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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

Question asked by: matt rappaport Subject: paddle uke Question: are they worth anything? Answer: The Swagerty company made all sorts of those ukuleles in the l950's and 60's....and maybe later...They are out of business now but their ukes live on...They are made like weapons and that is why there are so many of them around...Do they have value?..Yes..There are people who collect them. They also, although they don't look like it, sound pretty good. I have one...I wouldn't want to travel with it, but I play it once in a while and when I do play it I play " Once in a While". If the one you found is cheap, buy it..if not...not...see ya and thanks....frets - Tuesday, January 4, 2000

Question asked by: cris Subject: swaggerty treholipee Question: Info? Answer: Swaggerty was a San Clemente California based manufacturing company in the 1950's-70's. They turned out many many of these things you have..in many different lenghts and names..a couple of the other names are..polk-a-le- le..surf-a-le=le...they all resemembled each other in some way. It seems that they were advertised as the beach instrument. If a good wave came in you just stuck them in the sand and rode the wave. In a pinch, you could ride the instrument. The odd part about them is they have a decent sound. You wouldn't think so by looking at them, but the ones I have played all seem to be pretty o k ..thanks the questions..pics can be seen in jim beloff's book...the Ukulele..a visual history..available in fine music stores everywhere and on this site...frets - Wednesday, December 29, 1999

Question asked by: jim hancock Subject: ultra royal hawaiian Question: what is it? Answer: I will send you jim's exact question.Teardrop shaped headstock, nice but not too fancy koa, pineapple larger than kamaka soprano, clover shaped soundhole, black plastic and metal tuners, royal hawaiian brand, lrg label inside with hula girl, picture made in hawaii, no case.give me some info please...well jim here goes..I have no idea what you have. Kumalae made all of the royal Hawaiian ukuleles. Royal Hawaiian is a Hotel and they sold them there to tourists. Up until now I thought Kumalae made them all. I guess I was wrong. Kumalae only departed from the norm once that I know of and made a concert sized uke..Pretty on the edge for them...I would love to see a picture of this one..Regardless of what it is..it is very rare. Perhaps unique. I have handled 1000's of ukes and never heard of or seen one like the one you describe..I hope someone out there has some information for us...thanks for a most interesting letter...sorry I can't be of more help...chuck - Wednesday, December 29, 1999

Question asked by: Mimi Geibel Subject: Question: Care,claning,case and pickup? Answer: The airplane bridge Johnny Marvin is Mimi's Uke of choice for her swing band. Good choice..one of my favorite playing ukes..also love the look...As far as a case goes, you have to find a case maker and have one made..It is an oddball size and I have never found one that fit exactly...Don't know if they ever made a case for the uke. To protect the finish..I like the oil that most violin shops sell...I've said it before, but it bears repeating...If that stuff is good enough for a strad..it ought to be good enough for a strad...its good enough for a Marvin...Pick up???I prefer the pickup that uses the saddle. You will end up with a hole in Johnny's butt...but ( two buts in the same sentence)..it sounds like your going to keep the uke and it will not deter from the look or value. You are correct ..the uke is a wonderfully bold and brash baby. But you don't have to get up four times a nite to feed him..Hope I've helped...If not..please write again..Thanks..frets fayne - Tuesday, December 28, 1999

Question asked by: mike longworth Subject: bucks county folk music shop Question: no question...just info...see below Answer: Thanks Mike and good to hear from you...For those who may not be familiar with Mike Longworth, he literally is the man who has forgotten more about the Martin company primarily and the guitar world in general, than most of us will ever know. He is a builder second to none...and a hell of a nice guy..The Human Musical Encyclopaedia has written with information about Bucks county folk music shop..Their web address is Bucksmusic.com. They are old friends of Mikes and he states they are honest and reliable and when Mike was at Martin they used to visit each other frequently. Good enough for me. Their website does not mention ukuleles, so if you want to know...I guess you have to write them directly and ask...Thanks Mike and Happy, Healthy holidays from all your friends in the Uke world. Chuck Fayne...a fan... - Tuesday, December 28, 1999

Question asked by: kieth block Subject: Talina Banjo Ukes Question: Do the play worth a Dang? Answer: Kieth wants to know if the cool looking Talina Banjo Uke sounds as good as it looks. He asked builder Roy Cone about the intonation and Roy laughed and said" I'm not good enough to know that" Roy, I hope you have someone in your company who is...It is not just the looks that sell the instrument...I know Roy..he is an active man in the Uke and Banjo Uke world...I think he was pulling your G String..From the news I get, He makes a fine instrument...I would love be able to play one..perhaps when I come to America in March and agaiin in April, I will have a chance..Then I can answer your question with first hand knowledge...Until then we have to rely on the Uke Yaker out there who has one...Let us know how it is...Thanks...Chuck Fayne - Monday, December 27, 1999

Question asked by: clyde croasdale Subject: NEW MAKERS Question: No question....see below Answer: Welcome back Clyde..Nice to hear from you again..Clyde has written to give us the name of a New Maker. Buck Musical Instrument Co. in Bucks County Pa. The instruments can be seen at the Bucks County Folk Music in New Britan Pa. Clyde, do you know if the have a website, e mail or mailing address? If you find it before I do, please let us know. I am always interested in the new ukes being made today..From what Clyde says they do custom work..So, somebody scout around and lets see what we can find out...Thanks clyde..See ya.....frets fayne - Monday, December 27, 1999

