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

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Question asked by: Charm O'Ryan Subject: Kumalae $ $$$$$ Question: Whats it worth? Answer: You describe a style 2 Kumalae Uke. The fact that it has its original hard shell case is a plus. The inch grain crack does not take away much from the value. It would be different if the crack was from carelessness. The picks and tuners and strings that came in the case are of little value overall. The package you describe would be worth around 450-500 depending on how beautiful the wood is. Kumalae is a very fine instrument....be sure and play it, it needs it alot. chuck - Friday, April 23, 1999

Question asked by: Craig Thompson Subject: Johnny Marvin and his wonderful grain. Question: Are the Johnny Marvin Uke and the Roy Smeck Vita Uke related? They have very similar Mahogany. Answer: Yes. For some reason harmony must have run into the most beautiful batch of Mahogany of all time when they made the Johnny Marvin, Vita Series and the Roy Smeck concert Uke. They all have that equisite wavy Mahogany. The ukes were made in the 40's and 50's...I cannot answer why the Mahogany is so curly...that question is just a little out of my line of expertise. I am an expert in only straight Mahogany...Enjoy, you bought a beautiful uke and a wonderful player. chuck - Friday, April 23, 1999

Question asked by: Marshall Turner Subject: slingerland banjouke Question: any value? Answer: Marshall had a dental patient bring him a slingerland banjo uke. I am going to take a wild guess and say Marshall is a Dentist. Slingerland made many styles. I would imagine, I don't know why, that it is the plain model with no backplate. Let me know if I am wrong. They were better made than most and have a value of about $200.00. The fact that the body is in good shape but the skin is dirty...I would give you the same advise if it were you in that condition...give it a bath...string it up...and play it. Is there really a tooth fairy? frets - Friday, April 23, 1999

Question asked by: Doug Subject: gibson style 3 Question: Whats it worth Answer: Doug wants to know what a Gibson style 3 in excellent condition. Original finish, no cracks , repairs and the fingerboard inlay is all there. There are many variations of the style 3, however I am assuming that if you have looked in the gruhn book you saw the most common variety. If it has the short fingerbord it is worth about 1000.00....if it has the long fingerboard ..1500.00...they are wonderful instruments with a completely different sound than any other American made Ukulele. They seem much brighter in the higher ranges. Enjoy and thanks for the question...chuck - Friday, April 23, 1999

Question asked by: connie Subject: Roy Smeck Uke Question: Whts it worth? Answer: Not Much. They made millions of them. I am assuming, and let me know if I am wrong, that it is the one with the plastic fingerboard and Roy Smeck in the headstock. They were made by Harmony. Roy Smeck endorsed his own line of instruments for various companies. He was a marvelous performer and therefore was responsible for selling gobs of these little ukes. I understand he was so good, that when someone else played an instrument he endorsed, they are able to play as well as he did. Try it and let me know. keep em coming......frets - Wednesday, April 14, 1999

Question asked by: WALTER MURRAY Subject: kent baritone Question: What do I know about Kent Ukes? Answer: Not much....I have seen Kent instruments before, and they have always been school instruments. My guess is that they were made in the Harmony, Regal period of the 40's and therefore not valuable but probably well made. The other kents I have seen were made from a good grade of Mahogany Hope I have helped. I love baritones..they are easier to play and I sound better than I am. That is the definition of a great instrument. thanks for the question. chuck - Wednesday, April 14, 1999

Question asked by: A. Wright Subject: Catch and Release Question: Mr Wright wants to purchase a uke from Chris Davis at Catch and Release and wants to know if he can feel confident. Answer: I have personally had hundreds of transactions with Chris at Catch and Release and have never once been disappointed. If anything, Chris overdescribes the instrument and what he tells you is what you get. He is honest, reliable, and gets the highest rating I can give. Chuck Fayne..... - Saturday, April 10, 1999

Question asked by: Chris Hamiel Subject: Uke Sex Change Question: Can I convert my Banjo uke into a Mandolin? Answer: The answer is.... sure......But why would you? They already make banjo mandolins and they all sound terrible. If I owned a banjo uke that sounded good, I wouldn't make it into a banjo Mandolin that sounded bad. Just a thought...... chuck - Saturday, April 10, 1999

Question asked by: J Hunter Subject: Yasuma Question: Who is the Yasuma Company? Answer: My answer is.....Who is the Yasuma Company?..I have no idea. Jhunter has discovered a tiple..trimmed like a T28 and a label that says Yasuma . If anyone out there has any information, We would all be interested. My guess it is Japanese..just call my Psychic..but that's the thought I get. Sorry I couldn't be of more help....Frets - Saturday, April 10, 1999

