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

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Question asked by: Amanda Forbis Subject: Kamaka Tenor Question: Hi Chuck, I have been yearning for a tenor uke for awhile, and when I spotted a Kamaka on E-bay I went for it, feeling that I probably paid too much ($405), but what the hell. I have no idea how old it is, except to say that it is some distance from brand new. It 's been repaired clumsily several times and sports some appalling drools of varnish along the sides. It sounds lovely....BUT... it came from Hawaii and didn't take to Boston at all well and developed a corker split right down the center seam on the back and four sports where it is separating from the sides. The guy I bought it from is a decent sort who will take it back, but i can't decide whether I want to keep it and get it fixed (properly this time!) or send it back and keep hunting. I'm counting on your worldly perspective. Thanks, Amanda Answer: My personal opinion.....?????send it back and hunt again...It just sounds like too much work for what you will have..It will cost, if done properly, more than you will spend for a good tenor martin. You might even look into a better tenor kamaka. They are a wonderful instrument, however the one you have now has alot going against it. A little repair???O.K...but this sounds like major work. This opinion is directly from my worldy perspective department and any similarity to real knowledge is purely coincidental..I hope that is the way one spells purely. good hunting...frets - Friday, May 4, 2001

Question asked by: Patsy Kline Subject: Brass ringed and backed UKE/Banjo Question: I have a brass ringed Banjo Uke. Is this an unusual piece? It seems old. No markings and looks like a an early form of plastic for the neck and tuners. Original skin head is intact. Answer: I have never seen a brass ringed banjo uke with a plactic neck...Can you send me a pic...what is the body made from. If it is also plastic..I would suspect toy.....Send more info and I will see what I can do. I have an original skinhead but my neck is formica. best...chuck - Friday, May 4, 2001

Question asked by: Bob Davis Subject: Y'Ke Ke ukulele Question: Aloha Chuck, I am researching the origin of an old ukulele for a friend. He said he has had it in his closet for 20- 30 years, and was wondering about it. The label inside and on the headpiece says, Y'KE KE. It is a standard size, the label inside says model 11. I think it is Japanese made, and definately not koa anyway. Sounds ok for a student model. Would you have any info on the manufacturer?? In my research, I came across your site, and someone asked about this name about two years ago also. I have lived in Hawai'i for the past 4 years, been playing ukulele for 2 1/2, and this is the first I have seen of this brand. By the way, great site. I will definately visit often. Answer: Y'ke'ke, I'm sure you have figured out is the fancy and sometimes clever way of spelling the name of the town and beach...Used on many ukuleles. I have never seen one that is a quality uke I also think it is Japanese made..most were. I would love to see a pic on this one also..I could do a better job if I could see. You can now send a pic to this site. ahoha....fayne - Friday, May 4, 2001

Question asked by: nina Subject: 1930's trutone Question: hi I bought a trutone uke off ebay. the woman who sold it to me said it was from the 1930's. its only marking is the word " TRUTONE " painted in blue. i dont know anything about uke's and wanted find out more about this brand. Also do you know of anyone in the DC area that could help me fix/maintain my new toy. thanks so much Nina Answer: Nina,..sorry I don't know the truetone name...Kinda of remarkable whwen you think about it. Must have been the first name ever thought of for an instrument. However, it proves once again, there is no end to this Uke thing. Just when you think you've heard them all..Truetone comes along..I do know someone in the DC area, I just have to find it. When I do I will post it. In the meantime, if anyone out there knows of a good luthier in the DC area, please write Nina and let her know. ..P.S NIna, if you could send me a pic to my email or this site, I might be able to tell more...Sometimes I can tell the maker by the shape...I'd know Sam Kamaka in the dark.....chuck - Thursday, May 3, 2001

