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

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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: Mark Frauenfelder Subject: Pacific Ukulele Question: Dear Chuck - I love your column and read it every day. Today, I bought a soprano Pacific Ukulele at McCabe's in Santa Monica. It says it was made in Australia. It cost about $250 on sale, and I like it very much. I can't find anything about the maker on the Web, and was wondering if you knew anything about them? Best - Mark (www.boingboing.net/uke) Answer: Well Mark...I live in Australia, and that is the first time I have heard about a Pacific Uke. I have asked around and no one seems to know about it either. I throw it out to all of you in yakland...does anyone else own one. I would love to see a picture of it. Please send it to my private email address...cfayne@bigpond.net.au thanks for writing in....frets p.s. any idea when they were made??? - Thursday, September 13, 2001

Question asked by: patricia Subject: ukulele Question: i recently purchased an old ukulele! written in gold on the top of the "tunning keys" is "concord" or "concert". i was told it was made in chicago in the early twentys. the case is very old. the uke needs some repair. a little glue here and there,especially the seam on the bottom. my husband said he thinks he can "doctor" it up a little. however, do you think i should have it repaired professionally? the "nut" fell off so we haven't even played it. my grandaughter, 6 years old, my husband, and i are learning to play the ukulele. we are all having so much fun. i am planning to give this one to my grandson, 7 years old. he thinks it is "really a nice one"! i sure would like to know more about our "concord"? thank you,i hope you can help us. sincerely yours, patricia Answer: Patricia..I have checked all my references to concert or concord..I find nothing...sorry it took so long. Ifou could send me a pic to my private email adddress, perhaps something would spark a gilmmer of recognition...sorry...frets... - Wednesday, September 12, 2001

Question asked by: peter mari Subject: Beltona blue soprano uke Question: Chuck. I've never seen you give such a glowing recommendation for a uke before. I value your opinion. I ordered one today from Steve Evans and it should be here in a few weeks. I can't wait to play it. Keep up the good work. Peter Answer: Glad you ordered one...You must write and let us know how you like it when you get it. I ordered one also..I already have it here..all I have to do is pay for it. As long as you are paying for yours....If it wouldn't be too much trouble...I was playing mine just a few minutes ago and really love it. Thanks for reporting...chuck - Monday, September 10, 2001

Question asked by: Howard Finkel Subject: Tadaro akulele Tarropatch Question: Hey Chuck, You were missed at the N.J. Uke Expo, maybe next time. Just a comment on (I think ) a new instrument. I purchased a Tadaro Akulele Tarropatch at the show and it's a beautiful little instrument. The body and neck are made from one piece of wood with a separate spruce top. Some of these have elaborate carvings of a pineapple on the back but mine is plain. The proof was really in the playing and this little thing plays and sounds terrific (check it out). They are built in Bolivia which I know is far from the Uke Capitol of the world and nearer to a land that turns out some pretty awful Cuatros but this thing is great. Unfortunately my head was spinning with all the great instruments out there but I could only sneak in one instrument to my overlaoded musicians closet (if the wife does a spring cleaning, i'm a dead man). Only thing i missed was the Blue belltona Uke, none were there on sunday and I was looking. Take care Howard Answer: Thanks for the kind words..I'm sorry I couldn't make the expo, but perhaps next year. Being in Australia, I am just a hop from Bolivia...Will be certain to drop in and see the Andean Taropatch. Thank you very much for the report...its always nice to hear of new stuff. I don't get a chance to see alot of it down here in Australia...or is it Austria?..I can never remember. We don't Yoddle down here, thats the way I remember. Must run and give my wife a break in the Beer Bar...best to all my friends in the uke world. God these leiderhosen itch....fayne P.S. Write Steve Evans and take a look at the website..you will see the Blue Beltona..Its a Gem...chuck - Monday, September 10, 2001

Question asked by: Kevin Subject: Royal Hawaiian Uke Question: Koa My mother obtained an old ukelele with decals on the tuning head that say Royal Hawaiian above some kind of crest on the tuning head. On the inside of the sound hole is a paper sticker of a hula girl playing a ukelele and the print on it says 'GENUINE KOA WOOD', 'ROYAL HAWAIIAN', 'MADE IN HAWAII'. Barely discernible on the bottom of the paper sticker is a copyright of 1937, or 1939. The neck is made of two pieces of laminated wood, a long piece and a short support piece. It has a mildly curved back and the inside has wood cross supports, it has a puncture injury on the side and two oblong cracks on the soundboard. Anyway, it seems to be fairly well made, inspite of it's injuries, it can still play and sound well. Here are my questions. Do you know anything about this Uke? Was it commonly sold perhaps to servicemen of WWII? Is it worth the time to get it fixed? If it is fixed and Koa wood is unatainable would another similar wood affect the value of the ukelele if it is valuble? Answer: Kevin...what you have is a ukulele made by Kumalae for the Royal Hawaiian Hotel in the 30's....It is a very well made instrument. Yes it is worth getting fixed. Koa is available and you will have no trouble getting wood to replace whats missing. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise..Use Koa. It is not super valuable, but it is valuable enough to do the work. It is a collectable uke and usually good players. Have fun...chuck - Monday, September 10, 2001

