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

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Question asked by: steven zaborski Subject: dixi banjo uke Question: what kind of strings sound best? is sit a soprano? what is the history of the instrument? is $75 dollars a good deal? Answer: Well here I go again...I have had more questions about two instruments than all the others put together. The front runner is the violin uke and next, but not far behind, is the dixie banjo uke. Steven has a dixie banjo uke that sounds ok. Steven, you have a first. Both the instruments I have mentioned are always in excellent shape. The reason for this is people bought them, tried to get them to sound like something..finally gave up and put them in a closet. If you have one that sounds ok..Its better than just ok...its a miracle. The loudest strings you could use would be metal. Is seventy five dollars a good deal? No...seventy five cents is a good deal. History..unknown. Primary use...skillet...and in a pinch , take off the head and it becomes a great cheese slicer. Sorry, I wish I had better news....but not all the news is good. When your fingers heal..be sure and write again, I always enjoy hearing from you...frets - Monday, November 29, 1999

Question asked by: kathy Abbott Subject: PPIE --1915 Question: What is the PPIE 1915 mean. Answer: At the Pan Pacific Exhibition of 1915, Johan Kumalae won an award of design for his Ukulele. It launched on of the most profitible ukulele manufacturing companies of all time. They made ukes for many other companies. They were the first company to mass produce ukuleles. Not bad for a Portugese Ivory carver turned Ukulele Maker. His Ukuleles are well made and the varities many. Let me know a little more about the uke...trim, size, condition, wood type, etc and I will let you know which one it is. It's a nice uke and you should hang on to it and play it. Jonah would like that. thanks..frets - Sunday, November 28, 1999

Question asked by: Ross Ozer Subject: tenor strings Question: Jim Beloff plays his tenor with the DGBE tuning. Which strings should I purchase to use the same tuning? Answer: Tenor or concert strings...You just have to experiment. You may have to try many different types of strings to get the results you want. It is really guitar tuning. I would write to Jim directly. You will find his e-mail on the uke yak site and ask him. Be careful and don't get the strings up to tight. Some tenors will take it and others will not. Let us know what you find out. I would start with Kamaka strings, they are the most flexible...thanks chuck - Sunday, November 28, 1999

Question asked by: kevin hall Subject: erase your skinhead Question: suggestion not question. Answer: Concerning a letter of a few days ago about cleaning a banjo uke skinhead, Kieth offers the suggestion of using a soft rubber eraser. He says it won't remove all the grunge but the surface crud comes off in a flash..It can also be used on vellum and mylar. thanks Kieth, I knew someone out there would have a good suggestion...I'll personally try it and let you know. I'll use my uncle leo, if you don't mind. frets fayne - Sunday, November 28, 1999

Question asked by: Randy Coverstone Subject: gut strings Question: I ( chuck fayne ) have been recommending gut strings for a long time, knowing they were available, but not knowing where. I have a supply of them and havn't had to look for a dealer. Randy has been kind enough to send in his findings. Answer: Randy Recommends: www.aquilausa.com ( curtis daily) wmpug/com/gourdbjo.html ( bob thornburg) dan@daniellarson.com (dan larson) Thanks Randy for all your help, I too will order a set from each and see how they are. Please report your findings and I will report mine. chuck - Sunday, November 28, 1999

Question asked by: kevin hall Subject: erase your skinhead Question: suggestion not question. Answer: Concerning a letter of a few days ago about cleaning a banjo uke skinhead, Kieth offers the suggestion of using a soft rubber eraser. He says it won't remove all the grunge but the surface crud comes off in a flash..It can also be used on vellum and mylar. thanks Kieth, I knew someone out there would have a good suggestion...I'll personally try it and let you know. I'll use my uncle leo, if you don't mind. frets fayne - Sunday, November 28, 1999

Question asked by: kieth block Subject: pickup my surf-a-le-le Question: what would be a good pick up for a serf-a-le-le? Answer: I will answer the last question first. I have never tried stringing up a surf-a-le-le with a low g string...the temtation to play with that question is so strong, however good taste forbids me. Anyway it would just be a cheap shot. If I were you I would either use a sunrise pickup or have the saddle converted to a pickup. Any good luthier will be able to do this. I would opt for the in the saddle pickup..I converted a martin baritone that way and it has a wonderful sound..I personally like the sound of a surf-a-le-le...So if you ever meet a baritone named martin with a low g string...say hello from frets fayne.....just could't help myself...hope I've helped you... - Sunday, November 28, 1999

