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

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Question asked by: csrjupiter Subject: B&J Mele Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I recently picked up this B&J soprano "The Mele" ukulele. It appears to be solid wood, and has a nice rope design on the outer edge of the top and the rosette. Not sure what sort of wood. The label reads "The Mele" Hawaiian Ukulele, B&J New York. I understand that B&J stands for Buegeleisen & Jacobson. Can you discern what sort of wood it is made out of, and the uke's value? Thanks for all you do for us! --Best wishes, Cris Photos:                          Answer: It is made by the Mele company for G&J...Interestingly enough it is made in Hawaii of Mahogany...Odd....but not unheard of...value is about 350+...good luck..chuck - Monday, September 20, 2010

Question asked by: anita jones Subject: wanting to purchase Gibson UB2 Question: I am looking to purchase a Gibson UB 2 Deluxe Banjolele if possible. What would one in very good condition cost? Could you recommend another very good old brand to also look for. Answer: Call John Bernunzion in Rochester N Y ...Bernunzio vintage instruments...He is an old and trusted friend, perhaps hte can help you on both questions. He has the main pipeline to banjos and banjo ukes......best....chuck - Monday, September 20, 2010

Question asked by: Artista Subject: vintage LYRA Question: Im currently replacing the plastic nut which was glued onto the bridge. Id like to know if there is any definitive way of knowing the age of this baritone LYRA. I was told it is from the 40s.. 'Made in the USA' printed inside Thanks all Photos:          Answer: Artista....no way of telling, I would guess 50's Lyra was a name used by many companies...I think it just sounds good. Hope the uke sounds the same...chuck - Monday, September 20, 2010

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Mike's Favilla B-2 Question: Hi Chuck, In Answer to Mike's inquiry on the date of manufacture on his Favilla B-2 ukulele # 124062. It was built in late 1962. Best wishs as always Answer: Tom....what would we do without you...thanks again....chuck - Saturday, July 31, 2010

Question asked by: glenn Subject: Banjo uke Question: I have a Gagliani banjo uke that was my brother's. It was bought in New Haven about 30 years ago. I can't find any reference to it on the net. Older violins by that company, but no banjo ukes Any thoughts? Need pix? Answer: Picture please...chuck - Saturday, July 31, 2010

Question asked by: Richard Subject: Dating a Martin Question: Hey Chuck, I recently purchased a Martin Style 1 on eBay. I know it's from the '40s/'50s, but I'm wondering if you can narrow that down a bit. Two little clues that I don't see on many Martin ukes from the '50s: 1) these unusual plastic Kluson tuners, and 2) inside the sound hole, the 'line' below "C.F. Martin & Co." is solid. Seems like on newer ukes, that line is broken with a dot in the middle (like in Image 3). Any thoughts? Thanks, Richard! Photos:              Answer: Richard,,,Kluson tuners are uncommon, I have seen them on many Martins..Not sure what the line on the inside means. If i=one of the yakkers does. pleae write in,,thanks...chuck - Thursday, July 15, 2010

Question asked by: Ralphiewho Subject: Southcoast ukes Question: A personal question that you might prefer not to answer. Are you still of the opinion that your soprano uke is one of the best available? There is not much in the various forums and YouTube, as compared to other instruments, to support the 1K price tag. i was thinking about a concert size and the web page is great, but I don't find many folks supporting them, versus the K brands and Mya- Moe, for example. Again --- don't respond if you don't want to. Thanks Ralph Answer: Ralph....Why would I change my opinion when the more I play the uke the better it gets? The reason you don't see alot of chatter about the Company yet is because they produce fewer instruments than the companies you have named. I really would not use You Tube as the place to find out about ukes. The bulletin board on this site is a fabulous forum for uke talk. If I were you I would contact Dirk at Southcoast ukes and find out if there is one in your area that you can try out. Again, my opinion is nothng more than just that...an opinion. I think after more than 30 years of playing and collecting ukes my opinion counts. Good luck and remember, you have to like it and its sound. That is what matters. Chuck - Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Question asked by: Mike Mannion Subject: LoPrinzi baritone ukuleles Question: Chuck - what is your take on LoPrinzi baritone ukuleles? Sound, playability, worth the $$, etc. Thanks. For the $$ are there better baritone ukes out there? Answer: Mike...I have never owned a LoPrinzi uke. I am not qualified to answer your questions. However, if you will post this on the Bulletin Board on this site, you will get tons of opinions. Thanks...chuck - Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Question asked by: Mark Sheehan Subject: Favilla B-2 Baritone Uke Question: Chuck - my father passed away and my mother gave me his Favilla Uke. The serial # is 124062. It is in very good shape and has the original case. I was wonder the age and value. Because it was my Dad's it will stay in the family but I was wondering. Thanks Mark Answer: I am sending this question out to the Favilla family expert who, I am sure, will be able to help you. Thanks Tom...Chuck - Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Question asked by: Michael Kaplan Subject: Vega Arthur Godfrey Baritone Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, Can you elaborate on the significant differences between the Standard and Deluxe versions of this noted ukulele? Thanks, Mike Answer: Michael, as I remember, the major difference is the scale length. I have had them both, but years ago. thanks for writing in and if someone who ownes them presently can add to this, please do...chuck - Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Question asked by: Scott McRae Subject: Old Martin Uke Question: Hi, I was about to give this uke away, when a friend told me I should check the value first. I wasn't thinking too much, since a friend gave it to me in lieu of %5 that he owed me. I have narrowed this uke down to pre 1930, so it is definately worth too much to GIVE away... There are a few problems with it as you can see from the pics. I have glued the split on the face, and am working on the piece to fit into the hole (I used to restore antiques, and build fine furniture; and I have repaired an old Guild 12 string and my 64 Epiphone, so I think I can do as good a job as anybody). As I said I used to restore antiques. There are 2 schools of thought on whether to make the repairs obvious, or make them invisible. Which would be the best way to go on this. Also, assuming I get the repairs right, what kind of value should I give it for insurance purposes? After finding out what I have, I have decided to build a nice glass case for it, and hang it on the wall!!! Thanks Scott Photos:                      Answer: Scott...It is a style 2 mahogany Martin and the vintage is correct. If you can make invisible repairs, I would assume that would be the way to go. If this uke were in perfect condition It would be worth 1000+...Instead of hanging it on the wall, I would play it. Beautiful as it will be, It is not a painting. Chuck - Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Question asked by: Colin McCubbin Subject: Martin Tenor uke with Violin pegs? Question: Hi Chuck, I have a Martin Uke which reading the dimensions in Mike Longworth's book is tenor, BUT.. It has friction (violin) tuning pegs, and yet his book says that patent pegs had taken over before they started making tenors... Thoughts? Mahalo! Colin Answer: Colin....would like pics of front back and peg head front and back...thanks...chuck - Thursday, July 1, 2010

