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

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Question asked by: David Subject: Buzzy Kamaka Question: David got a Kamaka with a buzz. Answer: I have no idea what the buzz is without playing it, however, the first thing I would do is contact kamaka in Hawaii and explain the problem They are wonderful when it comes to things like this. My suggestion would be to send it back to Kamaka and have them repair it. It could be anything from frets, to braces to a bee stuck in the sound hole. I would not return it to the person you bought it from...you got a good enough deal to have it repaired. Kamaka is a fine instrument and deserves to be restored. thanks for writing...chuck - Friday, July 7, 2000

Question asked by: Earl Hoelig Subject: New Mexico Ukes Question: See Below...What do I know about the new Martin Ukes??? Answer: I did not know they were making other sizes other than the soprano. Do I understand they are making a tenor for 3000 bucks?..You can buy a vintage martin tenor in perfedt shape for alot less than 3000...Why in the world would you buy a new one when you can have the best made by the best of their time? Go looking for an old one and forget the modern made uke. Just an opinion...but a damn good one. frets... - Friday, July 7, 2000

Question asked by: Eric Schmall Subject: New Martin Ukes Question: Are they made in Mexico and what do I know about them? Answer: Yes they are being made in Mexico. I have not played one yet, but from reports they are not the same quality as the original Martin Ukes. But, then what is..If they are not as good, all they do is pump the value of the vintage Martins ..thats the good side. So go looking for a used vintage Martin and be sure.....chuck - Friday, July 7, 2000

Question asked by: Raymond Mesavage Subject: Concertone banjo Uke Question: What about it? Answer: Raymond, they made millions of them. Not badly made and some sound pretty good. Who made them?..Up for grabs...My guess, Concertone farmed out the making to one or more of the many companies who were making ukes at that time. I have seen that very uke and it did not say concertone and it was identical. I wish I could help you more, but I get this very question about 50 times a year and have to give the same answer each time...Someday I will find out exactly who made them...I suspect more than one maker..and I will let you all know..tilll then...keep strumming..chuck - Friday, July 7, 2000

Question asked by: Rick Beauregard Subject: triolian uke Question: whats it worth.. Answer: You have a 1929 nation triolian uke thats needs refinishing. It will not be an easy project to refinish the uke. When you are done, it will be worth around 1000 dollars. Much more if it were original...good luck and let us know how it comes out....chuck - Friday, July 7, 2000

Question asked by: Bruce Subject: Peter Pan Uke Question: What is it? Answer: The Uke was made by regal in the 40's...Don't know why. Well made uke...but then Regal made good ukes once in a while. It does look like a martin o. I have had a couple of them and have never been able to find out anything about why the peter pan label. I think its just decorative and not connected with any flying woman. I am not familiar with the may singh breen book called "the peter pan uke method. My guess is that it is just a coincidence. Hope this helps...Its a long answer to tell you I know very little about the uke. Will add more if I find out anything...chuck - Friday, July 7, 2000

Question asked by: Dave Ball Subject: ditson 3m uke Question: Whats it worth? Crack free in original case. Answer: Alot of money...and that is just an estimate. You have one of my favorite instruments. It is very good luck to start a chain uke letter. You mail the uke to me and then I will mail it to 100 of my closest friends...It will eventually get back to you...Ha Ha..It is a masterpiece. I have one and wouldn't give it up for anything. They made two varieties. You will know the difference instantly. The earliest is made of very dark wood..Almost black, with more ornate inlays in the fretboard. You sent me pics, so I know which one it is. It is the later model..l930's...and the value is in excess of 2000-2500. It is a very collectable uke. Good find. I dream of finding one at a swap meet. All I ever find these days is bad coffee and the bathrooms don't open for another hour. So I don't drink the coffee...someday...thanks...chuck frets fayne - Friday, July 7, 2000

