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

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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: Ken Hulme Subject: Weiss Baritone Uke Question: As a mountain dulcimer builder/player, I'm a bit in the dark about the Weiss (not Weissborn) baritone uke that I picked up on E-bay as a gift for my Lady. Any info on the company would be welcome. The photo shows the company logo on the headstock. Photos:      Answer: Ken...I can find no reference to a distributor names weiss. There were so many companies that made Baritones it would be impossible to tell just from the pic. If I ever get any info, I will let you know.....thanks...chuck - Saturday, September 1, 2001

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: South of the boarder Question: On my trip through “The Golden State”, which is now dried out and burning, I stopped by Marc Silber’s “den” in Berkeley. Marc showed me a SF uke made in Mexico, that I understand you had a hand in the design of.. This version of the Smeck Vita Uke, originally by Harmony, had beautifully chosen woods, figured mahogany on the back and sides reminiscent of the Smecks. The construction and finish was top grade. Had sound.. What puzzles me is that if Mark Silber can talk a real ukulele out of Mexico, why the SO? I walked away from Mark’s shop with an early 20’s Weymann Style Zero, uke, body by the the Nazareth PA firm that is currently involved in the “SO Scandal”. I needed this uke because, unlike my other Weymann Style Zero which has modern replacement friction philips’s head screwed pegs, Mark’s has very early hand crafted wooden (rosewood?) pegs, like my earliest C.F. Martin Style 1 Soprano Ukulele , which I’m also very fond of. I told Mark that I would mention my visit to his shop to you. You should put the “San Francisco” uke, and your association with it, on your resume. I would. Robert – founder p.s. I ache to know, but never will, the story of the Weymann’s history and how it got to California. I do know, that in every music shop that I’ve been in that had any kind of ukulele, there are multiple Flukes standing, or hanging, around. Coast to Coast!!! Gives one paws!!!! Answer: robert....thanks for you kind words and the report on your trip..Marc Silber is one of the most well informed men in the music business. He was around when it all started. I think the reason for the difference in quality in the SO martin and the Frisco Uke, is that we were willing to spend money on decent woods and workmanship. Isn't that what is always boils down to? Not because I had anything to do with it, but the Frisco Uke is one fine sounding Uke. I have one of the two prototypes..(marc has the other) and I love it..Mine is a five string and his is a four. Anyone who ownes one doesn't get rid of it. That is why you never see one for sale on ebay. By the way..the SO uke by Martin is now called the SO-SO....I am also a fan of the Martin style 1 and I have the Weyman as well. You are right it is a Martin in every respect except for the trim. When you say style O do you mean it has no trim at all. I have never seen a plain one before. Not surprised to hear about the Fluke..It is also one fine uke. Thanks Robert , as usual...It is always a pleasure to hear from you. Keep finding...chuck - Thursday, August 30, 2001

Question asked by: Steve Barnes Subject: gold leafed banjo camp uke Question: I've been looking for you guys forever! I've owned this "camp uke" since 1965 it was given to me by a family friend whose daughter (as told to me) bought it on her honeymoon (to?) (in?) Hawaii around 1920? The Bailey book (38th edition)is suppose to have been bought at the same time(?) Stamped on the back of the head is PAT.APLD FOR. Inside the body is stamped 6978 and check out that gold leaf vine! It is in "Prestine" condition, partly because the poor bride died within a year of returning from her honeymoon and the fact that my Mom would never let me touch it! She kept it wrapped up in a chest. Only in the past 4 months has it seen the light of day!(i've built a display just for it) Could you give me some idea on what I have and it's aprox. worth? Thank you Photos:      Answer: Steve. It is a Lyon and Healy camp uke. It is the top of the line in camp ukes. It is made of Nissa Wood. Nobody seems to know what that wood is, but I have a feeling Nissa is the Island word for 'Uninteresting wood with no grain"..L & H made many different styles of the camp uke. I always wondered why...It must have been a price thing. Because they all sound the same..Nuff said. It's nice that you have it and be sure to keep it in that condition. It is worth around 250.00 to a collector. In today's strange uke market, it may bring even more. see ya and thanks.....frets - Wednesday, August 29, 2001

Question asked by: Jim Gill Subject: martin tiple Question: I have a Martin Tiple t-15 all mahogany serial #207868. How old is it and what would be the approximate value? Answer: Jim...your tiple was made in l965-66. It is worth about 750.00. It is also my favorite of all the styles Martin made. I love the Tiple. I sound so good it's amazing. Any instrument that makes me sound good is a fabulous instrument. I especially like the full sound. It was an instrument that was very popular in the l930 in blues and jazz bands. If you get a good one, they really cut through and make their presence known. Thanks for writing....chuck fayne - Wednesday, August 29, 2001