Question asked by: Russell Golobic Subject: 1935 Harmony Johnny Marvin Question: I bought a 1935 Harmony Johnny Marvin tenor ukulele in excellent condition from Gryphon Music for $500. I thought the price was steep, but the sound was so goo I had to have it. Did I pay more than I should have? Also, would this be considered a professional uke, with all that is implied by that? It says it's a professional model... Photos:      Answer: The sound was so goo????? I have a feeling you meant good...That is the most important part of your question. The sound is the most important reason for buying the uke. Unfortunatly the pic you sent was so dark I couldn't tell which of the Marvin Ukes it is. However, though the price seems a little high, they are highly collectible and were made of some of the most beautiful curly mahogany I have ever seen. Is it a professional Uke??..Depends on how well you play it and how good it sounds. A true professional can make music on a broom.... for those of you who know John Zhender, you will know what I mean. I have a Johnny Marvin ukulele and I certainly would consider it a uke that would be appreciated and played by a professional.The fact that it says professional has nothing to do with whether or not it is. As I remember, it also says tenor...It really is a concert...so there you go...I have a feeling it won't take you long to get $500.00 worth of pleasure...Boy what I could do with that line...best..chuck - Wednesday, May 2, 2001

Question asked by: TerryScottNagel Subject: Lindell Uke Question: My wife gave me a Lindell baritone uke for my birthday, and it plays great! I have a question about the bridge, though. Mine has two small, round-head brass screws through the bridge, not hidden by pearl dots or anything. Any idea whether this is original, or added on later? Answer: They were added later. You can have a luthier take them out, reglue the bridge and fill in the holes with whatever you want. Or replace the bridge. I would not leave the screws in the bridge unless you like them. If the bridge pulls up and those are threaded wood screws, you could have a real mess on your hands. It won't cost a fortune to have a new bridge added or the one you have made stronger and the screws removed. Be careful tuning it until the problem is fixed. The reason the screws are there is because the bridge once pulled up and it was a fast fix. Happy Birthday from all us at Uke Yak...frets - Wednesday, May 2, 2001

Question asked by: Patrick Subject: K Aloha uke Question: Hello Chuck. Last fall I purchased a K Aloha uke in Kona, Hawaii. I have been unable to find any information about the company that produced it, although it is a nice looking and sounding instrument. Do you know anything about K Aloha ukes? Answer: Nothing...But I will ask the yakkers out there to help out. Who has a K Aloha and would volunteer info? Have you tried to look them up in the Hawaii Phone Directory? You might want to contact the Bishop Museum and have a look at the listings for the last 5 years or so...You might just find them listed at some time. Good hunting....Let us know what you find out. cheers chuck - Wednesday, May 2, 2001

Question asked by: SteveKlimkowski Subject: Music of the 20's and 30's Question: Chuck, In your note to David Hurd (published on his website), you mentioned the classic music of the 20's & 30's that you are keeping alive on your ukeleles. As a newcomer to the ukelele, I am not well-acquainted with the music you wrote about (other than Cliff Edwards -- whom I think is fantastic!) Could you please provide me with some suggestions as to other artists and their works (from the 20's & 30's) that I should get to know? Thank you! Steve Answer: Steve...you need to order from this site a copy of JIm Beloff's book, "The Ukulele a Visual History"...in that book you will find short articles about many of the ukulele players of the past. You can also order tapes from this site that feature many of these players. Go to the online store and start shopping. You are in for a real treat. Where do you live?.If you live in California, Jim Beloff is having another Uketopia Concert at McCabes Guitar Shop in Santa Monica on the 27th of May. He is having the concert even if you don't live in California. Keep in touch and let us know how your uke journey is going. I know, but it will be nice to hear it from you...Keep picking , said the ENT doctor.....frets - Wednesday, May 2, 2001

Question asked by: dave Subject: uke Question: on my birthday last april I recieved a uke and it is a Harmony but I think its an older one because on the head stock below harmony it has chicago ill.. can you tell me about what year it might be? thanks........ Answer: NO... They used that decal for a long period of time. Could be 30's-50's. Send a pic of the uke to this site and remind me of who you are and what you would like to know, and I can do a better job...Harmony made heaps of ukes. Some longer than others. A picture would get me closer. And a happy birthday to you as well. Its a two candle night...What a treat...A little wine and it will be complete. Have fun and thanks for writing in. Please keep in touch...Were here just waiting for you to write. chuck frets fayne.... - Wednesday, May 2, 2001