Question asked by: Jack Morse Subject: david hurd and his concert Question: Whats the difference between a pineapple concert and a regular concert. He wants my thoughts on a David Hurd Ukulele. Answer: The difference between the concert sized pineapple and the regular concert is the depth of the tone. The Pineapple has a deeper tone. The other difference, you will see immediatedly is the shape. One looks like a pineapple and the other looks like a little guitar. The Pineapple is also sweeter, if you get it at the height of the season. You can never go wrong buying a David Hurd anything..If you have read my colum before, you know I think he is a man at the top of his craft. Worth the wait. Good luck and thanks for writing....frets - Friday, July 7, 2000

Question asked by: Don Flick Subject: pnut-uke Question: what is it..?? Answer: Under the ss stewart label on the back, you will find N Turtorro, New York City...He was, among other things, a mandolin maker. He did make some oddball instruments. The turnover uke...a uke on one side and a mandolin on the other. He made the uke you have based on a uke with a bowl back mandolin back...sort of. He also had dozens of patents for various musical improvements( ?). It is a good uke..Not a great player, but yes, it is worth more than a regular uke because of its rarity. He made two varieties. One with no trim and one with a white border. When I was a kid we had a White border live with us for about 5 years and then we needed the room for a ping pong table. ( perhaps you didn't need to know that.)...It definitly was not made by Regal Thanks for you question...Nuts to you...chuck - Friday, July 7, 2000

Question asked by: David Subject: Gibson BU Question: Whats it worth? Answer: $50 bucks to set it up is reasonable. Needs gut strings not metal. Can't tell you much without knowing which Gibson Banjo Uke it is. They made four or five different models. Send me a Pic. The new hooks devalue it some for the purist collector, but doesn't hurt the playability. When I get the pic, I will give you a better appraisal. Till then...see ya...chuck - Wednesday, June 28, 2000

Question asked by: Howard finkel Subject: Mele and Maybell...attny at law Question: what do I have? Answer: Mele..made by Bugelson and Jacobson of New York..Decent maker. Good Hawaiian Imitation..Decent wood and not a bad sound. Maybell Banjo Uke. Hard to ge to sound right. You have to try different combinations. Gut Strings are a must. Metal strings sound like..% ^&$.....Bridge...little grover Bridge from the 30's...Not too High..The action is already high enough so a low bridge is a must...Watch your head...Get it? Low bridge..watch your head? Not good if you have to explain them. The Plastic head must go also. Skinhead is the only way on these little things. Plastic seems to work on the larger banjos, but not on banjo ukes. Thats all the news that fit to print. Over and Out...fayne - Wednesday, June 28, 2000

Question asked by: Dawn E Subject: Roy Smeck Question: Decent starter Uke? Answer: Yes ...Decent starter Uke. Are they worth anything? Yes, just about what you paid for it..$25 bucks. IT is a good starter uke. After you master the Smeck try the fluke...Available from this site. Fabulous uke...enjoy...chuck - Wednesday, June 28, 2000

Question asked by: Howard Finkel Subject: Keech Question: Tell me about Keech Answer: Alvin and Kelvin Keech were the inventors of the Banjo Uke in Hawaii in the 20's. They started the rage. I think they are very well made. I have two of them and them have very different sounds but both are easy to play and beautifuly made. I have no idea of the value, because they made about 6 different models. I would need to know which one it is and the overall condition. My guess would be anywhere from 200- 500...but best of all...you have a really good player.....frets - Wednesday, June 28, 2000

Question asked by: Joe Subject: applause ukes Question: Have I seen them? Answer: Yes, I have seen them. They are well built and have a very good sound. I don't happen to be a fan of amplified ukes. I'm old fasioned. I like to strum louder if I need added volum, but they are worth looking into. They pop up on eby once in a while and seem to be a good deal in this wacky market. keep strummin...applause to you for the question...chuck - Wednesday, June 28, 2000

Question asked by: Kevin Casey Subject: Gilbert Pease Uke Question: What is it..whats it worth...tell me about it. Answer: I am not familiar with the George Pease Uke. I would love to see a picture, however, the fact that you can buy it for under a hundred dollars says something in this inflated market. I would proceed with caution. I know that sounds wierd...But...Kevin wants to know if He can play the Beatles song Pease Pease Me" on this uke. The answer is no. It has the Beetles lock out mechanism, from what I hear. Letus know what you do. chucko - Wednesday, June 28, 2000

