, September 25, 2001

Question asked by: Maurice Freeman Subject: Kamaloa Ukulele Question: Can you provide any information on a Kamaloa Ukulele Makers of fine stringed instruments sold by J Albert and Son, Sydney Australia circa 1925 and a possible value? Answer: I have had a time finding out information but here it is. Kamaloa was made in the 30's in Hawaii by Kumalae probably. J Albert and Son in Sydney sold two hawaiian ukes..the Kamaloa and the Royal Hawaiian made by Kumalae. I'm not sure why they did not sell the Kumalae itself, but this is what I was able to find out. As to the value, I would guess from the pic you sent and knowing the value of other ukes of the same quality, I would guess a couple of hundred perhaps a little more.. sorry it took so long...frets - Tuesday, September 25, 2001

Question asked by: Geoff Rezek Subject: Tenor 8 tuning Question: I just purchased a professinally Hawaii made Tenor 8. What are the tuning options? DGBE like a bartione Uke or GCEAor another? How do I decide? Answer: G C E A and be careful on the high G...Take it easy..Look at the answer that is close to this one on this page. It will help...chuck - Tuesday, September 25, 2001

Question asked by: Dr. Carlo May Subject: Tenor Uke Tuning Question: Dear Chuck, I'm a proud owner of an old Martin Tenor Uke but I don't know how to tune it. I read that it should be tuned in the same way a soprano is tuned (G,C,E,A), but Im afraid the tension of the strings might be too high. Thanx, Carlo from Germany Answer: Dr. G C E A ....I have a feeling its Ground Hog Day...Lots of tuning questions....See above and look back a couple of questions to see the rest of the answer. Just be careful and let the strings have a chance to stretch..If the bridge is a good one, It should take the tuning easily. Drink a beer for me. You really have great beer over there. thanks for writing...chuck - Tuesday, September 25, 2001

Question asked by: Wendy Emery Subject: uke tuning Question: My husband and I are learning to play the uke. We are confused by the different tunings we have seen: DGBE, ADFB, GCEA. also, we have seen GCEA with G set an octive higher than CEA. What should we be tuning to? we have a baritone uke and a standard "classroom" uke. Also, if they are tuned different, are their chords different as well? Please advise. Answer: Standard soprano uke...ADF#b or GCEA....Baritone...last 4 strings of a guitar. The higher or lower G string is a matter of preference. I use the lower tuning because I like the additional range for picking. The different tunings will change the chord but not the fingering. It remains the same. Hope I've helped and please keep in touch...We here at Flea Market Music care about your tuning.....Keep strummin and good luck...You might want to look at the On line Store on this site for learning books, cd's and tapes. They are very good for the beginner. frets - Tuesday, September 25, 2001

Question asked by: rick rasay Subject: L. NUNES Radio Tenor Question: Chuck, In reference to a past question asked by Brian, "what your favorite ukes are to play..."? You mentioned the Leonardo Nunes Radio Tenor uke. I acquired one(and only) about 2 years ago. This uke more of a concert size has a wonderful sound...lots of volume, but well rounded tone. Like your past collection, this is one of my hoarders. I think I need place it at the top of my stack in the closet, and pluck it more often. Now to my question...in excellent condition with no cracks or seam seps, and nicely grained koa wood, and does have the riveted brass(?) plate saying Radio Tenor on the headstock, at what value would you place this uke? Were many of these produced, and when? Nice to hear it is one of your all time favorites. By the way, your Frisco uke with Marc Silber is a pretty fine player too, with a nice design. Lastly, very early this year I believe, I asked you about a 5 string uke I was given, may have sent some pics, and you tagged it as a "machete de rajo" uke from Portugal(?), turn of the century era I think. It does have one tight grain crack on the top shell. Other than that, alot of dusting and cleaning got it to a respectably nice condition. Idea on placing a price on this? Another rarity? Thanks in advance! Rick Answer: Rick..thanks for the kinds words. I would need some more information about the machette before I would give a price. Owning it would help me alot. So just send it along as a present and then I will tell you what it is worth. Well...it was worth a try...Get me a picture and I will let you know. A Machette is five separate strings. If it has five strings and one is doubled that is just a ukulele with a double string. Send a pic and a Pastrami sandwich and I will tell all....frets - Monday, September 24, 2001

