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

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Question asked by: Gene Hamann Subject: What do I have? Question: Gene just bought an old Silvertone Uke. 30 inches long....4th string wound metal. and is wondering what it is and how to tune it. Answer: Gene...it is most likely a baritone uke and if not it could be a short tenor guitar..however I doubt it....as far as tuning it, you said you had trouble with the 4th string. You are right in your asumption that the 4th string should be an octave lower than the standard tuning for a uke. If you ever feel as though you are about to tighten it too much and the bridge will come off...your right it will. It's like winding a watch...don't do it if you think it will damage the uke, although I can't imagine how winding your watch would damage your uke...you know what I mean. I would tune that instrument exactly the same as the last four strings on a guitar. e b g d... The brand name is the one Sears used for their musical instruments in the 40-60's...have fun..always be careful of your bridge..they cost about 600.00..but only if they are in your mouth. thanks for the questions...spread the uke yak word.....chuck frets fayne - Tuesday, November 10, 1998

Question asked by: Richard Lee Subject: wound strings Question: Richard purchased wound strings with a wire keeper on each end..should they be cut? Answer: Richard. they should not be cut..I hope the brand you bought didn't say to cut them. They will unwind..You can get a soldering iron and put a dab of solder on them and then they will not unravel.."Unravel..is also a person who refuses to listen to "Balero" boy, thats way out there...anyway. If you have to cut the strings, it is better to make a loop,much like you would do with a length of extension cord for storing. You may want to take a look the National wound strings, I don't know if they are making them in a tenor length, but if they are you might want to order from Homewood Music..you can find the connection on this link...Thank for writing, important information for us all...keep in touch...thanks..chuck - Tuesday, November 3, 1998

Question asked by: Rocky Cimarusti Subject: Gobson Banjo Uke Question: Rocky and Diedre have a gibson banjo uke and want to know about it, its value, history and where to find old haphaole music. Answer: Hi...From the description you have given me...dots on the fingerboard, 8 inch head, russian mosk like headstock, "The Gibson in script on the headstock, wooden resonator w/spacers..you have given me the perfect description of the later of two different models of UB 2 gibson banjo uke. The earlier version had a much more elaborate fingerboard like the style 3 Ukulele. You have a wonderful instrument and if played with gut or Kamaka or National Strings, you will have a wonderful sounding instrument. I have seen them sell from anywhere from 350.00- 750.00 depending on the condition. You say yours is excellent, so I guess you could ask top dollar if you wanted to sell. But don't sell...play..play..play...As far as finding original Hapa=Haole music, you just have to keep hounding swap meets, book stores, music store, and book serches( people, who for a fee find you stuff.) In the meantime make up your own songs..who will know the difference????? You really do have one of my favorite instruments, I love playing a gibson banjo uke...If I find any more information on the sheet music or instruction booklets, I will let you know...thanks so much for yaking with us. The nice part about a banjo uke is that you cannot drop the felt pick down the sound hole...Chuck frets Fayne - Monday, November 2, 1998

Question asked by: Linton Corbie Subject: Advanced Uke Videos Question: Are there any instruction videos for advanced players.? Answer: I am not familiar with any advanced learning videos, at this time. You say you found one searching the web, but the person didn't respond. Would you please share the resource with all of us, and maybe if he were bombarded with interested players, he might respond. It would help to know who it is. Please let us know your progress. Sorry I don't know of any. If anyone out there in Ukeland knows the answer to this question, please send it to me directly and to the Uke Yak...I think there are many players who would like to graduate to a little more difficult challenge...thaks Linton...keep lookin" Chuck - Sunday, November 1, 1998

