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

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Question asked by: Robert Wheeler Subject: other uke tunings Question: Not a question, a contribution. Answer: I answered a Uke Yakker recently who asked about uke tunings, with the two most common ones. Robert has sent us one for people, as he puts it,who have a voice just a little below Betty Boop. It is B flat tuning. F B flat D G. This tuning appears in Ukulele Ike's book from l949. Robert, thanks very much for the additional information, we can always use it. Chuck Fayne - Wednesday, January 6, 1999

Question asked by: Phil Rogers Subject: uke tuning Question: What are the notes used to tune a Uke? Answer: Phil...first may I suggest that you purchase Jim Beloff's first book on how to play the Uke. It will not only give you the tunings, but get you started on the road to being a professional Ukist. Well, maybe there is a little more involved, however it will be a great start. The tunings are....A D F# B and G C E A - Monday, January 4, 1999

Question asked by: Andres Fraser Subject: Slingerland Uke Question: I have one and nobody has ever seen one before. What do I have and is it unique? Answer: Andrew, you have a maybell sliingerland sporano Uke. The reason you have never heard about another is that you havn't run across anyone yet who has seen one. Well, your wait is over. I have one. Mine, howeve has the name "Maybell" in decal in the headstock as well as the label on the inside. Yes, Singerland made ukes too. It is possible that they had them made by someone else( Regal or Harmony)..because they were in the business of making banjos. thanks for your yaking..hope you play yours, mine is not bad..Write anytime, drop by...we'll leave a light on for ya....chuck - Monday, January 4, 1999

Question asked by: CHUCK FAYNE Subject: typo typo typo typo Question: The question asked about the small ukulele sent to us by Bryan McCahill .....I goofed… Answer: I wrote the size of the uke as 8 1/2 inches and in reality it is 18 1/2 inches....But then, whats a few inches between friends.....Sorry..a slip of the finger...WHILE I AM ON LINE...A VERY HEALTHY AND HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF YOU OUT THERE IN UKE YAK LAND..AND A SINCERE THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT AND QUESTIONS IN 1998...LOOKING FORWARD TO LOTS OF QUESTIONS IN 99..I HAVE PREPARED ABOUT 365 ANSWERS JUST WAITING. AGAIN THANKS...CHUCK FRETS FAYNE - Sunday, January 3, 1999

Question asked by: Bryan McCahill Subject: Uke Maker Question Question: Bryan saw a small uke 8 l/2 inches, mahogany , ebony fingerboard and a hooked forward headstock with symbols inlaid....a crescent, a star, a diamond and a dot......sound hole 3 rings and possibly three layers of binding around uke. Answer: A STUMPER........ Never seen one like it..Can only picture it, however , it seems wonderful. Any chance you can get it? If it were me, I wouldn't have let the lady out of the music store without knowing where it lived ( the uke) and if there were a chance to get it. It sounds very interesting, especially to me..I collect miniature Ukuleles....If anyone out there recognizes what this uke is by the description, please write us and let us know. The use of the Crescent and the star were two popular designs used in older Banjos and Guitars. I think that what is most interesting to me...It is possible that this is an important Ukulele and well worth your while to chase it down. Please keep me informed as to your progress. Go get Em Bryan...Be Ruthless. If all else fails...Offer Money...You won't get stuck....Thanks..interested in Seattle....Chuck " the uke yak guy" fayne - Saturday, January 2, 1999

Question asked by: Thomas Crandall Subject: Gretsch Banjo Uke Question: Wants to know about it. Answer: Gretch made two kinds of Banjo Uke. One is the one you found. I have a feeling it is without a tone ring( a little piece of metal that runs around the inside of the uke and holds the head away from the body of the uke.) That is the better one and usually has a resonator. You didn't mention a resonator, so I am assuming it is the other one..Which is fairly plain and does not have a tone ring. They were made in the 30-late 40's and are not badly made by any means. As a matter of fact they are better made than most of the more common no name brands you find today. I have a little Gretsch exactly like the one you found and it has a wonderful tone. String it with gut or plastic strings, not metal. You will find out it has a very pleasant sound...that is if you play it. If you let it sit around or hang on a wall....It will have very uninteresting sound. Soooooo...get a book and start paddlin' madeline Home. thanks for writing to Uke Yak chuck fayne… - Saturday, January 2, 1999

