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

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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: Peter Mari Subject: Kamaka Ohta San model Question: Chuck. What is your opinion of the Kamaka Ohta San model concert uke The shape is a little different, it has a nice rope binding and has a different bridge. It comes strung with a low G. Are there tone or playability advantages over the regular concert? It's about $1050. One more question. Can you recommend a different set of tuners? It comes with the Schallers. Answer: I saw and played one at McCabes Guitar shop in April when I was there for the Uketopia. I loved it. I thought it was the Kamaka's best new offering of the last many years. It plays like a dream and is very attractive. I not sure why you would want to change tuners, but the only ones I would change to are peg tuners. I prefer these over mechanical, that is only a personal preference. I have been using them for years and can handle them. The tuners they come with are top of the line. What don't you like about them? I would be interested. Thanks for the question...chuck fayne - Saturday, June 30, 2001

Question asked by: bill w. Subject: Ukebrand Question: Hi,Chuck!I love your Uke Yak!I would like to know your opinion of the new Ukebrand ukuleles. Answer: Bill...please tell me where I can see them..Are they on a website or do you know anyonw who owns one? As I say all the time, there are so many new makers popping up every day, it is almost impossible to keep up with them. I have not heard of ukebrnd until your letter. Where did you hear about them? Give me all the information you have and I will do my best to give you an answer. thanks for writing..frets - Saturday, June 30, 2001

Question asked by: June Shipe Subject: ukukele Question: I have a uke made by King's Instrument Co. Model 5 K brand Taipei Taiwan. It's in great shape. There are nicks(very few) made by picks when playing. I can not find any info on the uke or find out if it has any value at all. I was hoping you could help. Thank you June Photos:      Answer: June..sorry I didn't get to this earlier, It has been lost in my system. I found it this morning. I have no information about the instrument you are asking about. If anyone out there does, please write. Instruments made in Japan, Taiwan, Korea etc, are not usually very valuable. That is not to say that they don't sound good, its just that they are not yet collectable. Hope someone out there can help...chuck - Saturday, June 30, 2001

Question asked by: Del Kruzan Subject: Joel Eckhaus 5-string Question: Chuck: There was no room for this in my previous e-mail. I believe the 5-string "uke" of Joel Eckhaus is a "vihuela" or "viguela". San Pedro, Las Palmas, is found on Grand Canary island in Spain. Mexican mariachis commonly use the vihuela (whose sound is not unlike that of the ukulele), and the instrument is an inticate and essential part of their music. Answer: The question you asked before was lost somehow. But the uke you refer to is a Regal and is now know among theme collectors as a Victory Uke. They are neat. Very collectable. Thank you very much for the additional information about the 5 string Uke. thanks again for the the info and don't forget to "Buy Bonds" chuck fayne - Friday, June 29, 2001

Question asked by: casey Subject: martin s-o soprano Question: what do you think about martin's new s-o soprano? have you played one? is it worth $200? Answer: Not much. Yes...Not to me. I think your 200 would be better spent looking for a vintage uke like a favilla or a decently made regal. If you are in no rush, look around. Post your wants on the Marketplace section of this site. Someone out there will have something you can use. If you want to go back in my previous answers you will find quite a bit of information about the new martin ukulele. None good. You would be buying a name not a sound. So if you only want to look at it..go ahead, if you want to play it...shop around. In what state do you live. You may answer me on my private email..cfayne@bluep.com and I will try to help you find a uke. Just another service of the fine people at Texaco. Just to be serious for a moment. I think Martin compromised the quality of their instrument to try to take advantage of an exploding market. However they made, in my opinion, an all too common error. They fogot the position they occupy in the world of Musical instruments. They had a reputation to uphold and this instrument did nothing to help that situation. The fact that you see so many offered for sale already should tell you all you need to know. I'm confident if you are patient and rely on the fine people out there in uke land, you will find a better uke. Thanks for the question...S-o sorry..chuck fayne...p.s. go to our on line store and take a look at the fluke. I always say this...because I mean it...This is not a commercial. the job I do is for love not money..The fluke, as those of you who own one know , is doing a whale ( get it ) of a business. You might consider that as an option. let us know what happens. frets fayne - Friday, June 29, 2001

