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 (260 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: 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: 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: B Zelinski Subject: Tango-banjo? Question: Hi frets, since I play a little uke, I impulsively bought what was described to me as as a tango- banjo? It has four strings so I thought I'm OK, right? It also has an 11 inch wide body w/a back resonator and a calfskin head and about a 15 fret long neck, looks kinda funny. How was this thing originally strung & tuned? It came an old half used box of mandolin strings. How should this thing be played? Answer: It sounds like you have a tango banjo. They were tuned like a tenor banjo or like a ukulele. Either will do. They were originally made for metal strings, however you might want to try gut as well....Either throw away the strings or find a person with a half a mandolin. They are no use with the instrument you have. I like the tango banjo. I like the size and I like the sound. I hope it works for you...Please let us know whatszup....I think I should tell you, that no matter what type of music you try to play ...it will only respond to the tango...Hope you dance...chuck - Friday, June 8, 2001

Question asked by: Boyd Subject: Weissenborn Uke Question: Hello Chuck~ I just now stumbled on to this site and it just so happens that I recently listed an old Weissenborn Uke on ebay and am absolutely stunned at what the bidding dollar amount has reached. I no nothing about ukes and picked this one up at an estate sale just this past weekend because I thought that it looked cool and that it wasn't made in China. Burned into the inside it reads "WEISSENBORN ... LOS ANGELES". Are people going nuts or is this uke really this desirable? You may view th full auction at: http://cgi.ebay.com/aw- cgi/eBayISAPI.dll? ViewItem&item=1434228443 Please let me know what you think. Thanks! Answer: Well Boyd, I imagine that by the price realized, you realize that you stumbled onto something pretty special. Until you found that uke, I only knew of one other style 3 weissenborn Uke. Is it that special or are people nuts? Both. Herman Weissenborn made that uke in the 20-30's...Very vew of his ukes survived. Many more of his lap guitars exist. I watched the auction and was not surprised at what happened. I imagine you were. My suggestion is go to more estate sales, you might be on a roll. The Weissenborn name today is Magic ...due to the wonderful manufacturing technique and the fact that Ben Harper features the instrument. Good luck...chuck - Friday, June 8, 2001

Question asked by: Anne Subject: luna uke Question: My late father left my sister and I a Luna No. 600 ukelele, made in Japan. This belonged to his music teacher who passed away many years ago. We were told that it is a "good" ukelele and although we want to keep it in the family, we would like to know if it has a history and what its worth might be. My father also left us 5 other ukes, one that looks like a banjo (cute). Now each of his grandchildren have one of Grandpa's ukeleles. We also have a box of old ukelele music which we would like to find a good home for. We haven't inventoried it yet, but some of it is probably at least 60 years old. I hope that you can answer my questions. Thanks very much. Anne Answer: It is possible that the Luna Uke you have was cut at the kamaka factory and assembled in Japan. I have had a couple of them and they play very nicely. I can't tell you anything about the rest of the stuff. Send me pics if you have then. You will have to inventory the music somewhat and then if you want to sell it put it up on the Marketplace here on Flea Market Music..As far as value on your uke, I would have to see a pic and then I am not sure I would know exactly. good luck...thanks for writing...frets - Thursday, June 7, 2001

Question asked by: chuck fayne Subject: Question: See Below Answer: To all the uke yakers. Chuck Frets Fayne here..I will be off the yak for 2 weeks. I will be back on the 30th of May. Please don't stop writing in and asking questions. For those of you in the Los Angeles area, I will be playing and singing at Jim Beloff's UkeTopia concert at McCabes Guitar Shop in Santa Monica California on the night of the 27th of May. It sells out early, so get your tickets soon. Thanks again for your support for me and the column...I love doing it. Keep pickin' Frets - Wednesday, May 16, 2001