Question asked by: Keely Pierce Subject: Harmony Uke Question: Keely has found a mint l978 #rb-3520 Harmony Ukulele in the Original box . It says "Made In Japan" on the box and inside of the Uke. Also has the Harmony Address in Chicago. What is it worth? Answer: Well, what an interesting Uke you have found. I have no idea what the number means, I have never seen a Harmony Uke with a production Number. what does it look like? Painted, Decal, Plain, Type of wood, Size....without these details it makes it difficult to let you know what its value is. However, to a collector of either Harmony or Mint ukes this is a dream come true. Please write with the details and I will try to give you a guestimate....It sure is fun to find a time capsule piece like the one you found. The" Made in Japan" is also very interesting...I will have to look up and see when Harmony was produced in Japan. If there are any Harmony collectors out there who have more information on this, please write and let us know. Fascinating. thanks for sharing your find with us. I hope I can be of more help soon....Happy New Year to you and to all of you out there in Uke land. Hope you all find a Martin 5k Mahogany with the pearl trim on the side, in a concert size, in l999......Frets and family....… - Thursday, December 31, 1998

Question asked by: Tim Gabbard Subject: Banjo Ukes Question: How do I find one that sounds good? Answer: Tim, I am not familiar with the brands being made today. I have not kept up with the Banjo Uke Builders. I do, however, know about the vintage Banjo Ukes. The best makers were, Ludwig, Gibson, Lyon and Healy...there were many more, however If I were looking for one, I would be looking for first a Ludwig. They are marvelous players. You said you wanted one to play and not necessarily a collectible. Unfortunatly, the real good sounding ones are also collectible. I hope I have been of some help....frets fayne - Thursday, December 31, 1998

Question asked by: Michael Maddox Subject: Favilla baritone Uke Question: Alternate tunings? Answer: Michael wants to know if he can tune or string the Baritone Uke to make it sound more like a Uke. My answer would be no. The fourth string is not meant to be tuned an octave higher, most bridges won't take it over a long period of time. It is meant to be tuned like the last four strings on a guitar. You can try, but It would mean tuning all of the strings lower and thereby defeating the very purpose of trying to get it to sound like a uke. Some baritones sound more uke like than others, however, the Favilla has a low throaty sound. I would, if I were you, stick to the the intended tuning, and if you want a more Ukulele sound...by a soprano uke. You will then have the best of both worlds. I love the sound of a baritone Uke myself and play one regularly ....I wish I would be more help..if I were you I would just experiment with the different strings available now.and perhaps you will find a set that give you the sound you are looking for. But, be careful tuning the fourth string higher, you might end up with a three stringed Baritone....Frets Fayne - Saturday, December 26, 1998

Question asked by: Kendall Akana Subject: Victor Brand Ukulele Question: Wants to know about the brand.. Answer: I have seen the "Victor Brand" Ukulele and have always thought it was not a Hawaiian made uke, but rather a mainland uke marked "Made in Hawaii". The fact that yours is mahogany and rosewood helps confirm my decision. It is uncommon, very uncommon, to find a hawaiian uke made of mahogany and rosewood. Not impossible, just very uncommon and especially a Uke not made by a major maker. I will ask some of the other collectors who might just have one in their collection and see if they can shed any light. thanks...anyone out there in uke yak ville...if you have a Victor, we need your input. thanks for writing..keep it up. chuck fayne - Thursday, December 17, 1998

