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 (264 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: 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: Blues Boy Roy Subject: Baritone Uke Question: Dear Chuck , It's spring and flea market season is warming up . A recent walk-about at my favorite market got me a nice old mahogany baritone uke . I've been looking for one for a while , so this is a treat . I'd like to know more about the Uke and I'm sending some pics to help . The only marking on the Uke is on the inside near the soundhole , looks like cw in a circle . It's a nice player and I even had a decent case for it (picked up at the same market a couple of years ago). I hope you can help Thanks a lot , Roy Photos:      Answer: It looks well made. Nice lines. I know nothing about the cw in the circle. I have never seen that mark before. Many companies made Baritones. They have never been real popular. I think the reason is that they don't sound like a ukulele. I enjoy playing my Martin, but it is like a ukulele. Thin fingerboard and lightly made and braced. It has the bouncy feel. Most Baritones,as I have said many times before, tend to be a little heavy. I wish I could tell you more, but I can't..How does it sound? That is the ultimate test. let us know....chuck - Tuesday, April 3, 2001

Question asked by: Beth Ann Subject: What should I look for? Question: Chuck -- I am interested in buying a baritone ukulele. It's mostly just for fun, not necessarily to collect or acrue value, but still - - I want a good instrument. What should I look for as far as wood and fret make, as well as manufacturer -- to insure lasting quality? Answer: Kamaka, Martin.....go to the on line store on this site and take a look at the tenor fluke. Reports have it that it is wonderful. This is definitly not a paid commercial. I do this for love. I realize it is not a baritone, but worth a look anyway. Baritones, for the most part, tend to be a little heavy handed for my taste. You have to be real careful when purchasing one. I would stick to the Martin or the Kamaka...they are both well made instruments that will definitly hold their value forever. frets - Tuesday, April 3, 2001

Question asked by: Larry Subject: BRUKO Question: I found my first BRUKO uke at a flea market for $20.00. Now I own three of them. Of course, they don't compare to the old Martins - but the rosewood, spruce model sounds as good as any you can find for under $300. It's a well built, solid wood instrument that is one of the GREAT starter ukes. ( I took exception to your Feb 4, letter to Kai Breustedt ). Answer: You are certainly entitled to your opinion and I welcome it. It is people like you that report the kind of news we want to hear. Personal touch with the instrument and satisfaction, will always be of interest. I don't remember my letter to Kai Breustedt of Feb 4th, but if you took exception...please return it..I have been looking for it...Nice to know where it went. Please write in often, we need opinions. Bill O'Reiley Fayne - Tuesday, April 3, 2001

Question asked by: Tim Healy Subject: Longworth Uke? Question: Hey Chuck, Robert Founder recently asked you how you like your Longworth uke. Can you tell us about this uke, did I miss something about this recently? Is this a recent acquisition and did the esteemed Mike Longworth make it especially for you? Keep up the great useful and entertaining work on yuke yak. Answer: I love my Mike Longworth Uke. Mike is more than a maker he's an institution...How's that Mike?...You have risen to Institution...If experience counts...then start counting. I wouldn't know where to start about this ukulele..It is both beautiful to look at and has that sound you dream of. It is a Concert size but a shape more like a cross between a Ditson and a French Guitar of the 1700's. Yes, it was made especially for me...and when I am down to one uke..It will be the one. I've thanked you personally but not publicly( yeh I know it doesn't look right, but I looked it up.) Thanks Mike....chuck - Sunday, April 1, 2001

Question asked by: Mike Reed Subject: Uke Tuning Question: Hi, Chuck I'm very new to the wonderful world of the ukulele, and have a question: Can a baritone uke be tuned in the same manner as a soprano, or should it always be tuned otherwise? I've only played the soprano, but, as I'm a big guy, I thought the a baritone would be, perhaps, more practical. Thanks for your answer, sir. Answer: Sir? God that makes me sound old. I am, but I manage to forget it until someone calles me sir. Its usually a Policeman..not a uke yakker..ever- the- less. You tune a Baritone Uke the same as all the other sizes..With those little knobs...(couldn't resist)...Tune it as you would the last four strings on a guitar. Call any music store and they will be happy to hum the notes over the phone while you tune it. Its a service that all great music stores have. As a matter of fact, just ask for the hummer. chuck frets "sir"fayne ...ahh knighthood.....Sir Frets....has a certain Ring....and you know what they say when you start hearing bells. Must go now..its pudding night at the home.....chuck - Sunday, April 1, 2001

Question asked by: Johnny Petree Subject: National Ukes Question: Another question. Do you have an opinion of the metal body National ukuleles? Thanks, Johnny Answer: I have an opinion about everything. Firstly, which National...the old one or the new one. My opinion will differ depending on your answer to my question. write in again...also I would like to hear opinions of the Nationals from the yakers out there...for my own interest...chuck - Thursday, March 29, 2001

Question asked by: John Maris Subject: Conqueror Question: Chuck, I have read the existing comment on this subject. I am just about to acquire a Conqueror and I must say that it looks as though it is a "higher quality" instrument. This puzzles me since it is usually the lower quality instuments that deny their pedigree. Do you happen to have any more information yet? Regards from England (Conquered in 1066) John Answer: John...don't worry about the looks..Its not an art piece...its a musical instrument. If it sounds pleasing to the ear, thats what counts. I have no additional information on the conqueror. Regards from Chuck Frets Fayne (conquered in 7th grade by the librarian)...only kidding...I'm still waiting.... - Thursday, March 29, 2001

Question asked by: Cory Parkhurst Subject: gretsch uke Question: This is an addition about the gretsch uke. It is the smallest of the ukes. In the previous e-mail, I stated it was a tenor uke. Is this correct, or is it a soprano uke? I seem to get this confused on a regular basis. Thanks Cory Answer: an easy way to remember which is which is......memorize all the sizes, that will help you alot...soprano, concert, tenor, baritone....from smallest to largest. I get everything confused on a regular basis...don't feel bad.... frets - Thursday, March 29, 2001

Question asked by: Cory Parkhurst Subject: gretsch uke Question: I recently purchased a Gretsch uke at an antique store. It has a few cracks on the back, but all it needed was new strings and some tightening on the tuning pegs and it runs O.K., except there seems to be a slight buzz when playing a few particular chords(especially a g chord and a d7). Is there anything to fix this? Also I was really trying to find out what year it was made, and how much it might be worth. It is a Mahogany tenor uke with the brass logo inside the soundhole. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thanx! Cory Answer: If I were you, I would only play songs that did not require you to play a g chord or a d7th...That should fix the buzzing problem. It was probably made in the 40's and as far as its worth...I would need alot more information. Condition is very important. We now have the ability to receive pictures along with the questions on the uke yak. Send a pic and I can do a much better job. I know from your last email that this is a soprano, not a tenor. If you cannot send a pic...a really good detailed description would be a great help...thanks...But seriously folk...go to a good luthier and he will get the buzz to go away with a simple adjustment of the frets...That will allow you to play Gershwin..He used mostly G and D 7th Chords....Chuck Ira Fayne - Thursday, March 29, 2001

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