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

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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: Steve Subject: The Gibson Question: Hi Chuck! I recently acquired this Gibson Soprano Uke from my father. The finish is in pretty poor condition and the bridge is broken where one string has pulled through. As a teenager in the 60's I accidently sat on the Uke and broke it. As a result there are several badly repaired cracks along the side and back where I hastily glued it back together. Dad never knew. Now some 30+ years later it's mine. Boy, I wish I was more careful as a kid! The Uke is 21"x6.5"x2.5" and has no serial numbers. The lettering "The Gibson" is on the headstock although part of the "The" is missing. Any idea as to vintage and value? I plan on having it repaired properly so I can play it once again. Thanks, Steve Photos:      Answer: Steve...what you have is a style 1 1/2 gibson circa l930's soprano uke. It has value in great condition, but in the condition it is in now. Not much. It will cost you quite a bit to restore it to its original condition. Where do you live, perhaps I can recommend a resrorer who could do the job? You sat on your fathers uke and He didn't know it? I assume he was not holding it at the time, must have lived in a different country, or he was wonderfully understanding and never said anything. Please let me know where you live and I will help you restore it. IT is worth restoring. They were among the top instruments of their day. chuck - Saturday, July 7, 2001

Question asked by: Manny Subject: Kamaka tenor Question: hi, Chuck...I have been playing and enjoying the concert Fluke for a year now and will be getting a tenor model. But in the meantime, I have a chance to buy a Kamaka HF- 3 tenor made last July at what seems to be a very reasonable price. What is your opinion of this particular tenor? Thanks! Answer: Manny...I am not familiar with the model number, however, I have never played a kamaka I didn't like. "Ukulele Will Rogers" said that. I just received the Kamaka Catalogue and will look at the model number. I own a Kamaka Tenor, but mine is a very old and very rare one. It was made by Harmony....Only Kidding. I have a Tenor and love the sound. If you can send a pic of the uke, I would love to see it. Lets hear form the yakkers out there...if one of you owns this model, please write in. When was the Kamaka made. Keep us posted. Frets - Friday, July 6, 2001

Question asked by: Tom B. Subject: alternate tuning, uke this 'n' that Question: Chuck: Thanks for having this great forum. Your advice is invaluable. Last year I bought a Hilo uke for $35 new and played my very first chords. It wasn't long, however, before the Hilo started sounding thin and a little off. On your advice I bought a Fluke, which is wonderful. I have three questions: 1. On the Bob Brozman video, which I picked up, he tunes his uke ADF#B. If I tune my Fluke accordingly, so I can follow along, are the chord fingerings different than they would be for GCEA? If so, it would seem like a bad idea for me, being a beginner, to try to learn from this tape. Right? 2. My other question: I've reached the inevitable point of wanting to acquire another uke to have around. Although I'm not rich, my gut instinct tells me that I shouldn't waste money on anything too cheap. I'm willing to spend about $350 to $400. After reading the Uke Yak, I've looked at some of the vintage instruments in ebay, but the Martins seem to be in another stratosphere, pricewise, and I can't help wondering if they're now going for more than they're worth. The used Kamakas are a little more reasonable, as are the Gibsons. The Harmony and Regal ukes, which are plentiful, don't fill me with confidence. On the whole, would you consider used Kamakas and Gibsons to be on a par with used Martins (allowing for the variance of the individual instrument)? Are there any other ukes, new or used, that you would put in this class? 3. Last question: How important is an extended fingerboard. How often do you find you need more than 12 frets? Answer: Tom...thanks for your question...I have taken a week off work to answer it. Only kidding..we really appreciate it. First the Hilo for 35 bucks was a buy. The position of the fingers for the chords will not be different, just the chords. I would tune the fluke to his tuning for the purposes of learning. It won't hurt anything and it will sound alot better. I have mixed emotions about what you should buy if your price range is 400 bucks. You might luck out and get a playable martin o, you might get a decent gibson 1 or 2 .. If your not in any hurry, this is a possiblilty, but I wouldn't buy without trying. Forget Regal and Harmony. As you say they vary from instrument to instrument. Kamaka is always a good choice. You might want to look for a concert size since you already play a fluke, a soprano might be a little small for you. There is another possibility, contact Duane Heilman at Black Bear Guitars ...Blackbear@nwinfo.net.....and tell him I told you to get in touch and see what he can suggest. I own two of his ukes and love them both alot. He might be able to advise you. There are many makers out there today...Duane's ukes will be around long after many of the others are gone. I will be glad to furnish you with the names of a couple of other makers if you decide you want to go the new route. I myself can make do with a 12-14 fret uke very nicely. I don't have an opportunity to get onto the higher frets unless I've dropped my pick in the soundhole. I hope I've answered your question. Its hard to advise but I feel safe in this case. Best to you and let us know what you decide and how it works out. chuck fayne - Friday, July 6, 2001