Question asked by: rrr Subject: test Question: Do you like me? Photos:      Answer: Recording King is the name Gibson used for their bottom line models. It, however, happens to be a fine instrument. Well made and by todays standards VERY well made. I can't tell you any more because you have not given me much to go on except the name. Is it a soprano, concert or what. trimmed? They were usually plain mahogany. You got a good deal at $100.00 no matter what it is. Play it ...let us know how it sounds. thanks...frets - Thursday, December 17, 1998

Question asked by: Steve Rosenthal Subject: Baritone rescue Question: Is it worth fixing? Answer: Steve acquired a Favilla baritone uke in sad shape. Hole in the top, crack in the top and a few other problems. Steve wants to know if he should fix it or make it fire wood. Steve, it is a Favilla Baritone and if you replace the top you will have a Favilla Baritone with a replaced top. That is not to say it won't play well, it might , but its something you have to decide predicated on the cost. I would first try to repair the hole and the cracks and if that failed and if it were not too expensive, replace the top. If that fails it will be a toasty Holiday season in front of the fireplace. I am always for trying to save ukes when possible. good luck....chuck - Thursday, December 17, 1998

Question asked by: Daniel Dalton Subject: Uilani Ukes Question: Do I know anything about the company? Answer: Dan, I guess today is one of those days when I am going to sound like a dummy. I have never heard of Uilani Ukes. However, you said it was made in l994, and that adds it to an ever growing list of Uke makers I have never heard of. With the Uke explosion of the last few years, many people have tried their hands at making Ukes. Some good some bad. You say you like yours, and you have come to like it more than your Martin Tenor. I would say, by that comment, It is probably good. It would take one hell of an instrument to make me give up my Martin Tenor, but I am surprised every day by these little instruments. I just received in the mail, an instrument that should not sound good by professional uke manufacturing standards, but it does. Fooled again....If anyone out there in yakland has or knows of a Uilani Uke, please write and let us know...we are always looking for new info....thanks for yakin...chuck frets fayne - Tuesday, December 15, 1998

Question asked by: Gene Hamann Subject: banjo uke Question: Wants to know about an instrument Elderly Instruments is offering. Answer: Gene, you asked if a Banjo Uke for $127.00 dollars could be a serious instrument or a toy. The answer is yes. It could be either. This is one of those times when you need more information. You have to have them send it to you on approval, which if I remember correctly , Elderly does. Try it and then you will know. It is all in the sound..isn't it? If it sounds good....it is a musical instrument...if it sounds terrible, it is a toy. The price may have nothing to do with the total picture. It will cost you a couple of bucks to find out (postage) and then you can let us all know. Please do. frets fayne - Tuesday, December 15, 1998

Question asked by: Art Subject: Ukulele Sheet Music Question: Wants to know of others interested in Ukulele music… Answer: Art.. You asked about a collection of arrangements by "The Ukulele Lady. May Singhi Breen". If I am not mistaken, there have been many. I own, and of course cannot find at the moment, some old song books of her arrangements. Art also wants to know if there are any groups who have a similiar interest in vintage ukulele arrangements. Art has also started a chat group on Dal.net called #ukulele..give it a try. I hope by putting your wants on the yak, you will get the answers you want. I do not know personally of any groups specializing in vintage uke arrangements, however, if they are out there they will find you. thanks, and PLEASE let us know if you get a response. Chuck - Tuesday, December 15, 1998

Question asked by: evan ho Subject: Kamaka Pineapples Question: Evan found a pineapple and was told that it was possibly comissioned after the performance of the Duke himself in the Olympics. Answer: Evan, Kamaka has been the most prolific producers of Ukuleles outside of Harmony and Regal. I Have had or have most of the known varities of Kamaka Ukuleles. I have never heard of a Uke comissioned by, or for Kamaka by anyone at any time. You say the headstock looks like a Kamaka. The way to tell a Kamaka from all other makers is the thiness of the neck. It is Kamaka's most distinguishing feature. You have given me no information as to trim, wood, bracing, whether or not it seems to have ever had a decal on the headstock, inside or on the butt of the Ukulele. The wooden tuning pegs are an indication of an early model. Where are you located, If you are in Hawaii, it would be a simple matter to call Kamaka and ask them if there was ever such a comission. However, I must warn you ahead of time, that Kamaka does not always know much about the history of their company. They still make wonderful Ukuleles and would be able to identify it in a second if it is a Kamaka or not. Hope I've helped you in some way. If you would like to send me a pic personally, please do so and I will do my best to let you know what you have. chuck - Monday, December 14, 1998

