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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

Question asked by: Punchy Subject: gold lable kamaka Question: What yers and models of Kamaka uke had the gold paper label insid ? All of them and the years were 60's and some of todays models have them. Kamaka has never been consistant with their labels and that makes it very difficult to date them. When I try to decide on a date I usually look for manufacturing differences rather than the label...Are you asking about a particular instrument. If so, send particulars on the instrument and I can then tell you the date. Thanks from all at the yak....chuck fayne Answer: I answered it in the question section. The early Kamaka labels were dated and that made it alot easier. Special models were also dated on the label. - Tuesday, November 23, 1999

Question asked by: raleigh Subject: tunings. Question: Raleigh is confused by the tuning variations and wants to know the most common for playing Hawaiian Music. Answer: Raleigh, there really are no variations for uke tuning. There are different pitches, however the relationship between the strings remains the same. It does not vary with the type of music either. The most common tunings are: ADF#B and GCEA. I would recommend you order Jim Beloffs beginning book on the Ukulele. He clearly illustrates all you will have to know to play the uke. Then, a couple of days of practice..ok maybe a few more days than a couple....but you will learn to play....Thanks for the question...keep strummin....Frets - Tuesday, November 23, 1999

Question asked by: raleigh Subject: Favilla Question: Is anyone familiar with the Favilla Uke...? Answer: I am...The Uke came into existence in the late 30's and was in production until the l950-60's. It was made initially to compete with the martin success. It did a good job. It is a well made uke but not as well made as the Martin. They made many styles and custom orders for professional performers of the day. They also made guitars but no banjo ukes that I know of. They have become collectible and the prices seem to be soaring. good uke..play it alot..chuck - Monday, November 22, 1999

Question asked by: reva stover Subject: concertone banjo uke Question: what do I know about concertone. Answer: I may not know everything, but i do know that Concertone made a load of banjo ukes. Usually they did not have a tone ring, so you are ahead of the game there. The tone ring gives the instrument a louder, fuller sound. It is a mid range Banjo uke, and thats not to say its not good. It is better than alot of the junk made around that time, And most of the garden variety ukes of that period were junk. My advise is to use gut strings rather than metal. It sounds alot better and is easier to play. good strummin...frets - Monday, November 22, 1999

Question asked by: reva stover Subject: concertone banjo uke Question: what do I know about concertone. Answer: I may not know everything, but i do know that Concertone made a load of banjo ukes. Usually they did not have a tone ring, so you are ahead of the game there. The tone ring gives the instrument a louder, fuller sound. It is a mid range Banjo uke, and thats not to say its not good. It is better than alot of the junk made around that time. And most of the garden variety ukes of that period were junk. My advise is to use gut strings rather than metal. It sounds alot better and is easier to play. good strummin...frets - Monday, November 22, 1999

Question asked by: Roger LaRue Subject: Banjo uke Question: Is a Banner Blue a good uke.? Answer: It is a fabulous Banjo Uke. Very high quality, fine workmanship and you have the top of the line. Yours has the hearts in brass on the fingerboard and the name Banner Blue in the headstock. It is a fine player ,.....a professionals instrument. Now the bad news...I don't own it..Age? l930'-1940's...It is pictured in the big Tsumura Banjo Book. Hang on to it, they don't come up very often......good score...chuck - Monday, November 22, 1999

Question asked by: peter laudenslager Subject: ukuleles) what a surprise Question: weyman uke? and mandolin? Answer: The answer to your question about the Weyman Uke is that it is a good one. Well made and depending on the time, perhaps even made for Wheyman by Martin. I would need to see a picture of the uke to tell you for sure. However, Wheyman both made and carried quality ukes. Your second question about a mandolin is not in my range of expetise..please contact John Bernunzio at BVE@servtech.com.....or Bernunzio Vintage instruments, tell him I told you to call and he will help you...The koa uke your friend has that says l915 on the headstock is a kumalae..made in the 30's or 40's by johah kumalae and before I can tell you what it is worth I need all that information I always ask for. Since they made about 15 different styles, the most complete description possible would be appreciated. Then I can answer you value question...thanks for yakin...chuck - Monday, November 22, 1999

