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 (253 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: 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: 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

Question asked by: John Linn Subject: Tenor vs. Standard Question: Frets, thanks so much for the quick response and the humor. Now I understand the importance of a well fitting G-string! I need one more bit of advice. I am having fun with my Kamaka Standard but (has the bug has bit?) I think I would also like to have a Tenor too. The sound is different and from what I read the fret board is spaced differently. It stands to reason that the frets would be lightly more spaced out (over the length of the string) which may make some chords easier but also make the stretch of other chords more difficult. Am I right? Of course there are more frets too, which opens some new possibilities. But how about the space between strings? Is the fret board slightly wider too? The Fluke tenor is very tempting. It looks cool and the price is right. You have written to others the importance of “loving the sound”. Buying mail-order does not allow evaluating sound and comfort with the instrument. I have seen a lot of positive things written about the Fluke but I hesitate. Should I? Answer: John...glad you got your loose g string fixed. Hate to have you fall and not be able to play your uke. You don't need to hesitate on the Fluke. It is a great instrument and just the right size ..The difference between the fluke and the Tenor fluke. The Tenor has 17 frets instead of 15. It tunes easily to either tuning...gcea or dgbe ( with the high "d"...I have said so much about the Fluke...I think a quick browse to the Buletin Board on this site will tell you what you have to know about other people's satisfaction with this instrument. I don't recall a time in Uke history that a uke has been swept up as quickly as this one has. I have not seen a negative report yet. I always say this when endorsing a product on this site, These are my personal opinions..I do not get paid for this work..It is a work of love. The new Gymnsium that Jim and Liz donated to the Mt Idy Basketball team has nothing to do with it. Must run, were having the berry weighing contest today and I have a 2lb barry. Chuck Barry Fayne...... - Monday, August 20, 2001

Question asked by: Tom B Subject: Tenor strings followup Question: Hi again, Chuck. In following up to my earlier question about where to get good uke strings... I live in Marin, just north of San Francisco. Do you know any good sources in this area? Second question: I'm attaching photos of my new Martin tenor. Can you tell me just what I got? It has the decal on the headstock and says "Made in USA" inside. It's in very good condition, with only light surface scratches. Any thoughts on value? Thanks again. Answer: Tom...to get good strings contact Marc Silber at Museum Music in Berkeley...He will have them of know where you can get them..You have a modern made Martin Tenor Uke. The "Made in U.S.A." dates it from after the 1960's. They were one of the last of the models Martin made. Its value could be, depending on condition, 750+..thanks for the question....frets fayne - Monday, August 20, 2001

Question asked by: Memphis Mike Subject: strings & things Question: Chuck, I was in Nashville a couple of weeks ago and stopped at Gruhn's...they had a beautiful, handmade harpuke (see pic) made by Michael Knutsen. Here's my question: the strings on it were definitely heavier than one would normally find on a soprano/concert uke and they were "ridged" almost like a faux wrap. They sounded GREAT and were a joy to play...what are these and where do I find them? would they be alright for my Hilos,Harmonys, etc.? As usual thanks again! M Photos:      Answer: Mike...I am having trouble finding the strings you are after. I have a set on a Gibson Tenor and really like them I just don't like the squeeking sound wound strings make. If they are the same as the ones I have, they are wound over nylon. They are not steel. I know some yakker out there will be able to tell us where to purchase them...I have a reference to them somewhere here, but I can't locate it. Someone please write in and let us know where they are. thanks....chuck - Monday, August 20, 2001

Question asked by: George Subject: Tonk American Question: Chuck, I have an old "Tonk American" Ukulele. It's has a conifir top (can't tell if it's spruce or cedar or whatever) binding around the edges of the top and the sound hole. Pretty cool Uke. Anyway, my real question is... I need to have some work done. The machines are toast and so is the bridge (the wood is torn and strings cannot be attached. Also the nut needs replacing. Any ideas on a luthier either in Northern Virginia or elsewhere? Any idea on the make or origins of this piece? Thanks Answer: Its one of the incarnations of the Lyon and Healy company. Not a particularly great instrument. I never knew what the wood was either. The company claims its Nissa , but I don't really know. I don't know that you want to spend a fortune on this one, however, you might want to write Duane Heilman at Black bear Guitars...He might be able to help you..He is is Yakima Washington...just a short hop from Virginia...if you fold the map just right. You will find his email in one of my postings...just punch in the name of his company...Tell him I told you to write....and send him pics..He will have some idea what it might cost...thanks..chuck - Saturday, August 18, 2001