Question asked by: J Subject: Hootenany Uke Question: I was curious about a uke a friend gave me... it is a soprano uke made by Emenee with "Hootenanny Uke" on it. It is probably from the early 60's. It is black & white with a picture of 3 kids with ukes near the soundhole. Is this of any value or interest? Thanks! Answer: J. The uke has some collectability among novelty uke collectors. Not a great deal of interest. They made millions of them. If you want to sell it, stick it up on the Marketplace on this site and see what kind of a reaction you get. In this wacky wacky do market..anything is possible. thanks for writing in...frets - Friday, July 6, 2001

Question asked by: chris long Subject: tenor uke under $500 Question: can you recomend a good tenor uke for less than $500? what do you think of the new tenor fluke? I own a concert scale and love it, but find the body shape makes it difficult to support steadily enough to give both hands enough freedom of movement.would a guitar shaped tenor uke provide a more convinient method of support? I have no problem with the baritone ukes I have tried in the traditional shape but prefer the sound of the tenor on recordings I have heard. Size was an issue with my soprano uke-it was too small-is the tenor big enough to be handled easily? thanks for your time. I enjoy this forum very much. -Chris Long Answer: Chris...I don't find the fluke a problem to hold , so I don't know what to say about that. The body size of the tenor fluke is the same with the scale length longer. There is another size uke you might consider..a concert...between a soprano and a tenor. I like the feel of that size uke. Yes a conventional tenor uke is easy to hold and play. But the sound is much different. The difference between a soprano and a concert is there but its not a hugh difference. But once you get into a tenor, you are really into a different range. I like all the sizes for different reasons. If I were you , I would head to the best music store in your area and sit around and play all the different sizes until you find the one that speaks to you. If you start to find that ukuleles speak to you alot, instead of a music store, find a Dr. Be patient...sorry about that pun....and you will find the uke that fits. chuck fits fayne - Friday, July 6, 2001

Question asked by: Bill Hinman Subject: Martin 1-C Ukelele Question: Dear Chuck, I have what appears to be a brand new Martin 1-C Ukelele. The original price tag of $59.50 is in the case. Can you give me an idea of what it is worth today and how to appropriately place it in worthy hands. Many thanks, Bill Hinman Answer: Sorry this has taken so long. Lost in space I think...Your martin in a concert and it sounds like a beauty. That price tag is priceless. It makes the package. Stick the whole thing up on the marketplace on this site and see what you get. That uke, if it is in the condition I imagine, should bring around the 800-1000 mark. I myself would be glad to play 250 bucks...As would the rest of the uke world. It is a fine piece...Hope you do well and I hope it gets into the hands of a real player. It deserves to be. frets. - Friday, July 6, 2001

Question asked by: Tiki King Subject: Uke Brand Question: Hey Chuck, I own (and play the heck out of) a Ukebrand Uke. I love it. They are based on the Kumalae design. In my opinion they are the finest in the price class. I let You strum mine at Uketopia, I remember you saying you liked it, but then again you were swamped with ukes and questions, so you may not remember. I can tell you this much, I have played the new Martins, and they (the martins) are no where near as nice sounding. I also have a Favilla, and I would say the Uke brand is comparable. Cheers! Answer: I remember playing your ukebrand and I loved it also. I still have the tiki and the decal you gave me. They are among my treasures. Thank you very much. I agree with your evaluation about the comparison between the ukebrand and the new martin...If you read this column you know my feelings about the new martin. Thanks for writing..lots of people will read this and I hope it helps the ukebrand company. Thanks again for the nice words and the present and the chance to meet you and your partner. Uketopia was a hoot wasn't it???? see you at the next uketopia. I undstand it will be held at Dodger Stadium...It just keeps growing and growing. your friend frets - Thursday, July 5, 2001

Question asked by: rivertales Subject: taropatch? Question: Chuck, I just received an old guitar-shaped, soprano-uke-sized 8- string instrument made by Oscar Schmidt. It was sold on ebay as a "4 string uke" and it has 4 old steel strings on it. I don't have the camera right now. Is this a taropatch? I'm thinking of stringing it with gut strings. what do you think? Answer: I saw that also. It is a taropatch and I would string it with gut strings. Doubles of the same sized string. It is not strung like a tiple. The string size is the same for each double. I would use Black Hilo. It looks strong enough to hold it. I have that instrument but in a six string size..Somebody, years ago cut off the top and made it six instead of 8. It sounds wonderful, but I'd rather have the taropatch. I love the sound. I have employed a fellow over here who's job it is just to keep it in tune. I love playing ...I hate tuning. Must leave..it is craw-dad spawning season...frets fayne - Thursday, July 5, 2001

