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

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Question asked by: Tim Healy Subject: Favilla Baritone uke Question: how old is it...???? Answer: What a nice birthday present. You have a very thoughtful wife. You have given me the serial number 701005 style b 2. I have no idea the exact year it was made, but they were all made in the 40'60's. B2 only means the second variety of the instrument..it should have some trim around the body of the uke. If not, don't worry, sometimes it takes time for the trim to show up. Favilla Baritones were among the best made at that time. Enjoy and thanks..Chuck Fayne - Wednesday, August 18, 1999

Question asked by: wes james Subject: wimbrola Question: tell me more mr ukulele man.... Answer: The Wimbrola was designed by Dale Wimbrow a radio personality in the 40's and made by the Favilla Guitar Company. They were odd shaped..nine sided. They had a variety of odd shaped sound holes and it seems Dale personally autographed each uke by scratching the name of the recipient and his own signature. You can replace the strings with any good set of ukulele strings...Martin, Kamaka..etc. It is tuned exactly as a uke is tuned...Many of the Wimbrolas were six strings, however they are two sets of two and two sets of l..making it a four stringed instrument..HUH??? Anyway, for tunings, get Jim Beloffs beginning uke book for ways to tune the uke. You will find it for sale in the product section of this site. thanks for asking, you have an interesting instrument...frets fayne - Wednesday, August 18, 1999

Question asked by: Kieth Block Subject: kornblaster Uke Question: solid bodied ukes. Answer: I know little about solid bodied ukes. I am more of a purist. If I wanted to amplify a uke I would have the saddle pick-up installed in my uke. I like the sound of a pure ukulele and am not a fan of solid bodied anythings except elle mcpherson...There are many pickups made for ukueleles that don't alter the sound of the uke, however a solid body uke sounds like a weak solid body guitar...however as always, its just one mans opinion..in this case...mine....frets - Saturday, August 14, 1999

Question asked by: Kelly Johnson Subject: Burko Question: Burko Holes Answer: The tuning machines kelly bought were too large. Take the Uke to a good repair man and have the holes reamed out so the tuners fit or get smaller tuners. Boy its fun being an expert...You might even write the Burko company, they are in Germany and they might even have a website where you can order the proper tuners. You do have a standard uke and pretty well made at that. let us know what you find out...for all of us out here who's burko holes are too big..,.were waiting for the solution. thanks frets - Saturday, August 14, 1999

Question asked by: Ken Steen Subject: Dennton Cotter & Daniels.. Question: A martin? Answer: Ken has a Martin uke with a lable that reads...Denton Cotter & Daniels. If you lifted the label, and please don't..you would find the martin stamp underneath. These ukes were made for that famous law firm Denton Cotter & Daniels...They played them whild they waited for the verdict to be read. It helped relax them as it will you if you play it. Only kidding. I have no idea who the firm is, however my guess would be a music distributor of some kind. Does the label have any other information such as a name of a state. That would help alot. let me know, it is the first I have heard of this company...thanks for an insteresting question. frets - Saturday, August 14, 1999

Question asked by: Lance Hilt Subject: lyon and healey temple uke Question: Wht is it and whats it worth? Answer: First of all, there is no such animal. The uke you refer to is called a Shrine Uke. It is shaped much like a balalika ( I'm sure the spelllling is wrong} however that what it is. I need alot more information to tell you what its worth. They made four styles that I know of. If you would like to describe it in detail, I could give you an exact answer about the value, but just the name is not enough. I need: type of wood, trim, decals, condition case??? All of these help determine the price. Let us know what you have found...I will tell you this, no matter which style it is..it is a sought after and valuable uke. enjoy it. The Temple Uke is a much different thing, It is an instrument played only on the High Holidays to summon the Gods of the Hebrew Hula Sect. It is shaped like a rams horn....best to you and yours.....frets - Saturday, August 14, 1999

Question asked by: Larry Stallings Subject: Strings Question: Whats available? Answer: My favorite strings are Kamaka. I like the sound. I also like really old used gut strings that I can steal off a really old Uke. I like them broken in..they seem to hold the tone better...I also like week old bread...so go figure..Martin makes a good string, however I think if you give Kamaka a try, you will find what you are looking for. They are available in most music stores and the company is still in business in Hawaii..They will be glad to direct you to the source. thanks...Don't forget to put a knot in the end or tuning it is tough.....frets - Saturday, August 14, 1999