Question asked by: janet voegeli Subject: lindell uke Question: what is it? Answer: The best I can do is tell you that Regal built them in the 30's and 40's. It is yet another example of how many different names appear on Regal Ukes. I wish I had the production records for Regal..I could confirm my suspicions. Regal made everything...All the other companies opened their doors each morning and waited for the Regal truck to appear. Then they marked them, displayed them and gave out the news..that the southland had given birth to the Blues...Sorry about that..I got carried away. Music is my life...I have seen Lindell ukes but have honestly never played one...Let us know how it sounds...thanks for joining one of the most elite clubs in the world...A bunch of nuts who take time out to ask questions about the ukulele...Strange but true...keep strummin" chuck frets fayne - Monday, December 27, 1999

Question asked by: kieth bramer Subject: new makers Question: No question....Information...see below... Answer: Kieth wrote to remind me that there is another wonderful ukulele maker on the big island in Hawaii named David Gomes. He is in the town of Kapaau. I visited David on my last trip to Hawaii and Kieth is right, he makes wonderful Ukuleles. I'm sorry I left him out when listing good new makers. I am sure I have left out many many more and that is why I rely on all of you to send in your personal favorites. Thanks Kieth, I won't leave out David again. I don't know if David has a website, but I will research it and let you all know. "FRETS" - Saturday, December 25, 1999

Question asked by: CHUCK FAYNE Subject: HO HO HO DON HO HO HO Question: NO QUESTION...SEE BELOW Answer: I WANT TO THANK YOU ALL PERSONALLY FOR THE WONDERFUL QUESTIONS YOU HAVE SENT INTO THE UKE YAK THIS PAST YEAR. THEY ARE A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF KEEPING THIS LITTLE INSTRUMENT ALIVE. THE MORE WE CAN FIND OUT ABOUT THEM THE MORE INTEREST WE GENERATE. NOW THAT THE VINTAGE MARKET HAS SKYROCKETED, IT IS TIME TO LOOK INTO THE MODERN BUILDERS OF TODAY. THERE ARE MANY. THEY WILL BECOME THE VINTAGE INSTRUMENTS OF THE FUTURE. PLEASE WRITE IN AS YOU PURCHASE ONE OF THE MODERN MADE UKES AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK..AGAIN THANKS FOR SUPPORTING US AT THE YAK AND FLEA-MKT-MUSIC. HAPPY HOLIDAYS, HEALTHY NEW YEAR AND DON'T WORRY ABOUT Y2K...WORRY ABOUT FINDING A MARTIN 2K FOR A REASONABLE PRICE...CHUCK FRETS FAYNE - Wednesday, December 22, 1999

Question asked by: Jim Abott Subject: pegasus vs. kamaka Question: How do they compare? Answer: The Pegasus ukulele is a beautifully made ukulele. The Kamaka ukulele has 75 years of experience behind them...They have made consistantly fine ukuleles all those years and still do. You are asking this question to a person who is a real Kamaka fan. I think one of the best ukes ever built is the 1928 pineapple by Kamaka. I have played many of their modern ukes and find them to be wonderful...I really can't compare them for you. It is a matter of personal preference. I realize you cannot play the Pegasus before ordering, and that is a problem..Considering there is a 2 year wait, I would ask you to consider looking at the works of David Hurd ( ukuleles by Kawika) in hawaii and Black Bear Ukuleles in Wash state. There is a similar wait for David Hurd, but the Ukes are wonderful..I have no idea what the wait is for Black Bear but the Ukuleles are also worth the wait. You will be able to reach both of these builders by punching in the name and their web site will come up..They have both made ukuleles for me and I am beyond pleased. If I can be of any more help...don't hesitate...chuck frets fayne - Wednesday, December 22, 1999

Question asked by: Diane Davisson Subject: Kamaka Baritone Question: Diane has a Kamaka that has the tuners out the side instead of out the back of the headstock..Wants to know how to improve them. Answer: Kamaka made ukes with side tuners. Usually special order and they were top of the line tuners. I prefer out the back myself. You are wondering if you can improve them. You probably can. I would contact Kamaka in Hawaii , describe the Uke to them and ask if they will sell you a set of tuners. Their tuners are really good. I like the sound of a Kamaka Baritone...They are a very sweet instrument. See ya down the fretboard of life..frets - Tuesday, December 21, 1999

Question asked by: Holly Fontana Subject: roy smeck concert and who attended Question: Holly has a roy smeck concert uke. The one with the large double rows of dots on the fingerboard in a hard shell case and wants to know the value. Answer: The hard shell case adds to the value of the package. It is worth about 400.00 total.... If it is in fine condition...They were among the top of the Harmony line. Good wood and decent craftsmanship...I have one and it is a fairly good player..thanks for the question...chuck - Tuesday, December 21, 1999

