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

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Question asked by: Jim Subject: Shaka Uke Question: Wants to know about a Shaka Uke and is there white mahogany? A man in hawaii sold him the uke and told him it was White Mahogany. Answer: So we know what it looks like, how does it play? I can give you the same amount of information about both the Shaka Uke Company and White Mahogany. I wish you wanted to know something about which I had any knowledge at all. It sounds like the Shaka Uke Company may be a new maker. I'm pretty sure it is not a vintage maker. I'm pretty familiar with them, however, It is hard to keep up with the swell of new uke makers answering the call of the uke demand. As far as White Mahogany, I would't rule it out I just heard one of the spice girls is considering a political career..I guess there is also a possiblilty there is White Mahogany. Politics.....were in trouble...keep strummin' frets spice boy fayne.... - Tuesday, February 22, 2000

Question asked by: JOHN LETHAM Subject: stencil uke Question: John has a uke with a creamed colored top, brown stenciled anchor, small wave with a sailboat on top, a flag and wave patterns across the lower bout and clouds on the upper bout. Who made this? Answer: John, I have had this uke in about four colors. They are deeper than most ukes. I don't know that I have ever seen a lable and have often wondered who made them...Its either that, or I can't remember...I can't remember which. As you can see " definite" is my middle name. I guarantee you that someone will write in with the answer if there is one, because the company that made these made millions...come-on someone...write...send a pastrami sandwich and a half dill pickle while your at it...Its hard to find that combination in Australia....Chuck - Tuesday, February 22, 2000

Question asked by: travis boddie Subject: harmony .. Question: travis has a harmony uke and wants to know about it. Answer: Hi Travis..long time no hear. From your description...white trim, wooden tuning pegs, ....I have a feeling you have an early harmony concert uke. They are fairly rare and the wooden pegs are a mystery..Harmony was not known for its wooden pegs...they may be replacements. As far as value, 200 bucks at the top end in 9+ condition...chuck - Monday, February 21, 2000

Question asked by: PETER CRUZ Subject: repair a nunes taropatch??? Question: Peter needs help repairing a nunes taropatch. Wants to know who. Answer: I have had many instruments repaired by many people and the best ever is a man in hawaii. I have never published his name on uke yak before. He is very busy and because he is an artist, he can only do what he can do with his own hands. His name is Michael Drousche..His telephone number is 808 822 4219. his address is pobox 893 Lihue, kauai, hawaii 96766. He resrored a nunes taropatch for me. It was a shoebox case and it is now magnificent. Remember, it could be a long wait, but if you are lucky enough to get him to work on your instrument, you will see what can be done by a master craftsman. I have a feeling I have just shot myself in the foot. It may take longer to get my own stuff done, But it is worth it. Its time the uke world knew about Michael..He is truely an artist...I've told him myself,but when you get in touch with him, please tell him how much I think of his work...chuck fayne - Monday, February 21, 2000

Question asked by: Frank York Subject: black kamaka strings Question: Frank wants to know the correct gage for concert or tenor uke. And where to purchase Black Kamaka Strings. Answer: I am not an expert on strings. I usually go with what the package has. My favorite strings are Kamaka Black Strings. Where to get them? Most quality music stores would be foolish if they didn't stock them. They are the leading string on the market or tied with Martin. If all else fails, you can e mail Kamaka or ask information in Hawaii for Kamaka and call them direct. They will tell you the stores in your area that carry the strings. chuck - Monday, February 21, 2000

Question asked by: paul kraus Subject: repairs and other great fruits Question: paul is wondering if repairing will lessen the value of a uke. He is also going to try his hand at making ukes, being encouraged by david hurd of Ukuleles by Kawika. Are the Ukes worth saving. Answer: The answer is yes. If the uke was decent to begin with, you will increase the value by doing a good repair. I wouldn't waste my time repairing a uke that wasn't decent to begin with. Too many good ones to look for. Obviously, the rarer the uke the more you want to restore it. I spent a kings ransom repairing a manuel nunes taropatch..It came to me in shoebox and was in hundreds of pieces. A master luthier in Hawaii spent about a year and restored it to playable condition and performed a miracle cosmetically. I would do it again..The instrument deserved it. I would not have done this had it been a harmony from the l940's..Long answer to short question. As far as making ukes, join the legions. If you are being encouraged by David Hurd, then by all means. One could not have a better mentor. He's tops. Good luck. What the world needs is another great uke maker..Good luck and be sure and send us the info when you go into production...chuck - Sunday, February 20, 2000