Question asked by: Rick Cota Subject: Martin type I Question: Hello Again Chuck: I just returned from the Uke Expo 2001 in New Jersey and walked away amazed by the skill of the performers as well as the good fellowship of all who attended. As soon as I arrived, I hit the ground running in search of my vintage Martin. There were more choices than I expected with varying prices, but not as crazy as Ebay. I was also having a mental blank trying to remember all the Martin information you had provided. I was definately in trouble with a pocket full of money. However, an elderly gentleman, who was probably younger than me, and had been observing my confusion and came to my rescue. He examined and played each of the ukes that I had shown an interest and appeared to have knowledge of their age. He even sniffed the wood on each instrument and then stated that they were all ok but suggested that I wait a while because it was still early in the day. About an hour later while I was watching open mike part of the show, this same gentleman, I could kick myself for not getting his name, came up to me and indicated that he had seen a uke that might be interesting. He brought me to a table run by a young man named Chris who had collection of old sheet music and old uke parts. He also had four old instruments, 2 Favilla baritones, a Martin O with wood pegs, and a Martin I with rosewood binding and black tuners. It was in a battered case with rusted locks and no handle. The uke had the Martin imprint on the back of the neck and inside the hole. It also had 1 dot on the 5th and 10th fret and 2 dots on the 7th fret. There was only one remaining gut D string and the remnants the others still on the tuners. Chris suggested that he would purchase new strings if I was willing to put them on, to which I agreed and did. That little bit of effort probable saved me few hundred dollars. Even with new strings flatting out, this little Martin sounded great and after paying a lot less than I had expected, I was able to spend the rest of the night watching the concert with my little baby on my lap. I was also advised that the uke belonged to a "Grandpa Smith" who was born after the turn of the century and had played professionally in the Pennsylvania area. Based on my extrangulated narrative and realizing that you usually need a picture, is there anything you can tell me about possible age of this instrument? Thanks again to the man who helped me and thank you Chuck. Answer: Rick ..sorry about your extrangulated narrative...I had one about 10 years ago...Just a week of abstinence and four short visits, I was cured forever. Now to your question.. wish you knew who the old man was, I'm sure I know him..I know all old men. What you got, and to your good fortune, was my favorite Martin Uke...You got an early style 1 martin soprano. In my opinion they are the best sounding of all the ukuleles Martin ever made. They were made in the 20 and 30's..I know because of the impression on the back of the neck. I had one of those too..they removed it at the same time I had my extrangulated narrative worked on. The later models had a gold decal on the front of the headstock. You got a real gem. Enjoy it...if you don't, in lieu of flowers, send it to me. At...RR 1 Mt Idy...Best to ya and glad you enjoyed the expo..Sorry I couldn't be there, but I was involved in the Possum back-off...which I lost when the Possum jumpped out of the pot. Frets... - Monday, September 10, 2001

Question asked by: Diane Subject: Uke repair Question: Have very old uke (purchased new around 1962) and want to play again. I think the pegs are stripped. Music stores in central NJ do not know anything about them. Can you help? Answer: I could have saved you alot of troube..it is a well known fact that music stores in Central N.J. know nothing about the ukulele. You can go on Google...a search engine..type in the word ukulele and you will find more ukulele references than you ever thought possible. All you have to do is measure the hole or send them one of the striped pegs and they will be more than happy to send you a new set. Any Music store in Central New Jersey will be glad to put them on for you...only kidding. They are very easy to put on..As I see it, If you are going to continue with the Ukulele, ...either open a Music Store or put your house up for sale and move from Central New Jersey to up-state New York, where there are more Ukulele nutz ..You can always mail a friend of mine at BVI@servtech.com ( John Bernunzio)..tell him I told you to write and he will supply you with the pegs. Longest answer I have ever given for a peg question...Lots of Luck and welcome bck into the uke world...Keep in touch..... - Sunday, September 9, 2001

