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 (266 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: 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: 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: John Park Subject: domino uke Question: Dear Frets, How much would a domino uke in fair condition be worth? Thanks, JP Answer: John...there are many varieties of Le Domino Ukes..It would help to know which one. Just a ball park guess no matter which one it is...100 in fair condition.....I'm not sure of your definition of fair...Mine is..Playable, perhaps a crack and some wear....Knock off some more if it is worse....frets - Tuesday, March 20, 2001

Question asked by: Bill Farfan Subject: Kamaka Uke and lessons Question: Mr.Frets, I'm old new stock. I just bought a Kamaka Soprano Uke with a white lable and know nothing about it. Age, where made, value? I want to learn how to play this instrument, but I need a program (cd?Vhs?Book? Pamphlet?) Where do I start? Oldie Rookie. Thanks, Bill Farfan Answer: Bill...You bought a good uke...Now go to the on line store on this site and look at the selection of books available. You should start with the beginners book and you will be amazed at how fast you progress. There are also tapes, cd's and all you need to get going. Be sure and order a tuner...It makes it so much easier when you have the uke in tune. Write with any questions or problems you might have. Were open 24 hours to answer your question. Except for the hours we sleep.....Frets ZZZZZZZ Fayne - Tuesday, March 20, 2001

Question asked by: Adam Subject: Swaggert vs. Peterson Question: I have a feeling that the Polk-A-Lay-Lee that you saw, may have just had a Rick Griffin decal attached. Swaggerty was located in San Clemente. California, while Peterson was located in Ohio. I know that all of the Swaggerty instruments that I have seen have the Swaggerty logo on them, but only a few have the Rick Griffin surfer logo. That was reserved for the Surf-A-Lele and the Kook-A-Lay-Lee. There are a lot of other differences between the two companies that make me sure that they were made by two seperate manufacturers. The Swaggerty products all had water decals for any type of writing on them, while the Peterson versions used a stencil. The fretboards are identical on every variation of Swaggerty product, while the Peterson one has an extended portion towards the bridge. The Swaggerty scale length is 18.5 inches, while the Peterson is 19-ish, none of mine measure the same. The bridges are where some coincidences appear, they seem similar, but on closer inspection they are not. The Swaggerty ones have a gap underneath them seperated by a post and they have a bevelled edge, while the Peterson ones are flat on the bottm, and there is no bevel. Also, most of the Swaggerty ones were nailed down. The body's have a lot of differences as well. All of the Swaggertys are made of solid wood, while the Petersons are made of 5 ply plywood. The Peterson products have a very blocky feel to the body. The Swaggerty's all have smoothed edges, and a smooth heel at the back of the neck. The Peterson stuff has sharp angles, while the Swaggerty has all been rounded. The rope leash-like strap on the Swaggerty's is attached to a post at the bottom, while the Peterson products all go into the body and have a knot in it. The wood for the top and bottom of the body on the Swaggertys is very deeply grained, while the Peterson looks like a bad veneer. I also have some of the original advertising from Swaggerty, and it mentions all of their ukes, but I can't find any mention of Peterson, or the Polk-A-Lay-Lee in any of it. If I find any other info about this, I will be sure to pass it on. Thanks. Answer: WOW............. For all of you who want to know about the LAY-LEE variations...this is the article to read. Thank you very much..Adam..all this goes into my file. I am sure you are correct and my memory is not. Thanks again for all the info..I am sure you have enlightened us all...chuck frets fayne - Thursday, February 15, 2001