Question asked by: Tom Walsh Subject: Kumalae Ukuleles Question: Hi Chuck - I read the info that John King sent into Uke Yak about Jonah Kumalae. I don't know where he got all the PPIE info, but it was quite interesting. As for the info about the various models, some of that info was in a Honolulu Star Bulletin article which is available online at http://starbulletin.com/1999/03/0 1/news/story8.html The exact lines were... > His father made several different kinds of ukuleles, Kumalae Jr. says. > > "They called it A,B,C and O," he added. "The O had only three strings. The > price depended on the grade of wood -- the cheapest one sold for $7.50 and the > most expensive one was $20." > The article is interesting, you should check it out. My guess is that there was some miscommunication about the various styles. I think maybe Jonah Kumalae Jr. was trying to say that the simplest model had just "three rings" (around the soundhole) but that the reporter thought he said "three strings". Just a guess, but I doubt there was ever a three string model. I also wrote an article around a year ago about Kumalae ukuleles for "Uke Said It", the journal of the Ukulele Hall of Fame Museum. Anyone interested in ukuleles should think about becoming a Museum member, the 4 issues of the journal are worth the $24 membership fee (easy for me to say - I'm the editor and write many of the articles!). It is a nice full color publication with interviews, reviews and research articles. I put the article up on the web, complete with pictures. The address is: http://www.ukulele.org/kumalae. html I know you are far away, but if you have any reason to come to the northeast US, you should try to plan your trip around Ukulele Expo 2001. It will be held on September 8th and 9th in Montclair, NJ. The Expo info is at http://www.ukulele.org/expo2001 .html Take care, Tom Walsh Answer: Thanks Tom...We really appreciate all the information....I joined and would suggest you out there in uke yak land join also. I think you are right about the 3 stringed uke. Mike Longworth wrote and told me he has seen many 3 stringed ukes. They are ukes missing a string. I am not quoting word for word, Mike had a much better and funniner way of saying it. If any of you out there can make it to the Uke Expo....DO...It is a hoot. Again, thanks Tom...Write anytime...chuck - Wednesday, May 2, 2001

Question asked by: Dan'a Subject: Gibson Uke Question: Hello. I have been playing since I was about 5 and have been looking for the perfect Uke since I was 16. A week ago I found a 1930's Gibson and bought it. When I was at the counter I noticed the name Carrie Hoop carved on the back. The man at the counter said Carrie was a d.j. in Hawaii who used to play the Uke in between songs on the air for many years. Do you know anything about this man? By the way, the Uke is my lifer now, I LOVE IT! Answer: Congrats...welcome to the uke community where where ukes are more than just instruments, they are things you have to tune.....If I were a Uke salesman and someone was about to buy a uke and discovered a name carved on the back, I think I would have told them it was a disk jockey in hawaii too....Only, kidding, my knowledge of X hawaiian D.J's is way down..I find if you don't use information like that, it seems to drift away. I can't even find my car keys. However, back to your uke. You got a goodie. It will give you years of great sounds..Please keep in touch and let us know how things progress. chuck - Friday, April 27, 2001