Question asked by: Steve Walters Subject: The Gibson Stlye UB2 Question: Do you know the estimated value of The Gibson Stlye UB2 banjo uke with original strings and case? Thanks Answer: steve..there are two versions of the ub2...one with original fancy inlays on the fingerbord and the other with dots. The one with dots..about 300.00..the earlier one about 350.00...with case in great shape,...add 50.00...these prices are predicated on really good condition...thanks for writing to uke yak...chuck fayne - Sunday, September 9, 2001

Question asked by: CHUCK FAYNE Subject: Experienced maker with new product. Question: SEE BELOW....... Answer: As promised, when I find something new that excites me, I will pass it on. About a month ago a man dropped off to me a beautiful new blue Beltona soprano ukulele. I owned one of the original metal bodied Beltona Resonator Ukes and loved it. This incarnation is wonderful..The body is two piece fiberglass construction. The coverplate aluminium and the neck mahogany.The cone is beltona's recently improved uke cone, the same as the metal bodied ukes. The tuners are Grovers and the strings Hilos. Scale length is 14 inche but you can have the longer 14.75 as an option. ...Price US550.00 plus shipping. The metal bodied ones are going for 1400.00 plus a hard case. The uke is a beautiful two tone blue ( sunburst). Those are the specifics. Now my opinion. It is so difficult to describe sound. The best I can do is to say it sounds like the l920's. It is unlike any sound I have ever heard from a ukulele. I love it. I still have it and play it all the time. You can see this uke on the Beltona web site...www.beltona.net................ Please take a look. This uke is made by Steve Evans. He and his wife Maggie are Beltona. There will be a sample of the blue uke at the Uke expo next week. I highly recommend this uke. Its great for picking also. I believe that a great uke is one that makes me sound better than I know I am. This is a great uke.... Thanks Steve...frets fayne - Friday, September 7, 2001

Question asked by: Sharon Subject: manufacturer's name Question: Do you have any idea of who made Truetone Uke's and some of the history behind them? Thank you, Sharon Answer: Sharon...I have gone thru my catalogues and do not have a truetone, either manufacturer or distributor. It might help if you sent me a picture..either to this site or to my email address...cfayne@bigpond.net.au.............sometimes the shape of the headstock will be a clue to who made it. How do you know it is a truetone? label, decal, stamping?..let me know and I will try to help...thanks for writing..chuck fayne - Friday, September 7, 2001

Question asked by: Howard Finkel Subject: Weber Sweet Pea Uke Question: Hi Chuck, Ever hear of the Weber Sweet Pea Uke ?. Elderly Instruments are selling them (dont have in stock or a picture yet)and they sound interesting. Stats they give are 23.25 long (concert ?), neck, back and sides all 1 piece of mahogany, spruce top and maple fretboard. I have seen and played Weber Mandolins and they are beautiful instruments, I was wondering what they would do with a uke. The price looks a little too good to believe also (less than $250). Thanks again Chuck. Answer: Howard...I know nothing about the weber sweet pea uke..I will reserve my opinion until I get a chance to at least see them and hopefully I will get a chance to play one. see ya...chuck - Thursday, September 6, 2001

Question asked by: Tiki King Subject: Weiss Question: Hi Chuck, In regards to the Weiss Uke. Many moons ago there was a company called Weiss Musical Instruments. They made, or at least distributed many types of musical instruments. (They bought the "Kay" name in the 80's) This is a likely origin. I know that Kay made Ukes, but I've not yet found any "direct" documentation of Weiss and Ukuleles (other than this picture) Cheers! Tiki King Answer: Hi..your royal highness Tiki King. Always good to hear from you..Thanks for the information, I will add it to my file. Its nice to know someone will know the answer if I don't. Keep writing, its always a pleasure to hear from you...frets fayne. - Thursday, September 6, 2001

Question asked by: Bill Z Subject: 8 strings, Uke or Mando? Question: Hi Frets, I've just picked up a 8 string something, it has the scale length and 4 on a side tuners like a mandolin but it has a small 8 inch round body with a skin head stretched over a cast metal tone ring. Its back is closed with a nice resonator cover. No name anywhere execpt "made in England" stamped on the tailpiece. Is this a mandolin banjo or an 8 string ukulele? How do you know? Answer: It is a banjo mandolin...I know because 8 stringed ukuleles are called taropatches and are made entirely of wood. The skin and the metal head are how I know..They were real popular in England because of George Formby. Not too popular in The U.S. Tune it with nylon strings and play it as if it were a taropatch ukulele. I like the sound better. They were not very popular because they sound like a drum with metal strings, which is exactly what they were. The nylon strings are more pleasant on the ears and the fingers. good luck...chuck - Thursday, September 6, 2001