Question asked by: Linton Corbie Subject: The South American cuarto Question: Why have we not talked about the similarities of the cuarto and the ukulele. Answer: Linton....thanks for pointing out the similarities. true, they are like ukuleles in shape and one of the many tunings is exactly the same...ADF#b...however, that is where the similarities end. Almost every culture in the world has found a four stringed instrument at one time or another. The south american cuarto, as most of the others like it, are used primarily as high pitched rhythm instruments. It is true that I have heard people solo on the instrunment, but that is not its primary purpose. It is used more like a drum...It is a little guitar ,braced like a guitar and quite sturdy. It is not a sweet instrument at all. It is brash...And there is the most important difference between the Ukulele and the Cuarto...I have two Cuartos in my collection. both are very high pitched and the body is much thinner than a ukulele. I love the sound of south american music and I love the sound of the cuarto. I have a few south american recordings and they are very exciting. Thanks for writing in...yet another link in the Uke chain..Frets Fayne - Sunday, November 1, 1998

Question asked by: Joel Richardson Subject: Hilo uke and gut strings Question: What about my Uke and where can I get gut strings? Answer: Joel describes his ukulele as a sporano and it has a yellow and red decal on the headstock with palm strees and a surfer riding the smoke of a volcano. It is a modern made Ukulele, I would need a picture to tell you when exactly, however Hilo is a name used by everyone who ever made a ukulele. That doesn't mean its not a good Ukulele, it just means its is not of the older variety. As far as getting gut strings, I get mine from John Bernunzio..or BVI ...the link you will find on Flea Market Music link section. However that is just a gut feeling....sorry, I couldn't resist....I really like the sound of gut strings. I just recently received a set a National wound strings and am most satisfied, however I have found they sound better on banjo Ukes and metal bodied ukes than wooden ukes. However they are worth a try. You can order them from Bob Tedrow at hmi@scott.net Joel, get me a picture and I will do a better job of discussing your uke. Thanks for writing in and remember, when your paddlin madeline home, take your uke....chuck frets fayne - Thursday, October 29, 1998

Question asked by: Dave Hill Subject: Sterling Banjo Uke Question: Wants to know about a sterling banjo uke he owns. Answer: Dave ..the little banjo uke you own is one of millions of these little things that were made in the l920/30's. It is the type one thinks of when they think of college and sailing down the moonlit river in a canoe. Two things I never do. They are the type that you see on the covers of sheet music of the day. Yours however, is a litte bit better than most. The back is closed and has two "f" holes...I have seen this before, however the wood is beautiful...this I have not seen before. It is clearly a better version of a plain, common banjo Uke. Now the odd part. Most of these that I have played, when strung with original gut strings, have a very good sound. By the way, you can get original gut strings from John Bernunzio...his link is on this site. Thanks for the question, thanks for sending me the pictures, it made my job easier...and take good care of the uke..it will bring you years of tuning...Now...sit in your canoe and strum....chuck 'Frets" Fayne..… - Tuesday, October 27, 1998

Question asked by: Jan Knez Subject: Favilla baritone B-2 Baritone Question: Purchased in l962. Worth Anything? Answer: Gee Jan...armed with all this information, it is hard to know where to begin. The answer to your question is "Yes". If the picture was slightly clearer, I could go on forever. Please let me know the condition, the type of wood, if it has trim around the edge or is just the plain model, they also made two types of baritones, one has a little longer scale length, If I remember correctly it has 17 frets to the soundhole. The Baritone Ukulele is the least popular uke among players. It is quite large and one of the reasons that people are attracted to the Ukulele is that it's cute and portable. Favilla is one of the many companies that tried to compete with Martin for their share of the market by making a uke that looked almost exactly like a Martin, however didn't have the tone or quality. If there is any way I can help you , please don't hesitate to ask. Must go Ukedom calls....frets fayne..... - Tuesday, October 27, 1998