Question asked by: louie Subject: decca brand ukulele Question: i have a vintage decca brand ukulele it was made in japan i was wondering if you knew anything about these ukes what are they made of and how common are they. i think it's from the 60's or older. Answer: Louie...I have seen many decca ukes and your letter was the first time I ever heard they were made in Japan...I had no idea. How common? I have seen a half dozen. I know back somewhere in the uke yak list of questions and answers there is a reference to Decca submitted by Mike Longworth. Take a look. Punch in Decca and see what you get. I, in the meantime will see what I can dig up....chuck fayne - Monday, September 24, 2001

Question asked by: Rey Dominguez Subject: Ukelele Question: I've got a purple plastic toy ukelele that I've had for about 45 years. It's missing strings and the four tuning keys. It has the marking: Mauna Loa Made In USA. I'd like to know if this is a collector's item and how much it might be worth. Would appreciate your e-mail response. Answer: Rey...they are worth about 150 bucks in great condition....Your problem is the tuners. They will be hard to find...You might want to go on our Markeplace and let it be know you are looking...You never know....frets - Wednesday, September 19, 2001

Question asked by: Keith Marzullo Subject: martin bari Question: hi chuck, i really enjoy your column! how about posting a picture of your Longworth uke? i was up in the central coast last weekend and found a martin bari for what seemed like a good price. it's such a sweet sounding instrument. so, of course, i'm now trying to figure out when it was made. from what i've found, it was made after 1962 (it has "Made in USA" stamped on the inside) and it was made before 1978 (Martin stopped making them in 1977). do you have any hints on how to narrow it further? the only oddities are (1) the nut is black and (2) the treble pin has a black dot in the center. thanks, keith Answer: Sorry...You know as much as I do...There is no way to get it closer..they were all the same from the USA stamp on.....frets - Wednesday, September 19, 2001

Question asked by: CC Subject: No Answer? Eh....... Question: Aloha Chuck, Didnt like my First question?!?; )(wrote sunday) Do you Know how to tell the years ,decades of the duke kahanamoku ukes? Mahalo & Okole Maluna CC Answer: Sorry, your first question came in while I was in the hospital....The answer to your question is NO. I have no idea how to date the DukeUkes..They have been made since he was popular by hundreds of different makers. Being the popular figure he was, his image was exploited by all kinds of manufacturers..I have seen can openers, light switches, papernapkins. There are collectors of duke stuff in Hawaii. Perhaps someone overthere can help you. By the way, don't feel bad about your first question...It seemed fine to me....chuck - Wednesday, September 19, 2001

Question asked by: Luke Lorenz Subject: info on uke I bought Question: I bought a banjo uke at an antique store with the name "Fred L. White Music Company, Cleveland, Ohio" on the back. What's the scoop on this instrument? Or should I scoop it right into the trash. Thanks. Luke Answer: Don't throw it in the trash...the name on the back has nothing to do with anything except the store that sold the instrument. It could be anything. You have to get a picture to me and I will do the best I can to identify it. Please send the pic to my private email..cfayne@bigpond.net.au..... Its a small world..I have an uncle who has "Fred L. White Music Company, Cleveland, Ohio" tattooed on his back. Ahhhh the mysteries of life....see ya, its weedin' night in the punkin patch.....frets - Monday, September 17, 2001

Question asked by: Larry Fencyk Subject: Weber Question: On Sept 6, Howard Finkel was asking about a "Sweet Pea" uke made by Weber. Weber is the old Flatiron Mandolin Company that Gibson bought and later moved to Nashville. Most of the craftsmen chose to stay in Montana to start up the Weber label. The Sweet Pea is a travel mandolin, not a ukulele. Answer: Thanks Larry...Its nice to know there are people out there who are willing to share their information..I had no idea the Flatirion Company ever made an instrument under a different name. I will file it under new info and thank you again..frets..... - Monday, September 17, 2001

Question asked by: Ukelady Subject: Aloha Uke Question: Hi, I missed out on an "Aloha" brand uke with a case on ebay for $25.00. The seller advertised it as a souvenier piece. Is this the case, or is the Aloha uke worth a whole lot more? Thanks. Ukelady Answer: my guess is that you missed nothing...aloha is a name used by hundreds of distributors....it is still used today...don't worry...look for something else....frets - Sunday, September 16, 2001