Question asked by: Dirk Subject: to Cleat or Not to Cleat Question: Does a crack in the soundboard make the instrument a wallhanger or will it not affect the sound if well cleated? Answer: Just off the top of my head-for those of you who know me, you realize how big that really is- I would cleat it and find out. I suspect that it will sound just fine. You ask if you graduate to a Martin o do you have to avoid cracks. Not necessarily, cracks can always be fixed... A missing piece is a problem...I understand you live in Germany..you have a fairly good uke made right there. The Bruko..why not look into it. Danke and Gute Nacht....Frets - Saturday, November 20, 1999

Question asked by: Gerry Mawdsley Subject: Conqueror Question: What is a Conqueror banjo uke. Who made it. On the headstock, it has the word "Conqueror" inlayed in Mother of Pear. Answer: Years ago, in the 30's as I remember, many people came from many lands and brought their banjo Ukes. They were the only weapon allowed...after 30 days and 30 nights of smacking each other in the head...the one left standing was allowed to inlay the word Conqueror in the headstock of his banjo uke. Now for a hunk of the truth. I had a Conqueror banjo uke. I feel that it was made by a Chicago maker in the 30's, perhaps Slingerland...It is of better quality than most of the banjo ukes out there. If anyone knows for sure, please write us and let us know. I have seen if offered by quite a few companies from that time, which usually means it was made and many companies put their name on it. The fact that it is inlayed with abalone, makes it a cut above the rest. Hail to the Conqueror..Keep it under your bed for protection and those times in the middle of the night when you must just strum.....sleep well...frets - Saturday, November 20, 1999

Question asked by: Ginny Subject: we want to buy a uke.... Question: How do we select a uke for our 6'4, l8 year old son...? Answer: First, Ginny, he is much above the hight restriction for uke playing. 6'2 is the limit. It's now time to buy him a lute, the only instrument he is qualified to hold. Don't believe a word of that..i am just travel weary and a little goofy..The best way to purchase a uke is stick with name brands. Unfortunatly, they tend to be expensive as most are very collectible. I have a wonderful idea, and its not because i write for this site. Flea market Music sells a Uke called a Fluke. You can find it here, I believe in the Products section....if ,if not contact Jumpin Jim at this site and He will send you all the information on it. Its the coolist...Other than that, you have to find a music store you trust and ask them to look around for you. I would avoid trying to buy one off E bay auction network without some knowledge of the instrument. If he finds the soprano too small for his liking, the other options in order of their size are: concert, tenor, and baritone. Harmony is a brand and most makers made different sizes. Pick up a copy of Jim Beloff's book..The Ukulele, a Visual History....it will give you a good background into ukedom.. if you need more help, don't hesitate to ask....chuck - Saturday, November 20, 1999

Question asked by: jeff bush Subject: uke sheet music Question: vaudeville music? Answer: Jeff, you got to got out and haunt all the old second hand shops and try an advertisement in the local throw away paper...it always brought me results. Jeff is looking for " when Bill Baily Plays the Ukulele"...He'd like all the words to it. I know someone out there has it...If no one does, just wait, Bill Baily will come home.....good huntin' Frets Alot Fayne - Saturday, November 20, 1999

Question asked by: CHUCK FAYNE Subject: SLEEPY Question: AM SLOWLY SINKING INTO DEEP DEEP SLEEP. IF I DIDN'T GET TO YOU THIS GO AROUND...WELL TOMORROWS ANOTHER DAY AND I WILL BE BUSY AT WORK AT MY YAKDESK. THANKS FOR YOU PATIENCE...DURING THE NIGHT THE ELVS WILL BE WORKING...KEEP SENDING AND ASKING...THATS HOW WE ALL LEARN. BY THE WAY ON MY SIXTY DAY TRIP, I FOUND NOT ONE UKULELE PROVING THE PORTUGESE DID NOT SAIL ALL THE WAY TO AUSTRALIA.. Answer: ZZZZZZZZZZ SNORE.....GOODNIGHT - Thursday, November 18, 1999

Question asked by: David G. Subject: uke and banjo uke Question: I have Kamaka Uke and a banjo Ukelele and want to sell them...How can I determine the value? Answer: Its kinda like saying I have a diamond ring..what's it worth? I think a little more informqtion would help. Pics would be great but if none available.... a detailed description of the instruments. Size, wood, condition, cracks, case, age, shape, overall condition, decals, labels, just to mention a few. Please write again with info and I will write you with info. If you want to let us know where you live, perhaps I could direct you to a reliable source in your area..until then...I remain...chuck - Thursday, November 18, 1999

