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

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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: 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: 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: 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: Darrell Urbien Subject: applause/e-uke questions Question: Hi Chuck, You helped me awhile ago in getting a new Kamaka pineapple (which is awesome, by the way).. Thanks again! My questions now are about the Applause/Ovation acoustic-electic uke. I'm asking because I'm considering getting one for a) a cheaper, knock-around uke I won't be afraid to take outdoors, b)possible e-uke duty, and c) possible four string e-mando use, a-la Tiny Moore. Re: a) and b) above... I don't think the Ovation mando sounds much like an acoustic mandolin. Does the Applause uke sound anything like a uke unplugged? I'm not looking for Martin quality or anything, but something between my Duke Kahanamoku uke and my Kamaka would be nice.. ;) The Ovation mando does sound OK amplified. Does the uke sound good too? You've said previously that the uke is well made and sounds good.. I've had spotty QC issues with Korean made guitars - uneven frets, gobs of epoxy, etc. Are these ukes any better? Or do I just get what I pay for? Re: c) above: Is the Applause strung with nylon or steel? Does it have a truss rod or other reinforcement? Do you think the neck can stand up to mando strings and tuning? I'm thinking the qualities you hate about steel strung ukes are exactly what I'm looking for in an electric mandolin.. I'm asking you because I haven't been able to see one in person. I'd have to order it unseen/unplayed and don't want to get burned (badly..) I hope you can help me. Thanks, Darrell Answer: Again, this is only my opinion. Buy a decent uke and have a saddle pickup installed. You will like the sound alot. I like the sound of a ukulele... and the ovation sounds like anything but a ukulele. I am not a fan of amplified anything, except my wife, she came that way. Saved a fortune.....Thanks for the question...I've had that answer for years just waiting for a question....Most decent luthiers will know what you want when you ask for a saddle amplification system...good hunting....fayne - Friday, July 20, 2001

Question asked by: Philip S. Lankford Subject: Rocket Bari by ? Question: I have been enjoying this nice Rocket, wondering what company and what ere it might be from. It seems to be a nice instrument, all mahogonay. A distinguishing point about it is that the bridge seems poorly finished. Functional bu the surface is roughly shaped. Thanks for any help you might offer. Photos:      Answer: Have no information about this uke at all. Looks nice....Anyone out there know the Rocket????? thanks and sorry I couldn't help.....chuck - Friday, July 20, 2001

Question asked by: Stanley Cohen Subject: Island Koa Intruments Uke Question: There is a music shop in town that has koa soprano uke covered with dust hanging on the wall smothered in a sea of guitars. The label inside the body says Island Koa Instruments (U.K.) with a build date of 1997. The price tag says $495! The guy says he'll sell it for $350. It has a nice sound and seems to play well in my beginners hands. Do you have any idea what this uke is actually worth? Answer: I am familiar with Island Koa Ukes. they are made by a man named Peter Howlett. It is a well made uke and I think that is a very fair price. I have playedl his ukes and they have a very nice sound. Go for it. Check it over and make sure there are no cracks or loose parts. Other than that, I think this is better than a beginner uke. I would think this is a uke you will play for a long time. Keep in touch...and stay in tune....chuck - Friday, July 20, 2001

Question asked by: Klaus Campbell Subject: Unis & Co. Uke Question: I have a question about a uke I just aquired from a friend. The sticker on the inside of the body says Unis & Co. Sting Instrument Manufacturers Honolulu, Territory of Hawaii. It is hand made koa wood with checkered binding around the body and sound hole. It has koa wood friction peg tuners, and a hand made hawaiian tastle hanging from the head. It also has the original instruction booklet published by Christy's Music House, San Jose, Ca copywrite 1912. There are no cracks on the body and it is in perfect playing condition. I do have the original hardshell case, but i am afraid it has seen better days. My question is how old is this uke, and how much is it worth in the good condition that it is in now? Also, do you have any idea when Unis & Co. went out of business? Any help you can offer is much apreciated. Answer: Klaus....No matter what the uke says it is a mainland uke. Not that takes away from the the uke in any way., I have had a few unis ukes and yours is by far the nicest I have seen...It is an early uke by mainland standards. It is from the teens. I know little about the manufacturer. If you look at the back of the neck, the ukulele not yours, you will see that the neck is one piece. If it is not one piece, write me, it will be a first. That splice should be parallel to the uke on the underside of the neck, near where the neck attaches to the uke. Island ukes are two piece, mainland are one. It is the first unis with rope bindingI have seen. I would place a value of 500 on this uke, given the condition and the style..Please write me about the neck ( not the ukes...yours)////frets - Friday, July 20, 2001

