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

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Question asked by: charles wilson Subject: tenor uke Question: Chuck, I'm saving my money for a vintage Martin tenor. I understand that it can be tuned like a guitar or like a soprano uke. I already play guitar so that would be simplier for me. Which tuning do you think best captures the best tone of the instrument? thanks, Answer: The typical guitar tuning is a little low for my taste. The standard tuning for a tenor is best. Also, go to the on line store and get Jim Beloffs books, and you will have all you need to get started on the uke..all you ever wanted to know and more....I think the tenor is best in the mid range. You can tune it like a soprano,but you have to be real careful..Some can take it some can not. It will pull the bridge pins out and if it is a solid bridge uke, don't tune it up to soprano pitch, you will be wearing the bridge between your eyes. Not an attractive look. best...frets - Monday, April 16, 2001

Question asked by: David Subject: Fin-Der Question: I bought a platic Fin-Der Uke for my collection and was wondering if any one still makes the colored strings. Also, is there a trick to keeping the tuning pegs tight? Answer: Yes. there are colored strings made, I just don't remember who right now. I will look it up and get back to you...As far as keeping the tuners tight...make them drink alot....What kind of tuners are they. As I remember, they are plastic violin type...If so..a little graphite or shaved pencil lead will work..If not..Get a new set that will work, but don't throw away the old set. To a collector they are very important. chuck - Sunday, April 15, 2001

Question asked by: Earl Subject: Mele Uke Question: I also have a Mele concert pineapple and it's a very good player. For the money hard to beat. My Frisco uke is great. Put Kamaka strings on it with low G.Sounds terrific. Great design. Answer: I am glad you like the design of the Frisco..I also think it is a masterpiece of design...I designed it with the help of Marc Silber...or was it the other way around. But, thanks for the compliment. I have one and love it. I have a prototype...Not the way they ended up but still a great player. I assume that the Mele is a recent model...I don't remember any vintage Mele Concert Pineapples. Thenks for the report...Always appreciated. frets - Sunday, April 15, 2001

Question asked by: Steven P. Zaborski Subject: Tuner Upgrades Question: Chuck, Does upgrading a vintage uke's tuners with decent Grover #4MB tuners reduce the value of the uke? Drilling out the peg holes is major surgery but staying in tune is critical. Steve Z. Answer: I think you have sort of answered your own question...To some, drilling out the holes would de-value a vintage..to others, the sound would be more important. My answer is yes, it devalues the uke in the eyes of the person who buys with their eyes and adds value to the person who wants to hear an in-tune ukulele...So if your going to play me a song ..drill away....frets - Sunday, April 15, 2001

Question asked by: Leslea Subject: pineapple uke Question: I have a pineapple uke (with pineapple decal) and an inside label that reads Yamaha, then Nippon Gakki with an unreadable number. The wierd thing is that it says Kamaka in red letters on the head. I know it is not a kamaka-any ideas? Answer: Hi there,..You have a combination of things I have never seen in a uke. I know Kamaka had ukuleles made in Japan..or at least assembled in Japan, however they do not fit the description you give for this one. I know for a while Yamaha both made and distributed ukuleles..perhaps Kamaka made them. I am stumpped...I really have no idea what the odd combination of labels means. I would love to see a picture of this one. Its a first for me. Please send me a pic to my private email or better...send a pic to this site. We can do that now. I will do some research and see what I can come up with. I am particularly interestd in the word Kamaka on the headstock in red. thaks..its interesting. chuck - Tuesday, April 10, 2001

Question asked by: jackson Subject: uke Question: OK!I have a Uke that was bought at an estate sale in Nebraska from an elderly person who had no relatives.It is obviously old parts of the finish are worn down to the wood,it has a slightly arched back,very beautiful,also amazing tone.The only identification is in the soundhole it says:"Genuine Koa Wood Craftsmanship Guaranteed"that's it.The headstock looks like the martin uke...the shield top thing,ya know? Answer: Jackson...Please, also send in a picture. I have seen that label a hundred times, however. it is used in many different ukuleles. It was a standard label that uke makers and distributors could buy to put in the instruments. I have no idea what you have by the description. It could be one of hundreds of brands. I may not be able to tell even from a pic...but its a better shot...send the pic to this site. thanks...chuck - Tuesday, April 10, 2001