Question asked by: pete man Subject: nylons and baritones Question: What brand of nylon strings do I recommend for a tenor uke? Answer: I prefer Kamaka strings because they break in very easily. I have never tried GHS black Hawaiian strings...have you? If anyone out there has, please write in and report how they are. Depending on how heavy your tenor is...you might want to try the Martin strings. Harder to break in but if your instrument is heavy the lightness of the strings help with the tone...Remember...always be suspicious of any baritone in nylons..Chuck Frets Fayne - Tuesday, December 21, 1999

Question asked by: Russ Hayes Subject: 8 string tenor with metal strings Question: Not a question...information... Answer: Russ saw Mike Mannion's question about an 8 string tenor with metal strings. He writes that Leonard Young makes such a uke. I visited Leonard the last time I was in Hawaii but Leonard has since moved to Idaho..Where I hear the surfing is just as good...If you out there in uke yak land would like to check it out...his website is.http://www.youngukuleles.com/ Thanks Russ for your information..I was kidding about the surfing..but I hear it is the Latka capitol of the world..It must be with all those spuds...frets fayne - Tuesday, December 21, 1999

Question asked by: ED STANDER Subject: taropatch strings?? Question: What should I use for strings on my nunes Taropatch?? Answer: The instrument originally used a set of gut strings. They are difficult to get in the length needed. I have always used the Kamaka long concert strings. You have to be careful tuning initially. You may have to wait a time before the strings soften enough to tune the instrument up to picth. I really have to do some research into modern made strings. I havn't done it for a while and will now. If any of you out there have information on modern string makers, please let me know. I need to order and test some , so I can make decent recommendations. If your nunes has a pin bridge, you can be a little more agressive, but if it has a conventional bridge, take it slowly. Don't overtune....Your other option is to collect 2 sets of already broken in strings ....i would contact a music store and ask them to save a couple of sets of strings when they restring a ukulele. I think they would suit your purpose. thanks for your question....chuck frets fayne - Thursday, December 9, 1999

Question asked by: Jim, Duron Subject: dating a gibson uke Question: How can one tell the decade a gibson uke was made? Jim has one that says in silver, "The Gibson". Answer: Jim. If the logo "The Gibson" is in script, The uke was made between 1927 and 1938. After that time it gets muddy. Most of the later logo's say "Gibson" in sort of an art deco look and later "The Gibson" in almost attached block letters. Gibson may be one of the most confusing ukes to pin point for many reasons..They also made many special order ukes that don't follow the already confusing pattern, but yours is fairly easy. They only used the script on the early models....If you want to know which one you have, look inside. Sometimes you can make out on the inside of the back the rubber stamp of Ul U2 or U3. If not, let me know what it looks like and I'll tell you what it is. Regardless, you have the most desirable one...chuck frets alot... - Sunday, December 5, 1999

Question asked by: Gerald Potter Subject: Johan Kumalae Question: healing cracks....???? Answer: The description you sent me is of the plainest uke Kumalae made. The two small cracks on the front and the two large ones on the back do alter the value. It would be better if they were not there, but no, they are not fatal. If they are as you say, not from damage, but rather age, they can be closed. It is when pieces are missing that the job becomes difficult and usually not worth the effort. I don't know where you live, but find a good luthier and if it is just grain separation, the wood can be steamed and the cracks drawn together. It is a uke worth repairing. It is made by one of the better makers. Prolific, but good. Please don't attempt to fix this yourself It never works..I speak from first hand experience....chuck fayne - Friday, December 3, 1999

Question asked by: TOPHER Subject: UKES AND THEIR VALUE Question: gayle has two ukes both in poor condition according do the explanation. The first is a leonardo nunes, home repaired non original tuners, bad cracks, refinished etc. The second is a slingerland banjo uke, original except for the fingerbord, tailpiece, finish, skin and pegs. Answer: Gayle, in this world of expensive instruments, condition means alot. These two instruments have little value if any. The nunes is nice but very common and there are many examples of them in almost pristine condition. The slingerland banjo uke is even more common and in fine condition does not bring alot in today's market. I would keep them for sentimental value and not even think about their worth in dollars and cents. Sorry, wish I could have better news, however, as I said, condition means alot today...frets - Friday, December 3, 1999

Question asked by: TODD NOVAK Subject: tabu Question: Todd found a tabu uke and wants to know if Kumalae made it. Answer: Maybe...Tabu is not a brand but a stamp that the Hawaiian makers came up with after Kumalae won the Pan Pacific Exhibition to denote a genuine hawaiian Uke. Mainland makers were putting "made in hawaii" on their Ukes and the hawaiians thought the stamp would put a stop to it. It didn't. But the stamp usually appears on the older ukes. The manufacturers or distributors who used it most were: Harold and Paul Summers, Sam Chank, and Akai to name a few. I don't think I have ever seen the stamp on a Kumalae. That is not to say that your uke was not made by Kumalae. It may well have been. Kumalae made for everyone, even mainland manufacturers and distributors. Kumalae was the Regal of Hawaii. You now know as much as I do. If you have a picture of your uke, I would love to see it. cfayne@alphalink.com.au cfayne...... - Monday, November 29, 1999

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page