Question asked by: John King Subject: Comments on Kumalae Question: Chuck, A few comments about your response to John, who has a Kumalae ukulele. The awards at the PPIE were given to the exhibits, not to specific items within an exhibit. While the general consensus has been that Kumalae received a medal for his ukuleles this may not be strictly correct since he also sold and exhibited card trays, napkin rings, small calabashes and jewel boxes made of Koa wood. The fact is that, according to the rules of the award system, it was the exhibit that was judged and the criteria were varied, including completing the exhibit on time, maintaining the exhibit, length of time the exhibitor had been in business and cost of items with reference to their quality. A point system for the various criteria was established, the highest score being 100. In addition, musical instruments were also judged for their tone, for which they received an extra 50 points (150 being the highest attainable score). The only way to know for sure if Kumalae received his award for his ukuleles, and I’m not saying that he didn’t, is to know the category in which his exhibit was judged. There were 20,334 medals awarded at the PPIE. Incidentally, the Gold Medal was second place, behind the Medal of Honor, and there was also one Grand Prize awarded in each class. Kumalae ukuleles were no longer made after the death of Jonah Kumalae in 1940. The figure of “3,000 ukuleles a month” is originally from an aritcle in the NY Times from 1916, and is the projected production of ALL ukulele makers in Hawaii. Whether this was actually acheived is not clear. The actual monthly production number in August 1915, as reported to the Dept of Commerce, was 500-600 and this had increased to 1,600 by October 1916. According to Jonah Kumalae, Jr. there were four styles of Kumalae ukes made - A,B,C, and O, which had only three strings. Ca. 1916 Sherman & Clay sold 5 styles of Kumalae ukes - 21,22,23,24, and 25 Answer: john....thanks for all the information...Where did you get it all and is it in print somewhere? I got to know the Kumalae family pretty well and have handled many many more than three styles myself including a the only concert and only tenor. I have never heard of a three string ukulele...That would be wonderful to see and if that is in print, I would love to add it to my file. thanks again for all the info and please supply us with the source of your information. It is very important to me since I am writing an extensive piece about the kumalae family....see ya...frets fayne - Thursday, April 26, 2001

Question asked by: Adam Subject: Kamaka Question: Chuck, I have heard any ugly rumor floating around Southern California, and I wondered if you knew if it was true. The rumor is that Sam Kamaka has sold the business, to a company in Japan. Akamu the Cheap Leis Answer: I have heard nothing about a sale. I would consider it strange to say the least. Almost as strange as the name of the supposed buyer. I do have a suggestion that might also sound strange. I think the question would be better directed to the Kamaka Company The tele number is 808 531 3165....when you find out the answer, please write and let us know. frets - Thursday, April 26, 2001

Question asked by: Casey Subject: kamaka ukulele Question: I found an old kamaka ukulele. The words "KAMAKA HAWAII" are on the headstock, there is a picture of a pineapple on the top (sideways next to the sound hole), and the words "YAMAHA NIPPON OAKKI" on the inside. Is this uke legit? How old is it? What is its value? Answer: Its legit yes no and sort of. Yes it is a Yamaha distribution of a Ukulele assembled in Japan. Would I consider it a genuine Kamaka Ukulele..no! Kamaka from time to time had their ukes distributed and assembled in Japan. They have never been the quality of the ones made in Hawaii...Value????couldn't tell you....You now know what I know. charles (chuck) (frets) Fayne...My real birth name....... - Thursday, April 26, 2001

Question asked by: Else Chubinski Subject: ukulele Question: Hello Chuck, I wonder if you can tell me something about this pineapple uke. I liked the colour of the wood and bought it for 20 dollars. As you can see,it has some kind of royal logo onit and says "ALOHA" under the logo. Thank you very much. Else Photos:      Answer: Elsie...what you have is an early (1930's) version of the Duke Kahanamoku souvenir ukulele. He was a very famous Hawaiian surfer and sportsman and was featured on everything from ash trays to magazine articles. Your ukulele looks like one of the better made ones. They came in two styles : standard and Pineapple. You did very well to get it for 20 dollars....collectors would pay many times that for a chance to buy it. The logo (decal) is on of the thousands of varieties that were and still are available in all souvenir shops...good strummin.....frets... - Thursday, April 26, 2001