Question asked by: Wendell Guthrie Subject: sherwood and martin ukes Question: I bought a new Martin s-o before I read your review. I like it. Bright, nice finger board for me.Am I lacking in tone appreciation? My other uke is a Sherwood from about 1937 in perfect condition. Know anything about the Sherwood? I love the forum here. Thank You. Answer: My review of the Martin s-o uke is only one man's opinion. If you have one that you enjoy...enjoy...You have, in my estimation, the most important thing in a ukulele.....the sound...Your Sherwood, as I am told, was made in the Forest by a band of Merrymen. A very famous band of the l920's...The truth is, I have no idea who made the Sherwood. I have a feeling that it is also a Regal from the l930'40's...I have seen a few of them and they fit all the qualifications. Glad you like your Martin....chuck - Tuesday, April 10, 2001

Question asked by: edmo Subject: Aloha Royal Question: Dear chuck, thanks for answering my first question. I have another. I have just brought a uke, its a soprano made of mahogony, a decal on the head says Aloha Royal with a red and white crest between the two words. No markings inside. It plays like a dream and i just wandered if you knew anything about this make. I have included a picture of the head. Answer: edmo. I have seen many Aloha Ukes with many different decals on the headstock. As you can imagine, it is a prtty popular name for anything in Hawaii. Kinda like Latte in Los Angeles. You could buy decals, and still can, that say Aloha on them. I have a feeling that most of these instruments were made by Kumalae or some other manufacturer on the Islands and then sold in tourist shops. There is an instrument called the Royal Hawaiian, but that is a different story. They were made for and sold at the Royal Hawaiian Hotel....I cannot find a the pic of the head. If you want to send it again, plese do, however I don't think it will help alot with this one. If it sounds good. You got a winner,,Keep playing and writing to us..always glad to hear from you...frets - Tuesday, April 10, 2001

Question asked by: steve Subject: ukulele Question: chuck can you please tell what this is? i bought it in bora bora. whats the best for strings? where can i get books? it was exspensive in bora bora. not that i would ever sell it but how much is it worth here? thanks...bye Answer: Without the picture, it is a little difficult...But the instruments sold in the South Pacific Islands are usually referred to as Tahitan Ukuleles. They have a solid body with a hole and are used to play rhythm behind a group. I like the sound. I have no idea what it is worth...I just got back from the Islands and saw many different kinds. 4 string, 6 string 8 string fancy, plain...the strings that are used down in the islands are fishing line. They are tuned very high because of the percussive effect. Send a pic..I think they are neat looking. chuck - Tuesday, April 10, 2001

Question asked by: David Gibbs Subject: Gibson fretwire Question: Hi Chuck! I'm working on building a uke and am patterning it after an old Gibson, but have not been able to find small fretwire. It seems the current ukes are using mandolin frets which are too damn big for accurate intonation up the neck. I have seen what looks like brass or copper frets of similar size on cheapo ukes made in China, but none of the nickel-silver Gibson type. Any help or ideas where I could purchase some (fretwire, that is!) would be greatly appreciated. Thanks from David Gibbs in San Francisco. Answer: David, you have to get in touch with a good luthier. Duane Heilman at Black Bear Guitars might be a start. He makes wonderful ukes and would know the answer to your question. My expertise does not extend to fretwire. He is on line so just punch in his name and you will get to him. He is a good guy and as I said, makes one hell of a uke. good luck...chuck - Tuesday, April 10, 2001

Question asked by: Cliff Arquette Subject: What are they worth? Question: oncI have:A)a "Ukulele Violin," by MARX;B)a "Banjo Uke"(saprano) by WHIRLE, in original case;C) a "FLAMINGO" plastic uke in original box, w/2 sets Arthur Godfrey chord makers;and D)a small, handmade coconut shell uke. Can you give me a "ballpark" value on any of these? Thank you, ca Answer: Just Guessing. a, the violin uke. 75.00 b, the banjo uke 100.00 3, flamingo uke with tuners 200.00 4, coconut uke....50 bucks maybe a little more. hope I've helped...chuck - Tuesday, April 10, 2001