Question asked by: Steve Shelton Subject: Unusual banjo uke Question: Here's the front view of a banjo uke I sent pics of to Jim Belof. He'd not seen one. Any ideas? More pics available. Photos:      Answer: Steve, I have no idea what it is either. I have never seen one even close to it. I have a feeing that it is an arts and crafts, homemade project. The tuners are standard tuners and the Mandolin tailpiece is a standard tailpiece. How does it sound? Hang it on the wall and enjoy it. Play it and enjoy it more. Fayne - Wednesday, August 29, 2001

Question asked by: John Linn Subject: Older is better? Question: I guess it is pretty much commonly held that older instruments often sound better with age (for instance Stradivarius!). What is the theory around that? What changes: the wood, the finish or what? You are a smart guy, you will know. Answer: John...smart guy here...Is older better???...Maybe. However, I don't think anything will replace knowing how to make an instrument. Stradivarius made from the heart. His instruments always sounded good. There is something about an instrument aging...It has to do with alot of things. The seams loosen, the wood changes shape,and the instrument, although not living, responds to the constant repition of the vibrationbs of the notes. This question has been debated by the best for as long as there has been musical sound. I once attended a talk in France about the Stradivarius violin. Experts got up and talked about what they thought made a Strad so wonderful. Each had a different opinion and they were all almost right. The last speaker was a woman from Los Angeles. She said," every now and then, in all art forms, God places on earth one person who sets the standard for the rest of us. This person's contribution comes from a place we all have, but most are unable to find. It is impossible to explain soul." I don't think this explains the aging question,but I think it helps..When there is no other answer we seen to turn to nondebatable. I'm not sure I answered your question, but thanks giving me a chance to babble. Chuck (aging, with seams coming apart) fayne.... - Wednesday, August 29, 2001

Question asked by: Ty Subject: lessons on uke lead Question: Hey Chuck. I'm a self taught uke player and I've been playing since I was in 7 grade. The only problem is that I'm good at playing rhythm only. Slowly I'm learning how to do leads and stuff. Is there any good uke instructional book with cd's or video that will teach me how to lead on uke? Thanks. Answer: Ty....My God man....you've been playing uke since the 7th grade??..You must be exhausted..Put it down...You have burn out. Now to be serious for a moment. You have the rhythm..but no solo...Look in the products section of this site and you will find exactly what you are looking for. Books, Cd's and all you need to get going. You might also go to the bulletin board on this site and ask the same question. Those guys discuss everything from Religion to dropping your pick in the sound hole. You will get a hundred opinions and suggestions. thanks for the question..frets fayne - Tuesday, August 28, 2001

Question asked by: John Knopf Subject: Older Kamaka & Kanile'a Question: Frets: I have a Kamaka soprano that I purchased new when I was visiting Hawaii during my junior high school years -- around 1964. I recently tried one of the newer Kamaka sopranos at MaCabe's in Southern CA, and although I thought the tuning pegs (Shallers) and looks had improved, I thought the sound was not as full and less in volume compared to my vintage Kamaka. My imagination? I know it was a noisy environment with others playing instruments and talking, and therefore, the new Kamaka may not have had a fair chance. I did notice that the new Kamaka seemed to have a thicker sound board than my older Kamaka -- could that influence the volume and tone? I am also looking for a new Koa concert -- had considered Kamaka, but I am also looking at "Kanile'a" ukuleles made by Joseph Souza in Hawaii. Know anything about these ukuleles and if so, your opinion? Thanks for the info. John K. Answer: John...The difference in the two Kamakas might be just age and the fact that the older instrument has has the time to break in. I am not familiar with the work of Joseph Souza. I hope someout out there is. I would tend to stick to the tried and true. David Hurd on Kona is a long wait but worth it. Duane Heilman in Yakima Washington ( black bear guitars) makes a wonderful ukulele. David Talsma ( you can find his info on this site, just punch in his name in the search area)I have heard wonderful reports and have played his instruments...You can request your custom made uke to fit you needs. I had Duane make me a Ukulele and I wanted the thin neck of the Kamaka. I got exactly what I wanted. I really do think that the volume and tone were affected more by the age than the instrument. Kamaka has a reputation of consistancy...Any new instrument will be tight until it is played for a couple of years. If I can be of any other help, dont hesitate to write. Thanks for your question..Must run..Putting up the persimmon jam for the roadside stand. Tourist time you know...frets - Sunday, August 26, 2001

