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

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Question asked by: Don Ross Subject: favilla baritone Question: I have a Favilla Baritone in a hardshelled case..when was it made and what is it worth? Answer: I assume condition is good. I don't know why I do but I do. If this is true the value is about 300 for the uke and about 200 for the case. Strange, I know, but thats the way it is..Favilla Baritones and Baritones in general are not easy to sell. But the Hardshelled case makes it appealing. I have never seen a case for a Favilla Baritone. Favilla made a very good Martin copy...You ought to get some good music out of that instrument. They were made in the 50's and 60's. frets - Thursday, November 9, 2000

Question asked by: David Remiger Subject: display Question: Now that my uke collecting is growing, what is the best way to display my ukes. Standing, hanging, laying...or what? Answer: Boy this is a tricky one. One method jumps out at me as a pretty bad choice...laying...This doesn't even sound like an option unless you don't like the depth of the ukes as they are. Standing seems also like your are asking the uke to do a pretty difficult thing...Which leaves hanging...My choice , and I'm sure the choice of most ukes I have known...Be sure and hang by the neck..otherwise dust settles on the neck block and we all know what that means....hope I have helped....can't imagine I have...I have just called a couple hundred of my closest uke friends and its a tie at this point, however the florida opinion is not in yet..but it seems as though hanging is it... hang in there ( couldn't resist) chuck - Thursday, November 9, 2000

Question asked by: bryan Subject: Roy Smeck Question: What is my roy smeck uke worth? Answer: Again, there is more than one Roy Smeck Uke.....without knowing which one I can only guess. I know nothing about the condition, type of wood, size of the uke, binding, decals, labels, tuners, case, dings, dents, dongs, and all the other things that would effect the value, however missing all that I can tell you exactly to the dollar it is worth between 100 and 1000 dollars depending on all the above. If you would like to furnish me with just a tad more information, imagine what I could do. chuck fayne - Thursday, November 9, 2000

Question asked by: Brad Aspey Subject: martin s-o ukes Question: Why are they called cheepies...and if I can what should I buy. Answer: They are called cheepies because by comparison to the older vintage martins they are cheaply made. You can get an instrument with the name Martin & co. on it for little money. You also are getting what you pay for. I have played one since I last wrote about them and I did not think they were even close to the Uke of old. If you are patient you can find a vintage martin for just a few bucks more. Haunt the antique stores, garage sales, want ads...if all else fails, save up a little longer and get a real Martin...This is Martin's idea of cashing in on the Ukulele craze by offering a- by comparison- cheap instrument. Its kinda like the Shenandoah Guitar. It says Martin, but it will always be a Shenandoah....I'm not sure of that spelling but you will know what I mean. But, there is no known example of Bad Cave Man Art. All Cave Man Art is priceless. Perhaps in 2 million years the Martin s-o Ukulele will be priceless...but for now...buy an Edsel.....frets fayne - Thursday, November 9, 2000

Question asked by: bess Subject: 1928 Kamaka Question: What is it worth? Answer: Bess....Kamaka made many ukuleles in the early years. But they reserved the l928 label for the pineapple and once in a while a soprano. I would have to know more about the uke...I need either a picture or a detailed description of the uke...If you will look back on some of my other answers, you will see that I have asked many people to supply info..My private email is cfayne@bluep.com.au....your uke could be worth 350.00- 10,000...regardless of its worth, it is one of the best ukes ever made and unless you are going to sell it..its the sound that counts. And I have a pretty good idea you will make alot of sounds if it is worth 10,000...frets - Thursday, November 9, 2000

Question asked by: David Garrick Subject: Beats Me >>>>?????? Question: David wants to purchase an instrument that would achieve a Cliff Edwards & George Formby "type of sound". He wants to know which instrument should he look for and what he should pay. Answer: David...Just when I think the questions couldn't get any stranger...Which brings me to your question. What is the question? George Formby played a Banjo Uke and Cliff Edwards played a ukulele. There couldn't be two more different sounds. I am trying to picture the instrument that would produce that combination. I would like to hear more from you because I am not clear what you are asking. Are you asking about the sound of the instument or the sound of the performer? Always amazed, I remain confused...frets fayne.... - Tuesday, October 24, 2000

Question asked by: tpb Subject: Gibson Ujke Question: "t", If I may call you that....has a l961 gibson Tenor uke and wants to know the value. Answer: "t" gibson made many varieties of ukuleles. Without knowing which one it is, it is difficult to give you a value. Please write in again and give a detailed description of the uke. Trim, wood, lengh of fingerboard, condition, ( cracks, dents, dings, scratches, itches, rashes and I, Dr. Uke, will give you a better guess. I can tell you one thing, they are wonderful instruments. The gibson Tenor is one of my favorite players. I never played a Gibson Tenor I didn't like....Someone once said that, perhaps it was me....write again...chuck fayne - Tuesday, October 24, 2000

