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

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Question asked by: Eric Subject: Mele Ules Question: On Jan 27 Steve asks about Mele Ukes. Well, I bought one several months ago at their shop in Wailuku Maui- my first Uke! Owner Michael Rock's wife Cheryl sold it to me. She was very helpful. I picked out A concert size-Koa top and Mahoghany sides/back. It is very nice and mellow sounding, the wood is beautiful and plays well. they string their ukes with a low G. that helps give it a mellow quality. it also came with a very nice case. And it was very affordable. some of these WWW uke merchants have very pretty baubles but they are steep. visit meleukulele.com and see for your self. very clean design, not cluttered with too much binding, inlays or 'pukas'. You'll be very happy with a Mele Uke. ---Eric Answer: I think this is an answer to my question " does anyone know about the new mele ukes " Thanks Eric for writing In...I love getting this kind of information and I am sure the uke yakers out there enjoy it also..Thank you very much for taking the time to share this information with all of us. I encourage the rest of you who might have valuable info to send it along...best frets - Thursday, February 8, 2001

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Buying my first Ukulele Question: Dear Chuck, I'm looking to buy my first Uke. My "kumu" suggests I buy a Concert size because of my fat hands. I really don't want to spend more than $300. Where's the best place to look to get the most Uke for my money? Answer: ..I would have trouble finding you a concert uke for 300 bucks. I guess you just have to search the web. There are many sites...lots of links on this site. Go to our Marketplace and under the title Wanted..put in your wants. In the meantine, if there is anyone out there who might have such an instrument for a reasonable price....Here is a ready buyer. I will also keep my eyes open and keep you question on file..If I find anything I will let you know... good hunting....chuck - Thursday, February 8, 2001

Question asked by: steve Subject: Sonny D Question: Thanks for the answer on the cracks and Mele--they were both mine--I ordered one and in came damaged. It sounded pretty good--beautiful wood- -but looked a little sloppy. Since I wrote you I have gotten feedback from local Hawaiians. One was Kawika Hurd. He told me theyre made in a furniture factory in the Philippines by relatives of Rocks wife amd sent back to him for "set up". Mr. Rock used to sell them as custom made by himself in Maui until other local luthiers pressured him into putting a label on the inside stating that the initial assemly is in the Philippines. Kawika recommended cancelling the order. Sonny D was recomended over Kamaka by a local player--what is youropinion of this one? Answer: thanks for the mele info...as far as rating a sonny D over a Kamaka. That would be a tough call. Kamaka has long been one of my very favorite ukuleles. I am particularly fond of the l928 Pineapple Kamaka. They have been well crafted since the beginning about 80 years ago. About 3 years ago I bought a beat up Sonny D soprano. I had it fixed up and love it. I play it alot. I wouldn't know which to suggest. I think you should go and play each and decide for yourself. I think I personally prefer the neck of the Kamaka. I like a thin neck. tapered waist, nice legs...sorry got carried away. You could also love a Sonny D and have the neck taken down....So there you go. I can't imagine any of this helped..It doesn't make much sense to me upon re-reading...but good luck..If I can be of assistance...don't hesitate....chuck frets fayne - Thursday, February 8, 2001

Question asked by: Kai Breustedt Subject: BRUKO Question: I wanted to ask you the same like Hal Carlson. I am really waiting for your answer to my question - I really do know only instruments of the German Producer BRUKO, because that's the only intrument you can buy here. Did you ever has seen one or did you ever played one? If so, how do you think about them, if you compare it with Martin or Kamaka or whatelse famous ukes are existing? (I don't want to know how much they are worth - I know it, I bought them...) Kai Answer: Kai..I have played a Bruko and I did not feel they were very well made. They do no compare with Martin or Kamaka at all. I'm sure if you use the internet you can find other brands of ukuleles that are of higher quality. Thanks for writing. chuck - Sunday, February 4, 2001

Question asked by: Keoni Subject: rajao tuning Question: Thanks for answering my previous question re: the stringing of the 'machete de rajao.' I want to be sure that I understand you are talking about a 5 string instrument with 4 courses: 3 single and 1 double? [In "The Ukulele: A Visual History" Jim Beloff describes the rajao as having "five strings (one double course)..." pg. 80] How was the rajao tuned? Relative pitch is sufficient. I am particularly interested in which course was the double course and was it tuned in octaves or unison? Answer: I owned a nunes rajao and they were five separte strings. It would make more sense and be easier to play if one were doubled and If I owned the instrument today I would tune it that way. As far as which is the double string, that is a question I cannot answer. My guess is that it would be the second string. I owned a few 5 string ukes and it was the one that was doubled. Hope I helped...chuck - Sunday, February 4, 2001

Question asked by: Eric Subject: Tuning a tenor Question: Just had a question regarding tuning a martin tenor. Is the GCEA tuning or DGBE tuning recommended for a tenor, and if you do use the guitar tuning are the strings and string positions the same as in the GCEA tuning. Also does the DGBE tuning supposed to sound a little mushy because of the lack of string tension? thanks again Answer: Eric...I use GCEA with a low g. I think this sounds best. The D tuning is not bright enough for me. Some use the conventionl tuning of ADF#b...but again i like it with the low fourth string. thanks for writing...chuck - Sunday, February 4, 2001

