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

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Question asked by: Chris Tarman Subject: Martin Headstock Decal Question: Chuck, Here are some photos of the Martin Style 2 headstock. I don't have the camera currently, so hopefully this already-taken shot of the whole uke will work. Thanks, Chris Photos:          Answer: 1920-30...anywhere in that range...As I said before, the decal and its beginnings are rather hazy..They used what they had at hand. It seems all original....thanks...chuck - Sunday, April 11, 2010

Question asked by: Tom Doughty Subject: AKAI UKE Question: I've just found an old Akai Soprano Uke at a general house auction in England and enclose a few pictures. its koa, mahogony neck, very plain; 3 rings inlaid around the soundhole. I have lots more pics but don't want to clog up your mailbox. It needs little repair - perhaps a couple of cleats where cracks are appearing either side of the bridge and a 1" piece of the back has come adrift. Both minor jobs. I don't intend selling it but would be interested to know of its rarity and possible value. Scale length is 131/2" so I think its definitely a soprano. Thanks for your help in advance and my web site below shows some of my guitar collection. www.tomdoughty.com Photos:                          Answer: Tom...It's not a rare instrument. They pop up with some degree of regularity. The stamp inside the sound hole was invented by the Hawaiians to let everyone know that it is a genuine Hawaiian instrument. The has been speculation that the maker of the instrument was Kumalae, however, I don't think so. The body shape is different. The value is around 350+ on a good day and in good condition. I have had many of them and always found them to be very good players. It is, as you suspect, a soprano. Thanks for sharing. chuck - Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Question asked by: Helen M Basso Subject: Kamalae Ukulele Question: I just aquired this beautiful kamalae ukulele recently. I read that Jonha Kamalae took his ukuleles to the Worlds Fair in San Franciso in 1915 and was awarded the gold medal. After coming back to Hawaii he than put these decals on the head of his ukuleles. Inside the one I have it is hand written 26W do you know what that means? The keys are made of wood and are in very good condition. I also have the original form fitting canvas case. As you can see, from the pictures that the ukulele does need some repair. It looks like the previous owner tried to fix the cracks in it, but was unsuccessful. Do you know of anyone I could send this to, to get it repaired. I live in Hawaii and asked Kamaka, but they only repair their own ukulele's. Photos:                          Answer: Helen...It looks like this is going to be a big job. I would look in the yellow pages for a guitar luthier. Anyone qualified can handle the job. Good luck, I do not know of one off hand. If you are still having trouble, please write back and I will see what I can do. c - Tuesday, April 6, 2010

Question asked by: John Subject: Camp Uke Question: Could you tell me something about this ukulele please? It is one of two that were left behind when I bought my house 30 years ago and have been sitting in a closet since. It has a crck in the top and ot appears to have been glued back together so I'm guessing it doesn't have much value. I would be very interested to know how old it is though. Thanks, John Photos:              Answer: value, about 250. Year, 1930-40, Maker Lyon and Healy (one of the premier makers of all time). L&H made many different models of this uke and each has its own value. Yours in the entry level, but still, the ones I have had all are good players. best...chuck - Friday, March 26, 2010

Question asked by: Michael Subject: Le Domino Ukulele Question: Okay, hopefully the pics of this Regal Le Domino will come through this time. Any info would be great! Thanks for your patience, Mike Photos:                      Answer: Its one of the nicest I have seen in a long time. If it is a soprano(21in long) it is worth, in that condition 400-500, if it is a concert about 23 or so inches it is worth 500-750....nice buy...chuck - Friday, March 26, 2010

Question asked by: Michael Subject: Regal Le Domino Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I sent these photos with my query of last week. I guess they didn't go through. Anyway, I recently acquired this uke. Can you tell me anything of its vakue, etc. Thanks, Mike Answer: Michael the pictures are not coming through...sorry...c - Monday, March 22, 2010

Question asked by: Shawn (ukulelefriend.com) Subject: 1920s Kamaka Guitar Question: Aloha Chuck, I recently purchased a vintage Kamaka guitar and it's in wonderful condition. I was wondering if you knew whether Kamaka made different sized guitars or if they were all one standard size. Mahalo in advance, Shawn ukulelefriend.com Photos:                  Answer: Shawn...The best way to get that answer is write kamaka directly You find the site on line....Thanks for writing in...c - Monday, March 22, 2010

Question asked by: Hank Subject: Kamaka- no saddle Question: I bought a old gold label Kamaka. The bridge has no saddle or a ridge, every thing looks original as the owner claims. I enclosed the photo of the bridge. Have you ever seen anything like it? It plays fine. Photos:      Answer: Hank...I have seen that bridge many times. It is original as far as I know. How does it sound...thats the important thing. thanks much...chuck - Sunday, March 21, 2010

Question asked by: Chris Tarman Subject: Martin Headstock Decal Question: Hi. I was wondering if you know exactly (or even APPROXIMATELY) when Martin started putting the decal on the front of the headstock. I have recently purchased a Style 2 that does not have the decal, but is supposed to be from the '30s. I've seen other '30s Martins that DO have the decal, so I was hoping to narrow the date down a little. It's a really nice little thing and I am very pleased with it no matter what year it is! Thanks, Chris Answer: Martin was not consistant in their markings. I have seen Martin ukes with the decal on the front and the stamping on the back. Please send me pictures of the headstock back and also of the bridge and the saddle. I would also like a picure of the front of the entire headstock and then I can date it approximately for you...chuck - Sunday, March 21, 2010

