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 (255 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: 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: Russell Golobic Subject: Islander Uke Question: Hi Chuck, Love your (or should I say Jim's) website, and I consult the yak part of the site pretty much on a daily basis. My question is short and probably the kind you get the most: Approximately how much do think the ukulele in the attached picture is worth? I paid $40. So how did I do? Do you hate those kind of questions? Anyway, according to the description it is is very good condition. It sure looks like it is. It comes with a box that is missing one end flap. Photos:      Answer: You did great. 40 bucks for a Mario Maccaferri Islander uke in mint condition with a box. I'll give you a quick 10 dollar profit. That's the kind of guy I am. I'd like to have a nickel for every dollar that man made on plastic ukes. He found the pot at the end of the rainbow. Have fun...as I said ..You did good...go quote my english teacher.....frets It is probably worth a couple of hundred bucks to the right collector...The box makes the package. they got thrown out not saved. If you going to sell it, why not put it on our market place on this site. It gets all the uke nutz sooner or later. see ya..write again when you get work....R R 1 Mr Idy - Tuesday, July 31, 2001

Question asked by: Bob Brchan Subject: Old Ukulele Question: Chuck, I have acquired a ukulele made by B&J New York. The label inside says "The Mele". Also says "Hawajian" and "Ukulele" on lable along with B&J New York. The Uku has wooden tuning knobs & appears to be a one piece design. Could you tell me anything about it, the aprox age and perhaps an approx value. Thanks, Photos:      Answer: The Mele was a good mainland made ukulele and was destributed by the B&J Music company. I will write what B&J means when I find it. It is something like Buelfson and Jacobson...My mind is slipping. They are worth a couple hundred dolars in great shape and with some trim..Age?? 30's-50's.....Good looking and good playing uke. Must have been made well. See alot of them They survived. Remember, if you drop your pick in the soundhole,..it then becomes a maracca....best from the Hills of Idy....Rhubarb a boundin"...chuck fayne..... - Tuesday, July 31, 2001

Question asked by: RK Subject: Kamaka 8-String Question: My daughter received a Kamaka 8- String Ukulele w/case from her grandfather. It is in excellent condition and was purchased for $300.00 in 1977 in Honolulu. It measures 27" x 9" x 2 1/2". What type of Ukulele is this and what is the approximate value. Thanks! Answer: It is an 8 string tenor ukulele. It is one of Kamaka's finest. It is a players ukulele and the value is in excess of 750+dollars. If you are planning to sell it, perhaps you might want to put it on our marketplace in this site. We have good results placing instruments in new homes. The real Uke nutz all use this site. It will get great exposure. thanks for writing...chuck fayne - Monday, July 30, 2001

Question asked by: Lino Zingapan jr. Subject: Uke Care Question: Hi chuck, I've got another question for you.... How do you take care of a koa uke? how can i prevent scratches? i've already got a couple from strumming and also some dings. I want to have an uke that would last me through my lifetime so i would like to know what the proper way to take care of my uke is. thanks. Answer: Lino..the only way I know to prevent a koa uke from getting scratches and dings is not to play it. If you are tying to get a uke's looks to last a lifetime, you are missing the point. It is the instruments sound that should last your lifetime. That doesn't mean beat it up, it means the instrument was made to be played. Any kind of gentle wax will do the job. Play it Lino, Play it.....frets - Monday, July 30, 2001

Question asked by: Steve Bagsby Subject: beginners ukulele Question: I would like to teach my Grandkids how to play the uke and was wondering if you could recommend a good beginners instrument? Also, I would like to learn to play better and I've seen a video for sale by Bob Brozman called "Tunes and Techniques" Would this be a good video to buy? Thanks for your time and I enjoy your writings. Answer: The Fluke Uke, offered for sale on this site, is a good all around uke. Beginner or advanced. Don't buy a throw-away uke, because that is what you will have to do with it. Get a better uke and if the grandkids don't take to it, you can always sell it. I am not familiar with the Brozman tape, however the Beloff beginner books , tapes, and cd's on this site are excellent. I always say the following when I recommend the items on this site. This is a job I do for love not for any other reason. If I didn't believe in them, nothing could get me to recommend them. The fact that Jim sends me a New Rolls Royce each year has nothing to do with anything. I'm only kidding, what would I do with a Rolls here in Mr Idy?..Jim...Where is my John Dere ? Frets - Monday, July 30, 2001

Question asked by: Daryl Zordan Subject: herk favilla Question: what can you tell me about herk favilla guitars and ukes quality wise and cost est. Than Answer: Daryl...I can tell you the the Favilla company gave the Martin company a run for its money in the 30's....They made good solid instruments. Not the same quality, but not too far away. The Favilla I personally don't like is the Baritone Uke. It is heavy and hard to hold. This is just a personal opinion. As far as the value, the question is too broad. Their range is instruments is huge. If you are interested in a specific size or model I can help, but I wouldn't know where to start with as many as they made. If I can help further, please let me know. chuck - Monday, July 30, 2001

