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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

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: 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: Marian Bumala Subject: Banjo Uke advice Question: Hi Chuck, I just became the proud owner of an old banjo ukulele (I also have a Fluke and a cheap but happy little soprano uke). I don't have a picture yet (just got it day before yesterday), but it's completely unmarked. It has 15 frets (I believe), an open back and 18 tension clamp thingies around the edge of the head (19 counting the one holding the tail piece). The wooden neck and head rim seem quite solid and heavy and are stained dark. Is there any hope of identifying this sweet little uke? Also, do you know what kind of strings I should use with it? It is tuned GCEA and has strings that feel fairly new, but I want to have some ready to go just in case. Thanks! Marian Answer: Marion, there were thousands of banjo uke fitting your description. If you can get a pic up on our site, I can do a better job. I like Hilo or Kamaka strings on a banjo uke. A little stiffer than most but not as loud and clunky as metal strings. If the strings you have do the job, no need to rush out and get others. The tuning is right..It can be tuned to any of the soprano tunings ...you never have to worry about bridges or necks with a banjo uke, they were made to take anything. Remember, they normally came with no case and a racoon coat. Moonlight bay is lovely this time of year....Thanks for writing...Frets Fayne - Friday, August 10, 2001

Question asked by: Tom B Subject: Tenor strings Question: Hi Chuck: Following up on a long-winded e- mail I sent you a while ago (sorry) in which I asked your advice on a used uke in the $400 range to "graduate" from my Fluke. You mentioned possible difficulties for me in going to a smaller soprano fretboard after playing a concert. I took that advice to heart, boosted my budget and bought a Martin tenor. I find that the sound is mellower than the Fluke's but not necessarily better. The Fluke seems a lot louder. I love playing both of them. My question: The Martin strings are pretty hard compared with the Fluke's Hilo strings. Can I put Hilo strings on the Martin with good results? Also, can I swap out the G string with a wound one and tune it an octave lower? If so, where would I be able to purchase such strings? Thanks for your invaluable advice. Sorry for being long-winded again. Tom Answer: yes you can tune with different strings. Where do you live, it will make it easier to tell you where to go to get strings. You might want to look at some of the links on this website as to who carries strings. If you describe you wants to a good music store or a good luthier, they will be able to advise you where to go to buy the proper strings. It is such a personl thing, there is really no definite way to string. If I can help in any way, please don't worry about being long winded....frets - Thursday, August 9, 2001

Question asked by: BobLaBrea Subject: photo problem Question: I too get the Paramter is incorrect message when attempting to view images on Yuk Yak. Thanks Bob LaBrea Answer: We have increased our upload from 300kb to 500 kb but still keep your pics around 300 kb. This should solve the problem. I have no idea what I just typed, it comes from our webmaster who does the wonderful job of keeping us up and runnin'...Those are his words. Best to ya...chuck - Thursday, August 9, 2001

Question asked by: Mark Silinsky Subject: Value of Aloha Hawaii Question: Hi there, I have just bought an Aloha Hawaii uke. It cost me $65 and it is made of beautiful koa. Do you know anything about the Aloha and its value? Thanks for your great web site. Mark Answer: Mark...there are vintage and modern made Hilo Ukes. I would have to know which one and which model to help. If you will send a pic to this site, It would help alot. I can do a better job and we can find out how the photo section of our site is doing. Thanks for your question and help....frets fayne - Thursday, August 9, 2001