Question asked by: Tom Burgett Subject: Baritone ukes Question: Can I tune a baritone uke in the key of C (with either high G or low G) like a soprano or tenor uke? Or would it stress the neck too much? Thanks! Tom Answer: I am always afraid of high tunings on a baritone. Instruments are made to be tuned in a particular range. You can move a few notes one way or the other, however what you want to do is a stretch. If it is a pin bridge, you can give it a try...The only thing that will happen is the pins might fly back and hit you in the head. If the pins are too tight, it might pop the bridge. Be sure and use the thinest strings you can find. I would stick to guitar tuning for the Baritone. thanks for using uke yak...America's Ukeababble.....frets - Sunday, August 26, 2001

Question asked by: Amy Sweet Subject: Kohala Co. Question: I have a Hawiian uke made by Kohala Co. which came down through my husband's family. We are trying to find out something about it and get an idea of it's value. Any info you have would be greatly appreciated. Answer: Kohala was a company that flourished during the 30's. It was known for ukes that were not symetrical. They are not bad ukes but they are not as well made as some of their contemporaries. I have seen some beautiful ones and some not so beautiful ones. They were usually plain without any trim at all..Some have rope binding around the soundhole. They are sought after today by collectors because of their age. They were among the early makers. They were genuine makers, they did not have their instruments made by another company and then put on their own logo. Without knowing which model it is , I cannot give you an exact value. It worth in the area of 250-300 bucks in fabulous condition. If you can get me a pic, either to this site or to my private email ( cfayne@bigpond.net.au) I will do the best I can....thanks..frets.... - Sunday, August 26, 2001

Question asked by: Bruce Conner Subject: What makes a great Banjo Uke? Question: Chuck, I know you aren't a big fan of banjo ukes, but I thought I would ask you (or other readers of the Yak) a rather generic question. What makes a great banjo-uke? How does a Wendell Hall differ from say, a more mundane Slingerland? If one were crazy enough to want to build one from scratch, what would one want to include to have a high end instrument? What do you absolutely want to avoid? (you know, like, "any wine with a tadpole on the label") Sure, I *think* I know the answer to some of this, but hubris has been my downfall before. So do tell! Answer: Perhaps you haven't used hubris the way it was intended. Just use a pita pocket and spread it lightly, I repeat lightly, ...a little olive oil and some finly ground scallions and it is wonderful....whoops....I thought you said Hummas....I"m not sure how to answer your question. What makes a great banjo uke? A great banjo uke maker. What makes a great maker?..I have no idea. Ludwid was a drum company so they had half the battle won . They had the heads and the ability to make a great body. Things to avoid in making a great banjo uke... Attempting to make a banjo uke if you have no experience. I don't know for sure but, I am assuming you have never made a banjo uke before. That is not to say that you couldn't, however it is many times more difficult than a ukulele because of all the intricate parts that have to be cast to make a simple one, let alone an instrument like Hall. A Ukulele is a very difficult instrument to make, but for different reasons. It has to do with the wormakship with the wood...No parts to be cast.I wish I could help you, but the thought of making my own banjo uke scares me...but I'm Jewish...the thought of changing a light bulb scares me...But, all this said, give it a try...an old saying keeps creeping into this answer' "if an experienced instrument maker has a bad day, he makes a bad instrument...If an inexperienced instrument maker has a bad day, he could make a masterpiece"...So go to it...frets of the Mountain Frets... - Friday, August 24, 2001

Question asked by: Dan Sawyer Subject: uke strings Question: Hi Chuck! It's not a question but some info you might be able to use. For the person looking for the "nylon wound on nylon" strings, McCabes has their own brand of such strings. They are called "Kamanawanaplaya" (come on i want to play you) or some name like that. The important thing to remember about these strings is not to cut them, but to use the whole string. Otherwise, they may come unwrapped. The other is a tip for finding all sorts of musical instrument strings. Go to Juststrings.com. They have almost everything at very reasonable prices. Answer: Thanks Dan....always nice to know you guys are out there and willing to help..I grew up at McCabes ( thats McCabes Guitar Shop on Pico Blvd Santa Monica California...the man to ask for is John Zehnder...old and dear friend. Good tip on the trimming..I did it the first time and exactly what you said happened...It unwound. By the Way..the tele number at McCabes is 310 8284497 for those of you who might want to call. Thanks again Dan..lots of help..frets - Tuesday, August 21, 2001

Question asked by: Phil Morris Subject: Uke Strings Question: Chuck - In answer to the question on heavy strings, they could be the strings made by National for their resoukes. They are nylon wound on nylon. I have seen them in white and sorta goldy. Answer: Thanks Phil...Will pass it on and keep a record of it for myself...Thanks for reading and helping...chuck - Tuesday, August 21, 2001