Question asked by: Albert Ake Subject: Mavna Loa banjo uku Question: bought a banjo ukulele on the head stock it says Mavna Loa Do you know anything about it no date or ant other markings on it i only payed 20 dollars for it Thanks for your help Answer: On the headstock it says Mauna Loa, not Mavna Loa. Some of this line was made by or for Lyon and Healy. I don't think the banjo ukes were. Its very difficult, without seeing it, to tell you very much. Most banjo ukes were made in the 30's and 40's and hundreds of company's made them. Please try to send a pic to this site and I will try to do a better job. No matter what it is....20 bucks is a great price. good strummin....frets - Monday, July 30, 2001

Question asked by: FatDavid Subject: Stadium ukes Question: Hello Frets: Have you ever heard of a 'Stadium' uke? The only identification on this thing is a decal with the word' Stadium' on the headstock. I think it's a baritone, a bit over 29 inches long and 10 inches wide. A friend bought it recently for $120 and wanted to know any background info I could dig up. Is/was Stadium a company or a model name? I haven't actually seen the instrument. He thinks it's made of mahogany but I have my doubts. He also thinks it's from the 40's. Any clues? Thanks muchly, FD. Answer: dear fat....it is a mahogany baritone uke made by regal in the l940's. Your friend is right on all counts. The price is ok if the instrument plays well. I can't tell you much more, I see the Stadium brand in lots of catalogues from the 30's 40's and 50's. Hope I've helped. chuck fayne - Monday, July 30, 2001

Question asked by: Andy Hudson Subject: Martin s.o. verses the Fluke Question: I'm curious to know which is the better ukulele, the new (mexican) martin s.o. or the Fluke? And I've also seen some German made (no name brand) ukuleles for sale on Lark in the Mornings website - any idea of their quality. I'm interested in purchasing and learning to play the ukulele but I just need some help finding the right uke for me. I'm not willing to spend more than $250 (just in case I decide the ukulele isn't for me) but I don't want a cheap piece of junk that I won't enjoy playing. Thanks for your help. Andy Answer: Easiest question in over 800 of them. The fluke......I havn't got the space to list the reasons, just take my opinion. I am typing this one with my eyes closed. gretz wayge.....perhaps I should look.....chuck - Wednesday, July 25, 2001

Question asked by: Kevin Barney Subject: Hilo Baritone Question: Hi Frets, I have another Baritone it was a gift and its a Hilo. I've seen your comments about them and I agree it doesn't have the same richness of sound as ny Silvertone. That being said can you tell me what the market value on them is... Also have you seen the sopranos with the baritone bodies, I saw one in a store in Hon. but I didn't have a chance to play it... Thanks K.C Answer: Hi...Kevin.....I have never seen a Hilo Baritone...I am assuming it is a new model. Let me know If I am wrong. If it is a vintage Hilo Hawaiian Baritone, it is worth good bucks. Not many oversized Hawaiian vintage instruments. Let me know. Yes I once saw a soprano with a baritone body, but he was selling Hilo Baritones in a store in Honolulu. That being said, I'm not sure what you mean by a soprano with a baritone body. If you mean the neck is the size of a soprano and the body is the size of a baritone, it wouldn't play. Write again and let me know exactly what the instrument looks like. Must run, my Jews harp class needs me for a minion...frets - Wednesday, July 25, 2001

Question asked by: DAVE KRAJCIK Subject: PETER PAN UKE Question: CHUCK, CAME ACROSS THIS SITE AND NEED SOME INFORMATION ON A UKE THAT ONE OF MY MUSIC CUSTOMERS HAS. FIRST IT WAS MADE AROUND I BELIEVE 1935-1945 ON THE INSIDE OF THE SOUND HOLE IN THE WOOD IT SAYS "PETER PAN" IT IS MADE OF MOHAGANY, HAS THE ORIGINAL CASE, MUSIC BOOK, AND A MUSIC STAND. IS THERE ANY INFORMATION YOU CAN GIVE ME AS TO THE ORIGIN, AND A POSSIBLE RETAIL PRICE? I WOULD BE SO EVER GRATEFUL FOR THIS INFORMATION. SINCERELY, DAVE "KEEP ON STRUM'IN" Answer: Dear Dave Keep on Strummin......It was made by either harmony or regal..My guess by the shape of the headstock ... regal. You are right about the years..price 200 with the case if the uke is in great shape. Although is a fairly well made instrument it does not have alot of collector value. I'm most interested in the music stand. Did it fit in the case? Great idea for someone to make if it doesn't exist. thanks for the question....frets - Wednesday, July 25, 2001

Question asked by: manny Subject: tenor Fluke Question: hi, Chuck...not a question this time.I just took delivery of a new tenor Fluke with pick-up installed. Third tenor I have received in a week (see also "obsession"). It compares very favorably to the other two...nice full sound, roomy fretboard, good attack...you have always said nice things about the Fluke...I think you will be pleased with this model. Answer: Thanks Manny for the report. I am sure I will be pleased also. Are you sending me one? Just a thought. Seriously, thanks for the report, we need to hear how you out there feel about the new ukes....frets - Wednesday, July 25, 2001