Question asked by: Maja Bollen Subject: Marx Music Co Violin Uke Question: What is it Answer: I have answered this question more than any other. I refer you back to my other dozen or so answers...all the same. It is an instrument that is neither a violin nor a Uke..so the name is very interesting. They are usually in great condition because people tried once to tune them and play them and then put them in a box where they sit until someone discovers them that doesn't know they are unplayable. Then I get the question. As I have said before,If you get it in tune and can play it, Quickly record it...We would all like to hear what the hell it sounds like. Don't spend alot of time trying, I actually know someone who was in an institution for many years until his shrink got him to open up. They found out that he snapped trying to tune his Marks Violin Uke. He is doing much better now that the secret of his problem has surfaced...stretched to the limit....frets - Saturday, August 14, 1999

Question asked by: Nofie Alfonso Subject: Forbes Martin Question: What is it Answer: I think I may have answered this but Here goes again...Forbes, furthing checking about a martin with the names Forbes on the back of the headstock has led me nowhere. No one seems to know what it means. Not a distributor not a manufacturer..not a clue. Have I ever run into a Regal made in Chicago..I have never run into a Regal that was not made in Chicago...If I find out anything more you will be the first to know. If you can send me a pic to my personal e mail of the forbes decal please do....thanks frets - Saturday, August 14, 1999

Question asked by: peter beck Subject: Giannini Ukes Question: ANY GOOD ????? Answer: Don't really know. I have only played one of them and I was not impressed..Interesting, it suffered from what alot of ukes suffer from Overmaking. A little too heavy and not the sound I like from a Uke. If, as you say you are interested in playing not collecting, I would go for one of the brands known for the playability....Martin, gibson, ( steve and Mel)...You might try some of the modern makers, Black Bear Guitars....Ukes by Kawika..theres lots of good stuff out there now. Let us know what you do.....frets and stews... - Saturday, August 14, 1999

Question asked by: Steve Hamm Subject: japanese kamaka Question: Is there such a thing? Answer: Not really. For a short period of time, Kamaka cut the ukes in Hawaii and had them assembled in Japan. All the ones I have seen were mahogany..and say Fabricated in Japan. I know little else about them, however since Kamaka is still in business in Hawaii,you might want to write them and get the exact scoop. Please write us if you do and let us know whats up. Thanks for asking. frets... - Saturday, August 14, 1999

Question asked by: Don Morrison Subject: Vita Uke Case Question: Can I buy one ??? Answer: Because of the unusual shape of the vita uke, it is almost impossible to get one unless you get lucky enough to fall across one- i never have- or the best way is to get one made. Take the case you have now and have it redone by any good case maker. With the popularity of musical instruments, there is no shortage of case makers. Please let me know where you are and I will see if I can find someone who will make or re- do your case. Let us know if you find someone...I'm sure there are alot of caseless vitas out there...frets - Wednesday, July 28, 1999

Question asked by: g walker Subject: uke makers Question: how do I find them? Answer: On this site you will find links to the makers. You ask about a good uke for a beginner that is not too expensive. I would suggest that you buy Jim Beloffs Fluke, you will find that offered on this site in the products section, it is not only great sounding but in your requested price range. While you are at it, look at the range or instructional books available. It is a great place to get started. If you need more info.....please write again....thanks...chuck - Wednesday, July 28, 1999

Question asked by: JIVEJELLY Subject: wendell hall t v ola uke Question: what can I tell about the uke? Answer: There were many ukes made that were endorsed by Wendell Hall. You have one of the better ones. You have the T V Ola Uke with the triangle sound hole. It is a nice one. It was made by regal in the 30 and 40's If you get Jim Beloffs Book, The Ukulele, A Visual History, on page 59 you will learn about the man himself...Wendell Hall. Have fun playing this uke and good luck on your new group..Dottie Coolchick...we'll be looking for ya...chuck - Wednesday, July 28, 1999

