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

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Question asked by: Jim Malone Subject: Hilo Uke Question: Jim wants to know what I know about the maker...Hilo Answer: Jim, thanks for the information and the pictures. I, unfortunatly, don't have any more information other than it is an inexpensive Uke made in the l940's or 50's. I couldn't tell you the maker, however, the decal on the Headstock was used in this form or many others by lots of distributors. Hilo is a popular name to use on a Ukulele..as is Aloha...I wish I had better news, however, as always...its the way it sounds that is most important. I have seen very expensive Ukes that I wouldn't own and souvineer ukes that are wonderful. Play it, and enjoy it. Dance if you must...but don't embarass yourself. I do often...chuck - Thursday, March 25, 1999

Question asked by: Shirley Gardner Subject: Martin Uke Question: What Pitch and Whats it worth? Answer: Shirley describes her uke as a Martin 21" long. Shirley, Martin made 9 models that match that description. I need what the instrument is made of, whether the name is on the back or front of the peghead, the length of the fingerboard, the binding and the size of the dots on the fingerboard. 21" tells me that it is a soprano. Send me more info. If you get the Longworth Book,...The Martin Company..It will show pictures and give descriptions for all the Martin Ukes. Match yours and then write again. I will be more than happy to answer your question. As far as Pitch...I am assuming you are asking how to tune it....I would suggest you get Jim Beloff's beginning book on the Ukulele, which is available on this site in the Marketplace. Thanks for the question....write again...Frets - Thursday, March 25, 1999

Question asked by: Steve Sellers Subject: painted uke Question: what can I tell him about it? Answer: Your description...painted body scene, painted binding, mother of pearl fingerboard, dots at 5,7,9,..mahogany body with pointed extention, black strip in butt...Sounds to me, this is without a picture of course, like a Regal or Harmony, both of whom made for Supertone...It does, however, sound like a better quality novelty uke of the 40's or 50's. The painted binding is the dead giveaway. Sounds cute..Thanks for the question, hope it helps others out there who might have a similar uke. Chuck - Thursday, March 25, 1999

Question asked by: Shirley Gardner Subject: Martin soprano??? Question: How do I tune it and what is it worth? Answer: Shirley has a Martin Soprano (I know that by the measurement 21"). She wants to know how to tune it and what it is worth. Shirley, please order Jim Beloff's beginning book on the Ukulele. You will find it offered on this site...flea market music... It will give you the best introduction to your instrument. As far as the value. It is impossible to give it on just the length alone...however, if it is the plainest model, in perfect condition...I have seen them sell for for 500+ If you would like me to tell you exactly what it is worth, I would need either a picture or a perfect description. Let me know how we can help. Thanks....Chuck Fayne - Monday, March 22, 1999

Question asked by: James Kane Subject: L Moana Question: What is it and who made it. Answer: James....I know that L Moana is hawaiian from the 30's. I have one myself. However, I do not know for sure who made it. I know that L Moana was not a manufacturer and I suspect, as I do with all unknown Hawaiian Ukuleles, that Kumalae had something to do with it. It seems that Kumalae made for everyone. I have often called Kumalae....The Regal and Harmony division of Hawaii. My Moana is well made and plays beautifully. Thanks for using Uke Yak...Feel free to write whenever....were always up...Fayne - Monday, March 22, 1999

Question asked by: Ed Kessler Subject: Tenor vs. Bari ?? Question: What is the difference between a tenor and a Baritone Uke and what strings are used. Answer: The difference is that a Tenor Uke is tuned like a Ukulele, only in a lower register...and the Baritone Ukulele is tuned like the last four strings on a Guitar. They are played the same...using the same chords. If you will turn back to The Flea Market site you will find Jims's books. They will assist you in learning how to tune your Ukes. As far as strings go....Please see your local music store and ask them. They have the correct strings to fit both your Ukes. Thanks again for the question and write when you get work. Chuck Frets Fayne - Monday, March 22, 1999

