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 (259 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: 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: 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: 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: Ed Walsh Subject: Pineapple Ukelele Question: Welcome back Chuck-now I can continue my education. I just got hold of a pineapple uke. The top and bottom seem to be straight grained mahagony with nothing unusual. The sides have a swirling dark and light grain that could be Koa. The unusual part is that the sides seem to have been cut to the pineapple shape from a large block of wood and then the center of the block is removed with a band saw or jig saw to form tthe desired thickness of the side walls. Where a hesd block and a tail block would ordinarily be added to the sides added thickness of the sides [about 1/2"} has been left in the carving out of the interior process. Similar protrusions are on each side at the widest part of the body. The top and bottom are then glued to the side edges and the four protrusions without using any kerfing. A bottom and top brace were notched into the two side protrusions in their customery position. There is no brace under th bridge. The end package seems quite solid and strong with no evidence of separation or repair. The sound is good. It seemes the maker wanted to avoid beending side strips to the pineapple shape and also had a lot of wood at his disposal as there had to be a lot of waste. Have you heard of this kind of construction? The head stock has a decal With a roual crest and the words "Aloha' & "Hawaii". There are no other markings that I can find. Thanks Answer: From your description, I have my doubts this is a musical instrument. It sounds more like a war paddle. When you say its solid, I have a feeling that may be an understatement. The whole idea of the Ukulele is that it is a lightly braced instrument with the thickness of the wood almost as thin as possible without sanding through. This uke you describe sounds like it has not sound. I only know of one company that made a uke where the sides and neck block were one piece. They were the Kai-lai instruments that were made by the company rather than Kamaka. I don't think the instrument you have is one of those. I have no idea what you have , other than to tell you, If I were going to make a uke, it is exactly what I wouldn't do. However if I were making a weapon, It sounds like a fine design. Be careful of your foot..don't drop it. Remember, when all is said and done and even though I have kidded alot, its the sound that counts. If it sounds good..play the hell out of it. chuck... - Wednesday, June 20, 2001

Question asked by: Joel Eckhaus Subject: five string Question: Hello Chuck, I just bought a five string "ukulele". I assume it is some sort of related Portuguese instrument. It was made by an Antonio Rodriguez Gonzalez, in San Pedro, Las Palmas (if that's a place). It has white plastic friction pegs, seven frets, and appears to made of pine (top and neck), walnut sides, and maybe sycamore on the back. The back is highly arched like a mexican guitaron. Any clues as to what this might be and how it is tuned/played would be appreciated. Thanks, Joel Answer: Joel...I assume that the five strings are five separate strings not a four stringed instrument with a double. Am I correct? If so, I have no idea what it is and even less information about the maker. Portugal, as you might know, made about 15 billion instruments so far. All of them different. If it were not for that country we would not have the hawaiian ukulele...There are so many varieties it is staggering. The seven frets is curious. Kinda of limiting. Sounds more percussive than melody. Wish I could be of more help...thanks for the question and perhaps someone out there is familiar with the name.....frets - Wednesday, June 20, 2001

Question asked by: Richard Walker Subject: GCEA tuning Question: 1) A program I use to produce ukulele chords and tablature mentions GCEA tuning with either a high G or a low G. Please let me know what they are talking about. My tuning sounds like what Jim has here with his GCEA tuner in Real Audio. 2) I'm getting a baritone ukulele. The tuning is different from my GCEA soprano ukulele. Am I going to have to learn another set of chords so I can play the baritone ukelele with my dulcimer group (every thing is key of D)? Answer: The low G string just gives you more freedom to go down the scale. For those who pluck, this is an advantage. You will either have to play in the key of D or capo the instument so that you can play the chords you are familiar with. I don't think you will find it alot of trouble either way. Alot of the chords you play now will be familiar in the new key. It is just a matter of adjusting. Inlist the help of a musician who reads ( this may be more of a problem ) and he or she will be able to transcribe the notation for you. Be careful, lots of magicians have been hurt tripping on their low G strings. frets fayne - Tuesday, June 19, 2001