Question asked by: Tim Stropshire Subject: Treholipee Question: My yellow one looks different and other strange sentences. Answer: They all look different. Swagerty made dozens of sizes, shapes, colors.....You say you cannot find alot about them. I am asking the collector of these instruments to write in and when he does, I will ask him to write a little colum on these interesting instruments. Perhaps even Jim Beloff knows who he is and how to reach him. Keep looking in the Yak and you will eventually get more information that you ever wanted. The one thing I can tell you about all of the permutations...they sound pretty good. Alot better than I ever expected. Keep watching..frets - Tuesday, October 24, 2000

Question asked by: Thomas Schifani Subject: Silvertone baritone uke Question: Whats it worth? Answer: I have only seen one other Silvertone Baritone Uke. It was exactly the same as yours. Bound top and soundhole and made of mahogany. Its a Sears and Roebuck product. Made by Regal. 50's- 60's is correct for the time. Unfortunatly, baritone ukes are not easy sellers. Most of them, andyours is no exception, are heavy in construction. The reason I know so much about your uke is I have the other one I was talking about. I have not been able to give it away. It should be worth at least a couple hundred bucks, but its finding the buyer that is the problem....If you happen to sell yours and the buyer is a twin, please call me. Chuck - Tuesday, October 24, 2000

Question asked by: Soinny Koger Subject: Wendell Hall Red Head Question: Whats it worth? Answer: I have it on good authority, from some of Wendell Halls close friends that He was not a natural Red Head. Now, that is just hearsay, but you know what they say about rumors. There was more than one Red Head Uke. One mahogany and One Koa...the Koa is worth, in mint condition, around 500.00. The mahogany one is worth whatever you can get. I have never seen one. The catalogs say they offered one in mahogany, however I have never seen one. If you are intending to sell it, why not try the marketplace. There is sure to be someone out there who wants it. It is a collectable uke. I really know nothing about Wendell's true hair color, but he did wear colored contacts. best to ya...chuck - Monday, October 23, 2000

Question asked by: Mike Longworth Subject: Lindell Uke Question: Mike has a friend who has a Lindell uke. She wants to sell it and needs to know a value. Answer: It is always fun to get a question from Mike Longworth...The man who wrote the book, the Bible and the Encyclopedia on everything I am interested in. I answered this question directly to the friend, however since doing that I have discovered more about lindell. It was made by regal and is a better than usual effort. They are nicely made and were only made in concert size and only custom ordered for certain stores. Montgomery Ward carried them for a period in the 40's. They were more for the serious player. They are quite rare and I think fairly valuable. In this wacky market of today, this uke could bring 400+ dollars depending on condition. For those of you who might not know Mike Longworth, just a little history. Historian for the Martin Guitar Company for many years, master builder, and author of the book...Martin Guitars...A History. No serious collector should be without a copy of this book. I have worn out two and on my third. Its a treat to have you ask me a question...thanks Mike...chuck - Monday, October 23, 2000

Question asked by: Mike Subject: keech Question: tell me about my Keech Banjulele Answer: Alvin and Kelvin Keech invented the Banjulele in Hawaii in the l930's. They went on to have them made in England later in their careers. Your patent number does not help me identify the year, however the size of the head does. It was made in England in the l940's. They made a wonderful banjo uke. They are quite collectable. Examples of them can be seen in the Tsumura Book : 1001 Banjos"...just think how I feel. I just finished my book 996 Banjos. Story of my life...frets - Monday, October 23, 2000

Question asked by: Joe Silveira Subject: Pirles Uke Question: What do I know about this brand? Answer: Joe..this is the second request for information on this uke I have gotten this year. I do not know who made it. I have never seen one and the only ones I have ever heard of is yours and the first letter. I hope someone out there knows something about this uke. I consulted the records from the years l930-1950 and drew a blank on the Pirles Ukulele company. Hope a reader knows...thanks for the question...chuck - Monday, October 23, 2000

Question asked by: geoff davis Subject: Gretsch Ukes Question: When were they made? what is their quality? comments? Answer: Geoff..They were made by the Gretsch company in the late 30's thru the 50's. They are not the quality of a martin but the are are also not the quality of a Regal on the other end. They are a reasonably decent uke. They made a few styles. The top of the line is quite beautiful..Koa with Abalone inlay. Bottom rung, a plain jane mahogany uke with a headstock the size of Yonkers. Its a very versatile uke.... you can paddle the canoe with either end. They are loud and very playable. Do so...frets - Monday, October 23, 2000