Question asked by: Hal Carlson Subject: do you answer only chosen question? Question: I emailed you a question on Jan. 14, and have been watching for an answer and noticed you have answered other questions since then. Just curious if you just pick particular questions to answer about the uke? Or perhaps the information I was asking for is not available. Thank you for any information you could provide. Hal Answer: I'm sorry that I did not answer your question. I either overlooked it or sometimes I write for more information. I try to answer all of them even though some are almost impossible..My favorite in all the years I have been doing this was. "I have a brown Ukulele. How much is it worth.?" ...If you will ask it again and remind me that you are the person who didn't get the answer...I will put you in the front of the queue....frets - Sunday, February 4, 2001

Question asked by: Don Stamper Subject: Gibson UB-1 Question: I have a Gibson UB-1 that has been in the family since it was new. It has the original metal strings and appears to be excellent condition, though the finish seems a little dull. No scratches,etc. We never had a case, can they be bought? Should I try the Gibson oil on this instrument? Estimate value on this model? Answer: First I would take off the metal strings and put on nylon. I think the sound is much better. You can use gibson oil...Good stuff. Value? 450.00 approximatly if in great condition. Does it have the resonator ( back plate) and does it have a case. Both of these are important to the value. Without them, you can lower the price by 25%....see ya....frets - Sunday, February 4, 2001

Question asked by: Gary Finger Subject: kamak uke Question: This is the digital image that I said I was sending. We have several more pics if you would to see them. Photos:      Answer: The pic you sent me is of a very nice l928-1935 Kamaka pineapple that looks to be in very good shape. What did you want to know about it exactly..Please write again and I will ask your question. The Pic came thru, but no question. Thanks...Frets fayne - Sunday, February 4, 2001

Question asked by: Brand Subject: strings Question: Hello Chuck, I have A Washburn ( Lyon & Healy) tenor uke.It is in very good shape,but it is obviusly very old; I have recently switched to the black Hilo strings (G.C.E.A.),but they seem much tighter than my old martin strings.Should I worry about the tension on my ukes' neck and/or bridge?P.S. I already took off the wound third string and replaced it with a gut string because the wound string sounded too "guitar-like". Thank-you, "Slim" Answer: You did the best thing by taking the wound string off. When the uke is in tune, you should be able to push the string to the body of the uke at the point where the neck joins the body. If you cannot, you have them too tight. It is a good idea to switch to a softer string. I like a set of old used strings. I think they sound better on the older ukuleles. If all else fails, go to the martin light weight strings. Thanks for the question...chuck fayne - Sunday, February 4, 2001

Question asked by: gary finger Subject: kamaka uke Question: we will send image seperately we have a pinnapple uke model 1928 ser# 4507 with checkering on neck and around hole we believe it to be the deluxe mod. w/origional case. please let us know the approx value and when it was made. reply asap thanks Answer: sorry this did not get into the last answer. We have a new system here at uke yak...and I am just learning all it can do. The uke in the picture is worth about 600+ dollars and more with the original case if it is a hard shell. If the binding is also on the back of the uke it is a style 4 and worth a little bit more. They are very collectible today. There is one model above this one and it is abalone trimmed. Thanks....chuck - Sunday, February 4, 2001

Question asked by: Tom Holden Subject: Vintage Gibson Soprano Question: Reputedly 1920s with "Gibson" (painted in silver) on headstock. Good sound and intonation, but heavily played. Sorry, no pic. They want $320. Your thoughts? Answer: It depends on the model. It would not be a good price for the style one but it would be a great price for the style 3. Please send me a pic if you can and if not a description of the uke. Especially the length of the fingerboard. Does it go below the uke to the soundhole?...What, if any, is the trim around the edge. What type of dots ( number) on the fingerboard. All of these are needed to answer the question...thanks for asking...chuck - Sunday, February 4, 2001

Question asked by: GLEN Subject: GIANNINI UKE Question: TELL ME SOMETHING ABOUT THE UKE AND. HOW MUCH ITS WORTH. IF ANYTHING. THANKS Answer: I have play only one Giannini uke and I was very nice. A friend of mine had it at McCabes Guitar shop last year. I know very little about the uke. This is one of those questions I throw open to the uke yakers out there...I would like to know what it is worth myself. Anyone out there??????Help....thanks for asking...chuck - Saturday, February 3, 2001