Question asked by: Rush Mcallister Subject: Tabu Ukes Question: I recently bought a koa wood uke that had the word 'Tabu' stamped on the inside of the back. It was not fancy but seemed very old. Do you have any info on a maker that used that word? I read the entries on the word in the Encyc. of Hawaiian Music but it wasn't much help. Thanks Answer: It is not a makers name. It is a warning to other makers that this is the only genuine hawaiian made ukulele. It was used by a few different makers, Paul and Harold Summers, Sam Chang and Akai...Look closely in the inside of the uke and see if you can make out a stamp that says Akai...That is where the tabu stamp is for that maker. Sam chang had it on the back of the headstock as did the summers brothers. Your uke dates from the 20's to the 30's ..Those things in the stamp are crossed kapu sticks signifying that they were willing to go to great lengths to protect mainland manufacturers from claiming their ukes were hawaiian. Thanks for writing ..Frets Fayne - Saturday, August 18, 2001

Question asked by: Allen W. Subject: prison ukes Question: I read your previous comments about prison ukes. On a recent trip to the Big Island I found one. The mango wood was beautiful and it played well too. It had an arched top. The owner said that Hurd of Kawika had tried to buy it from him. How collectable are they? Answer: Alan, I have no idea if there is a collector that specializes in prison ukes. They are collectible because they are a good example of Hawaiian folk art ..Kinda primitive but in some cases a good uke. I have one here that I would not trade. It is a great player. Not well made ..just an accident. It turned out great. I play it all the time. It funny, whenever I play it, I have the horrible desire to make license plates...Gotta run..having stew for dinner...Nice guy Stewart....chuck - Saturday, August 18, 2001

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Question: With appropriate restraint to hide from the readers of your revered column the fact that the potential that I posses to be an unbelievable pain in the ass must constantly be monitored, I must “ask” you about your recent use of the letter “M” in addressing model designation for a ukulele manufactured by C. F. Martin & Co. of Nazareth, PA. As far as I understand it, C. F. Martin & Co. made Style 1 ukuleles and Style 2 ukuleles and Style 3 ukuleles and Style 0 (Zero not OHHHHH) ukuleles and Style 1K Ukuleles and Style 2K ukuleles and Style 3K ukuleles and Style 5K ukuleles and various variants as custom or employee’s instruments. I would be surprised if they ever made a ukulele with the style designation “M”. I have never seen “M” in any of Martin’s catalogs, original or reproductions. When I expressed my disbelieve, to Mike Longworth, that the generation that has brought us world wide satellite supported personal phone service and baseball cap design that places the bill of the cap over your butt, could be so learning disabled as to require an “M” to follow the numerical identification of a Martin ukulele made with a mahogany body in order that the contemporary ukulele enthusiast would not continually have to ask the question.. ”Is a Style 1 Martin ukulele’s body made out of koa or mahogany?????” … because it is confusing that some model designations have a “K” following the number and some don’t have anything,…right? ….., he suggested that such use of the letter “M’” was OK by him, a world recognized authority, and I might be behaving like a jerk, and Mike has known me long enough to have some understanding in this area. I guess what I would ask “Uke Yak” is, ……does the “P” following “Fluke” mean that the body is made of “plastic” or “polly-carbonate”? I can never remember. No problem, robert – founder p.s. The use of the “M” smacks of ukulele history re- writing. It has been suggested to me that the “M” represents contemporary common usage. But who really cares? Guess!!!! Answer: Your absolutly correct. The M is a modern invention so that the modern Uke nut doesn't have to ask is it mahogany or koa. I shall continue to use M because it feels right. Your also absolutly correct about the O..It is really a zero..I shall continue to use O because it would confuse too many people to change at this late date. Its kinda like thou and you. I have a feeing you would like me to refer to you as thou, but the modern guy in me says that you is easier to understand. Hope this satisfies ye...I dont think your acting like a jerk..your acting like robert-founder and we all love you for it...The Uke world would have a giant hole in it if you left. The fact that you do care makes you valuable. Keep those cards, letters and tomes commin' I love lighting the fireplace, filling my pipe, and curling up with one of your questions. Before I know it its time to go to bed....nitey night. thanks robert...chuck frets fayne ( H ) human...... - Saturday, August 18, 2001