Question asked by: Chuck Fayne Subject: COME ON FOLKS.. MOORE DETAIL Question: SEE BELOW Answer: PLEASE, WHEN ASKING ABOUT AN INSTRUMENT, TRY TO BE AS EXACT AS POSSIBLE WITH THE DESCRIPTION. I JUST HAVE TO KEEP WRITING BACK AND FORTH WHEN ALL I GET IS." I HAVE A BROWN UKULELE, HOW MUCH IS IT WORTH?" YOU CAN ALWAYS SEND ME A PIC AT CFAYNE@ALPHALINK.COM.AU THAT WOULD BE THE ULTIMATE HELP. SHORT OF A PICTURE, A VERY DETAILED DESCRIPTION WOULD HELP. THERE ARE LITERALLY THOSANDS OF UKE AND AS MANY VARIETIES. PLEASE HELP...YOU WILL GET A BETTER ANSWER FASTER. CAN YOU BELIEVE WHATS HAPPENING TO THE UKE WORLD? LETS HOPE IT IS THE WEAPON OF THE FUTURE AND WARS ARE FOUGHT BY PEOPLE STANDING AND SINGING AT EACH OTHER..."WHEN YOU WORE A TULIP"...I HAVE HEARD SOME REDITIONS THAT WOULD MAKE ME STOP IN MY TRACKS AND RETREAT....HAPPY THANKSGIVING TO YOU ALL, I HAVE NOWHERE TO GO FOR THANKSGIVING, THEY DON'T CELEBRATE IT DOWN HERE IN AUSTRALIA, SO I AM OPEN TO ALL INVITATIONS...THEY MUST INCLUDE AN AIRPLANE TICKET ALSO, BUT I WILL BRING THE CRANBERRY SAUCE. WHAT A DEAL...HAPPY HOLIDAYS...FRETS FAYNE - Thursday, November 25, 1999

Question asked by: Randy Coverstone Subject: gut strings Question: Where can I get them... Answer: I have a tendency to recommend gut strings instead of metal strings and really mean nylon or plastic...anything but metal. Gut strings are around and I will get you the name of the person who makes them. As I answer this question, I have the feeling I have answered it before...If I have..Nice to talk to you again...If not..Hello and thanks for the question....Will get back to you. - Thursday, November 25, 1999

Question asked by: San Spencer Subject: the missing letters Question: San had a Bari Uke that had a four letter name...two of the letters may have been A and L. It was similar to a Martin Bari but without the tortoise shell binding. Any Ideas? Answer: I feel like I an on Wheel of Fortune. I'd like to buy a vowel.If it only have four letters for sure, I have no idea. I have searched my brain ( didn't take long) and I can't think of one. It it had more letters, it could have been Favilla..They made a bari Uke that looked exactly like a Martin. If anyone out there can help, please do. I know how frustrating that can be. I have been trying to think of the last two letters of my name for months and can't...thanks for the question chu fayne - Thursday, November 25, 1999

Question asked by: nelson remetz Subject: dirty skin head Question: my banjo uke nad a dirty skin head from years in the attic, how should I clean it. Answer: I have an uncle who has been in the attic for years who also has a dirty head. We have opted to leave him alone. I would give you the same advise about your banjo uke. I only mess with an instrument when it will help the sound. If you must clean it, use a very mild detergent and a very very very damp cloth. You have to be careful amd don't wet the skin. It can affect the sound. I would replace the head before I attempted to clean it. My first choice would be to leave it alone and just play it. I just got a letter from my brother, they cleaned uncle leo's head and he sounds worse..so there you have it...frets - Thursday, November 25, 1999

Question asked by: Jim Tranquada Subject: dias uke Question: where can I see one? Answer: If you can find the man I sold my collection to, you will see a dias uke. He lives in Japan, and since the sale was made through a third party, I don't even now who he is. I would be more than happy to tell you where you can see a pic of the only known dias....it was the one in my collection....You have to get a copy of Jim Beloff's book.."The Ukulele..a Visual History" You will see the dias from a few different angles..It is by far the rarest of the rare. The one in Jims book is the only one with a label..as far as I know. what a difference a dias makes....chuck fayne - Wednesday, November 24, 1999