Question asked by: Cam Smith Subject: Kama Aina Question: Hey Chuck, I live in Sydney. I'd Love to get together and Jam. I Play a Mele double puka concert size uke. Give me an Email brah, and we'll Jam. Keep UKE'in, Cam Smith Answer: I post this in the hopes there are others from this part of the world who would like to get in touch with cam. We'll have our own uke-yak jam party. Its pot luck..I'm bringin' craw-dad jam...YUK-yak.....Thanks cam....frets fayne - Thursday, July 5, 2001

Question asked by: Tom Harker Subject: Lark (Shanghai) Uke Question: Hi, I just bought a nut-less "Lark" uke (Shanghai) for $15.00. What can you tell me about the "Lark" brand and/or how to proceed in buying or manufacturing a nut for it. As far as I can tell (with a very jurry-rigged, very temporary "nut") it seems to have a fair sound (which is why I bought it). Thanks - Tom Harker Answer: What a coincidence...as a kid I had a nut-less lark. He couldn't sing. About your problem, I would have a luther make a nut. the problem is it will be worth more than the instrument. I can't tell you much about the Lark except they are not very well made. I would check all the joints,( we did that on our Lark also and it still couldn't sing)...The most important thing is that it sounds good. P.S. Wait for the warm weather, the nut may appear...Thanks for a most interesting letter. frets fayne - Thursday, July 5, 2001

Question asked by: Howard Finkel Subject: Arthur Froane Tenor Uke Question: Hi Chuck, Another off the wall question but if there's anyone who may know it's you. I have a chance to purchase a tenor uke by a maker called Arthur Froane. I believe it is British made since the seller is in the U.K. I don't currently have a picture but it looks to be all mahogany with white binding and some very fancy MOP inlays on the neck. Any ideas? . Also, did you ever play a uke made of teak wood ?, if yes what did you think ?. Best Regards and hope to see you at the uke expo in N.Joisey in Sept. Howard Answer: Howard....what you have is a British Uke. Not a bad on either. I have not played one so I can't tell you much about it. Yes , I have played ukes made of teak. I think teak makes great boats and furniture, but, I think its a little dense and heavy for musical instruments. Especially string instruments. Teak makes a wonderful inlay, but its alot like oak, in that it is very heavy...they one thing you are trying to avoid. Hope this helps.. did you see a teak uke...let me know about it. I have never seen one made entirely of teak. I will not be at the uke expo in september, I am being fitted for a new straight jacket. Best from Mt Tidy....chuck - Tuesday, July 3, 2001

Question asked by: Tom Johnson Subject: ukulele Mavna Loa Question: I have this old ukulele and would like know more about it. Name is only on the neck and it has a swan with the letters m and l and the words avan oa.I have the case to. I can take a picture the next time Iam home and send it. Answer: I think what you have is a mauna loa. It is not a terrible uke, but it is not great. They were made sometimes, or at least distributed by Lyon and Healy..They sometimes have the little funny smilly bridge. They made them in plastic and wood. I also think the oa, is the last part of mauna loa. I have no idea what the M.L. is on the neck or why the swan is there,. Im just thankful its not on my neck. best to ya...send the picture if you get a chance. You can send it to this site or my private e=mail..I'm changing emails so I won't post it now. thanks again..chuck - Tuesday, July 3, 2001

Question asked by: Bill W Subject: ukebrand Question: Hello again,Chuck!Ukebrand ukuleles have their own website.It is www.ukebrand.com .I found out about these ukuleles through a link (I think it was ukulele world).They say that they model their ukuleles after the old Kumalae ukuleles.They have four different models.I do know anyone that owns one. Answer: Now that you mention the kumalae connection, I seem to remember. They are the ones that are exact copies of the kumalae ukes. I again can't stress ( and what Jewish guy doesn't know about stress) that what you are seeing is a picture. You, if you are thinking about purchasing one, must get a money back guarantee and at least have a chance to play it. This is not necessary with a known maker like:Duane Heilman, David Hurd, David Taslsma, Harry Eibert etc. These are established makers whos quality is known. If you get a chance to play the kumalae copy, please give a report. In the meantime, if anyone out there has purchased one...give us a report....Thanks for the website....chuck - Tuesday, July 3, 2001