Question asked by: Susan Bernard Subject: How the hell are you? Question: Dear Chuck, I've begun taking uke lessons with John Zender. I've bought a fluke. I can't believe I didn't appreciate the uke when you used to live here. My new book, "The Mommy and Daddy Guide to Kindergarten" just came out. Alex started Emerson Elementary School. Bernie retired. How are you all doing? Do you like Australia? Are the kids and Hilda happy? Are you Mr. Magic? (If you wish to remain incongnito, I won't tell anyone I've found you.) Susan Answer: HI...you can tell everyone you found me. The best news is that you found the ukulele and the fluke. Now you will know the real definition of fun..To comment to you and all out there in uke uak land...this is a good example of how this little instrument changes lives daily. I had lost touch with an old friend and here we get together 7500 miles apart because of a ukulele. Strange world. Best to ya..I have you email address and will use it.Best to you and the family and let us all know how your ukin' progresses...chuck p.s...for those of you who may not know John Zhender, and find yourselves in the Los Angeles area, He camps out each day at McCabes Guitar shop in Santa Monica. Resident guru,teacher, dear old friend and can make music on anything ....and has. Its worth a stop to see him...If you do, tell him chuck sent you...Remember the next uketopia is the 27th of May at McCabes...I'll be there, John, Jim, and the rest of the gang will strum for your pleasure...ours too...see ya...frets - Thursday, February 15, 2001

Question asked by: mike Subject: c1930 No Brand Rope Bound Question: Hello Perhaps you can help me attribute this uke. Soprano size with rope bound top, back and soundhole plus the fretboard. It also has mother- of-pearl fret markers. The headstock has an triangle shaped ebony inlay. The body is thicker in the middle on the back, arched. Looks to be made of mahogany. Some glue residue in the soundhole where a label was once attached? Photos:      Answer: Hi..your uke was made or at least sold by the Samuel Osborn Music Co. of New York...It had a lable that said Sammo.I have a suspicion that the uke was made by the regal company for Samuel osborn.If there is anything else you need to know..write again...I'm up with the elves making shoes...frets - Tuesday, February 13, 2001

Question asked by: Ed Kesssler Subject: uke case Question: Hi, hi, Had a devil of a time finding a case for my Martin tenor ukulele. Found a padded tennis racket case worked just fine. Ed Answer: What a coincidence. I used a padded bra for my maracas...but then haven't we all. thanks for the tip...I'm sure there will be a big run on padded tennis racquet cases. I would, if I were you, look for something stronger. Perhaps one of the hundreds of cases made for tenor ukuleles. Just browse, heaven forbid, the ebay. They are advertised on there all the time...Perhaps you might want to use our marketplace on this site to advertise your wants. You might just find a hard shell case for you martin tenor. Something I would recommend. I don't think I would feel safe with my Tenor in a racquet case. best to you from me and me and my shakers....chuck - Tuesday, February 13, 2001

Question asked by: Dave Talsma Subject: Vintage wood tuning pegs Question: Hi, where could I find wood tuning pegs for restorations, I would like vintage but new would work also. Also whats the life span of gut strings as compared to nylon? Answer: Violin pegs work just fine...You have to search the dealers for wooden pegs. I have saved every one I could ever get. I have over 200 sets of 3 and none match...John Bernunzio is always a good shot....BVI@servtech.com...good guy, good friend, honest instrument dealer...The life span of gut vs. nylon...don't know...havn't lived long enough to wear out either. I prefer the sound of each on different types of instruments. I like gut on old kamakas and nylon on pretty much everything else. Gut has a soft sound...Nylon doesn't....Hope I have helped..You have... by writing. chuck frets fayne - Tuesday, February 13, 2001

Question asked by: Adam Subject: Polk-A-Lay-Lee Question: Chuck, I read you answer about the Polk-A-Lay-Lee and you mentioned that it was made by Swaggerty, but all of mine say made by Peterson Products, not Swaggerty like my Treholipee, my Kook-A-Lele, or my Suraf-A-Lele. It also is made with a little less quality. They all sound like a good cigar box uke. Thanks. Adam Answer: I know what you are saying, however, I say a polk-a-lay=lee with the little swaggerty guy on it. Leads me to believe there is a connection...Perhaps not. Anyone out there know for sure. I agree, they do sound like a good cigar box uke. keep smoking...chucko - Tuesday, February 13, 2001