Question asked by: Darrell Urbein Subject: double holed ukes Question: Are double sound holed ukes different sounding than the single holed ones, and how do double sound hole ukes compare to pineapple ukes. Answer: Darrell....I have always had a measure by which I grade the sound of a ukulele, and it never had anything to do with the number of holes. The only holes I ever relied on were the ones on the sides of my head. Ukuleles are funny instruments, and you must close your eyes when you try them out. I always think of Willie Nelson. who plays a guitar that has a hole big enough to put a ukulele inside. I think the only thing double sound holes can do is increase the volumn slightly, other than that, I hope I never get to the stage where I can close my eyes and tell you how many sound holes a uke has. I do believe that bracing affects sound, and as I have said before, many makers overbrace, and muffle the sound somewhat. I think the real answer to your question is,I don't know if the double sound holed ukes sound different. You also asked how do the double sound hole ukes compare to a pineapple. I have played many pineapple ukes and nothing compares to the pineapple uke made by David Hurd of Ukuleles by Kawika and the original Pineapple uke by the great Kamaka factory. Thanks a hole lot for the question, hope we here at "Big book of Uke Yak Info" have helped you. Keep writing in...we learn something new every day. chuck frets Fayne - Thursday, October 22, 1998

Question asked by: Mimi Geibel Subject: uke repair Question: Mimi has a uke with a boo-boo and wants to know what to do....it has a 3/4" x 1/4" hole with cracks to the bridge. Answer: The answer to your question, Yes, If you love it fix it...will it hurt the sound to repair it...No....it will probably help it. Depending on the value of the uke and its look, you might want to check and see if your luthier has a replacement top from another uke...it is a fairly simple job, for someone who knows what they are doing, to replace the whole top. I'm glad your going to repair it...let us know how it comes out. "The Uke Yak Hospital Hot Line" thanks you alot for your question..our thoughts are with your uke for a speedy recovery...frets and family - Wednesday, October 21, 1998

Question asked by: Ryan Nakasone Subject: Maccaferri Plastic Islander ukes Question: How many were made, and who owns the molds? Answer: Ryan, the most complete information is contained in Jim Beloffs book, The Ukulele, a visual History. You will find the answers to all your questions on pages 18, 65, 106. I myself do not prefer the sound of plastic, the look of plastic or the feel of plastic. However, unless the world has changed, I may still be in the majority. I think they were interesting novelty ukes and make a great display on a wall. As far as playing them, Ehhhhhh.....I do not know who owns the molds, that would require alot of research on your part, as I am sure that the decendents of Mario are still living and the the rights were sold to the carnival company. Start there and see where you get. hope we helped. and remember what mrs.Robonson said Plastics..its the wave of the future. keep ukin...frets fayne - Monday, October 19, 1998

Question asked by: Ryan Nakasone Subject: Maccaferri Plastic Islander ukes Question: How many were made, and who owns the molds? Answer: Ryan, the most complete information is contained in Jim Beloffs book, The Ukulele, a visual History. You will find the answers to all your questions on pages 18, 65, 106. I myself do not prefer the sound of plastic, the look of plastic or the feel of plastic. However, unless the world has changed, I may still be in the majority. I think they were interesting novelty ukes and make a great display on a wall. As far as playing them, Ehhhhhh.....I do not know who owns the molds, that would require alot of research on your part, as I am sure that the decendents of Mario are still living and the the rights were sold to the carnival company. Start there and see where you get. hope we helped. and remember what mrs.Robonson said Plastics..its the wave of the future. keep ukin...frets fayne - Monday, October 19, 1998

Question asked by: Craig Thompson Subject: an older kamaka tenor Question: Craig bought a Kamaka tenor with a pin bridge and the lopsided headstock,typical of the concert. Wants to know whats up? Answer: Craig...you have as you suspect...a 60-70's Kamaka tenor. I have a pin bridge Kamaka, but mine is later. It is not a common bridge. It is when Kamaka was making a fair number of tenors, and again the label doesn't help date the instrument at all. You say it has a remarkable sound..I don't doubt it..Kamaka is known for its remarkable sound. It is again an example of the endless inconsistencies of the Kamaka identification system....all of you out there in ukeland...keep sending in the variations and then we will know what Kamaka should. thanks again for the participation in Uke Yakville..Hop 0n, a train leaves every few minutes...Frets - Saturday, October 17, 1998