Question asked by: MARC Subject: JOHNNY MARVIN UKE Question: HI CHUCK I PURCHASED A JOHNNY MARVIN UKE. I WONDERING IT HAS A HIGH GLOSS OR WHAT I CALL GLASS COAT FINISH. I WAS WONDERING IS THIS ORIGINAL BECAUSE UNDER THIS YOU SEE ANOTHER FINISH THAT IS CHECKED AND DISCOLORED IN AREAS.IM THINKING THIS TOP COAT WAS PUT ON LATER AFTER CHECKING OF ORIGINAL. IT WAS DONE REAL GOOD SO I WAS WONDERING IF IT'S ORIGINAL AND IF NOT DOES THIS AFFECT THE SOUND. THANKS FOR YOUR TIME I HOPE YOU CAN HELP-MARC Answer: It is definitly a refinish. They were not high gloss. It might affect the sound by dulling it, but you will only know that if you remove the high gloss finish and find out how thick it is. I always wonder why the finish was redone if you can see the other finish below...Good uke though.....chuck - Friday, July 20, 2001

Question asked by: Rod Mann Subject: Uke (is this possible?) Question: Maybe more of an e-mail type question than a Uke Yak subject... There is a uke on Ebay, item #1446292462, that resembles those on page 15 of Jim's book. Could it be a Dias? Just wondering if you had seen this one. Thanks, Rod Answer: Rod...I have seen it and anything is possible. It will be interesting to see where it goes....I'll be watching...Just like Santos Klaus.....fayne - Friday, July 20, 2001

Question asked by: manny Subject: Kamaka tenor Question: hi, Chuck...the Kamaka HF-3 tenor that I asked you about previously arrived yesterday, and I see why you wax so enthusiastically about Kamaka. What a terrific sound...thanks for your input. Answer: Manny thanks Manny. Glad you like it. They still and always have made one hell of an instrument. frets - Friday, July 20, 2001

Question asked by: Clark Baldwin Subject: The Gibson UB2 Question: Chuck, I have resently purchased a early 20's The Gibson UB-2 banjo- uke. It is mahogany prior to serial number markings and has a 8 inch rim. It is missing the flat back resonator and half of the hooks, nuts and lugs. I am looking for information on where i could locate these parts. I know that it was not sold as open back as there are screw holes for the resonator on the rim. Any information you may offer would be greatly appreciated. Happy pickin, Clark. Answer: Clark...give John Bernunzio a shot..He is at BVI@servtech.com....He might know. He has the largest private collection of wooden resonator backs in the world. He is also a friend and fabulous musical dealer. If he can't help, your on your own....frets - Friday, July 20, 2001

Question asked by: JOHN MCINTOSH Subject: electric ukulele Question: what do you know about electric ukuleles? how do they sound compared to an acoustic? i know they would make me louder, but is louder better? i only know of one brand (bluestar konablaster) and it is listed in the elderly instruments catalouge. are there others? just wondering. Answer: John the one thing I know for sure about electric ukuleles is that I don't like them. I don't mind an amplified ukulele...there are some wonderful ways to amplify a ukulele , but I am a purist..I love the sound of a ukulele, so I may be the wrong person to ask. An electric ukulele is normally a solid bodied instrument. That is not a ukulele. It is a four stringed instrument and a solid block of something. That is not the sound of a ukulele. Now if you like the sound of four strings and a solid block of something there quite a few of them being made today. It would be exactly like trying to compare a fender to an acoustic..can't be done. Is louder better? only in yodelling . As I re-read my answer, I realize I probably didn't answer your question at all..just spouted off...I guess thats ok once in a while....Buy a uke and call John Zehnder at McCabes Guitar Shop in Santa Monica California and find out how to amplify it by making the saddle the pickup..They sound quite nice. thanks for your question...chuck - Friday, July 13, 2001