Question asked by: David Talsma Subject: string question Question: Hi Chuck, the strings that guy was wondering about are the same used on new National ukes, I bought a set at Elderlys in Lansing MI 517-372-7880. The length is suited to concert and larger and you can't cut the eccess cause they will unravel. Answer: Boy, have I had string help..Thanks again David for yours...Hows the Uke biz..??? appreciate the answer...chuck - Tuesday, August 21, 2001

Question asked by: Eva De Martini Subject: how much is my uke worth? Question: We have a ukulele left to my husband by his grandmother. It is a: Kamaka Ukulele Pineapple Patented January 3, 1928 No. 74,178 Made in Honolulu Hawaii 19024 Please advise as to its potential worth. Mahalo Answer: Eva...got your email and thanks...You have described the bottom of the line Kamaka made around l928. That is not to say it's bad or valueless..It's neither. It's a great uke and it's worth is about 500+ in todays wacky market. If you have a case it's worth more. This is assuming it is in great condition. It can have either wooden tuning pegs or white mechanical tuners. He used both. It should have a black and white label not a blue one. That would signify that it is the oldest incarnation. When you get back to Hawaii, please write me and let me know what you have...thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, August 21, 2001

Question asked by: Tom Burgett Subject: Regal Ukulele, ca. 1930s Question: I have a ca. 1930s Uke with the "Green Crown" Regal logo on it. Do you have any info on this instrument, value, etc? I would appreciate any help! thanks. Tom B. Answer: Tom..You have all the info I have on this instrument. 1930.s green logo. I would have to see a pic. I need to know size, condition, etc. Regal made more ukuleles than any other company. They made thousands of different variations. Some are very valuable and some are not. If you could please send a pic to this site, I will do my best to tell you about it. thanks frets - Monday, August 20, 2001

Question asked by: Tiki King Subject: Ukenbacker Question: Hi chuck, As I said before, just a little show and tell. Here is the picture, (hopefully) of my latest creation, the Ukenbacker. Semihollow body, amplified acoustic. Maple neck, Rosewood fretboard, spruce and maple body. Sound is intresting, a cross between a uke and an electric guitar. yours on a tiny marshall stack, Tiki King Photos:      Answer: Just to show you what a yakker is doing out there. Clever Huh? I want it. Thanks for sharing with us Tiki King. Keep us posted....chuck fayne ...Are you going commercial or already there. ??? People are going to ask, so I might as well get it out of the way. Somebody will want to buy that uke. frets - Monday, August 20, 2001

Question asked by: bluesboyroy Subject: surfer uke pic Question: Chuck, One more try at sending you the right picture. Thanks Roy Photos:      Answer: Roys question is what is this and what is it worth..His friends found it on hawaii. It is stamped Japan on the back and the front is decal and paint work made to look like inlay. Roy..It is made in the 50's...The Japanese did alot of this stuff and marketed it thru Hawaii. They were not great players, although I guess this one is. I have a marco polo uke with that exact decal work, however mine is genuine abalone. It came in strips and they just bent it where they wanted it. These are not highly collectable, however there may have been a collector sneak in when I wasn't looking. I would think that for curiosity sake alone, this uke would be worth 200 bucks. Its just a stab in the dark but the market seems to be going in a different direction. Thanks for sharing it with us and I hope I've helped. keep in touch....fayne - Monday, August 20, 2001

Question asked by: Marian Bumala Subject: banjo uke Question: Hi Chuck, I asked you a question earlier this week about this old banjo uke I just got. Here's a picture of it (I guess I'm only allowed 1...?). Anyway, it actually has 17 frets (I said 15 before), the back is open, and the wood is quite heavy. The head is about 7.25" in diameter. There are the remnants of an old sticker on the back of the headpiece, but I couldn't recognize anything there. That might be just from a store or something anyway. There are no other identifying marks at all. Any ideas where this may have come from? Regardless of who made it or how old it is or by what route it came to me, I love it; it's the cutest thing and it sounds pretty good to me. I'm just curious about its history. Thanks, Marian Bumala Answer: Marian, I got your pics on my email at home...What you have is a 1930's-40's no name banjo uke. There were millions of them..However, yours is very very nice. It is well made with a tone ring. It is many steps above the average banjo uke made at the time. They fell down a little on the headstock...pretty plain considering the quality of the rest of the banjo uke. It looks like Regal to me..The headstock certainly is the right shape. Regardless, it is a very nice banjo uke and you did well. As far as value, I have seen uke of this quality sell for 400+...but if you enjoy playing it...don't sell it. play it. sorry this took so long ....chuck frets fayne....resident 405 in Mt Idy... - Monday, August 20, 2001

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