Question asked by: Todd Novak Subject: Bobby Henshaw and B&J of New York? Question: Todd wants to know who was Bobby Henshaw...and Who was the B&J company of New York? Answer: Todd...every time a Bobby Henshaw Uke pops up, which is about 5 times a year..the person who found it asks ,"Who is Bobby Henshaw?"...The answer is always the same ..Dunno...some say singer, some say actor..most don't care. I keep asking because I am curious. If any of you out there have the answer, please let me know. As far as your next question ..."Who is-was the B&J company of New York.?" That is easier, thanks to Paul Syphers, a friend and collector who filled me in on spaces..The "B" is Sam Buegeleisen and the J..is Jacobson. they started around l897 in New York city in a bldg located on 17th street. In l913 they moved to a larger building on University Place. They were the sole "world" distsributors to the trade" for the Rolmonica, the pocket player piano that" repopularized the Ukulele"..I myself have to find out how that happened, but that is the information as I got it. Thank you for a most interesting question..see how this works..I learned something and got a new address for my files about a company that I did not know existed. - Saturday, October 17, 1998

Question asked by: Chuck Fayne Subject: How do you reach me ?????? Question: It has come to my attention that some of you out there would like to reach me personally as well as on the UKE YAK...This is how to do it. Answer: My E Mail No...is cfayne@websurf.net.au My Hard mail address is Chuck Fayne 3 / 64 Fisher St. East Malvern 3145 Victoria, Australia Sometimes , when asking about specific instruments, you might want to send a hard pic in advance. It makes my job so much easier. I realize how hard it is to describe an instrument correctly. But a few hints. If you will measure it from top to bottom, describe the trim, and all the words that appear on the label inside or the decal on the headstock. Also any unusual features about the uke itself. The more information I have, the easier it is for me to tell you about your instrument. I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who have written. It is a thrill to do this job and find out how many of you there are. I never realized that the Uke world would get this large and seems to continue to grow. Please write and tell us what you find, and whenever possible, I would love to have a picture of your uke for my collection of pictures. thank you again, all of you and please keep on using the Uke Yak...Chuck FRETS Fayne - Friday, October 16, 1998

Question asked by: Jim Tranquada Subject: Dias Ukes Question: Jim wants to know about the rarity and value of a dias uke. Answer: JIm. The dias Uke is the rarest of all Ukuleles. There is only one with a label that I know of personally. I have heard about another one, however, I have never seen it. He is the recognized leader of the original three, Dias, Santo, and M.Nunes...He also introduced the Ukulele to the King of Hawaii at the time, King Kalakaua,who in turned introduced it to the people by featuring it at his gatherings and by putting it together with the beautiful hula, made it a permanent fixture in Hawaiian history. If you have Jim Beloff's book..The Ukulele a visual History, you will fine on page 15 a picture of the uke I am talking about. This uke was made for the king and he allowed Dias to make the tuners in the shape of the King's crown. A picture of the hand carved ivory tuners are on page 19. To answer your question as to the what I would expect to pay...the answer is, I would pay what ever I was asked to pay, If I could afford it. I hope you either have come across one or will come across one. I must caution you, that without the label, it is a Ukulele....This particular Ukulele, in addition to having the label, has a hand made case with the initials A. Dias on the lock. I hope you find one. Please let us know if you do. Thanks for asking....Frets Fayne - Wednesday, October 14, 1998

Question asked by: Joseph Antonio Subject: Kawika Ukuleles Question: Joseph saw my Kawika Pineapple Ukulele on David Hurd's website and wants me to comment on his workmanship. Answer: David Hurd, builder of fine Ukuleles has a website called Ukuleles by Kawika...the ukulele you saw on his website is one of the most beautiful ukes visually and certainly one of the best players in my collection. His craftsmanship is remarkable. I have not played the instruments of all the new Uke makers who have popped up in the last couple of years, but I am sure there are some very fine makers out there. The reason I like David's workmanship, is that he has taken the time to study the work of the makers that have gone before him. He understands what it takes to make a fine instrument. With modern technology he has taken it to the next level. However, he makes each instrument by hand one and a time...a technique, which if you know what you are doing, never fails to produce a quality instrument. You said you placed an order for one of his 6-string tenors...you made a smart move as far as I am concerned. I hope I have helped you in some way, and thank you for using Uke Yak..Join us any time...we'll leave a light on for ya...aloha...chuck frets fayne - Wednesday, October 14, 1998