Question asked by: Kerry Char Subject: Wurlitzer Question: I have had two people tell me that Nunes made the Wurlitzer uke.Is there any truth in this?Do you know anything about the Wurlitzer company? Hey, did you ever get that rope binding that I sent?I never heard from you after I sent it, and I forgot all about it. Kerry Answer: I'm glad you wrote, cause I lost your address and had no way to get in touch with you..Wurlitzer distributed ukuleles made by nunes, but Nunes did not absolutly make wurlitzer ukes...You mst go buy a book called Washburn..over 100 years of fine stringed instruments...It is written by John Teagle??? It a poorly produced book, but it has its informative moments. The company was perhaps the most innovative company ever. Known for the exquisite harps and hundreds of bizarre and oddball, but beautiful instruments. They have been among my favorites since I started collecting instruments. The color pics are wonderful, but there are very few of them..The majority of the book is made up of ads from the time, so poorly reproduced that they are almost illegible.As a reference book, it has as I said, some moments. Its too bad, the company deserved a book equal to the quality of the instruments they produced. Nunes made nunes instruments only..Lots of distributors. thanks for writing..chuck - Thursday, September 6, 2001

Question asked by: Linda Subject: THANKS Question: You are amazeing!I didn't expect to get a reply for days, or weeks even... it has been only a few minutes. I can place my order now! Thanks so much, Love Always.... P.S. I was following a lead that you gave to one of your other readers to BlackBear. I think there was a typo- Blackbear@nwinfo.net doesn't work for me. Do you have a better address? Answer: Thanks and good luck..Let us know how your son likes the Fluke. That is the only way I know to contact Duane Heilman. I don't know if he has a website. Just write him..he is a good guy, he will write you back. Glad I could help...chuck - Thursday, September 6, 2001

Question asked by: Brian Subject: Question: I'm a first time writer to Collector's Uke Yak. I have only started playing the Ukulele since January of 2001. Chuck, I'd like to know how many Ukuleles you have? Do you have a favorite Ukulele that you really enjoy playing? Best Regards, Brian Lees (Canada) Answer: Brian...I sold most of my collection 2 years ago and bought a house. I kept about 50 ukes that either were made for me or ones that I just couldn't part with becaue of how they play. I try to keep the number at around 50 because that gives me a chance to play them all. When I had the whole collection there were hundreds that I never saw as they were packed away in cases. Thats hoarding and I never want to do that again. I became the collected rather than the collector. My favorite uke to play is the Leonardo Nunes Radio Tenor, which is not really a tenor but a concert. Regarded by many as the finest playing uke of all time. They are very hard to come by, as you can imagine. My own design with Marc Silber, " The Frisco Uke" also has a wonderful tone. They are all my favorites, but some just make me sound better than others. I love those...Thanks for asking. P.S. Mike Longworth made me a custom uke a year ago....It is just beginning to get broken in and it is a masterpiece both to look at and to play. It is my real treasure. ....Thanks Mike.... - Thursday, September 6, 2001

Question asked by: Linda Subject: I'M SOLD Question: I love you Chuck! (please don't tell the wife) Your a great read. I've spent the whole evening with you, and it was wonderful! Thanks! I want to play, my son is in 7th grade and must play, or get a failing grade. On your recommendation, I am going to purchase a FLUKE. With all of the great styles available, it is not easy to choose only one. My son and I have agreed on the Camp uke, but I don't know what size is best for us. If there can be only one... Should it be a concert or a tenor Fluke? If I would never again be able to purchase another Fluke (heaven forbid), which should I choose? Answer: I love you too...please don't tell my wife either. We've got to stop meeting this way. I'm not sure what to tell you. It is such a personal thing. The Fluke ..that is...I think I would go straight to the tenor. If you son really takes to the instrument, He will want the extended fingerboard. As we parents all know, nothing is too good for our little princes and princesses...I hope I have spelled either of those words correctly. Once you have the fluke, go to the on line store on this website and take a look at all the instructional material that is available. Its the best around..If you need anything else, please don't hesitate to write. Your secret admirer...chuck fayne...Mr Idy Mtd Police...... - Monday, September 3, 2001

Question asked by: Mike Johnson Subject: Fixing cracks Question: Lovely old uke with a number of non-structural cracks. Any links to a guide to repairing them? Thanks! Mike Photos:      Answer: YEH...DON'T....Have a luthier do the job. It requires more than a little glue...a fracture like that one needs to be heated and pressed back in. Most people don't have the proper tools to do the job...The problem with a lifting crack is that no matter how much glue you use if you don't reflatten the wood, the wood has a memory..it will pull away again...so get an experienced luther to do the job..I speak from experience. Chuck" of the lifting unsucessful home repair crack, Fayne - Saturday, September 1, 2001

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