Question asked by: Tim Subject: Martin gold lettering & pegs? Question: Chuck, I have an old Martin concert with wooden tuning pegs. It's stamped inside 'Martin' but has the Martin gold lettering on the headstock. It's NOT stamped on the back of the headstock like most older Martins with wooden tuning pegs. The pegs appear to be genuine Martin by shape and length. Who knows?? Anyway ... did Martin make any ukes for a time that had both wooden pegs and gold 'Martin' lettering?? Thanks, doc, I feel better just talking to someone about it ... Answer: Tim...Martin did everything. I have owned a concert that had the gold decal on the front of the headstock and the stamping on the back. It is possible to have a concert with gold lettering on the front and wooden pegs. I would look closely at the holes to see if there is a sign that there were ever metal washers around the hole. It is simple to tell. Thanks for the question. Strum twice and call me in the morning. Dr. Frets - Monday, June 18, 2001

Question asked by: Leslea Gilman Subject: black strings Question: Chuck, What is the difference between the black hawaiian strings and the clear strings such as martin? Answer: I think that the Black Hawaiian strings have a softer tone. I prefer them to the clear strings which I find stiffer and harder to break in. My preference is to find used strings that are still in good condition. I know this sounds crazy, but I like the feel and the sound of older strings. I never change strings unless I break one and then I try to find a string that is in about the same condition. That is why I never throw away strings that are still long enough to use. It wouldn't be me if I didn't give you the first answer to your question that popped into my mind. The color? best to ya..couldn't resist...frets - Saturday, June 16, 2001

Question asked by: brandon Subject: mic or pickup Question: I have recently become quite taken with a uke that i've been carrying aroundwith me since i was three, and i'm so glad i did -- it's the best thing that's happened to me musically in a long time. i'm planning on playing out at some clubs around town with it, but the technicalities are bothering me. should i mic the thing or buy a pick up (if so what kind). the uke is a mid seventies sears brand (unsure of name). it's a baritone (30 inches?). i don't do much picking, mostly strumming with a medium weight pick. if you know of a decent pick-up and where i could find one, that would be perfect. Can you help me or give me some pointers on where to mic it for performance/recording? thank you! Answer: I don't know where you live, but I would try to find a good luthier that would be able to make your saddle the pickup. I find this to be the best amplification of a ukulele ever. There are many different brands of pick-ups made. If you go into a good music shop and look at the catalogs you will find all sorts. I like the sunrise pickup and you find one that will fit inside the soundhole, thereby eliminating the need for a hole in the butt of the uke. Good luck and let us know what you decide to do. chuck - Saturday, June 16, 2001

Question asked by: Dorothy Hill Subject: Polk-a-lay-lee Question: I acquired this instrument and wish to find out where it orginates and value etc. Answer: Dorothy, instead of answering you question about where it originates, I will ask you to go back into previous questions and punch in polk-a-lay-lee and you will have more information than you ever wanted. One of the great experts contributed a column and a half to just your uke. As far as the value, they vary according to how long they are, what condition, etc. If you would like to send us a pic to this site, I would be glad to come closer. Thanks for writing.....chuck fayne - Saturday, June 16, 2001

Question asked by: Aaron Subject: Know any famous players? Question: Do you know any famous ukulele players with a pineapple concert ukulele with a maile engraving around the sound hole? I just custom ordered one and I wanted it to be unique... thanks. :) Answer: Aaron, I know many famous ukulele players. I have no idea what maile engraving around the sound hole is. As far as I am concerned anything I don't know about is unique. Please let me know what maile engraving is so I can answer the next person who askes about it. Don't rush...your the first....chuck - Saturday, June 16, 2001

Question asked by: slik Subject: K Aloha ukulele Question: Aloha Chuck , the person who asked the question dated may 2nd about the K Aloha ukulele , i would bet they're talking about the KoAloha ukulele , made by Roy Sakuma here on Oahu, on the tag it's kind of hard to tell but it says KoAloha , the second o is high and small , but they're new , not old , only been made for like 5 years tops i think , they only make standard , pineapple and concerts , all koa , killer sound , i have a concert and it is very very nice to play and sounds awesome , tell them, to look close at the label and i'd bet it's a KoAloha :-) m, it's a play with the words , KOAloha for Koa and Koaloha in hawaiian means my love , cute uh LOL .....a'hui hou bruddah !! Answer: Thanks silk....as always. I hope the person who wrote the question will read this. Even if you didn't write it, read this entry. Its interesting. nice to hear from you....chuck - Saturday, June 16, 2001