Question asked by: Larry Subject: koholas Question: Larry bought a Kohalas for 200 ....has a hairline crack...wants to know if he got ripped off. Answer: No, you didn't get ripped off. A decent Kaholas should be around 200 bucks. They are funny instruments. Their trademark is that they are lopsided. Always lopsided. Large lower bouts and small tops.....Much like Rubenesque models of the 18th century...Fix the crack while it is small, they have a tendency to spread in a Koa uke. They follow the grain line and eventually go through. You definitly did not get ripped off. I like the Kaholas uke. Send me a pic if you can. thanks frets - Wednesday, June 28, 2000

Question asked by: Mark Daniels Subject: ALOHA ROYAL Question: TELL ME ABOUT IT..... Answer: ALOHA ROYAL. The name of an instrument that has been made for years. They are usually better tourist quality instruments. It says "Un Manke Eaoka Aina Ika Pono" on the headstock...Which, in simple translation means" Make sure you grass skirt is not on backwards, or they see more than the hula"....Value? depending on the condition and the age...a couple hundred dollars. As I said, they are a cut above the rest...thanks from down under chuck fayne...headyakker... - Wednesday, June 28, 2000

Question asked by: MIKE Subject: Black Bear Question: Where is Duane Heilman and his company ....Black Bear? Answer: Duane Heilman can be reached at blackbear@nwinfo.net. He is one fine luthier. I have a couple of his ukes and am more than satisfied. He made a custom koa resonator uke for me and I love it. I think a custom concert for under a thousand dollars is about right for todays market. However, you have to be very careful in your choice of makers. There are alot of them out there today and you should shop around before making your decision. If you look back in my answers, you wil find some of my favorites. If you like I will supply you with the names of a few. There are so many makers today, I don't want to offend anyone. Every time I publish my recent favorite I get many "How About" letters. We all have our favorites. Above all, you have to play the instrument before you buy,. There are a few makers whom you could buy from by reputation alone and be safe. I would always like to hear the instrument first. What is my opinion of spruce over koa or mahogany? I try never to cover one wood with the other. ( boy that was stretching.) Again, it is such a personal thing..it depends so much on the uke itself. If you put a gun to my head, I would choose koa. I think, for my purposes, koa has it all...I like the mellow sound of the wood and love the way it looks. But oddly enough, my favorite player is a spruce topped Martin Uke. So there you go...definite as usual.thanks for the question..your pal" mister definite"..frets.... - Wednesday, June 28, 2000

Question asked by: Chuck Fayne Subject: send us your info... Question: No question, just a request... Answer: AS YOU OUT THERE IN UKE YAK LAND COME ACROSS THE NAMES OF GOOD LUTHIERS, GOOD DEALERS, GOOD PLAYERS, GOOD MAKERS...AND OTHER USEFUL UKE INFO..PLEASE SHARE IT WITH ALL OF US. WE NEED THAT KIND OF INFORMATION ALL THE TIME. EXPECIALLY, AS YOU CAN SEE, REPAIR PEOPLE ARE AT A PREMIUM. SEND US YOUR FAVORITE LISTS, WE PROMISE TO PRINT THEM...WHEN YOU WRITE ME, PLEASE REMEMBER TO PUT WHERE YOU LIVE. I LIKE TO RECOMMEND PEOPLE IN YOUR STATE AT LEAST. THANKS YAKKERS...."THE FRETMAN"..MY ORIGINAL FAMILY NAME...MY DAD CHANGED IT TO FRET DURING THE WAR... - Wednesday, June 28, 2000

Question asked by: Mike Subject: need a repair person in oregon Question: Kumalae and Martin are in need of help. Answer: Mike , I don't know a repair person in Oregon. However this question will generate your answer. I know some fine uke yaker will know a good luthier in oregon. Mike has a Kumalae and a Martin in need of Help. Please write in and let us know the name. Thanks Mike..hope this helps. chuck frets fayne - Wednesday, June 28, 2000

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