Question asked by: chuck Subject: a Talsma update Question: No question just an Update Answer: Please not that DAVE TALSMA has a new email address...It's ukefan@earthlink.net - Thursday, August 16, 2001

Question asked by: FatDavid Subject: Mastertone ukes Question: I've run across an old uke made by Mastertone, apparently. Any relation to Gibson? Please take a look at the attached JPGs. Let me know if they didn't come out. My computer skills are dubious at best. Thanks, FD. Photos:      Answer: Dear Fat...No relation to Gibson at all. From the looks of the shape of the headstock, I would say Regal. Just a guess...Keep 'em comming....frets - Thursday, August 16, 2001

Question asked by: Stuart Muir Subject: baited? breath Question: Chuck, I noticed in the archives that on August 24th, 2000, you told a questioner that you were waiting with "baited breath." I don't know if you are still waiting (blue in the face from a full year), but FYI, the phrase is spelled "bated breath" and it means "breathing in a subdued or restrained manner under the influence of awe, terror, or other emotion." The first user of the idiom was none other than Bily Shakespeare in 1596 in Merchant of Venice. My question is, how emotional do you really get in relation to e-mail questions? Perhaps you meant "braided" breath. Answer: Thanks...I meant baited breath...I had a fishing tackle store tie a fly to my tongue...He was actually a Merchant in Venice 1596 venice blvd..Santa Monica.......How emotional do I get? As long as the question is sincere, friendly, and I feel I am doing a service to the people who use this column I am relatively unemotional. When I feel it is being used for other purposes, that feeling changes. Did I miss your question about a ukulele? In case I did, I have an unused answer....I think the strings are loose. Boy I hated to use that great answer. Please write again...frets - Thursday, August 16, 2001

Question asked by: Rick Cota Subject: Martin models Question: Chuck: Could you kindly explain the differences between the Martin 1M and 2M as well as recognizing a uke made before 1950. Best and thanks, Rick Answer: The 1M has dark brown binding...the 2M has white binding and instruments made before l950 have small dots and usually the inprint c f martin on the back of the peghead. The more recent ukes have the gold decal on the front of the headstock. thanks for the question...frets - Tuesday, August 14, 2001

Question asked by: matthew Subject: a question Question: what internet site can i get music to play Answer: matthew...try our on line store on this site first...take a look at Jim's selection of books...They will help you and keep you from trying to find stuff on the internet. They are the best around. I know, I use them myself and I am now first chair in the Australian Synmphony Orchestra. I'm not playing an instrument, I am just a chair for the Oboe player. Don't laugh...Its work.. This weekend we play in Mt Idy. Population 14...edna mae had a baby...Write again if I can help..Most of the mail gets thru...frets - Monday, August 13, 2001

Question asked by: John Linn Subject: Low G Question: Thanks for the great service you provide. Not sure if this is the right place to ask this question but her goes... I have read about an alternate tuning for the soprano that uses a low G instead of the G above the C string. I would think this would create a completely different sound. I have tried to tune my Kamaka standard this way but it just does not seem to work. The string gets too loose and sounds bad. Perhaps I would need a thicker string? It seems that perhaps I could use another C string but maybe it should be even thicker than that? When I have ordered string sets in the past the option of a low G set has never been offered. Thanks for your thoughts. Answer: John...please go to our on-line store on this site..You will find a set with a low G string. I know how uncomfortable a loose low G string is..I had an uncle who actually tripped on his and broke his fretboard. Fortunatly they were able to pin it and he is as good as new. He can't go thru the metal detectors at the airport , but a small price to pay for a G string that fits. Thanks for writing. It is a question we get alot. For those of you who havn't tried a low G string, i is interesting. It offers you alot more range, especially if you pick the uke. Try it...Thanks again..Frets.. - Monday, August 13, 2001