Question asked by: Patricia Welty Subject: Martin Ukes Question: What are the differences between the Martin O, l, 2, and 3? Answer: Patricia, the differences are so many that it would take me an entire night to type it all out. My suggestion is to get a copy of the Longworth book about the History of the Martin Factory. It is available in almost every music store in the world and certainly in every library. It is the Bible for the Guitar Collector. It will answer all your questions and tell you much more than you ever wanted to know. Thanks for asking...Chuck Fayne - Saturday, April 10, 1999

Question asked by: John Arafiles Subject: Kamaka Tiple Question: What do I know about it? Answer: John has located a Kamaka Tiple. Good on you..as they say down here. Never heard of one before. Since the company is in existence at this moment, I would suggest you write or call them and ask them about it. They will have alot more information than I have. I would love to know what they say, as would all of our readers. Please send me a picture for my pic collection and write when you get the information you want. If you do not get any info from them, let me know and I will make a call for you and let you know what they don't tell me. thanks for the question......fayne - Saturday, April 10, 1999

Question asked by: John Kane Subject: My Uke"s Back Question: The exact question.....I have a crack on my uke's back. It isn't too bad..is it better to leave it alone or try to glue it? Answer: John...Whatever you do...don't pick it..it will never heal. Without seeing your Uke Back's Crack it is difficult to advise. However, let this be a guideline. If you can hold the uke up to the light and look into the crack on the back and see light through the soundhole...I would fix it. A crack that bad will only expand and eventually you will have two Ukes. If you cannot see through the crack and it is more of a grain related crack...leave it alone...This diagnostic technique does not work on humans....chuck - Saturday, April 10, 1999

Question asked by: Likeke Schmelia Subject: Kahola & co Question: What can you tell me about Kahola and Co Ukes? Answer: I can tell you one thing I know for sure. The person who designed the Ukulele for them had perceptual problems. I have never seen a Kohalas Uke that was evenly shaped. The upper bouts are sometimes larger than the lower bouts, they have been lopsided, the necks have been crooked....however, they are an important company in the evolution of the Hawaiian Ukulele. I have a feeling they were really manufacturers and not just distributors. The are listed in the Telephone Directorys in the 20's and 30's so they are a real copmpany not just a label have never found them to be great players, but I am fascinated by their consistant lack of consistancy. Also, if you rearrange the letters of your name I think you can get Ukelele Camilia. Just an observation. Frets - Saturday, April 10, 1999

Question asked by: craig thompson Subject: tabu stamp Question: When was the Tabu stamp used? Answer: I have seen the stamp used but by only a few older hawaiian makers. Tabu,Sam Chang, Antu Kam, and the Ukes distributed by The Summers Brothers. The stamp was originally designed to keep mainland makers from claiming they were making Hawaiian made instruments. The stamp came into being after the Panama Exhibition of l915 and my guess is that they had limited use for a few years and then vanished. I have never seen a Uke from the 40's or 50's use the stamp..However, should you come across the blue hawaiian one cent postage stamp, you will be a wealthy man. It is one of the most valuable stamps in the world. Does this mean your interest is moving into the area of stamp collecting????Thanks as usual craig...a good question. Frets Fayne - Saturday, April 3, 1999

Question asked by: CHUCK FAYNE Subject: HELP ME HELP ME HELP ME Question: NO QUESTION....JUST REQUESTS. Answer: FIRST...THANK YOU TO ALL WHO HAVE PARTICIPATED IN UKE YAK. I AM A HAPPY MAN. ITS LOADS OF FUN. I WOULD LIKE TO CALL YOUR ATTENTION TO THE NEW OFFERING ON THIS SITE..THE MARKETPLACE...IF YOU HAVE A UKE TO SELL, OR WANT TO BUY ONE...THIS IS THE PLACE TO LOOK. ALSO, IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR UKE RELATED MATERIAL, BOOKS, CDS, TAPES, STRINGS, PICKS, GRASS SKIRTS..YOU'LL FIND THEM HERE. AND NOW TO THE HELP PART. I NEED FOR YOU WHO ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR UKES TO BE MORE DESCRIPTIVE. I NEED, SIZE, TYPE OF WOOD, DECALS, LABELS, FINISH, CONDITION, TRIM, SHAPE OF HEADSTOCK, VISIBLE DAMAGE, AND ANY OTHER MARKS, SCARS OR TATTOOS. IF YOU WILL DO THIS FOR ME, I WILL HAVE A MUCH EASIER TIME TELLING YOU ABOUT YOUR INSTRUMENT. ESPECIALLY IF YOU ARE ASKING FOR THE VALUE. SO MUCH OF THE VALUE DEPENDS ON THESE THINGS. A CRACK CAN BE THE DIFFERENCE OF 1/2 THE VALUE SOMETIMES. I ALSO WANTED TO TELL YOU ABOUT FLEA MARKET MUSIC'S LATEST OFFERING. THE FLUKE IS NOT JUST A LOBE ON A WHALE'S TAIL, IT IS A WONDERFULLY COOL UKE NOW OFFERED FOR SALE HERE AT F.F.M. I HAD A CHANCE TO PLAY THE UKE IN PERSON AT THE MCCABE'S UKETOPIA CONCERT LAST MONTH AND IT IS A HOOT. I DON'T SAY THIS BECAUSE JIM AND LIZ ARE TWO OF MY DEAREST FRIENDS AND BUY ME DINNER WHEN I AM IN LOS ANGELES, AND MIGHT DO IT AGAIN WHEN I AM IN TOWN....ALL THAT IS WONDERFUL, BUT NOT ENOUGH TO GET ME TO ENDOSE THEIR UKE. I WOULD LIKE THE FIRST PERSON WHO PURCHASES A FLUKE TO WRITE IN AND LET US KNOW HOW REALLY COOL IT IS. WE AT UKE YAK APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT AND WISH YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS. P.S. IF YOU WANT TO SEND ME A PICTURE OF YOUR UKE DO SO ON MY EMAIL.....THE ADDRESS IS AT THE TOP OF THIS MESSAGE. THANKS AGAIN...FRETS FAYNE - Friday, April 2, 1999