Question asked by: Tiki King Subject: Decca Uke Question: Chuck, I don't know if you got my last question, but I recently picked up a "Decca" soprano Uke. Can you tell me anything about these? who made them etc. It is in fairly nice condition, and only cost me $13.00, so I am not worried about it, Just like to know what I'm strumming... T.K. Answer: Tiki, if I may call you that.....I am not sure who made the decca soprano uke. I know it is not the name of a manufacturer, and I seem to remember Mike Longworth supplying me with the information some time ago. I will search my records and see what I have. You might be able to find it on past uke yak answers. The "Decca" uke pops up every now and then. You can tell me more than I can tell you...How does it sound? I can tell you this...that for 13.00....It is a great bargain in today's market. Thanks for writing and tell everyone about this site. I still have that box of answers that need questions. chuck frets fayne - Tuesday, May 15, 2001

Question asked by: Casey Subject: talsma uke Question: Have you ever played a Talsma uke? What do you think about the Luthier? Answer: Casey..I have not played one but from the comments I have heard, he makes a very good instrument. I will be in Los Angeles on May 27 for Jim Beloff's Uketopia and will have a chance to play one first hand. ( pardon the pun). Let us know what you think...frets - Monday, May 14, 2001

Question asked by: Greg Subject: Ukulele Question Question: Can you tell me anything about a King's Ukulele, brand K, Model no. 5, made in Taipei, Taiwan. Thanks, Greg Answer: greg. I'm sorry, I know nothing about that brand at all..Perhaps,someone out there in yak land wil know....frets - Sunday, May 13, 2001

Question asked by: Geoff watkins Subject: Question: I've sent in about four queries now on ukes and I've yet to see an answer. Gotta ask the perennial question for my own peace of mind; does someone screen these questions for you? I know you've got a lot on your plate, but it really hurts my feelings to think my simple minded questions are not worthy. (Oh, by the way - I bought this instrument that I think is a ukulele. I paid money for it. Did I pay too much? Whats it worth?) Answer: I'm very sorry, your questions didn't get answered. There could be many possibilities. No..nobody screens my questions, I read all of them and answer most all of them...Those that I cannot answer, I try to find the material from other sources. When I get questions like the one you wrote today, I control myself and simply write, "I think I need a little more information".By the way, how do you like my shoes? chuck frets fayne - Saturday, May 12, 2001

Question asked by: Stuart Subject: tiple playing Question: I bought an 1920s Martin tiple, thinking it would be like a concert or tenor uke with more volume. Instead, I find it very difficult to play. Do you have any tips? Even if I press down all the strings (i.e. no buzz, which I know from my old mandolin days), the high pitched strings bang against the octave strings, making a bit of racket. Am I playing/strumming wrong? Or is that the proper sound? In contrast to my soprano uke, only a few songs sound good ("E.g., folk tune ala Blowin' in the Wind), but all the wonderful 20s uke songs sound muddled. Quick chord changes don't work at all. Plus I do not pick, just strum. Needless to say, I love the volume, but I'm frustrated. Hints? Answer: Stuart..I tiple takes time to adjust to. I have one and I love the sound. But it is not easy to switch from pressing one string to pressing 3. Give it some time. I would suggest taking it to a luthier who can play it and find out if it is just you. I may be that the strings need work. I would do this quickly...."Blowin" in the wind" can get real old real quick....frets please let me know how it goes..... - Friday, May 11, 2001

Question asked by: Russ Subject: Resonator Ukes Question: Hello Chuck, Thanks for all your information. I search through your past responses just about every day for one reason or another. I am curious if you are familiar with the Resonator ukes offered by Beltona. I played one yesterday and was blown away by the output of the uke. It's almost like having an amplifier attached to it. The actual tone of the instrument seemed quite nice, as well. The shop owner said they run around $900 for the basic model, which seems steep, but then he showed my the owner of the shop's Resonator with lots of etchings that he said was worth $2500. So, what do you know about these ukes. Do they hold up in your eyes (or ears I should say). I attached a picture. Thanks, Chuck! Russ Photos:      Answer: Russ...I have owned a Beltona for about 3 years now and love it. I find it superior to the National in all ways. I played Mozart with the Australian Symphony Orchestra last year and the reviews said..."When Chuck Frets Fayne played his solo, we could hardly hear the Orchestra."..Ok that part is a lie. But, they are a wonderful instrument and yes they do hold up. $900 sounds like a fair price, I paid more for mine. Thanks for the kind words...keep writing...chuck I just found out that the Australian Symphony Orchestra just played in a concert in Bermuda and the triangle player disappeared.........Now thats Phony - Wednesday, May 9, 2001