Question asked by: geoff davis Subject: Gretsch Ukes Question: When were they made? what is their quality? comments? Answer: Geoff..They were made by the Gretsch company in the late 30's thru the 50's. They are not the quality of a martin but the are are also not the quality of a Regal on the other end. They are a reasonably decent uke. They made a few styles. The top of the line is quite beautiful..Koa with Abalone inlay. Bottom rung, a plain jane mahogany uke with a headstock the size of Yonkers. Its a very versatile uke.... you can paddle the canoe with either end. They are loud and very playable. Do so...frets - Monday, October 23, 2000

Question asked by: Brad Aspey Subject: Martin s-o Question: I have not heard much good about the new Martin s-o..It is based on the original style O that was in production, and may still be in production if you are willing to pay thousands....This is a cheapie version made in Mexico, so I am told. I think Martin is taking some flack for doing this. I think they should have continued to make the older quality instrument and charge more. There are still tons available out there in the marketplace. They could have competed with the price they sell for on E bay and still make a profit..I would imagine...I have seen vintage style 0's go for 1000+ Its hard to believe that martin couldn't make the quality uke and make a profit at 1000+. But they are a big sucessful Guitar company and I am not. So you figure it out. They know something I don't....I wonder what that is...See...I said I didn't..thats all the news to print..Good night Mr and Mrs America and all the Ukes at sea. Walter ( frets) Winchel... Answer: I give up...I am tired and three strikes and I'm out...I will continue tomorrow when I have had a good nights rest...As a matter of fact here in Australia, it is already tomorrow...no wonder I am tired...ZZZZZZZZZZZZZed - Friday, October 6, 2000

Question asked by: cameron Subject: 3m Question: whats it worth. Answer: depending on the style...they made many...1200-1750...perhaps higher if it is a real early one. They are my favorite Martin to play. They have the sound. The style five is nice to look at and sell, but they don't have the tone of a 3m....You can add 250.00 if it has the original case.. As I have said before, you are under no obligation, even though I give you this wonderful knowledge free of charge, however, my birthday is 19th of September...I will pay the postage...Sport that I am...good playing...chuck - Friday, October 6, 2000

Question asked by: dan sawyer Subject: tuning a tenor Question: It depends on the tenor and what they can take...some, if they are pin bridges, can take soprano tuning with the fourth string tuned down an octave...otherwise, as I said, it depends on the instrument...You may have to tune it to a comfortable string tension and capo to the key you want. I would give you the same advise...get Jim Beloff's books and follow them step by step...You will soon be tiptoeing ( Im' sure thats not the right spelling, but It looks so nice) thru the tulips..When you asked about the 4th string you described it as the one closest to one's head...A word of advise..lower that instrument, your going to get a cramp in your neck...Jim's books also give you a picture of how you should hold the uke. I would love to see you play...closest to your head????? you must be a yoga teacher....OHHHHHHMMMMMMMMM...frets Answer: boy, this isn't my night...second time in one day...look for your answer in the box above...on my screen, the lower box is hidden as I type the question, and dummy me, I forget to scroll up ..If I did you would get your answer in the space designated as the response area. so there you go....forgetfulfretful.... - Friday, October 6, 2000

Question asked by: james c bazzel Subject: tunes and tuning Question: HOW DO YOU TUNE A UKE.. Answer: james, you start by twisting those little knobby things on the back of the top...now that I have been a smart ass, here comes the real work...Go to the on line store on this web site and purchase a tuner. Then get Jim's beginning book on the Ukulele and the rest is a piece of cake. good luck and don't forget...everyone who plays the uke started from where you are now....Jim Beloff has made it easy..I wish he had been around when I was a Kid...Hey Jim, I just wished you old age...sorry pal...chucko - Friday, October 6, 2000

Question asked by: jo ann johns Subject: good godrfey vegas Question: jo ann inherited an arthur godfrey vega uke and wants to know about it. Answer: Not a bad uke...they made two kinds...the one you have..the baritone and the other which is called a solo lute. Just a longer fretboard. As vega ukes go, pretty good. I have a sneaky hunch , that Arthur, in the pirvacy of his own home, played some other brand, however he endorsed the vega uke. Value?? couple of hundred dollars in great shape and with a case. hope I helped...chuck fayne - Friday, October 6, 2000

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