Question asked by: steve Subject: Gibson 1 Question: Steve has a uke that is all mahogany, correct dimensions for a gibson 1. brazillian rosewood fingerboard and the correct point at the end. It has the rope binding around the soundhole. ebony nut, correct peghead and heel shape, black adjustable screw tuners, grover uke pegs, kerfed lining, carved braces and the Gibson silk screened in white on the headstock. Steven wants to know did gibson ukes have any other identifying marks on the headbock or indside. Did anyone make high quality gibson copies in the l920/-30's? How does on I D this Uke? Steve is questioning a finish that does not look like gibson. Answer: Steve, if the uke has 15 parts that are correct and finish doesn't quite look right...I think you have a Gibson Uke...Call me nuts, but I'd stake mine on that. Finishes are funny things..they have a tendency to change as the years go by. braces, logo's, shapes, kerfing, etc have a tendency to stay the same. I wouldn't go looking for some mysterious high quality copy...who would? .wouldn't be worth it..uke only sold for about 6 bucks in l920..long way to go for a copy..you have a gibson, now sleep easy...we have solved the mystery...thanks for the adventure..sherlock frets fayne - Sunday, February 20, 2000

Question asked by: MAURINE AUDEL Subject: BRUNO Question: MAURINE HAS A LYRA UKE BY BRUNO AND WANTS TO KNOW ABOUT IT. Answer: The bruno company is a very old company , making a variety of instruments through the years. I dont think they made their own ukuleles. I think they were made by Regal. It has the shape and wormakship of a Regal. I think their label is the greatest. They were not an expensive uke in their day, however, they sound pretty good. They are by no means poorly made. I have had many different types of bruno ukes through the years and some of them have been quite comical... One of my all time favorites is the all mother- or-toilet seat uke..Pictured in Jim Beloff's book..The Ukulele,A Visual History..Pick up a copy at fine book stores everywhere and Music stores as well. Keep plunkin and keep in touch and tune....frets - Sunday, February 20, 2000

Question asked by: barry parker Subject: Harmony Concert Question: Barry bought a harmony concert uke for 58 dollars and wants to know more about it. Answer: Barry, you did well...good score.. In my estimation, the best of the better harmony line. They made a soprano, concert and tenor in mahogany. The concert is the only one trimmed in white and I love the size...It is a good player. Value? hard to say...people familiar with the instrument would pay a couple of hundred bucks + ..but keep it and play it..its a good playing instrument.....thanks for the question...chuck - Saturday, February 19, 2000

Question asked by: barry parker Subject: US Strad Baritone Question: Have I ever heard of one? Answer: Yes. I don't remember alot about it except I agree with you..It was very heavy. Most baritones are heavy and sound dull. No, there is no way to make them sound more ukulele like. Changing strings does not help...I don't know if it is collectible or not. I would put it up for sale. You will find out the answer to your question real fast and perhaps get rid of it. Then you can purchase an instrument that is more ukulele sounding...a ukulele...hope i have helped...frets - Saturday, February 19, 2000

Question asked by: carl adkins Subject: converting Question: Carl wants to convert a banjo to a baritone uke. Answer: Why??? I do not know the scale length needed, I do not know the number of frets needed, I do not know the nut width. My advise would be to go to a top luthier ..My guess is that would be the person who would know best. I am just a uke guy...I can't put together a lego set correctly, so complex questions about a conversion from banjo to baritone uke...is out of my line just a tad. chuck - Saturday, February 19, 2000

Question asked by: eomwb Subject: bruno uke Question: I have an old bruno uke. No strings or bridge. Is it worth anything? Answer: Perhaps. frets - Saturday, February 19, 2000

Question asked by: gerry Subject: will van allen banjo uke Question: I have a will van allen banjo uke with the name revelation on the headstock...what is it.. Answer: I am familiar with an Allen banjo uke and I am not sure it is the same Allen..I think the one I saw was R Allen...I'm sure we will find out from the readers out there in uke yak land...There are some womderful banjo uke collectors who will know the answer. Hey out there uke yak ville, please send in the info...thanks chuck - Saturday, February 19, 2000