Question asked by: Graham Rogers Subject: Roy Smeck Vita Uke Question: What is its value.… Answer: Graham....You have found one of my personal favorite Ukes. Usually beautiful Mahogany back and sides, spruce top and lovely tone. Roy endorsed the Vita series, which included a guitar, tenor guitar, mandolin and ukulele. They are unusual in shape....like a pear....and because of that feature, they have a wonderful sound. They are very much sought after by collectors. I have seen them sell in today's market for anywhere from 300 to 600. Not bad for a uke that cost less than 20 bucks in its day. Hope you paid 20 for it. You have a real prize...string it up and play it. You will then know its real value. thanks for the question....chuck fayne - Saturday, December 12, 1998

Question asked by: Nita Quan Subject: German Baritone Uke Question: What have I got? Answer: Nita has found a baritone uke that says "Made in Germany U.S.Zone.....Well, I need a little more info to go on, however, the word zone makes me think its was made post WW2 in Germany. That's why they have me doing this column...What a mind...Now, I could be wrong, but I think that is what you have. I would love to see a pic of it and you will find my e mail address back on the yak some months earlier. Perhaps this would be a good time to give out my e mail address again cfayne@websurf.net.au...Email me a picture and I will be glad to see what else it might be. Thanks for yakkin with us....chuck - Saturday, December 12, 1998

Question asked by: Hal Brolund Subject: Harmony Classmate Uke and hard shelled cases Question: Hal recently found an old Harmony Classmate Uke and needs a plastic fingerboard, and some information. He is also looking for a hard shell case for his Martin 2. Answer: Harmony made hundrds it not thousands of variations of Ukes in the 30-50's...You have one of them. The plastic fingerboards are everywhere. I would bet from this one question in Uke Yak you will get pleanty of responses from people who have an extra one lying around. If not, contact John Berninzio, BVI ...you will find the link here on Jim's site, and tell him you need a plastic finger board. Plastic fingerboards, I happen to know personally, is the only thing John collects passionatly. He's your man...He is also the one to ask about the hard shelled case. If anyone has one to sell, he will also be the man. The cases are rarer than the Ukuleles...at least the original cases. Modern ones can be purchased from many sources, all of whom are in the classified section of Vintage Guitar Newspaper, available from your local music store.....As far as a value on the Harmony, in todays market.... it is hard to tell. In good condition, maybe 100.00.....keep in touch..Frets Fayne...… - Saturday, December 12, 1998

Question asked by: Michael Frank Subject: Harold Teen Uke Question: Tell me about it. Answer: Carl Ed, the artist who drew Harold Teen was a syndicated Cartoonist in the 20's -40's and very popular. Harmony and probably regal had him make the decals for their ukes. Are there mamy around? Hard to tell. They pop up now and then and are certainly the best of the decal cartoon ukes. They became popular this time around because Gruhn featured them in his Guitar book, they have been used by Jim Beloff in his book,The Ukulele, a Visual History, and a feature article on Ukes a few years back had one pictured. Should you put them in a vault? Depends on what you consider valuable. I have seen them sell from 300-1000 in todays market. The ads of the the day say."in assorted colors" I have seen three colors: red, green, and yellow. Someone tried to sell me a blue one, however I thought it was a phoney, color enhanced picture. Don't put it in a vault, play it...that's what it was designed for. thanks for playing Uke Yak. "Where everyone's a winner....chuck frets fayne - Saturday, December 12, 1998

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