Question asked by: stephen higgins Subject: Gelas ukelele Question: I would like to know if you have any information on this ukelele made by Gelas Co. Paris in 1931. it has a double top and a very strange bridge. Mostly I wonder if it could have been made for steel strings, as the tailpiece seems to indicate. at the moment I have it strung with nylon, and it sounds very nice. Any information about the company would also be usful. Thanks Stephen Higgins Answer: Its strange you ask this question about this uke..Until one month ago,I had never heard of this uke. A friend of mine in California came up with one and you have asked a question about the same uke and It appears in a French Ukulele Magazine. All I know at this time is that it was made in the 30's in Paris. Which you already knew. I have not heard it strung up so I cannot comment on how it sounds. I will get a chance in January to string it up and play it...It is not made for steel strings I can guarantee you that. I am familiar with that style bridge and tailpiece arrangement and have always wondered why more uke makers didn't use it since it takes all the strain off the top of the uke. Please string yours up and play it and give me a report. It is one of the most interesting uke to come along in a long time. I can't see what advantage that split top has, but perhaps when I get a chance to play it ..I will know. If you can place a picture on this website of the uke, I would appreciate it. I think it is interesting enough that all should see it. It is also hard to picture it since there is nothing else like it. I'm sure the uke yakers out there would love to see what we are talking about. Try to put up a pic. Thanks alot. As soon as I have more info on the manufacturer I will post it. I have already sent the info to a friend in Paris to have him research it. I will let you know what I find out. If anyone else out there knows about this uke, please write. It is fascinating to me. - Friday, June 29, 2001

Question asked by: David Sutton Subject: Wabash Uke Question: I bought a baritone Ukulele at a garage sale a few weeks ago ($2). I've just finished repairing a split in the back and I'm wondering when/whereit was made. The only information at all is a decal on the headstock that says Wabash. It's all mahogany. Thanks David Sutton Answer: David, If you look at the Jim Beloff Book "The Ukulele, A Visual History" you will see a rather strange Wabash ukulele pictured on page 100, row 2 uke 3. That is the only other Wabash uke I have ever seen. I have actually seen two this shape. What shape is your Baritone? As I remember this uke, It played well and was very wierd shaped. I have little knowledge about who manufactured it. I suspect that Harmony or Regal made it for the Wabash Company. Any chance you could post a pic of yours on this web site...We would love to see it. This one in the book is all mahogany as well. My guess would be that it was made in the 50's. I'm not sure why I say that, it just feels that way. I don't think it is an older uke. Nice score and great price. I will give you only one opportunity to double your money and then I will offer no more. So jump at the chance...but only if your out of your mind. thanks for the question...chuck fayne - Friday, June 29, 2001

Question asked by: Koos Venter Subject: Keech banjulele banjo Question: Hi i have one on the neck it has a patent number PAT 219720/23 with a signiture at the back looks like Alvin T Keech.Can you please give some history & tuning and where you place the brigde also the exact size of the bridge mine is broken. Perhaps what the current value is more and less, Thanks Koos Answer: Koos...The signature is Alvin T Keech . He and his brother Kelvin ( the folks had a sense of humor) invented the Banjo Uke while living in Hawaii. Ths instrument you own was made in England. Get a copy of Jim Beloffs book "The Ukkulele, A visual History:" and look at page 68. There you will find the history of the Keech bros and a fine example of their first banjulele, as they called it". The tuning is exactly the same as a ukulele...adf#b or GCEA or if you are playing solo, anything tht sounds close will do. As far as the bridge placement, since it is a moveable bridge, you can adjust it to where ever you want to get the best sound. I would have a luthier take a look at the pic of the bridge in the book and he will know how to make you one to fit. I'm off the to the Mt Idy Dental clinic, my bridge is broken too. Let us know how it comes out. It is a good instrument and you should get it up and running...keep in touch and thanks for writing. fayne - Friday, June 29, 2001