Question asked by: Jan Turner Subject: Paul F. Summers, Famous Waikiki Ukulele Honolulu Question: Dear Chuck: My mom has given me a Ukulele. It was give to her in 1929 from my great aunt & uncle upon their return from Honolulu. It has a name of Paul F. Summers, Famous Waikiki Ukulele Honolulu. What do you know about this little fellow? There is also a decal like a catholic church with Hawaii under it. Jan Turner Answer: Jan..Paul Summers and his brother Harold were teachers and maybe makers in Hawaii in the 20's and 30's. They made very nice instruments. They were known for their fine choice of woods. The decal is just the Hawaii Emblem..You will find that on millions of hawaiian items. Have fun and stay tuned to the yak....It all happens here ...and perhaps a couple of other places....frets fayne - Monday, July 2, 2001

Question asked by: Patrick McGinley Subject: Gretsch Uke Question: Chuck, Could you tell me a little about the quality of the Gretsch ukes. I just bought one on ebay for 112.00. From the pictures it looks like a close to mint uke, and the seller said it was from the 20's (how can I know for sure?) I know the Martin and Gibson ukes have a great sound and reputation for "mainland" ukes, but I couldn't afford them. Don't spare me any of ther ugly stuff, if there is any. Thanks, Patrick Answer: Patrick...there isn't any ugly stuff. Gretsch made a pretty good uke. They must be good, there are alot of them around. Built to last. I doubt they were made in the 20/s...more like the 30's and 40's. I wish I had more to tell you, but I don't. 112.00 sounds like a bargain to me. Happy playing. they are built to take a heavier string, I would try the Black Hilo Strings on it. It has a big sound. thanks for writing in...chuck - Monday, July 2, 2001

Question asked by: Tiki King Subject: favilla, etc Question: Hi Chuck, I just bought a Favilla, with case (as shown in the picture). What can you tell me about it? age, approx value, etc. The Favilla logo appears to be "Gold" stamped, rather than a decal. Now the Etc. part. I bought a set of "violin" style tuning pegs that are translucent yellowish /amber with lighter color swirls. the seller said they came from a nunes. What do you think? Photos:      Answer: made in the 40's...value 250.00 bucks in fine shape. Good uke. Gave Martin a run for their money. The tuners you have were used by everyone. They may have come from a Nunes Ukulele, however, I have never seen a Nunes Ukulele with those tuners. I have seen Nunes with the white celuloid tuners. They were used alot by Nunes, however the amber colored ones were an item you could purchase in music stores. Ahhhh..so any stories in the big city and this is just one of them...Dragnet Fayne - Monday, July 2, 2001

Question asked by: David Subject: maton ukes Question: not really a question.... you said maton didn't make ukes. don't mean to be a know-it-all but i have a 30 year-old maton uke my mum played when she was my age. Answer: David...If I said Maton didn't make ukes, I made a type. Maton made ukes in the l950's. I have one and I also have all the advertising the issued., They made three styles of soprano and either a tenor or a baritone. Its hard to tell because the dimensions fall right in between. Please let me know where I said that maton didn't make ukes. I am very sorry for that. As a matter of fact, their top of the line uke is a pretty good instrument. Thanks for bringing this to my attention...chuck - Monday, July 2, 2001

Question asked by: Neal Subject: Uke info Question: Just a ?? regarding a soprano uke that I purchased. Previous owner says it is a "coast wholesale distributing" uke. He says he thought it was about 50 yrs old (he had it for 30). I don't any name on it but on the headstock is the remains of what is the logo. It is mostly scratched away but I believe the design is oval. The color of the emblem is a green backdrop w/ yellow writing. This is about all I have. If any of this helps--could you give any more info on this Answer: Neil...I attempted to write you at your email address but it came back. I have no idea who "coast wholesale distributing" is, however I think the name says it all. The color of the label could mean a regal, however without a picture, I am lost. Please see if you can get a pic to me or to this site. My email is cfayne@bluep.com. Thanks for writing and I hope I can help. chuck - Sunday, July 1, 2001

Question asked by: Brian Graves Subject: Martin Style O Question: I have a Martin style O with the Martin stamp on the back of the peghead and wood peg tuners. There are very small white dots at the 5th, 7th, and 10th frets (12 frets total) There's a metal plate on the front of the peghead that says "Place Music Co., Place the Place, It's Place's Place". What year (approx.) was this uke made and do you have any info on Place's Music? BTW, the uke sounds fantastic. Answer: It is a style O...I have no Idea what the Place Music co is. There were so many music companies then it would be hard to keep track...Mike Longworth, are you out there and do you know the Place Music Co? Your uke was made in the 30's-40's....and it should sound good. Best years they had for ukes. Thanks for writing. frets fayne - Saturday, June 30, 2001

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