Question asked by: Eric Subject: Amplification Question: I was wondering whats the best way to amplify a vintage uke if you didnt want to put a hole in it. And where would you find sources for these types of pickups. thanks Answer: Eric....Play it louder........Now that thats out of the way...You can use an external amplifier. Most better music companies will have one. They are used on all types of stringed instruments..Violin shops would be a good source. There is a pickup called a sunrise pickup..however, I don't know if they make one for a ukulele. Years ago, DeArmond made a pickup that attaches to the top of the uke..It seems to work best. It has the aplifying knob on the top of the pickup up. It is a little crude. It is held on the uke by a rubberband. Watch Ebay..there I said the word...There is a man who advertises for a ukulele pickup...Perhaps you can pick-up ( ha ha) one for a good price. thanks for using the site....remember we have the ability to send pics now. If any of you out there in uke yak land have a question and have the ability to send a pic..please do. It helps so much to see it. Eric...thanks again and keep writing. chuck - Saturday, February 3, 2001

Question asked by: Eric Subject: Martin Ukes Question: I am in limbo as far as choosing between a vintage 1950's martin tenor versus a modern custom uke. Which would you choose if you didnt want to spend upwards of 1500.00. thanks Answer: Its a tough one...I think personally I would go for the vintage martin tenor. I prefer the aged instrument. That is not to say that there are not wonderful instruments being built today. However, I like the instrument to be a little broken in when I play it. Remember, please, this is only my opinion but I am always right..Just ask my wife. The truthful answer is you must go and try each of them and find out which one feel right for you. Thanks for writing...chuck - Friday, February 2, 2001

Question asked by: Eric Subject: Martin Tenor Ukes Question: I'd like to know if there is a difference in quality and sound of a 12 fret to neck tenor versus a 14 fret martin tenor. Answer: I have never found a difference, only the ability to play further up the fingerboard. The only possible difference is the weight of the instrument. It seems that the 14 fret model is heavier. If you have a chance to try them both..do...I think you can answer your own question. I have owned both and played both and for me, there has been no difference. keep writing..frets - Friday, February 2, 2001

Question asked by: Jackie Subject: Fluke designs Question: I have a feeling that I wil not be able to resist a Fluke much longer- - but how to select a design! Is one more "collectible" than another? Do the designer ones really look good in person? Answer: I have a feeling that I cannot resist this question much longer. There is not much I can do for you as far as helping you with a selection...I can tell you that there is now a tenor Fluke. Larger and perhaps easier to play. You might want to look at that option. I don't know if one if more collectible than any other. They all look great in person. I personally like the camp Fluke...But I also thought Bella Abzug was attractive. So, with that in mind...the choice is yours. I will tell you this...they sound wonderful and play as well. You won't be disappointed regardless of you choice. Please write when you get your Fluke and let us know how you like it. Thanks for writing in and please let me be the first to wish you a Happy New Year. Frets Fayne - Wednesday, January 31, 2001

Question asked by: Ken DaSilva-Hill Subject: Formby uke Question: I have among my collection of uke banjos and ukuleles a uke banjo with the trade mark 'George Formby',this instrument also has Formby's signature written on the vellum. The uke is in perfect condition and is complete with case, case key, banjo key, spare strings and felt plectrum. Can you tell me anything about this great tool? Answer: There are hundreds of Formby Banjo Ukes. Formby had a metal tag made that he could add to the headstock of any banjo uke. If it is a genuine George Formby Uke it is worth around 500 dollars. But it has to be authentic. I would need to see a picture of it to tell which it is. If you can send a pic please do. You now have the ability to include a pic with a uke yak question. Send me a pic I'll send you a more detailed answer. see ya...at the lamppost.....frets - Tuesday, January 30, 2001

Question asked by: JERRY THAYER Subject: JONAHKUMALAEUKE Question: I WAS JUST WONDERING WHAT THE UKE IS WORTH. IT IS VERY OLD, HAVING BELONGED TO MY GRANDMOTHER WHEN SHE WAS VERY YOUNG, WHO HAS LONG SINCE PAST ON. THANKS. Answer: Kumalae was a fine maker around the 30-50's. However, he made dozens of different styles. I would love to see a picture of the uke. You can send on to this site with another question form and I will be glad to take a look at it. But, even without seeing the uke, I can tell you the maker was good. But there are so many things that influence the worth of an instrument. I need to know the condition, wood, scratches, blebs, wens, pimples and other dermatological maladies. If no pic, then do the best you can on the description. Labels, decals, trim around the edge. measurements...not yours.....And may I say from all of us at Uke Yak...we are very sorry to hear about the passing of your Grandmother. But what a wonderful way to remember her...with her ukulele...The worth of that uke is Priceles.....chuck frets fayne - Monday, January 29, 2001

Question asked by: gary finger Subject: kamaka pinapple Question: chuck, i hate to ask, but did you receive our pictures of our kamaka pinapple uke, we are interested in your reply. if not, please advise at the new e mail address. thank you. Answer: I think I wrote you in person. In case I didn't. The uke, from the pics. which was difficult to see, I don't believe this to be a kamaka. It just doesn't have the feel of one. It also has a piece at the end of the fingerboard that was not kamaka like. I will look at the pics again and see if there is anything that would change my mind. As I said in an earlier response, we now have the ability , on the uke yak, to send pictures. If you would like to send a very clear front view only picture ,of the uke, not you....I will do my best..... - Monday, January 29, 2001

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