Question asked by: Craig Thompson Subject: Waxing your uke and other strange practices. Question: Craig has a uke and wants to know if cleaning it will alter the sound. Answer: Craig...Do you sing differently after you take a shower? I think not. The same is true of your uke. I am sure cleaning it will not alter the sound. You ask about Carnuba car wax. Carnuba makes wonderful products and many can be used on Ukes, however, I would make sure there are no hidden rubbing compounds in the wax. Rubbing compounds can be used as long as you understand they might alter the patina of the finish. I have tried everything and find that a little dishwashing detergent on a soft rag or sponge works best. I only use rubbing compound when the grime is hardened on the finish. If you use the dishwashing detergent do not put your uke in the dishwasher. That will alter the sound. As far a brightening the finish, I would go to a violin shop and purchase a liquid wax designed especially for violins. I have always believed that if it is good enough for a Stradivarius, It is good enough for a Harmony. Thanks for a most interesting question....Frets fayne - Thursday, April 1, 1999

Question asked by: Jerry Cook Subject: Birds eyes and Banjos Question: Jerry found a Maybell Banjo Uke and wants to know about it. Answer: Maybelle was made by the Slingerland Company. The company also made drums...The instrument you have was made in the l930's- 40's. The birdseye maple wood was the wood of choice for this company. You say it is in good shape, with the original head. I wish I could say that about myself. Without knowing more about the trim on the banjo Uke...my guess is that its value would be about 250.00. Again, that is just a guess. If you would like a more detailed evaluation, please get me a picture of the uke. Get a canoe, get in it and strum and paddle and strum and paddle and strum and paddle....don't forget the racoon coat. thanks again ...chuck - Wednesday, March 31, 1999

Question asked by: Primo Tapia Subject: Harold Summers Question: Primo found a Harold Summers Uke and wants to know more about it. Answer: Primo. I'm sorry I could not bring the pictures up...However, I will try to answer your question without them. Harold Summers was Paul's little brother. Together, they had a music company and taught Hawaiian Guitar and Ukulele. They were known for their exquisite selection of woods, and they did not manufacture their own Ukes. They were probably made by Kumalae, as were so many others. As to the value, it depends on so many things. Condition, trim, type of wood...etc. A primo ( sorry ) example of the basic uke would go for about $350.00. If you would like to send me a picture personally, I will try to do a better job on the value. Thanks for the question, and remember Primo, with us you are number one. Frets (secundo) Fayne...I try harder...... - Wednesday, March 31, 1999

Question asked by: John Coe Subject: Should I dot my Uke? Question: John purchased a Frisco...dotless and wants to know if he should have them installed. Answer: For those of you who are not familiar with the Frisco Uke...it may be the finest instrument since the ones produced by the l6th Century French Violin School. The fact that I helped design the uke has nothing to do with my opinion. O. K. Maybe I exaggerated a tad bit. However, it is a wonderful player. It is shaped much like the Vita Uke, but in concert size. John is wondering if the uke will be more collectable without the dots or with. I don't know. As long as you have one without dots, why not put your name? Then it will be really collectable. Dots my answer and I'm stuck with it. Thanks for your question. Chuck Fayne - Friday, March 26, 1999

Question asked by: Jim Whittington Subject: Martin Uke Question: Whats it is worth??? Answer: Jim has described for me the Style O Martin Ukulele.....which he believes has been restored. It has friction pegs and the decal on the front of the headstock. The Decal dates it from the late 40's to when they stopped making the ukulele. For collectible purposes the refinish will lower the value. I have seen a refinished one sell for 350-450 depending the overall condition. Don't sell it play it...the money you get from selling it will never buy you as much fun as you would have had owning the uke. See ya...tonight in ukeland....chuck frets fayne - Friday, March 26, 1999

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