Question asked by: Michael Subject: Le Domino Soprano Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, Can you tell me a bit about this ukulele that I recently acquired? What do you figure on value in this condition? Thanks! Mike Answer: Michael...Le Domino came in differnt styles. Please send me a picture and I can give you a value....chuck - Sunday, March 21, 2010

Question asked by: Pukulele Pete Subject: New Martin 3's and 5's Question: How do the new Martin 3's and 5's compare to the older ones.I've never even seen one in person . One reviewer I've read didnt like the new 3C - thick platic like finish and dull sound.There are none in the area for me to try or even look at.Have you tried the new ones? What is your opinion? Thanks Answer: Pete...I have tried the new ones and I agree with the reviewer...I didn't like them either. I think Martin made a mistake trying to make ukuleles again without going back to find out what made them sucessful in the beginning. Stick to the vintage ones they knew what they were doing when they made them...c - Sunday, March 21, 2010

Question asked by: darin Subject: old uke Question: Just would like to know the make and era. There is a faded out marking inside the sound hole but i cant make it out. Also wandering if u know anything about Happy Jack and his Dream Train Ukulele. Photos:                          Answer: Darin, the uke looks like a regal from the 50's.....I really love the case...I will try to find out who Happy Jack is. I have not heard of him. Keep the case its really wonderful. Its hard to tell what who made a uke without holding it in my hands. There were many companies making a ukes like that. Thanks for writing in..chuck - Sunday, March 21, 2010

Question asked by: Frank Abrams Subject: Is a case for a banjo-mandolin also good for a Ludwig Wendell Hall Banjo Uke Question: Hi. Will a Ludwig Wendell Hall fit well in case that originally held a mandolin banjo (similar to Vega Style K and others that are around)? Answer: The Ludwig banjo uke came with a fitted case. I have no idea if it will fit in a a banjo uke case I can't see the case...Good luck....c - Thursday, March 11, 2010

Question asked by: Michael Subject: Dorothy Dean Regal Uke Question: Nearly 30 years ago, I picked up this Regal ukulele at a flea market. I cleaned off the dust, and put on new strings, then it ended up as a wall hanger. I haven't been able to find anything about it, but it appears to be an artist model. There was (is?) an actress named Dorothy Dean. It appears that the name is factory-applied, or it could possibly have been painted on by someone with a very steady hand. Any information and/or a guess- timate on value? Thanks! Photos:                      Answer: My guess is that it came with the name on it. I have no information, first one I have ever seen. I'll look aroung and see what I can fine..Perhaps one of the uakkers will know...thanks..chuck - Thursday, March 11, 2010

Question asked by: François Subject: dating Weymann uke Question: Hi Chuck!I just bought a keystone state uke very similar to a Martin style o with wooden pegs Answer: hard to date anything without knowing a little bit more PICTURE PLEASE...C - Thursday, March 11, 2010

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Bob Isaaks Bari uke Question: Hi Chuck and a belated Happy New Year. Just had a look at the photo of Bob Isaacks Baritone ukulele Feb.19, 2010. From the photo, I can identify it as being pre 1953. No serial numbers before 1953. 1953 to 1957 had a serial number stamped inside (visible through the sound hole). After 1958 Gold label inside with model and serial number. Until next time..be well Tom Photos:      Answer: Tom...thanks...What would I do without you. I have the Tom file of information. Happy and healthy new year to you as well. Its always a pleasure and I am always touched by the fact that you take the time to help...Always appreciated. - Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Question asked by: Thom Subject: Miami Uke Question: Hi Chuck: To answer your question, the wording under MIAMI is REG US PAT PEND. Is this a Regal under a different name? I think the headstock bling was added by an owner. Any idea of it's maker and value? Many Thanks! Photos:              Answer: I would think that it is a regal becuase of the headstock. I have no idea of its value because its home decorated. Its hard to tell from pics. If it sounds good play it....chuck - Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Question asked by: shannon Subject: ukulele Question: Can you tell me more about this ukulele? Photos:                          Answer: I was distributed under the Ukulele Ike theme. I can't tell much about the uke because the pics game in such a large format I can't down load them entirely...Please size down the pics and send again...also what does the label say exactly...the one inside the sound hole...chuck - Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Question asked by: David Subject: Tabu ukulele Question: Hi Chuck - Acquired this lovely little uke some time ago. There are no maker's marks on the uke other than the Tabu stamp. The ukulele has wooden rope binding on the front and soundhole rosette, two- piece neck, slightly bowed back, heel cap, and wide cigar band at the tail block. What else might you be able to tell me about it? Do you any ideas about age, possible maker (based on shape)? Also, I'm thinking of putting it on the marketplace -- what do you think the value of this uke is? Photos:                          Answer: David...made around 1915 in Hawaii is what the tabu stamp means. It was to be a able to tell a mainland instrument, claiming to be made in Hawaii and a genuine hawaiian uke...Maker could be any one of 25 makers using that stamp at that time...thanks...chuck - Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Question asked by: Mike MacLeod Subject: Treholipee Bridge info Question: Chuck; I have acquired an otherwise fine Swagerty Treholipee. However it is missing it's bridge. If there is another collector out there who can photograph and measure one for me, I would certainly be grateful. Thanks for uke-yak. Answer: Mike...put this question on the bulletin board on this site. Someone out there will be a collector and help out. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, March 9, 2010

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