Question asked by: Anne Hoffman Subject: My dog has fleas Question: Anne wants to know about how " my dog has fleas" got started? Anne also asked about "Every boy does fine" and wants to know if that is a mnemonic device for tuning a uke....(ebdf) Answer: The answer to the "my dog has fleas" portion of your question..is I don't know...and don't know anyone who does. It's possibly related to the fact that ukulele means bouncing flea in Hawaiian. I just made that connection, and doubt that it has anything to do with anything. The E.B.D.F. "every boy does fine" is not how you tune a uke. It is part of the notation staff in music...The way to remember the lines from the spaces with the sayings...(for the spaces) the word FACE and for the lines (E.G.B.D.F.) the saying .." every good boy does fine" If you tune your uke using this phrase, you will find you have not enough strings and the tunes will sound horrible...Hope I've helped...please stay in touch with us...we need questions...thanks for uke yakin" Chuck Fayne - Wednesday, October 14, 1998

Question asked by: John Arafiles Subject: Kamaka labels Question: John has found a Kamaka soprano Uke , dark in color with 3 pearl dots on the bridge, and a gold label..He wants to know about it. Answer: John, your Kamaka was made in the 50-70's and possible into the 80's..It is very difficult to date the ukes by the color of the label. As I have told others, Kamaka did not seem to follow any set pattern. Other than the very early ones, that were easy, because they were consistant in label and numbered, the rest of them seemed to get the label that was on the bench at that time. As for what the wood is, my guess it is dark stained koa, monkey pod or Mahogany..Kamaka was known to use all of these and some others. You did send me a picture, and the uke seems to be of better than average quality...a good find, and if you have read any of my other Kamaka answers, certainly my favorite hawaiian made instrument. Is it rare?...not particularly...but not common either. Some of the kamaka ukes were assembled or cut in Japan...they have a different headtock label, I am trying now to remember what they say, I know it is more than just KK..I believe it is K and then K li..they were mahogany and the label in some of them say Japan. They definitly are not of the quality of the Hawaiian made ukes. I will research the lable and give you a positive answer. Thanks for the questions..if we can be of any more help...just yell...frets fayne - Sunday, October 11, 1998

Question asked by: Damian Vitale Subject: harold teen blue uke, l&H camp uke, carl ed cartoons Question: Mr. Vitale wants to know if there is a blue harold teen uke, how to collect carl ed cartoons, and information about an odd Lyon and Healy camp uke...here goe Answer: Mr. Vitale wants to know about the possibility of a blue harold teen uke...is there one???? I don't think so. However, anything is possible. All the ads I have ever seen say assorted colors, or red, yellow and green. I once had someone offer me a blue one, but I became suspicious when it looked like it had been color enhanced on the computer. I have never seen one in person, so the answer to your question, "Is there a blue harold teen?" ...posssibly. I have no idea how to collect Carl Ed cartoons. If I were you, I would contact the nearest library and see what they have on Carl Ed and take it from there. Mr vitale also wants to know about a lyon and Healy camp uke with no sound hole in the front, but a reesonator type back with the sound hole there. L & H made about 7 different styles of camp uke. This is one of them. It always looked like a toilet seat to me. If I were looking for a bridge for it, I would contact, John Bernunzio, as he is the Bridge King. He is located in Rochester New York, and can be found on the flea market link list. I hope I have been of some help. Thanks for the questions...frets fayne - Sunday, October 11, 1998

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