Question asked by: shisrley martin Subject: 1939 uke Question: It's a Martin...what's it worth? Answer: Shirley...Martin made approximatly 30 different styles, shapes, and woods. Its like asking how much is a cadillac worth. I need tons of information to help you. My advise is to get a hold of a copy of Mike Longworth's book, Martin Guitars. In there is a chapter on the Ukulele. Find out which one you have and then ask the question again. I need, condition, type of wood. where the decal is or is not, does it have a case and how do you know it is from 1939?..I know alot about martin ukuleles and I wouldn't know the exact year unless someone had the sales slip..and then it is no guarantee of the year. Please, ask again, but include all the information you can. thanks chuck - Wednesday, November 24, 1999

Question asked by: steven zaborski Subject: martin vs.????? Question: What made today is a good as a Martin O? Answer: Thats a tough one. David Hurd doesn't make that many sopranos, but of he did, he would be my first choice. Try Duane Heilman at blackbear.nwinfo.net...he makes one great uke. I own two of them and am extremely happy. He makes custom orders, so e mail him and tell him what you want. Mention my name..don't know how much good it will do...but we are friends...thanks for asking...chuck - Wednesday, November 24, 1999

Question asked by: Nila Subject: Marco Polo Question: any history???? Answer: It is nothing more than a name. It is not a manufacturer or a distributor. They were probably built by harmony or regal in the 40's. I have seen the decal many times. I have catalogues that offer the marco polo uke...It was carried by many different houses. It was a mid range uke of its day. It sold for about 7 dollars. See Ya....chuck - Tuesday, November 23, 1999

Question asked by: Mike Mannion Subject: Strummmmmmmmm? Question: What should I use to strum my 8 string Kamaka. Answer: Mike , there is no hard and fast rule. It is like all other art forms. If it sound bad don't do it again, if you like it do it alot. I really think you need to get Jim Beloffs Beginning Ukulele book and in there you will find all the answers to your questions. Thanks for asking...chuck - Tuesday, November 23, 1999

Question asked by: Bill Bingham Subject: l, Viohl's hawaiian ukulele Question: What is it? Answer: My question exactly. I am not doing well this morning. Two for Two. Is there any chance you could get me a picture and send it to my e mail address cfayne@alphalink,com.au..I would love to see this one. It sounds interesting. I will get on the horn today and check around and see what I come up with...will let you know..If anyone out there is familiar, please write. I would like to know also....chuck - Tuesday, November 23, 1999

Question asked by: mark scott Subject: felt picks Question: where can I get them? Answer: I don't know if they are being made today. Something in the back of my head says that I saw an advertisement recently but I cant place it. Call a felt company and see if it is possible to cut them out yourself. If not, buy an old pool table..you ought ot have enough for a couple of life times. if anyone knows about felt picks, please...save this man from a pickless esixtence....frets alot - Tuesday, November 23, 1999

Question asked by: Mike Mannion Subject: 8 string tenor with metal strings Question: Where would I acquire an 8 string tenor with metal strings. Answer: My first thought is get an 8 string tenor with gut strings...take the gut strings off ( be sure to keep them) and put on metal strings. I think after you play it, you will put back the gut strings. I do not know of anyone who makes an 8 string tenor to be strung with metal strings. I have never liked the sound personally. I do like the metal bodied ukes with metal strings and there is one company I hear that is making a gut wrapped metal string. I have not heard them yet, so I have no opinion. Imagine, me with not opinion....well till ones comes along..I remain....frets - Tuesday, November 23, 1999

Question asked by: Mike Mannion Subject: 8 string tenor with metal strings Question: Where would I acquire an 8 string tenor with metal strings. Answer: My first thought is get an 8 string tenor with gut strings...take the gut strings off ( be sure to keep them) and put on metal strings. I think after you play it, you will put back the gut strings. I do not know of anyone who makes an 8 string tenor to be strung with metal strings. I have never liked the sound personally. I do like the metal bodied ukes with metal strings and there is one company I hear that is making a gut wrapped metal string. I have not heard them yet, so I have no opinion. Imagine, me with not opinion....well till ones comes along..I remain....frets - Tuesday, November 23, 1999

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