Question asked by: Mark Alexander Subject: Vega Arthur Godfrey Baritone Ukulele Question: Chuck-- You are the best! I inherited a Vega Arthur Godfrey Baritone Uke from my great uncle. It plays beautifully and has a rich tone. Do you know when these were made or have any idea of current value. This one is in great shape...couple of small scratches, no cracks. thanks! Answer: Thanks...truthfully..just how great was this uncle???Pretty great if he left you a Godfrey Uke...there were two versions of that uke. One was just a baritone and the other one was called a solo lute...just a longer scale length on the lute. They are both worth about the same, if in great condition. 350-500 bucks. If they have the original case a few bucks more. They were made in the 50s. I have had them both, and they are good players. Hope I've helped and thanks for the kind words...chuck frets fayne - Friday, September 14, 2001

Question asked by: Pam Lanford Subject: pegs for a Roy Smeck Question: Dad has a Roy Smeck tenor w/ beautiful tone. We both play. Where may I buy replacement pegs? Answer: Pam, you are going to have to shop around. The tuners for a tenor are different from the tuners for a soprano. You might be able to go to a fine music store and find a replacement set that will work. I don't know where you live so It makes it difficult to suggest a specific store..You can always write John Bernunzio at BVI@sertech.com.....He is a best friend and great music dealer. If he doesn't have a set, he will be able to direct you...thanks for writing in....frets. - Friday, September 14, 2001

Question asked by: Tiki King Subject: Truetone Uke Question: Hi Chuck, in regards to last fridays question about a Truetone uke. Here is a pic I found, Looks like Harmony is the culprit, judging by the look. Hope all is well! Tiki King Photos:      Answer: Your Highness...Nice to hear from you again as always. It sure looks to me like a Harmony. I think you are correct. Unfortunatly, there were so many companies that used the name truetone, that it is difficult to pinpoint which is which...Truetone, supertone, besttone, cleartone...kinda natural names.....But I am sure yours is a harmony. Keep in touch, always nice to hear from you and perhaps we will meet again at the next uktopia concert at Mc Cabes...I will put up the dates when I know them. frets - Friday, September 14, 2001

Question asked by: Jacky Subject: Banjulele/Banjo Question: I have a signed Keechy Banjulele/Banjo how old is it and it's value before i let the kids play it Answer: It depends on which model you have. But regardless, unless the kids are 41 and 38, I wouldn't let them play with it. It could be a valuable instrument. It is a Keech not Keechy. Alvin and Kelvin Keech were the inventors of the Banjolele or Banjo Uke as we call it today,. They were living in Honolulu at the time and they finally settled in England where the quality of their instruments went down. I can't help with the value unless I can see a picture...You can send it to this site or my private email address...cfayne@bigpond.net.au...thanks for writing....frets - Thursday, September 13, 2001

Question asked by: David Cameron Dudley Subject: Carlo Ricordo Ukulele Question: Greetings!! Do you know anything about the uke I've got? The label inside says, "CARLO RICORDO, guaranteed Italian". Of all the musical instruments I own and play, it's my favourite!!! PS. The pic is a self portrait & I'm playing a Framus bass not a uke!!! Answer: I am fairly certain it is Italian..Other than that, I have no information..There are many incarnations of a four stringed instrument. Most of them are not ukuleles at all. They are just the four stringed instrument of the country. I have seen many many different instruments from south america to south africa. They are not ukuleles. The Ukulele, is an hawaiian invention. It is the decendent of a couple of portugese instruments. It had its beginning in hawaii in l879..Prior to that, there was no ukulele. There were hundreds of four stringed instruments..I have no idea if any of them were tuned to standard uke tuning, but I have not yet come across one that was. I don't know when your instrument was made. That would help. It could be a modern instrument that is designed to be a uke. The most important thing is that it sounds good. That is reason to play it. You can call it anything you like, but be sure and play it. If I were you, I would do a little research. It would not be hard to track down the maker of this instrument. Librarys are always a good place to start. Let us know what you find out...frets - Thursday, September 13, 2001

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