Question asked by: Russell Golobic Subject: Fin-Der Plastic Uke/Plastic Ukes in General Question: Hi Chuck, I'm on a vintage "plastic uke with box" roll. I know it will be hard to beat my purchase of an Islander Uke that I wrote to you about recently, but I did manage to find another plastic uke with box, this one a Fin-der Diamondhead in good condition. There are no cracks or breaks. The seller said it has a rubbed area (which in the past I have been pretty succesful rubbing out with novus 1 plastic polish). The box is a bit worn but complete. Also comes with the other items shown in the photo. I paid $22 (without shipping). The ever-important question: How did I do? -- P.S. If you dislike these money type of questions, I'll stop asking, just let me know. -- P.P.S. For some reason I like plastice ukes, probably because most quality wood ukes are out of my price range, yet I still enjoy collecting. My plastic uke collection so far contains a mint Harry Owens (with unauthentic signature), an Arthur Godfrey Flamingo with pitch pipe top, a mint Maccaferri Islander with box, a purple-ish and white marbled Mauna Loa with tension tuners (which actually sounds pretty decent), a Lisa (which is exactly the same as the Mauna Loa except the name is different), and a Fin- Der with box. In my e-bay travels, I have come across many other plastice ukes that have climbed out of my price range: T.V. Pal, a Snoopy lucite uke from Japan, an Islander Ukette, Maccaferri Mastro, Jummy Durante, Three Muskateers, PlayTune (smaller scale), Uke-a-Doodle (even smaller), Bandstand, etc. Are any of these ukes standouts as good buys, collector-wise? Thank you, as always... Russ Photos:      Answer: Russell....thanks for keeping the plastic uke world alive. You can collect them the rest of your life, no matter how old you are, and never run out of new ones to find. Not being an expert, I can't really tell you how your doing on price. But keep it up...thanks for sharing your finds with us....chuck - Thursday, August 9, 2001

Question asked by: TROY RICE Subject: resale price Question: hi, just bought a soprano uke manufactured by giannini of brazil model #acsm31 serie mpb it bound in wood body appears to mahogony i need an estimated resale valve for it tanks:) troy Answer: Can't help you....If the company is still in existence, you might write them for a catalogue.....The south american instruments have never seemed to catch on with the general public. I think its because they are so specific to that type of music. I have found that the Giannini Ukulele ( I'm not sure that is what it is) is more of a rhythm instrument that a musical instrument.... good luck and Ole' frets - Wednesday, August 8, 2001

Question asked by: Dave Rampton Subject: treholipee Question: Have just rebuilt a treholipee, so it is not original wood. It sounds alright. I want to paint it black is there any pictures available of a black one. Still struming Dave Answer: Dave...hope you don't need it for a color match....I have never seen a black one. Still frettin" chuck - Wednesday, August 8, 2001

Question asked by: billZ Subject: Tenortrope? Question: Hi frets, on Ebay recently there was a really cool tenortrope for sale, I know that Cliff Edwards (Ukulele Ike) was involved with this instrument somehow but not much else. What's the story of this thing? thanks.. Answer: A tenortrope is a four stringed Dobro on a banjo body. I have never seen one attributed to Cliff Edwards. If anyone out there knows about this, please write in and let us know...thanks for writing. I missed it on Ebay, its an interesting instrument....frets - Wednesday, August 8, 2001

Question asked by: David Talsma Subject: Picture Question Question: Chuck, I don't think you may be able to answer this but why when I try to view the pictures that people send you I get "The parameter is incorrect." when I click on it? Anyone else have that problem out there? I use a iMac computer. Thanks. Answer: David, I don't know...first Ive heard of it..I will send your question to the man who fixes all.....does anyone else out there experience this problem...please let us know....thanks david...chuck - Sunday, August 5, 2001

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Pain of ukes gone Question: When you said, in a note about a tiple, "I have always been sorry I got rid of my tiple.", I wondered how the “civilians” would view your statement from the view point of sincerity. I personally understand the pain that you must feel. The though that if you have more than one instrument, one “going” is no big deal, may not be true. I still think of the T17 that some people browbeat me into selling to a guitar player ‘cause he loved it and I couldn’t play it worth beans and he put in the trunk of his car and was rear-ended and the tiple crushed beyond repair, although the guitar player escaped any serious injury, to what purpose???? There are more guitar players in this world than tiples, however pronounced. Regards, robert p.s.My current tiple is a T18 with a koa bridge and a serial number, #21301.... image attached Photos:      Answer: My sincerity can hardly be compared to the guitar players love and how you must have felt at being brow-beaten into selling your tiple. I hope your brow has healed. It is always fun getting questions from you. I'm never quite sure what your asking...but then again, I'm never quite sure what I am answering. We make a great pair. Thank you for the pic of your tiple and thank you for your support and passion of this art form. You make it interesting, imformative and thought provoking for the rest of us. Your pal down under. Chuck frets fayne... - Saturday, August 4, 2001