Question asked by: Johnny Petree Subject: Tenor & Baritone Ukuleles Question: Chuck: I am in the market for a good Tenor & Baritone Uke. I have looked at the Ko'olau by John Kitakis and the Kawika by David C. Hurd. These are both very high end ukes. Are they really worth the price or would I be better off buying a Kamaka? As always, I appreciate your comments. All the best, Johnny Petree Answer: I would go with David Hurd or Kamaka. I am familiar with both the products and they are top drawer. You will be pleased with either. David is quite a wait..but it is worth it. Kamaka is also a wait, but they pop up in stores and on line shopping now and then...good hunting. chuck - Tuesday, April 10, 2001

Question asked by: Mary Womack Subject: Weissenborn Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I have a Uke that belonged to my grandmother. The lettering inside says H. Weissenborn, Los Angeles. Where might I find out more about it. How to clean it, restring it. Also I have an instruction book, original copyright 1914. The front says 4th addition. Would like to know more about these. Thanks Answer: Mary...you have a nice ukulele. I wrote you asking for a pic. It would help alot...Weissenborn made 4 diferent styles of ukes. very plain style 1 ..trim on the around the sound hole and top edge ..style2...and trim around the top, bottom, fretboard and headstock...style 3...very very rare...he also made what he called a tenor, but it is really a concert. only seen one of these also. So you can see, that I need a little more information to help...But you are on the way..the name is important. chuck - Tuesday, April 10, 2001

Question asked by: robert wheeler - founder Subject: Gretsch camp uke Question: Chuck, A comment on the Gretsch camp uke. I've had one and it has moved on. I once saw an instruction book on eBay that had a US Army guy with a "fore and aft" cap pictured on the cover sitting down playing a round Gretsch. So I kind of guess that the instrument was available during WW II but not "issued". Seems particularly unlikely that it would have been targeted to British Infantry. Artillery maybe. I’m also unsure about the term “Camp Uke”. I know that Lyon and Healey had a round uke with “Camp Uke” stamped on the head (also “a Jr.). The L & H has craftsmanship considerably superior to the Gretch round baby, perhaps because it was made in the 20’s as opposed to the 40’s. Why “Camp”? Perhaps folks started to call all round ukes “Camp” ukes out of respect for L & H’s use of the term, all though for the life of me, which has included some camping, I can’t figure out what in the design or construction of these ukes, other than as a fire starter for Gretsch’s offering, who’s success with electrically amplified saloon guitars had erased any desire to produce quality ukuleles after a certain time period, qualifies them as camping equipment? I also am at a loss to understand why people refer to Martin Style 2 ukes as Style 2M. Having had the privilege and delight of a 15 minute conversation with C.F. Martin III about the ukulele, I believe that his feelings about ukuleles, and Martin’s contributions, were quite strong. At the time of my conversations with Mr. Martin (the term C.F. was used by those who knew and respected him – but not to his face – kind of like the term “old man” in military circles) there was not, nor had there been, the single letter “M” used in references to Martin Ukuleles. This was so because the assumption was that, at the time, anyone who might lust after a Martin ukulele would have the intellectual horsepower to understand that a Martin Style designation with the letter “K” had a body made of koa and those without the “K” had a body of mahogany. I had, at the beginning of “keying” this note to you, thought that C.F. might be turning over in his grave because of this contemporary use of “M”, but it came to me that he might understand that intellectual and taste generational standards degeneration may not be intentional. Therefore forgivable. regards, robert Answer: Robert...I always enjoy your commentary. I admire your ability to think a situation through. I agree with you..I don't know why they call the gretch a camp uke and I think your explanation is correct. It is out of respect for a fairly decent uke made by Lyon and Healy. I, at one time owned 8 different varieties of that uke. Not bragging, just letting you know how popular that style really was. I also agree with you about the M in the martin uke terminology. It was never used in any literature I own. I must admit, I have fallen into the trap and when discussing them will call the mahogany model a 3M......Old habits die hard. You are one of the few people who has seen my Longworth and to answer your question of a while back...I love it..Whats not to like. As they say in the Islands...He da Man....Best to ya and keep those cards and letters comming. What do you know about a Hawaiian maker or distributor named abreo??? anything...let me know what you find out..Mike if you are reading this, and you know the answer, please let me know...keep strumming...keep sane...chuck frets fayne - Sunday, April 8, 2001