Question asked by: Bob Davies Subject: A Duke uke Question: Hi Chuck, I have read most of what you have to say about the DUKE KAHANAMOKU ukulele. And from what I have seen, in person or on the web, with a few exceptions, such as a couple of nice pineapple models, I agree, they all pretty much look and sound like island souvenirs. However I found a Duke uke in a antigue shop. Maybe 1950's 60's model, that has a Koa body, mahogany neck, rosewood fret board, mother of pearl dot inlay, in excellent condition. Black Kamaka strings. The paper label is missing inside. Looks well made...very nice looking . The sound is good. Have not seen anything like it. Have you ever seen one like this before? Could you tell me who may have manufactured it?...It's possible $$$ value?, or any other info. you may have on this particular model. I understand why you don't think much of the Duke uke's, as a player's instrument...however, I think this Duke is unique from all others I've seen. Thanks Chuck for any info. "\m/" shaka Answer: Bob..I am not down on all Duke Ukes, but most of them I have seen have been nothing more than home ukes. Sounds like you found a winner. I have seen another koa one and I guess it was made earlier in the 30's. My guess is that one of the better companies made it. Perhaps, even Kamaka. Just a guess...But it was certainly not made by the same company that made them in the 50 and 60's. Hang on to this one, I think you may have struck real paydirt. A good uke with real history. The duke is a geniuine Hawaiian Hero. If your uke is the same as the beautiful one I saw about 5 years ago, my guess is that it is worth in excess of 500 easily perhaps more. Don't let that stop you from playing it. good find....I would love to see a pic. Please see if you can make it appear on our site. thanks for writing...chuck frets fayne - Friday, June 29, 2001

Question asked by: JOHN MCINTOSH Subject: silvertone Question: i have an old silvertone that i purchased off of ebay. sounds wonderful. i have been using ghs strings on it and have recently purchased a set of hilo standard black ukulele strings. they are of cource g,c,e,a. i have been using a,d,f#,b tuned down to g,c,e,a. when i put them on, the forth and third strings did not want to go on, but with a little persuading, did. it seems the bridge was not designed for these obviously heavier gauge strings. should i be worried about damage to my ukulele from using these strings? to the neck bridge or tunning pegs? just wondering. thanks Answer: John..no need to worry. The uke will take the strings. You might have to bite the knot in the end to make it fit into the bridge, but the uke certainly is strong enough to take it. I would make the switch to the Hilo strings, I love them. When the strings are on and tuned to pitch, you should be able to push the string down easily at the last fret. If it is difficult to do, I would loosen the strings or go to a lighter string. It should depress easily. I had uncle that depressed easily. You couldn't touch him anywhere. I know this is a little off the question, but I so love talking about my uncle. Perhaps you remember him from an earlier answer. He is the man with the dirty skin head. That would depress me also. I hope with all this nonesense, I have helped you. If not, chalk it up to bad luck and write me again. Be careful with you bite the knot my uncle really hated that part...thats all the news from Mt Idy (thats for you Jim } thanks for writing. chuck fayne - Friday, June 29, 2001

Question asked by: Casey Subject: holomua ukulele Question: Have you ever heard of this maker? I just saw a double puka 6 string koa model (it looks great)! I believe it's made on Maui. Answer: sorry casey...don't know the maker. It seems like all you need today to be a uke maker is a alot of vowels and few that arn't and a label. I can't keep up with the number of makers that are popping up. I'm sure some of them are wonderful. I can't get around to all of them...But it will end someday. The Hawaiian alphabet is quite limited in letters as you know. They will run out of combinations sooner or later. I guess then we will be back to Y-ke-key.. thanks for writing...chuck - Wednesday, June 27, 2001

Question asked by: Larry Reed Subject: uku or uke Question: Hi Chuck, How correct is ukelele? Did it come from ukulele being shortened to uke and then being stretched out to ukelele? Is this just an American spelling? Thanks, Larry Answer: I have no idea, however I have given your reason some thought. I have more spellings of Ukulele than I wanted. My very favorite is Euchalaylei...makes sense to me. This was listed in the Los Angeles Sunday Claassified in the musical instrument section. I answered it and bought a style 3 koa ukalaylay. So keep your eyes open ....you never know how. You might just fine a loo-loo for sale...All these are genuine. frets - Sunday, June 24, 2001

Question asked by: Lars Quittkat Subject: Remarks to Ed Walsh. Pineapple uke Question: Hello! Here a remark to Ed Walsh´s pineapple uke: I remember an article about Orville Gibson. When he began to build his archtop guitars, he also cut back and sides out of one block of wood. I don´t know if it will help. Greetings from Germany, Lars Answer: lars...thanks for the information, but I can tell you that Gibson never made a Ukulele that way. I have no idea what this is, but it may have worked for a guitar, but would never work for a ukulele. I can't imaging making the wood thin enough to be a ukulele. I would love to see the instrument. Anyone out there who might have an idea, please write...chuck fayne - Sunday, June 24, 2001