Question asked by: Diane Subject: 1930's Favilla Question: Hi Chuck, I enjoy your postings. Back in 1996 I picked up a Favilla from a Honolulu dealer invited to sell at a famous hotel, with a wonderful tone, which he claimed dated from the 1930s. I think it may be what you call a plain jane, with 12 frets, but my question is more about tuning. The dealer was a self-taught player and I think it was tuned to D, but the books I picked up in Honolulu said to tune to G. What sound do you prefer on such an old piece? I wonder if I've ruined its charm? How do I tell a soprano from a tenor etc.? Happy tunes! D Answer: The tuning is up to you...adf#b or gcea. Its up to you, but you certainly hae not ruined its charm by tuning it. Unless you tuned it with a real fork instead of a tuning fork. How do you tell a tenor from a soprano. A tenor carries a hankey when he sings and a soprano wears a dress. Now that I have made an goofball out of myself. Ukuleles come in 4 sizes. Soprano..21 inches approx...concert 23 in, tenor 26...baritone 28 or so...they vary but that is about what they are. So measure yours and you will know what you have...chuck - Tuesday, February 13, 2001

Question asked by: Clyde Subject: Concert Uke Question: Hi Chuck, concerning Steve's question about finding a concert uke for 300.00 or less. I can't believe you didn't mention the Fluke. The best concert uke for less than 300.00 anywhere. Answer: nuff said...thanks clyde...even we greats are guilty of oversights. And right here under my nose. The truth is, I knew someone would write in if I didn't mention it. Smart HuH??? O.K ..I forgot...But I wont next time. Thanks alot Clyde...The Fluke is a fabulous instrument....and really cool..Thanks for writing in...chuck - Sunday, February 11, 2001

Question asked by: Diane Subject: Polk Question: I just recieved a really rad Uke as a gift and was wondering if you could tell me more about it. I was told it was a Polk Baritone Uke made for the Polk Dept. Stores that no longer exsist. It has a really wild curvy shape that I have to be careful not to take someone eye out when I play it. The back says Petersen Products. Thanks so much, Diane Answer: They were called polk-a lele...I don't know if they were made for the Polk Dept Stores..I have heard that story before. I do know they were made in the 50-60 by the Swagerty company in California. The odd thing about them is...as wierd as they look, they sound really good. I have no idea who peterson products are.....On page 46 and 47 of Jim Beloff's book.."the Ukulele a Visual History"...you will find pictures of variations of your uke...Have fun and play it alot...frets - Sunday, February 11, 2001

Question asked by: Earl Hoellig Subject: Frisco Uke Question: I purchased a Frisco uke with an oval soundhole rosewood body spruce face. Can you tell me a bit of history on the oval vs the F & S soundholes? Answer: I am the designer of the frisco uke along with marc silber. The original one had the F&S Soundhole and the later one had the oval soundhole. We just wanted to try something new. I can't tell you much about it because it didn't seem to make any difference in the tone. I'm glad you own one...there are not many out there and I may be slanted in my opinion, but they really have a fine sound. have fun...let me know how you like the uke...chuck - Thursday, February 8, 2001

Question asked by: Rick Nix Subject: kamaka, k keiki, ukulele Question: Chuck I bought a kamaka k keiki (headstock decal)uke, at a flea market. It is a soprano uke and looks brand new, but it has a gold kkk label. The man I bought it from said it was bought in the late 50's in hawaii and came with 3 books that where bought in hawaii at the same music store and are of that vintage. I can't find any info on this model can you help. Thanks Rick Nix Answer: rick...they were made by Kamaka and assembled in Japan in the 50's...Most I have seen were mahogany and not koa. They still have the great Kamaka sound. Pleae let me know how it sounds. frets p.s. if you want to know more, you can write the kamaka company...They are still in business in Honolulu....chuck - Thursday, February 8, 2001

Question asked by: Paul Subject: Martin 2K Tenor Question: I acquired this 20's model Martin Tenor at a Pawn shop recently. I don't play the uke, so I listed it for sale on Ebay. I'm wondering now if I should have kept the uke and played it, but am guessing that this is a little too nice and expensive an instrument than what I would need to learn on. I've seen the replies you've written regarding tuning the tenor, but am a little confused. Is the fourth string actually tuned lower than the third? Are the chords formed basically like the guitar? Answer: I can't tell you what you should have done with the uke. It is one of the classic ukuleles ever made. I hope you get big bucks for it. As far as tuning, .. the fourth string should be lower than the 3rd. It is fingered exactly like the first four strings of a guitar. Try and buy it from yourself..I'll bet you can get a good deal...chuck - Thursday, February 8, 2001

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