Question asked by: Dan Sawyer Subject: Johnny Marvin (Harmony) ukes Question: Hi Chuck, in regards to the question asked by "Marc" about the finishes on these instruments, i've owned three Marvins and they've all had high-gloss finishes. Admittedly, they were the later ones from the 1940's without the airplane bridge. Maybe the earlier ones were a dull or satin finish. Anyway, you're right that it's probably refinished if he can see crazing underneath. By the way, these Johnny Marvins have the widest fingerboard of any concert/tenor uke i've ever played. Answer: Thanks dan...the later ones were not of the same quality as the airplane bridge model....The airplane was a real players instsrument. They made it in both soprano and concert size. The Mahogany was to die for...well perhaps just to get sick over, but it was beautiful quilted mahogany....They were not the real high gloss of the later models. Thanks for the help....chuck - Wednesday, July 25, 2001

Question asked by: charles wilson Subject: baritone uke Question: Chuck: I am considering buying a 1960's era Harmony Silvertone baritone ukulele for $175 in "excellent" condition. Is that brand a quality instrument. Does it have a good reputation? Will it retain its value. thanks, Answer: Charles..Charles here...It is not a high quality instrument, however it is a good playable instrument. 175 bucks is a decent price and you will get years of good music out of it. It will retain its value. Harmony has a great reputation..They made as many ukes as there are grains of rice in a decent chinese restaurant. They must have known something. Get it, you won't regret it. Also, look inside for the fortune cookie. It is also the tuning chart. best. chuck - Wednesday, July 25, 2001

Question asked by: Kevin Barney Subject: different tunings Question: Dear Chuck thank you for the advice on my silvertone.I have another question, can I tune it to asoprano tuning...I know it wont go as high but what if I use the same octave? thanks Answer: Kevin...as I remember, It is a baritone. Your are right. If you try to tune it up to soprano tuning you wil have a bridge imbedded in your forehead. Can you tune it down to the same notes as a soprano an octave lower? Yes , but it will sound like mush. All the models are designed to a sound. You can vary the string tension a little bit, but if you try to mess around too much, you loose the desired tone. Thats the best I can do without getting really technical. Its sort of like putting tractor tires on a volkswagon....fayne - Wednesday, July 25, 2001

Question asked by: Lino Zingapan Jr Subject: VALLEY MADE UKE's Question: Hi. during my stay over at oahu earlier last month, I purchased a Valley Made Ukelele from the hawaiian ukelele store over at the Aloha Towers. Anyways one of my questions is do you think its a well made uke? It sounds real good.. Just like the martins. and its made from koa wood. I paid i believe $375 for it. My other question is do you know of any good learning material? I bought this one book "teach yourself Uke" by mel bay publications. and it kinda sucks. It tells you how to hold the uke and all and what the notes are...but it does not help you learn any songs. I wish to learn how to play the uke by the end of summer. More so learn this one song by Three plus "My Honey Baby" (maybe you've heard the song and help me with it! my friend told me that its four notes A, E, Bm, and E7, I played all notes consecutively and it really doesnt sound like the song.) well I know i've taken so much of your time already so I'll let you guys go. Thanks a bunch in advance! Answer: Lino..sorry I am not familiar with the ukulele. Will try to find out what I can. As far as how to learn to play, please do yourself a favor and go to the on-line store on this site and begin to purchase the books written by Jim Beloff..They take you through step by step all you will ever need to know about how to play the uke. He also has video tapes that show you the exact positions of the chords and more songs than you can ever sing. "My Honey Baby" is not a tune I am familiar with, however I am familiar with honey. Here in Mr Idy we have lots of Honey trees and Pooh is always working. Hope I've helped you..Please visit the on line store and stock up. Best from Kanga and roo and all the rest from the Hundred Acre Wood.....frets - Tuesday, July 24, 2001

Question asked by: FRANK Subject: Fretting over the Kekahuna Question: Hi Chuck, You were kind enough to answer a question I had on the bulletin board but I thought this (now that I finally found it) would be a better place to address my queries. Basically, I'm looking at a second- hand Kekahuna Ukulele for roughly $500US. Apart from two surface scratches on the top edge - it's in pretty much mint condition and sounds a blast. The other option is a brand spanking new Beltona Blue Uke which is gorgeous but I'm kinda put off by the fibreglass nature of the body. And then there's an ancient Royal Waikiki Style ukulele which another guy will sell me for about $120US. Now, this one has definitely been pre-loved. BTW I enjoy your writing. Answer: Frank...I would go for the Beltona. As I said, I am familiar with their work and it is wonderful. I am not familiar with the Kekahuna, and without seeing the royal hawaiian, I have no idea which one it is. They made hundreds with this name. If you can afford it, the Beltona is the way to go given the options you have. Thanks for writing in and let us know what you decide. frets....I will be fishing for a few days...the Gefilte are runnning and I NEVER miss the Gefilte fish run..frets - Tuesday, July 24, 2001

Question asked by: Phil Subject: encore brand tenor uke Question: Thought I'd send along a picture for anyone who also may know something about this Uke....Phil Answer: Thanks heaps Phil, however the Picture didn't make it. Does anyone know about the Encore brand Uke? chuck Fayne - Tuesday, July 24, 2001

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