Question asked by: bill Subject: Question: Frets--Thanks so much for your prompt reply. The length is just about 25 1/2 inches and does exactly fit in a tenor case. I am sending another picture I took that has the back decal. It looks like koa and a another friend who should know says it is. Thanks again.,,,Bill Answer: Bill. a tenor sam chang..nice find. I would also like to have a picture of this uke. You can send it to us on the yak or at my private email. It is a very rare piece. There were not alot of oversized ukes made when Chang made that one. The soprano was always the size of choice. It might have been a special order, I cannot imagine Chang making one to market. He made a little to heavy an instrument for me, but he was an important maker. You will see examples of his work in the Mark Blackburn Hawaiiana book on page 183. Mostof the Chang ukes I have seen were fairly plain, a couple had trim and one had abalone trim. Please send me a pic, I would like to add it to my collection. thanks....frets - Friday, August 3, 2001

Question asked by: Gerry Subject: YASUMA Question: I would like to know more about Yasuma ukuleles. I inherited a Yasuma TU-1, a tenor ukulele that my folks in Kaneohe HI bought new sometime around the late 1970s. It was supposed to be a very good copy of the classic Martin tenor uke, and for all intents and purposes, they seemed to have done an excellent job. They even copied Martin's headstock logo styling. (Shades of Takamine.) I recently installed new GHS strings on it and put it to the test against Martins I was able to find in music stores. Even the retail people at those locations were very impressed. I will be most grateful for any information you can afford, even if it's only another resource to check with. Thank you. Answer: The Yasuma company made wonderful Martin copies. I had a tiple and it was every bit as good. Wonderful sound. I have never seen a tenor uke, but I would love to see a picture of it. I have no idea whatever happened to the company. I have not seen any more offerings for many years. I have always been sorry I got rid of my tiple. Please send a pic to this site or to my own email...cfaynr@bigpond.net.au...thanks, for writing. - Friday, August 3, 2001

Question asked by: joseph principe Subject: Favilla Question: I have a Favilla Aquila Guitar. I would like to find out more about it or the company. Your website is the only one that makes a reference to Favilla. I realize you are refewrring to a Uke, but perhaps they made guitars, too. Could you provide any information or direct me to someone who can? Answer: The Favilla company made all kinds of instruments. Lots of guitars. You have one of the classical models. You will find a Favilla Guitar for sale right now on Ebay. Just go to Ebay.com and when you get to the home page type in Favilla. You will see the guitar offered and that will answer the question..did they make them? Not a bad instrument. They did a fairly good job of competing with Martin, but they were not even close in qualiy. They were most active in the l950-late 60's. Their instruments were well made as many have survived. chuck fayne - Friday, August 3, 2001

Question asked by: bill Subject: Question: frets - my best friend gave me this tenor uke on his deathbed - so I didn't have the chance to talk to him about it. It has since started playing me, maybe because up until I got it, I had always been a musical dummy. I seem to be under it's spell. Can't hardly keep away from it. It makes such sweet sounds. Other than it likely being possessed, what can you tell me about it? The front of the head has the word aloha above a crest, below the crest, the word Hawaii. On the back a decal reading Sam Chang/ guitars, ukuleles, curios.......thanks much. Really enjoy your yakking. Answer: Bill , before I answer you question, I need to know the length of the uke. A tenor should be about 25 inches total length. A tenor Sam Chang would be very rare. So is a friend who would give you a uke on his deathbed. What a fine gift. I understand what you mean when you say it is playing you. They have a habit of doing that. Sam Chang was a maker who was around in the 30's and made a good uke. There is a rumor, however no one around to know, he might have died from inhaling too many fumes. I don't know much more, but I believe it is possessed. Just follow its lead. Let me know about the length. frets - Friday, August 3, 2001