Question asked by: Linus Lim Subject: Beginner SIngapore Question: I live in Singapore and I fell in love with the sound of a ukulele after listening to a Japanese Hawiian jazz type band. However I am not sure how to go about choosing a ukulele or what I should look for. I cannot play the guitair but I have heard the Uke might be a better instrument. So please send me some advice on what to get. Thank you Answer: Linus...first, if I were you I would decide what you want to spend on a ukulele. There are millions of them out there today. On this site, in the on-line store, you will find all the books, videos and CDs you will need to get started. You will also find the Fluke Uke available and if you tune into the Marketplace, you will find ukes for sale. Stick to this site and its links and you will finally find a uke that will satisfy your pocket book and your desire to start leaning the ukulele. thanks and good luck...chuck fayne - Saturday, June 16, 2001

Question asked by: Johnny Petree Subject: Talsma Uke? Question: Welcome back Chuck. Hope all was fun in California. You mentioned on an earlier post, that you would have a chance to play a Talsma Uke in CA. Did you get that chance and what did you think. Answer: Johnny , I did get a chance to play the Dave Talsma Uke. I found it to be a well made instrument. That was my first time playing one and I hope to play one again. It was brought to the concert by one of the audience members. I'm sorry I didn't get more time to play it, but it was a hectic evening. More fun than anyone ought to have with a little wood. metal and nylon....see ya....frets - Saturday, June 16, 2001

Question asked by: Steve DiLauro Subject: history of baritone uke Question: Hi Chuck. Welcome back. I listed a baritone uke for sale in the marketplace, with a 1930s date. Someone emailed me to say that the baritone uke was invented in the 1960s.I know that's wrong. Do you have any idea when the bari uke first became widely available? Is it true that the Favilla family invented it? Answer: Hi Steve....Martin came out with a baritone in the l960's however, there were baritone ukes before that time. I don't think Favilla invented the Baritone Uke. I have no idea who did.I also have no idea when they became popular. As far as I knew, they were never popular. I like them, but then I am in the minority. For some unknown reason I sound like a better player on a baritone. see ya...chuck - Saturday, June 16, 2001

Question asked by: Lisa Braun Subject: Harold Teen Uke Question: I have recently acquired a yellow Harold Teen Uke and am wondering when it may have been made. It is in a hard case (leather I believe) made by a G & S Co. out of Chicago. I've learned, through your Q&A about Carl Ed but haven't found any info regarding production of this particular uke. Thank you for any help you can offer. Lisa Braun Answer: The Harold teen ukes were made by both the harmony and regal companies...Tney were made in the l930-40's....I think they are the best of the comic ukes. I have no idea how many were made. I do know that there were three colors. Red, Green and Yellow. Red is the scarcest. Have fun.....frets - Friday, June 15, 2001

Question asked by: Todd Novak Subject: Johnny Marvin Tenor uke Question: Hi Chuck, I was given a mint Johnny Marvin Tenor/concert sized uke for my birthday, with the original case, which is also mint.This uke has the classic airplane bridge, and mother of toilet seat headstock veneer, and ivory bridge pins. She's a beaty. How much do you think it may be worth? I dont see these often, so I'm going to keep it my collection. Thanks a lot, Todd Answer: Todd...If it is excellent condition..No cracks or separations or other major damage...It is worth about 500 bucks. The Harmony company, who made that instrument, had a wonderful run of mahogany when they made that series. I have never seen it again. That wood was used in the Vita series, and the Johnny Marvin series. You have a fine uke and a wonderful player. If you don't know about the Ukulele law, I think you should know it. If you buy a ukulele it is perfectly alright to keep it. However, if you get it as a present, you must pass it along as a gift to the person who tells you about the "Ukulele Law"....Betcha didn't know that one....Happy Birthday from all at Uke Yak.....chuck frets fayne - Friday, June 15, 2001

Question asked by: Ben Subject: tuning Question: What is the common tuning for a baratone ukulele? Answer: The common tuning for a baritone uke is the same as the last four strings on a guitar. D G B E ( low D ).... The uncommon tuning is like a french horn. Frets thanks you............. - Friday, June 15, 2001

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