Question asked by: Gray Forrester Subject: Frisco Uke Question: Ever hear of a Frisco Uke? Answer: This is also your lucky day. I along with Marc Silver designed and make the Frisco Uke. It is a fine playing and sounding instrument. Again, I wouldn't say this just because I am the genius behind this masterpiece...it's true...its true. many professionals are now playing the frisco Uke. Because of its larger body size ( concert+) it has a large, full. sound...whatever that means. sounds like ad jargon...Where do you live and perhaps one of our yakkers who has one will get in touch with you and let you play it. You will be hooked. They have been very hard to get..we sold out, however, from what I understand...Marc is busy making them again to satisfy the thousands..ok hundreds..would you believe dozens of requests for the Frisco Uke. The sound holes, if you look again...are an "F" and a "S"...Fayne and Silber...cute.HUH? You can reach Marc on the K & S Guitar site. They are based in Berkeley California. If you need more info, write me personally and I will send you all the stuff. Thanks for writing..Chuck"Friscoman"Fayne - Thursday, November 18, 1999

Question asked by: jerry page Subject: Maxitone Question: What is it? When was it made? Do I have one? Answer: I am not sure who made it, but I think it was one of the chicago based companies of the 30's and 40's. I have had both the Ukes and the Banjo Ukes. They are quite common as a Banjo Uke but not as common as a Ukulele. They are well made and usually sound pretty good. They were certainly inspired by the martin O....they just are not of the same quality. Keep in touch..fayne - Thursday, November 18, 1999

Question asked by: Joe Subject: two necked kook-e-lele Question: Joe has a two necked version of the Kook-e-lele... Answer: WAIT...WAIT.... If you are planning to separate them, consult a luthier first. If they share a common organ, it could be fatal. Since you didn't ask a question I assume you are just sharing this information with us yacksters...I have seen a two necked version and it was really wierd...It's very hard to find a case to fit.I would love to see a picture of it, so send one along if you have it. Thanks for the info...and remember..its not only questions we want but info as well. So write..its lonely out here in single neck land. thanks again..chuck - Thursday, November 18, 1999

Question asked by: Joe Silveira Subject: Royal Hawaiian ukes Question: info and value? Answer: For a plastic uke they sound pretty good. They are collectible because of the connection to Harry Owens. As far as value..if it is not cracked and otherwise in good shape...$150.00 might be a fair price. There are lots of people who collect the plastic ukes so if you want to sell it, you too can put it up on this site in the Market Place and see what happens. Remember, don't leave it in a hot car...it alters the shape alot. frets - Thursday, November 18, 1999

Question asked by: Larry Subject: fluke and burko bruko Question: Larry got his fluke and loves it..just reporting in...and feels it was well worth the wait. Also wants to know if the German company Burko and the German company Bruko are the same and is one a typo. Answer: Yes. Typo is my middle name...ok it's not..its Jerome...actually, its William...But your asking,"What does this have to do with ukes"....nothing...I just wanted to let our loyal readers know how much you liked the fluke. Thnks for reporting in..we appreciate the feedbag...(that's feedback....) Chuck "Typo" Fayne - Thursday, November 18, 1999

Question asked by: larry Subject: Fluke Question: Where can I find out about the Fluke??? Answer: Larry this is your lucky day. Its like asking the doctor how to get a rash...You can find out first from me. You can find one hanging on my wall ( the Fluke...not a rash) The only reason it's hanging there is because I am not playing it. They are available right here on the Flea Market Music Site. They are also the coolest uke around and sound great. I just got back from as big road trip and it was my companion the whole way. Go to Products and shop our site. Be patient, they are very popular but well worth the wait. Yes, this has been a commercial, but nothing could get an endorcement from me unless I really felt it...thanks...chuck - Thursday, November 18, 1999

Question asked by: M. O'xlIE Subject: keech Question: What is is worth and how can I sell it? Answer: But first a little history. Alvin and his brother invented the Banjolele or Banjulele....they lived in Hawaii at the time. they are quite collectible because of their historical value. They made about 5 different varieties. I would have to know which one it is to give you an exact value. Again, I would sell it on the flea market site......Market Place...Give our loyal readers first crack at it. Please send more information about the uke and a pic to my personal e mail and I will do all I can to help...thanks for yakkkkkkin" chuck fayne - Thursday, November 18, 1999

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page