Question asked by: Allen Hopkins Subject: Jeanne question - Nobility ukulele Question: Was able to find a Nobility arch-top guitar identified as a Harmony product. Pic at this site http://harmony.demont.net/model.php?id=919 Hope this helps Answer: Allen...Thanks so much for the information...Always appreciated. Keep writing in....Chuck - Monday, June 28, 2010

Question asked by: Paul Gitlitz Subject: Harmony Roy Smeck Concert Uke Question: The Harmony Roy Smeck Concert Uke that I have is the same as the one pictured here: http://www.catfish1952.com/harmonyfiles/180U-67_headstock-front_sm_.jpg http://www.catfish1952.com/harmonyfiles/180U-58_body-front_sm_.jpg The label and sunburst finish are identical. The page give pictures of various headstock logos and the year, but this one is not listed. Can you tell me the approximate year, value, and collect-ability of this instrument. Thanks Tunefully Paul Gitlitz Answer: Paul....I could not get the site to come up...Please send pic...c - Saturday, June 26, 2010

Question asked by: Paul Hendrix Subject: Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I was hoping maybe you could identify, the year this Ukulele was made and maybe if there is any value to it. There is a stamp on the head of the Ukulele that reads Martin & CO. Thank you, Paul Photos:                      Answer: Paul... it is a style one Martin Ukulele. The pitures are so bad I cannot tell much. It doesn't appear to be in very good shape. Please send better pics...I will help....c - Saturday, June 26, 2010

Question asked by: Ed Blanchet Subject: RE: Can you identify this uke? Question: The instrument is is storage right now, so I can't get to it for measurements, but as I recall it was close to a baritone scale. The body is indeed koa (spectacular koa), and the soundboard is spruce or some similar tonewood. The workmanship is of very high quality. The teardrop shape does look European, as you suggested, but it has straight sides like a guitar or ukulele, rather than a bowl back like a bouzouki, oud, or saz, and it has four strings like a ukulele. Answer: Ed,,,I wish I could identify it and I wish I owned it....Will keep trying...send the meaurements when you get them...great instrument, perhaps someone will know....chuck - Saturday, June 26, 2010

Question asked by: Denis Subject: ye olde ukulele Question: thank you for this service! anything you can tell me about this uke would be very appreciated.. looks to me like an old one, has wooden pegs, brass fretboard. No marks on it anywhere. D Photos:                      Answer: Hi...It appears to be mainland made. I cannot help on the maker, perhaps Regal. Date c1950...Hope this helps some...c - Saturday, June 26, 2010

Question asked by: Jeannie Subject: Nobility Ukulele Question: I have a few ukuleles from the late 1940's tht were my Dad's. Two are Martins and one is called Nobility. It is beautiful and in good condition but I can't find any info on it. Any help you could give me would be helpful. Mahalo Answer: jeannie...I am not familiar with Nobility, I am just a commoner...will try to find out...thanks for writing in..chuck - Saturday, June 26, 2010

Question asked by: Wm. Subject: Beltone Mahogany Teardrop Soprano Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck...I thought I'd run this Beltone teardrop past you and your followers one more time. Someone once said that it may have been made in Japan, but I have not been able to find any info verifying this... I had only found guitars with a different style of logo. If anyone has any info about this uke...it would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Chuck for all the help through the years!! Great show. Wm. Photos:                          Answer: Wm. Pretty sure it is not Japanese. Mainland made 1950's...Will put it out again and see what happens.,,.c - Saturday, June 26, 2010

Question asked by: Ed Blanchet Subject: Can you identify this uke? Question: A friend of mine, a professional musician on Kauai, was given this ukulele some time ago. He asked me if I could help him find out anything about it. It has steel strings, a deeply arched back, and a hand built case. I couldn't find any markings on or inside the uke. Any ideas about the age or maker? Thanks for your help! Photos:                          Answer: Well Ed....I have never seen thing like it...I'm not sure its a ukulele. I looks European, however it seems to be made of Koa. Plase send measurments as it surely is not a soprano. I will post the pictures in the hopes somebody in uke land will know something. Thanks...I love a challenge.....best....chuck - Thursday, June 24, 2010

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