Question asked by: Mike Longworth Subject: Treholipee Question: Chuck, I don't think any of us know the whole story about the Treholipee and its pretenders. However there is something that concerns me and that is the supposition that the Polk Brothers had any responsibility in the matter. Quite a few years ago Fred Fallin told me the story of one of the Polk Brothers being out of town, and the brother was talked into buying a carload of these "Polk-a-lay-lees",getting their name on them if they bought by the boxcar, precipitating an awful argument when his brother returned. "A boxcar load of useless junk" or something similar. Fred Fallin was brought in to save the day and to help promote the things, which were sold cheap to any one who spent a certain amount of money in the store.( and heal the feelings) Assuming this story is true, and Fred was THERE, it seems unlikely that it would have been a Polk Brothers idea. I will concede that the Polk-a-lay- lee is possibly a rip-off of the idea, but there are differences as well as the overall similarity. This Peterson Co. whoever they were, made a product which to me was not as well done as the Swaggerty product. Jay Wenborg, a purchaser for Schmitts of Minneapolis at the time,bought a boxcar load from Swaggerty. Subsequently they were dubbed by the staff as "Wenborg's Folly". Soooo....The Boxcar idea was apparently used by both. It is interesting that there is so much interest (including mine) in an instrument which is generally useful as a wall decoration. Mike L. Answer: Fascinating. And the interest goes on about, as Mike L. puts it...a wall decoration. Its such a goofy instrument and so different from anything else that was out there, I think that is what contributes to the interest. I have had many letters where the person who finds one thinks they are the only one who has one. Again, thanks mike, you really are a storehouse of info.....chuck - Wednesday, April 25, 2001

Question asked by: Mike Longworth Subject: Treholipee bridge Question: Chuck, I measured the bridge on mine as follows: 3 12/32" long 12/32 thick, front to rear 1/2" total height, saddle cut included. There is a 2" opening between the feet, and the sides are tapered and pinned with brads. Th apparatus is trapezoidal in shape from the side, tapering down to about 6/32 at the top of the ledge. There is a narrower sqaddle shaped piece about 3/32" high on the top, making a total of 1/2" altogether. It is made of some blackened wood, and the bridge and saddle are one piece. Mike L. Answer: ANSWER TO TREHOLIPEE QUESTION.... See, I told you it wouldn't be long before someone answered. In this case not just someone, but Mike Longworth. Thanks Mike, Its always good to hear from you. Thanks for the much needed support and advise...chuck - Wednesday, April 25, 2001

Question asked by: Adam Grimm Subject: Treholipees Question: Chuck, I have noticed a few Swaggerty reltaed questions recently, and felt like I should throw in my two cents. First off, the bridge for the Treholipee is roughly 3 3/8 long, 3/8 wide, and 7/16 high. It is made of plastic. Some are nailed down, while others are held in place by the tension. I would caution building one out of a heavy wood, since the original plastic one is so lightweight. I believe the other question had to do with a missing tuner. The answer to this is, there is a gentleman in glorious Southern California, who, I believe, bought out the rest of Swaggerty's parts when the company (or the man) went under. He sells these parts on eBay, at a fairly reasonable price. He might also have the correct bridge. As always, keep up the good work. Adam "Akamu" Grimm the Cheap Leis Answer: AND MORE SWAGGERTY....Thanks again for the help.....frets - Wednesday, April 25, 2001

Question asked by: Jenee Subject: Ukulyn Question: Chuck, I was given a Ukulyn as a family heir loom from my Husbands side. It was made in 1912. Everyone who could have told me about this instrument is dead. It is supposed to be half ukulele and half violyn. I haven't been able to find any information on it. Have you ever heard of a ukulyn? Answer: Jenee...unfortunatly this instrument died before your family...If you search the previous answers on this site you will learn alot about it. It is called alot of things...Keep it as a momento of your family with the knowledge that ,in some way,it prolonged their exsistence. Just tuning it could take two lifetimes. frets - Tuesday, April 24, 2001

Question asked by: bluesboyroy Subject: Treholipee Question: Good morning Chuck, Can you stand some more about the Treholipee. My friends at a local music store have a Treholipee that was given to them by another merchant and use it as a decoration in thier store. I've enlightened them about what it is (they had no idea) and I'm hoping they will let me get it tuned up and playable. The bridge is missing and I,ve no idea where to get one. I've made bridges for guitars before and would like to try my hand at shaping one for the Treholipee. I have Jim's book as a reference and the instrument to go by. Would you be able to provide some dimensions.Length,height and width to help me along? Thanks again Roy Answer: Hi Roy...I publish your question because I know the answer is not far away...There are a couple of collectors who will write in the answer very soon. Thanks for writing. I got my bridge made my Dr Cowan, your friendly dentist, However, it won't work on your uke.....it whistles....fretssssss.... - Tuesday, April 24, 2001

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