Question asked by: CHUCK FAYNE Subject: WARNING Question: NO QUESTION......SEE BELOW Answer: I just felt I had to say this. Please don't take what a uke sells for on the auction networks as the market value of the Ukulele. It is an auction and subject to all the craziness of an auction...People get carried away with the bidding. People are swayed by clever wording and in some cases not truthful wording. The best example of this is the "Martin Banjo Uke with the signature of Rudolph Valentino. " The man who put this up on the site took his uke to a librarian in Fort Worth Texas and she deemed it to be a Martin Banjo Uke probably made to be given to showgirls around the 20's. I don't know about you all, but If I were going to find out about my Banjo Uke, I have a feeling I would not take it to a librarian in Fort Worth Texas. The nice part of the story is the people out there in bidding land didn't believe it either, they wouldn't even bid the reserve. I have been hearing more and more about people who don't get exctly what they thought they were bidding for. Remember you are really bidding for a picture and a description...Unless you can get to see the instrument physically, that's all you really are bidding for. If it is a 50 dollar uke, I guess you takes your chances, however, I have seen people bid 4000 dollars on just a picture. I wouldn't do it. For that kind of money, I need to physically see the instrument. I know its tough, because sellers reazlize that the auction concept brings big bucks. I have personally sold and bought on the auction networks , but I have an advantage. I know the questions to ask the seller. I realize that this is also not foolproof, however I increase my chances of it being what they say it is. Remember, when bidding on an item, it is more often what they leave out of the description rather than what they put in that is really important. Pictures can be shot from any angle...What they may call rare may not be. Don't be confused by the following words: Unique, Rare, Scarce, Mint, 97 0/0. and my all time favorite..."a surface crack that is not open and does not go all the way through." A crack is a crack.. Another sentence to beware of is " Item sold as is. Please ask the seller all the questions before the auction is over, because there are no returns." This sentence should be a red flag. It means, there is something wrong with this and you have to guess what it is. You have to ask the right question. If you don't know what to ask, you will never ask the right question. and they have covered their asses. Remember a 4000 ukulele with a repaired cracked headstock is worth 40.00. "professionally repaired by the Martin company"..another of my favorites...I ask to see the repair receipt and description of what was done. This is an expensive market these days. I would not have written this 10 years ago....but in today's inflated market..it really is buyer beware. Unique means, THE ONLY ONE. Rare means, fewer than a handfull (sometime definition 5 or less) Scarce means, not often seen. These are loose definitions used by the antique world but accepted world wide. "as is"..means broken..always...The guarantee you are looking for says "Buyer may return this merchandise for ANY reason within 48 hours and your money will be refunded"..This means the seller is confident that the description is accurate. I always write the seller and ask if this is the case. If they say no...I pass on the item. I am not saying don't buy and that people are out to cheat you. I am saying, be cautious and ask questions. Find out if there is a money back guarantee. Ask lots of questions. You have pleanty of time..Usually 6 days per auction. Ask that they send you better pictures. I have seen pictures on the auction networks that are so bad it is impossible to see the instrument, let alone its condition. Be careful, Be smart...ask us here at uke yak. Remember, if you buy a car...most car dealerships will let you take it to your own mechanic to be tested. Some of these little instruments are selling for more than a used car. We shold have the same option to take it to a professional luthier and have it checked over. This market is only going to get more expensive. If the seller won't answer questions or give a money back guarantee..I would be worried. If you don't know what to ask..ask me. I believe that the people at the auction networks do everything they can to insure fair and honest trading , however it is up to you to protect yourself. The networks can only do so much. This warinig is not only for auction items , they also apply for anything you purchase. Ask questions. Somebody once told me this and I remembered it all these years. " Don't look for whats right with an item..look for whats wrong." It is often easy to be swayed by the good looks and overlook the real problems. Well, I've said enough for now.....see ya...chuck fayne - Tuesday, February 15, 2000