Question asked by: Dave Talsma Subject: martin sunburst Question: I noticed that the picture that Martin uses on their new string packages does show a sunburst Martin soprano uke, maybe there are some rare sunburst jobs out there, althought that could have been done the the photo after it was shot was taken very easy. Answer: Thanks Dave...I think it is a trick of the photography dept. Mike Longworth wrote me a letter in which he said that there was a period in the guitar history that they made a shaded top and actually shaded some of the koa model ukuleles. But had never heard of or seen a factory sunburst mahogany Ukulele. Mike , If I have misquoted you, I'm sorry. I lost the letter you wrote. But in the thousands of Martin Ukuleles I have seen, I have never seen a shaded top uke. It sure would be nice to find one. frets - Sunday, April 8, 2001

Question asked by: Kori Subject: violin-uke Question: Looked in uke yak didnt answer my questions. How old it could be or how much its worth. Answer: Kori...I;m sorry I didn't cover the value of the violin uke in the previous answers. The answer is...it is not worth very much... have seen them sell for 75.00....Unfortunatly, they should sell for more just because of the work involved in making one. I would pay 75.00 to anyone who could get the damn thing in tune. But, don't get rid of it. I think they are kinda neat looking and look good hanging on the wall. thanks for writing in...chuck - Sunday, April 8, 2001

Question asked by: John Croft Subject: Ukulele Fretwire Question: Hi Chuck; I'm lucky enough to own a a Gibson Style 3 Ukulele, but the second fret is 'flatted' and could do with replacing. Where can I get good quality Ukulele fretwire from, and what is the right sort and size of fretwire to use? Any help much appreciated. Thanks a lot for any help, John Croft. (from England - where the Ukulele is thriving!!!) Answer: John...I refer most of these questions fo John Bernunzio...he has alot of stock of odd parts, bits and pieces and is very knowledgeable about fret wire. He is actually known as Mr.Fretwire. His email is BVI@servtecvh.com..Write him with direction in the fretwire problem. For any of you who are looking for good information and a realy fair and honest musical instrument dealer...John is on the top....I use him as often as possible He deserves being used because He is one of my best friends. And what are friends for..if you can't use them...Seriously, he is a wonderful friend and a fabulous dealer. This is not a paid commercial..I owe him money already....chuck - Sunday, April 8, 2001

Question asked by: Dan Sawyer Subject: Pete and repeat Question: Hi Chuck. As a regular reader of your column, I've noticed the same questions get asked over and over. I always feel a bit sorry that you or someone on the bulletin board have to continue politely answering them. Here's a great idea. Why not have a new area on the Flea Mkt. web site for frequently asked questions (FAQs)? You could have the tunings for all the sizes of ukes, the measurements for all the sizes of ukes and any other commonly requested information about the ukulele. That way we could get back to the really important things like grey vs. brown felt picks. Answer: Dan...I think this is an excellent suggestion.....what do the rest of you out there in uke land think...write in and let us know....thanks...chuck fayne - Sunday, April 8, 2001

Question asked by: Stephen DiLauro Subject: Gretsch camp uke Question: Hi Chuck, I recently purchased Gretsch Camp Uke (aka, "cyanburst," I believe). It's round with blue/green burst. I've heard they were orignally issued to soldiers (possibly British infantry) during ww2. Is this true? Thanks. Steve DiLauro Answer: No...not to my knowledge. But I do know for a fact that a ukulele makes a very bad weapon...The voice that goes along with it, sometimes will drive the enemy away, but as an issue item..I doubt it...nice story. Gretsch made those ukes in the 40's and 50's and sold a million of them. They are great wall hangers and usually sound like weapons. Did yous come with the Camp uke arrows....neither did mine. Tune it up and play it. They really are cute and they were very popular...chuck - Friday, April 6, 2001

Question asked by: Theron Subject: My previous inquiry Question: I got the answer from one of your prior answers. Great job anticipating my question! Now, back to playing! Cheers! - Theron Answer: - Friday, April 6, 2001

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