Question asked by: Larry fencyk Subject: THE FLUKE Question: WHERE CAN I GET ONE....???? Answer: LARRY, TRY THIS SITE UNDER A HEADING CALLED PRODUCTS. I HAVE NOT WRITTEN SINCE I GOT MY FLUKE. IT IS ALL I REMEMBER IT TO BE. IT IS KOOL...KOOL...KOOL....FROM WHAT I HEAR IT IS VERY POPULAR, BUT MENTION MY NAME ...I HAVE PULL WITH THIS COMPANY....IT SOUNDS AS GOOD AS IT LOOKS..I LOVE MINE...I TOOK IT TO THE LOCAL PICKERY THE OTHER NIGHT AND WAS THE HIT OF THE PARTY. JIM...PERHAPS ITS TIME FOR THE GITFLUKE....WHAT SAY. CONTACT THE SITE DIRECTLY AND ORDER YOUR FLUKE NOW...YOU SAID YOUR MUSIC STORE TOLD YOU IT WOULD BE 8 WEEKS BEFORE DELIVERY...GO BACK TO THE STORE AND TELL THEM TO TRIPLE THEIR ORDER SO THEY WILL HAVE LOTS ON HAND.....THANKS....CHUCK FAYNE - Wednesday, July 28, 1999

Question asked by: Mickey Brown Subject: Victor Concert Uke Question: Tell me about it... Answer: Victor was a brand. No clue as to the maker. See lots of them and think they might have been made around the 30 40's in chicago. They look that way. You have a particularly nice one. The light brown wood is probably mahogany and the mother of toilet seat fingerboard and headstock are a plus rather than a minus. The plastic fingerboards on Harmony Ukes are a minus, however, if the company thought enough of their instrument to do a headstock and fingerboard in matching Mother of Toiletseat...that's a good thing. If you can get me a picture, I would love to see it and answer more if I can. send it to my personal e mail..cfayne@websurf.net.au.... thanks again it really sounds great....chuck - Wednesday, July 28, 1999

Question asked by: Phiil Pope Subject: slingerland uke Question: What is it and what is it worth. Answer: Again, I'm sorry. Not familiar with a pat haley model. I am familiar with slingerland as they made millions of instruments of hundreds of varieties. Please send more information about the uke. size, shape, condition, decals, what kind of wood, You say it has three initials scratched in front and two missing strings. It doesn''t hurt the value alot...cracks and missing parts hurt alot. I have an uncle with 3 initials and two missing teeth and he is a treasure. Please send more info...all you can and I will do all I can to tell you about it. Slingerland Ukes are more rare than Slingerland banjo ukes. So you are one ahead at this time. thanks for the question...frets fayne - Wednesday, July 28, 1999

Question asked by: R.T. Subject: lulmanog uke Question: what is it? Answer: rollie. I need more information like a picture or a detailed description.,. I have never run across the name. If anyone out there knows what it is, please let us know and rollie, if you can send a pic, send it to me direct. thanks..frets - Wednesday, July 28, 1999

Question asked by: CHUCK FRETS FAYNE Subject: THE FLUKE IS IN SIGHT Question: WHATS A FLUKE?? Answer: ITS THE UKE THAT IS SWEEPIN' UP. I HAVE JUST FOUND OUT THAT MINE IS ON THE WAY AND I AM A HAPPY MAN. I PLAYED THE FLUKE AT THE LAST UKETOPIA CONCERT AND FELL IN LOVE. PLEASE LOOK AT THE SITE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE LATEST OFFERING FROM FLEA MARKET MUSIC. I KNOW I KID ALOT, BUT I'M NOT KIDDING WHEN I SAY THIS IS A QUALITY INSTRUMENT. REALLY COOL TO LOOK AT AND HAS A WONDERFUL SOUND. PICK ONE UP AND YOU WON'T PUT IT DOWN. THIS HAS BEEN AN UNPAID POLITICAL ANNOUNCEMENT. I REALLY BELIEVE IT. CHUCK FAYNE - Tuesday, July 6, 1999

Question asked by: Kenneth Freeland Subject: Koaloha Question: Koalohas are very common here in Australia. They are thought to be bears, however, they are not..They are nocturnal and therefore are most often seen dragging around a nite light. sorry I misread your question. Koalohas....the Ukes. Yes I think they are fine instruments. I have played a couple of them and they seem to be well made and the wood is quality. I do not own one because no one has sent me one as a present. I am just a poor reporter on the Daily Planet... Answer: Sorry I got the answer in the question box and am too lazy to change it around. How do they compare with Kamaka?..Pretty much, nothing compares with the Kamaka. It is still on top in a realy tight race with David Hurd...Ukes by Kawika...Still my personal favorite. I guess its alright to have a favorite....chuck - Tuesday, July 6, 1999

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