
|
|
|

|
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
|
|
|
(Chuck
"Frets" Fayne has answered the following 5919
questions.)
|
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
|
|
|

E-mail: info@fleamarketmusic.com
Home
Online Store Events Calendar
Mailing List Ukulele Links
Marketplace
Bulletin Board
Player Directory Collector's Uke Yak
Ukulele Tuner

© 1997-2025 Flea
Market Music. All rights reserved.
Web Design by
Web Solutions, Inc.
|