Question asked by: Gary Newkirk Subject: Martin concert uke Question: Gary bought one and wants to know all about it. Answer: Ahhh gary...where to start...You have found one of my favorite all time ukuleles. Perfect size, great tone and perfect weight. I wish I played at the same quality level as my Martin Concert was manufactured. I have asked gary to send me a little more info to date it exactly. They were issued two times..The differences are small and do not affect the sound. You say it is mint. Sorry, I had to stop to mop up the drool from my keyboard...The value should be well in excess of 1000 dollars in that condition. If you only ever owned one uke..It should be that one. Nice find..it deserves to be played. The fact that it has wood friction pegs probably indicates it is the first issue. In that case, the binding would be rosewood and the dots on the fingerboard would be very tiny. No matter..its a fabulous uke. In my top five always...chuck - Tuesday, February 15, 2000

Question asked by: Mike Subject: mizuno ukelele Question: Is it Japanese? When were they made? How much is it worth? What do I know about Indiana Ukuleles. Answer: Mike...I think you are safe in making the assumption that Mizumo is Japanese. I have never heard of the maker and hope someone out there will know about it. Please write in if you do. I have a feeling that Indiana,is not now or ever was, the Hub of Ukulele manufacturing in America. I have never heard of a Uke from Indiana. Have you? I am interested why you asked...Something must have generated that question and I would like to know what. Herb Shriner was from Indiana, but he played the Harmonica. I have no idea why I know that but I do...let me know why the Indiana question...chuck - Tuesday, February 15, 2000

Question asked by: Phil Otterson Subject: Gretch uke Question: Phil found a gretch uke and wants to know about it. Answer: Phil you found the standard gretch uke. Plain mahogany , no trim , decal on the peghead, and black plastic tuners. It was made in the 50 and 60's as you guessed. It has a couple of cracks that don't help its value much. If they arn't too bad and there is not alot of other damage, the uke is worth about 200 bucks..The odd thing is that even though they were not expensive ukes in their day, they sound good. thanks for the question...chuck - Tuesday, February 15, 2000

Question asked by: Jim Abbott Subject: banjo ukes Question: Are there any banjo ukes I like and what sets them apart from the others? What are the differences retgarding open back or resonator. Answer: There are banjo ukes I like. Ludwig Wendall Hall, Epiphone, Paramount, and Bacon and Day to name just a few. These, except for the ludwig are priced way out of the market. The cheaper banjo ukes, of which millions were made, are almost universally what you would expect from a cheap banjo uke. I am not fond of the banjo uke, that is not to say that there are not people who play them and play them well. There are also a couple of makers around today that are terrific. I will post a list of them as soon as I find my list. The basic difference between a open back banjo uke and one with a resonator is evident at first glance...That big gaping hole in the open back is hidden by the resonator. Now to the serious side. The resonator produces a much more mellow sound. I am not convinced that it makes it louder, I think in most cases the louder ones are open backed. The major difference between the quality banjo ukes and the cheap ones, other than the price, is that the quality ones were made by quality makers and were designed to be a serious musical instrument. The cheaper ones were only to satisfy the fad appeal of the day. For the most part they are just drum heads with a neck and strings. I am sure I am going to get alot of letters from banjo uke players..please write..Mine, of course is only a personal opinion. Not to be confused with fact...thanks for the question...frets fayne - Tuesday, February 15, 2000

Question asked by: Joseph Santianna Subject: Archtop, removeable bridged uke??? Question: What is it? Answer: I had Joseph send me a pic. It is a very lovely little uke with flower decals on the face..much like me in the 60's...archtop, removeable bridge and tailpiece. Have I ever seen one??? yes...The one I saw was by Fred Rickter..My feeling is that It was made by Regal and decorated by Fred. I have also seen a removeable bridge uke by Regal. They are not common but they do pop up once in a while. Nice uke..Be sure and play it...chuck - Monday, February 14, 2000

Question asked by: larry Subject: terry mead Question: larry has found a terry mead wood topped banjo uke and wants to know how it compares with favilla or gretch or kamaka? Answer: Never heard of Terry Mead...anyone out there heard of him, please write. How would his banjo uke compare to favilla, gretch or Kamaka? Easy answer. Favilla, Kamaka and Gretch never made a banjo uke, making the comparison both easy and impossible. I wish those companies would have made a banjo uke, expecially Kamaka...Sorry I couldn't be of more help. chuck - Monday, February 14, 2000

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