Question asked by: Craig Thompson Subject: Summers....Hal ????? Question: Who is Hal Summers???? Answer: Paul Summers and Harold Summers were teachers of the Ukulele and other strings instruments in the 30's and 40's. I know little about their teaching ability, however their ability to pick beautiful koa wood....was second to none. The most beautiful woods I have ever seen from that time had either a Harold or a Paul Summers label inside. I have one of Harold Summers' business cards and it says that they taught Hawaiin Steel Guitar, Ukulele, and Guitar. Most of their Ukes had the Tabu imprint...dating the instruments from a slightly earlier time than their teaching school. Thanks for the question,....The Summers Ukes are some of my favorites. Frets Fayne - Monday, March 22, 1999

Question asked by: James Yang Subject: Tenor Question: Does on play it the same as a soprano and what kind of strings? Answer: James....the chords are the same except that the 4th string is an octave. That doesnt alter the hand position of the chord only the sound. As far as what kind of strings to use....all the biggies make strings for the Tenor Uke. Martin, Kamaka, ...just visit your local music store and they will help you. I tend to stay away from wrapped strings, because I personally don't like the squeeky sound they sometimes make. Thanks for the question. chuck.. - Monday, March 22, 1999

Question asked by: Jim Simpson Subject: electric ukes Question: What is my Tombo worth? What do I know about solid body Ukes? Answer: I have one of the Tombo Ukes also. Made in Japan in the 50's. Not a bad sound, considering what they are. I love mine..Its really campy...As far as what I know about solid body Ukes, you could put it in the sound hole of your Tombo. However, I know that out there in Uke Yak Land there must be some of you who own solid body Ukes. Please E-mail Jim and give him your opinion. I'm sure he would appreciate it. If you would like to share your info with all of Uke Yak Land. please do. Were always interested in new stuff. Thanks heaps. Fayne - Saturday, March 20, 1999

Question asked by: Patrick Graves Subject: old uke great case Question: What do I have? Answer: Patrick gave me a description of the uke and I asked him to send me some pics. He did and here is the interesting story. They Uke, unfortunatly, is not very exciting, however, the case is wonderful. It is a hard case, felt lined , leather type grain. The markings on the case look like F M above a musical symbol and the words Trade Mark. I have seen this case before. I wish I owned it. They are quite rare and usually housed the best of instruments. If anyone out there knows what F M stands for, I, for one, would like to know. thanks... Frets...... - Saturday, March 20, 1999

Question asked by: Tom Nicklas Subject: Violin Uke Question: What's it worth....? Answer: Tom,. I have answered this question before but it needs to be answered again. The Violin Uke you are talking about was made about l950. It never gained much popularity because it was impossible to tune and harder to play. You say it is in perfect condition...they all are...people tried once and gave up. Put them back in the box and didn't have the heart to toss them away. So, we see alot of them..all in perfect condition. I wish I had better news for you, but as interesting as they look...that is all you can really do with them...look. As far as insurance value...perhaps 75.00- 100.00 bucks. wish it was a Strad but it ain't. Write us in a couple of years when you get it tuned. best to you and thanks for the question. chuck fayne - Saturday, March 20, 1999

Question asked by: Geoff Stafford Subject: "U-King" Question: Geoff has a banjo Uke with the name "U-King on the back." What is it? Answer: I have never heard of it. However, that doesn't mean much. I would like to know more about the uke ...how it is made..resonator? size? Picture if possible...but off the top of my head..I would guess it is one of the million different names of banjo ukes that were made in the l930's-1950's. The reason I say that is.....I don't recognize the name and I know the names of all the high quality brand name Banjo Ukes. Few people can or would make that claim. I need a life. However, If it were a high quality banjo uke, it would have more on it than just 'U-King". But, as I said, I could be wrong. If you want to know more, send more information. string it with gut strings and play it alot. chuck - Saturday, March 20, 1999