Question asked by: Shea Subject: What is this? Question: Any idea on the story behind this one? It is made of wood, and the inside label reads:AO REI DOS VILOES INDUSTRIA INSTRUMENTOS MUSICALS SAN PAULO BRASIL. I've never seen a uke quite like this, any info would help... Thanks! Answer: If you call a four stringed small instrument a ukulele, then this is one. In reality it is not. The South Americans have been making a variety of instruments forever. These instruments are used more for rhythm than for melody. They are usually tuned with metal strings. In truth, they are not ukuleles at all. All cultures, have at one time or another, had a four stringed instrument. This is just another one..There is an instrument made in the south pacific that is used for the same reason. It is called a tahitian ukulele. It is not a ukulele either. It is tuned like a ukulele, but it is used as a rhythm instrument also. I don't believe that the south american version is tuned like a uke. They are usually of poor quality and sound worse. See ya..I got to get back to the home...its puddin night...frets - Friday, July 13, 2001

Question asked by: Tom Harker Subject: Thanks Question: Hey Chuck, Thanks for the quick answer. I figured as much for the "Lark." Still, I will learn something getting a "nut" on just for a Lark. Since I wrote I've obtained a blank at a local Blue Grass supply store, and in time I WILL re-nut the voiceless Lark. Meanwhile I can play my 1922 Martin - it CAN sing. Yours - Tom Harker Photos:      Answer: thanks for the update tom..I'm sure your lark will sing better with its nut. Remmber to cut shallow groves in the nut, you can always go deeper., if you go too deep you get a buzz...Play that Martin.....great instrument, great year. frets... - Monday, July 9, 2001

Question asked by: Tom Barrett Subject: Tangi Question: These Tangi ukuleles seem to pop up on ebay quite often. They seem to be reasonably priced considering the woods involved, but they call them "Tangi of Hawaii". Is there a different level or model made in Hawaii or are they all made in Viet Nam as implied in the enclosed article? I wouldn't have a problem purchasing one made in Viet Nam as long as they were of good quality and the craftsmen were compensated fairly. Thank You Tom Answer: Tom. this again is only a personal opinion. I wish the Tangi ukes played as good as they look. I had a violin shaped one with pearl inlay all around. It was not the apex of craftsmanship nor did it sound very good. I tried everything I could but I could not make it sound better. I have played only one other and it didn't sound any better. I am sure there are people out there who have Tangi Ukes and Love them....somebody is buying them. However, I think there is better value for the money. When I play one that floats my boat, I will let you all know..Until then..they are pretty much just the paddle. frets - Monday, July 9, 2001

Question asked by: Phil Subject: Encore tenor uke Question: I would like any info on this tenor "Encore " brand uke. On the metal tag it reads "Deluxe Custom Built" and a shield in the shape of the peghead with the letters "BF" It is all mahoghany and all original. Any idea of it's value? No cracks but a few dings as per usual. Thanks! Phil in VA Answer: It seems to me I have seen the name Enore on a Uke before. But unlike its suggestion, I have never seen another. I know little about it, but I know they were not manufacturers. I have no idea what "BF" means...If anyone out there knows anytning about "Encore" please write again and again and again...thanks for the question...chuck, chuck - Monday, July 9, 2001

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Looking for restorer Question: Hi Chuck, thanks for the quick reply regarding my Gibson-in-the- rough. I live in North Idaho. Are there any restorers in North Idaho or Eastern Washington you recommend? I'm also curious regarding the "1/2" when you say my Gibson is a style 1 1/2. Thanks again, Steve Answer: the one half is for the the trim..usually ones only have a mahogany body, however, gibson was known for making anything they wanted...You might contact duane Heilman at Blackbear@nwinfo.net...he is in yakama washington. his work is supberb....let me know if this works out. chuck - Sunday, July 8, 2001

Question asked by: Manny Subject: Kamaka tenor Question: hi Chuck...not a question this time...but regarding your wish to see a photo of ther HF-3 tenor I asked about...if you use the search feature of eBay for "completed items" and look up item # 1442285768, you'll see several photos. I went ahead and closed the deal because you and others have so many nice comments about Kamaka. Thanks! Answer: Thanks manny...please write and let us know how it turns out. Should be great knowing Kamaka as I do....glad we could help....frets - Saturday, July 7, 2001

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