Question asked by: Nate Byrne Subject: Clarophone Banjo-Uke Question: Hi, I have a Clarophone Banjo-Uke, it's in fairly good condition, and it's at least 45 years old. Do you know how much it's worth? I don't have a picture of it I'm afraid. Thank you. -Nate Answer: Nate, don't be afraid, its only a banjo uke. If it were a banjomandolin I would be scared. A Claraphone uke is the one with the holes around the side I believe...correct??? If so, its worth about 150 bucks in great shape. Play it, and keep in touch...chuck - Friday, August 3, 2001

Question asked by: Tom B Subject: Reply to Fluke & Brozman video question Question: Hi Chuck, This is in partial reply to the uke-yakker who wanted to know about the Fluke vs. Martin SO, and the Bob Brozman video. I second your opinion on the Fluke: Its sound is fuller and warmer than the Martin, and it's half the price. As for the Brozman video, it's definitely an inspiring bit of playing, but it seems too advanced for a beginner. There's a lot of tricky right-hand work. That said, I would recommend it just because it's so fun to watch and listen to. By the way, Brozman plays what I think is a new National Resophonic uke in the video. I know you don't like them much, but I thought it complemented the blues/ragtime stuff he does quite well. Cheers. Answer: Thanks for you letter. We need all the opinions we can get. I agree with you about the Brozmen tape. A little advanced for a beginner, but a good tape when you have some chops. The New National did nothing for me..but then they may have improved it alot since then. Last night I got a New Beltona Ukulele delivered to my door in Melbourne Australia, what service. I played it alot last night and am very impressed, I has a wonderful tone and very 20's sounding. I will write more about the instrument when I receive the info from Steve Evans of Beltona. Watch for the plug. thanks again for letting us know how you feel..its important to us...chuck - Thursday, August 2, 2001

Question asked by: Guy Costanzo Subject: Dave Talsma Ukulele Question: I just received a Kamaka-copy pineapple ukulele by Dave Talsma, which I purchased via EBay. His work has been mentioned previously in Uke Yak, and I just wanted to give you my initial impressions. It's an all-koa soprano model with a great hand-painted pineapple between the bridge and sound hole (Kamaka used to have a paper decal in the same spot). The workmanship is superb, and it plays really well (it's very light). The sound is lovely, and will probably open up even more with playing-in. The finish is Tru-Oil, which gives a nice shiny appearance and looks like it'll provide good protection, too. All-in-all, I'm very pleased with my purchase. Dave can be readched at ghool@tir.com. He's also represented on the West Coast by Rick Rasay, who can be reached at trasay@projlink.com. It's gratifying to see the quality ukes coming out of modern makers' workshops - especially as the price of vintage ukes seems to be getting totally out of hand! Answer: Thaks to you as well. Its funny, I am going to do a piece on Dave Taslma. I just received all his material, and I was taking a couple of days to compile it. I am also very impressed with the quality and care of his work. Thanks for writing where he can be reached. Please look here in the next few days for my plug for Dave. I have been hearing about him for so long and never got a chance to see or hear his work. I now have and your right, it is really nice to see some new stuff that is made with understanding. Most of the new makers, as I have said before, make little guitars. Overbraced and much too heavy to be a Ukulele. Dave seems to have it. I wish him success. Look him up..tell him Guy, a satisfied customer and Chuck from Uke Yak recommend his work. frets - Thursday, August 2, 2001

Question asked by: edman Subject: replacement tuning pegs Question: I have been given an old martin soprano ukelele. where can I get repacement tuning pegs. what type of varnish would you use. The body is thin and cracked, should I glue it. Answer: edman...unless you are a professional luthier, I would not attempt to repair what has to be done to your uke. The tuning pegs are easy...Contact martin guitars in Nazareth Penn and order from their store, or go on line and do the same. As far as varnishing and repairing cracks, leave that to a professional. If they are done incorrectly, you could ruin what otherwise is a fine made ukulele. I speak from experience. frets - Thursday, August 2, 2001

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page