Question asked by: Randy Schoonover Subject: silvertone baritone uke Question: Randy wants to know how much his Silvertone baritone uke is worth and what is its reputation? Answer: Before I answer you question, I would like to discuss the length of your e mail address. I had to take a break when typing it. Now to your question. Silvertone was one of the names used by Sears Roebuck for their musical instruments. It was probably made by Harmony or Regal. If it seems like an excellent player...it is. I cannot give you an exact value but I have seen them sell for 150+ in good condition. As far as their reputation...you have done alot for it by saying it is an excellent player. All of us who own one thank you. Chuck Fayne - Saturday, March 20, 1999

Question asked by: Bill Bennet Subject: Art's Uke Question: Where is Arthur Godfrey's personal Uke. Answer: I'd look under the couch...when I can't find something, that is always where it is. My best guess would be that the family has it. If you wanted to do a trace you could probably find it. Does anyone out there know the answer to Bill's question? If you do, please let us know. If I find it, I will call you straight away. strumms up....chuck - Friday, March 19, 1999

Question asked by: Ray Naito Subject: concert martin uke Question: Whats it worth??? Answer: Ray...It depends on the condition. Fair condition 300....great condition 750.....If you would like to send in a little more information, I can come closer, but I hope this gives you a good idea. Keep writing...Fayne - Friday, March 19, 1999

Question asked by: Todd Harris Subject: Grandmothers Uke Question: Todd wants to sell Answer: Todd, we now have a market place on the site where you can place items for sale. Please list it there and I'm sure you will get a reply. 'Its a Martin with great history." Hey out there, take a look at it......thanks chuck - Friday, March 19, 1999

Question asked by: James Tanguay Subject: Question: For insurance puposes, what is my Martin 0 worth? Answer: James has a l954 Martin O ( he has the original sales slip). What a coincidence..my wife is a l954 model and I only hope your Martin is is as good condition as my Hilda. But seriously folks, I would value that instrument for insurance purposes at 500.00. That is what you would have to pay to replace it. Thanks for the question...Chuck Frets Fayne - Friday, March 19, 1999

Question asked by: Paul Ahr Subject: sheet music Question: Paul is in search of George Formby sheet mucic: My Ukulele and Tip Toe thru the Tulips. Answer: Paul, on the flea-market site you will find a section called add a link....find it and you will also find the George Formby Society. That would be the place I would go first. If that fails, you must go to booksearches..you will locate the booksearchers thru the library system....Then add you name to the list of people looking for titles and they , for a nominal fee,will let you know where to find what your after. thanks for the question, I have a feeling the information is valuable to lots of people. Chuck Frets Fayne - Friday, March 19, 1999

Question asked by: MICHAEL BAIN Subject: what is my banjulele? Question: Michael's description is as follows. Wooden neck, blond, (so far sounds like a date ad), aluminum body(shoots that idea), submarine style portholes instead of a true resonator. Headstock reads "Swanee" Patents applied for l378-24 and l7055.24. what is it? whats it worth? Who made it? Answer: Boy I wish I knew the answers to your questions. However, I do know how I would start if I had that piece. The patent numbers will give you the manufacturer. Just get a hold of the patent office and for 25 bucks they will send you a print out of the patent information. It sounds interesting, just the kind of thing I love. Detective work. I will reserve the answers to your other questions until you find out who made the "Ugly Beast" as you call it. Once I know the maker, I will have some idea of what it is worth...etc. chuck fayne - Thursday, March 18, 1999

Question asked by: CHUCK FAYNE Subject: HONEY....I'M HOME Question: NO QUESTION JUST A STATEMENT Answer: AFTER 1 MONTH AND 2 DAYS ON THE ROAD I AM GLAD TO BE HOME IN AUSTRALIA, AND BACK AT UKE YAKIN' IT'S TIME TO DUST OFF THOSE OLD QUESTIONS AND SEND THEM IN. I'M WAITING WITH BAITED BREATH. EXACTLY, WHAT IS BAITED BREATH? IF ANYONE OUT THERE KNOWS BLOW IT MY WAY. START ASKING.......NOW FRETS FAYNE - Thursday, March 18, 1999

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