Question asked by: Patrick Daley Subject: Paul Summers Uke Question: Dear Chuck , (Didn't scan my image yet - sorry.) I have a Paul Summers Uke with a tweed chipboard case. It's a beautiful koa uke from Hawaii that I have had 4 years. However, I rarely play it, so I'll likely put it up for sale. I'd appreaciate any advice about the instrument and on how to go about selling it. Thank you, Regards, Pat Daley Answer: pat..got the image on my email...looks like a very nice paul summers..not very fancy but he was a good maker. I would put it up for sale on the marketplace on this site and see what happens. It was made about l930-40...Summers was known for his fine woods and he made a very playable ukulele. If I can be of more help, please let me know. chuck fayne - Sunday, June 24, 2001

Question asked by: Toni McArthur Subject: Question: I grew up with a ukulele that had a little gadget attached to the top and all I had to do was press a button for G or D or A and it would press the right strings for that chord. Do you know the name of this little gadget? Do you know where I can purchase one? Answer: The little gadget is called the Arthur Godfrey Chord Master. I don't think anyone is making them today, however if you ask around, they pop up all the time. Go to the marketplace on this web site and place your wants. Someone will have one for sale. I will keep your name and let you know if I spot one. It only has four chords, and in the time you are waiting for one to pop up, you can pfobably learn to finger the chords. They are really easy. If you need to know how to tune the uke, the on line store, also on this website, sells a tuner. This may sound like a commercial, however it is not. I do this job for love and the 95 o/o I get from each sale has nothing to do with anything. Only kidding...not about the love part...about the 95 percent..frets fayne - Saturday, June 23, 2001

Question asked by: clark savage Subject: ukulele Question: i have my grandmothers' ukulele; there's no serial #, but it has a stamp on the inside that says 'cf martin&co.nazarethipa'. i would like to sell it if it's worth anything. i sent an attachment so you could have a look. what do ya think its worth? (my grandmother was born about 1900, but i'm not sure when she aquired this uke) Answer: From the pics you sent me It is a Martin style o...It is approximatly 50 years old..It is worth in perfect condition, ...no cracks, dings, all parts there, .....450-500...good luck..Place it on the Marketplace here on the Flea Market Music Web Site and you will probably get a anxious buyer. Thanks for writing. chuck fayne - Saturday, June 23, 2001

Question asked by: Merlin Subject: Martin Uke Question: Can ya tell me the age and model on this Martin? 21" long. 6.25" at the widest. No decal -marked on back of head and inside. 12 fret with 4 tiny inlaid dots. Banding is white on back and white/black thin white on front. White & metal tuners. Thanks, Merlin Answer: Merlin...I'm no magician, but my guess whould be a style 2 Martin from the l930'-40's. Nice instrument......frets - Friday, June 22, 2001

Question asked by: Brad Aspey Subject: Felt Picks Question: Chuck: I am having trouble finding felt picks which are soft enough for my taste. I bought three that I like at a local store about a year ago but the store now carries a different kind. Those, and the kind carried by this website, are quite stiff and hard. Can you help? Answer: Brad...watch this site. I just talked to Jim Beloff the other day and the topic of discussion was felt picks. We only speak about the most important things. Soon, a softer felt pick will be available right here in River City on this Web site. See ya...chuck - Friday, June 22, 2001

Question asked by: Jan618 Subject: Slack Key Ukulele Question: Hi Frets!!! I know what slack key guitar is, but what on earth is "slack key ukulele" (yes, the book they sell on e-bay)? Have you seen this book? What is the tuning for this method? Any clue? Thanks, Jan618 Answer: Jan....slack key Ukulele is playing with the uke tuned to an open chord and with the uke on your lap. If you can't play it this way, get someone to sit on your lap who can. Bob Brozmen plays a mean slack key uke. I love the sound of it As far as the tuning, I would give you the same advise..It is tuned to an open chord that you find easy to make work for you. There are thousands of tunings. I would suggest you buy a copy of the book and learn how. keep plucking. chuck - Friday, June 22, 2001

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