Question asked by: Bruce Schwab Subject: Banjo Uke Question: Hello Chuck, I'm new to ukes. Messed about with one 40 yrs ago when I was a teenager, but that doesn't count (probably only knew 6 chords back then). Recently bought a concert uke and am having a ball. Acquired a banjo uke having the name "la Pacific". Looks to be quite old. Do you have any knowledge of such a brand? I'm not especially concerned about value, but rather its history. Thanks muchly. Answer: The La Pacifica banjo uke pops up quite regularly. That is a good sign...They lasted. They could have been made by about a dozen companies in the 30-40's. Its hard to pinpoint exactly who did it. Regal, harmony, bruno, just to name a few. I'm glad you got back into the uke world. We are a happy bunch of nuts....keep writing...frets - Wednesday, May 9, 2001

Question asked by: Catfish Subject: Bruno Banjo Uke Question: Hi, I just purchased a Bruno banjo uke. It appears to be very well made and is in mint condition with original case. I know Bruno has been around in various incarnations for a good many years. Any guess as to how old this one is? I've tried to attach a photo and can e-mail more if it would help would help. THANKS Answer: Bruno has been around for many many years and has been thru many incarnations as you said. This is the end of the bruno era...However, this is a good way to end. They made a good little banjo uke. But it is not the same company that made guitars with Martin in the l850's. I have a Bruno banjo uke and I play it all the time. I never put it down...You should see me trying to eat dinner...Its a mess...between strumming and chewing..I'm not a pretty sight. The original case is a nice touch...they seemed to disappear...use gut strings or nylon to get the best sound. I am not a fan of metal strings on a banjo uke. Thanks for the question and stay tuned...( get it???stay tuned)...best I can do...its 7.a.m. in the morning...frets - Wednesday, May 9, 2001

Question asked by: Edward Walsh Subject: Hawaiian Tiple Question: Just picked up what is called a Hawaiian Tiple made by Marx Mfgs. the same people that made the ukealin mentioned inthe chat room.Its obviously a lap-top instrument @ 34" long & 10" wide with 4 courses of 4 strings each, no frets. I assume its played like a steel guitar. Any ideas about it? Also, where can steel strings be obtained in coils{sizes .010to about .o34] as each string covers 2 courses abt 68" long i.e.34"on Answer: Edward...you assume its played like a steel guitar and I assume its not played at all. I have seen the Hawaiian Tiple. Its a very interesting name considering its neither Hawaiian nor a tiple. I have not a clue where you would get strings. My best guess would be a set of autoharp strings. Then you have to know how to tune it. There is where the real problem begins. If you get it to work, please let us know. Chuck Fayne - Monday, May 7, 2001

Question asked by: Lars Quittkat Subject: fluke fretboard Question: I bought a fluke two months ago and enjoy it. It´s my first fluke. I know that the fretboard is made of thermoplastic but now I discovered that the frets seem to be plastic too, and that fretboard and frets are one piece. What shall I do if my uke will need new frets like a guitar needs after some years (or decades)? Answer: I asked Jim Beloff about the fluke-fret-problem. He told me that the fingerboard is guaranteed for life. Should you wear it out, the Fluke company will replace the fretboard at no cost to you. I hope you wear it out. You will have to play it alot. I wish I had the same guarantee on my teeth. Unfortunatly, it ran out a few chews ago....Thermoplastic....isn't that long underwear for Tupperwear?...frets - Monday, May 7, 2001

Question asked by: Bruce Johnson Subject: Martin 12-fret Tenor Question: When did Martin stop making the 12- fret to the body tenor uke? I have one and believe it is from 1950-1952, but want to verify that. Thanks. Answer: Bruce...according to Mike Longworth in his Martin and Company book...." At some point not recorded the 12 fret neck version was superseded by a 14 fret neck type." So there you have it...a definite answer. The older Martin Tenors had very tiny dots on the fingerboard and the later ones had larger dots. You really have to go by feel and condition. The older ones were lighter in construction...I wish I knew how to tell you...I could tell more If I could hold it..they have a way of speaking to you. I think that is the sign of a downhill slide...when your uke talks to you...good luck...chuck - Friday, May 4, 2001

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