Question asked by: Parnell Walsh Subject: banjolele Question: I've got an old banjolele with no visible brand, but appears to be good quality (solid curly maple with ebony fretboard.) Problems: bent, rusty tailpiece,worn nut, and no bridge. Suggestions would be appreciated Answer: Bent rusty tailpiece, worn nut and no bridge. Sounds like my Uncle Harold. suggestions? If I were you I would make up a name so I can make up an answer. Given the little information, the best I can do is tell you that there were millions of ukes that fit that descriptions made from the 30's to the present. I would need a little more. If you can send a pic to this site, I would do a better job. I will send you a pic of Uncle Harold in trade. thanks..chuck fayne - Monday, August 13, 2001

Question asked by: Rick Cota Subject: Martin models Question: Chuck: I would like to purchase a vintage Martin Uke, probably a sorprano because there seems to be more available. I read your response to the person inquiring about the 1935 Martin which I felt was very informative. I was wondering if you could explain the difference between a 2M, 1M, and VP or any other related descriptions. A while back I thought that I bumbled onto a web site that provide the above information on Martin Ukes but I could never find again. Do you know if this site exist? Best and thanks. Answer: Rick...I don't know what a VP is however the basic difference between the style 0 ( the plainest) and the 1 and 2 is only the trim. They are all the same. The style three is fancier, longer fretboard and more trim and lots more money and the style 5 was the top of the line...lots of trim..abalone and ebony and fancy fingerboard and lots of money. I don't know of a Martin website. Martin is still in business but stay away from the ukulele they make today. It is inferior to their former work. If I can be of any help finding you a uke, please write....chuck - Sunday, August 12, 2001

Question asked by: Dee Subject: ??ukelin?? Question: It looks somewhat like a ukelin but it has 2 holes. One at each end. Was made at ??50 Liverpool st. East Boston Mass. exclusively by------boast Co. I was told it was a zither violin. now I do not believe so.It came from the estate of Plezy Douglas Breaden or er.??? Answer: I have seen the exact instrument you have. It is another of the wide assortment of untunable instruments made in the 40's and 50's....Its kinda like a psaltry....I think the original version was played with a bow. If you ever figure out how to play it we here at flea market music will add your name to the other hundred who have tried and failed. I have found, if the cheese is soft enough, you can push it right down against the strings, remove it and do the same the opposite way...Makes nice little pieces for those stale french crakers. That and a bottle of good wine, you can then play the instrument for them...Who will know....frets - Sunday, August 12, 2001

Question asked by: CHUCK FAYNE Subject: Any new Makers Question: No question just a comment. Answer: I have been hearing about a Maker named Dave Talsma for a long time now. Yakers have asked me to mention him on uke yak and have sung his praises for quite a while. I had never seen or played any of his instruments until my last trip to los angeles for Jim Beloffs Uketopia. There I had a chance to play on of David's Ukes. It was a pleasure. The kind words were right. He make a lovely uke. He only makes custom order ukes and prefers to keep it that way. Some of the descriptive words used to describe Dave have been: Picky..he wants them to be perfect. Attention to detail...all the things you want to hear. You can reach dave at David Talsma 5183 Durwood Dr. Swartzcreek Michigan..U.S.A. You can email him at ghool@tir.com or phone him at 810. 6354468. This is my own personal opinion and not necessarily an endorsement by Flea Market Music. I have always said than when I found the makers who I thought were really good, I would pass them along. I have. frets P.S. He has lovely pics of his ukes..just ask him to send them to you.. - Friday, August 10, 2001

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