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

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Question asked by: Paul Moore Subject: Harold Teen Ukes Question: Paul wants to know where to get a Harold Teen Uke. Answer: Paul...I wish I had the answer to that question. You have to hunt. They come up now and then and because Gruhn featured them in his guitar book, he sent them over the top as far as price goes. You will just have to keep looking, and use all the uke sites to advertise your wants. Flea market is the place to reach the people and find out about the other sites. As far as you question about the Betty Boop Uke, they are rarer than the Harold Teen. Same advise applies to it as well. As far as price, you may get lucky and pay less that 500.00 but I doubt it. I have seen them sell for as much as 1200.00. Keep looking and good luck. chuck frets fayne - Monday, October 5, 1998

Question asked by: Thomas Clark Subject: an Oscar Schmidt Ukulele Question: Thomas wants to know about his Ukulele, history, and is it a potentially important Ukulele. Answer: Thomas....Oscar Schmidt of Jersey City ,New Jersey, was a manufacturer and distributor of many different types of instruments His heyday was in the 40's and 50's . He made the decal work that you see on Autoharps, and many of the Gold leaf type of decoration on Guitars. He made the Decals for Lyon and Healey, and Harmony, and many of the headstock decals for many, many other manufacturers. The Uke you have is a very common example of the type ukulele Oscar Schmidt distributed. My guess is the company did not themselves manufacturer it, but rather had another company like regal, or harmony make it. All of these examples have as a problem the one yours has. The rope binding, by that time, was a strip you could buy by the foot. So, that when it began to come up, it pulled away from the Ukulele in sections. Unlike genuine hawaiian Ukuleles, where each little piece was placed in by hand, and if you lost one, you only lost one. Your Uke is not a quality made instrument and I think your idea to fix it up yourself and play it is the way to go. I wish I had better news, however, it is certainly a worthwhile project. As for the Luthier whos name appears inside the Uke- gordon Hood Nov l935, Pomery- I have no idea who that is. As far as getting tuners, John Bernunzio, who can be reached at Bernunzio Vintage Instruments, ( a link is available on the Flea market Site) will have all the parts you need to put your uke back in playing condition, and I hope you do restore it. Thanks for writing and keep looking....Ukes are everywhere...chuck - Friday, October 2, 1998

Question asked by: Jeff Wewers Subject: La Melodia Uke Question: What is it? Answer: I have never seen the lable "La Melodia Ukulele" Jeff's Uke also has the number 804 pencilled in the uke. From your description,..rope binding on the top, matching rings around the sound hole, and slightly narrower than other sopranos...without holding it in my hands, my best guess is that it is not hawaiian...La Melodia is not words the Hawaiian makers would use, and is more a mainland copy of a hawaiian ukulele. Turn the uke over on the soundhole and look at the back of the neck( the uke not yours) Where the neck attaches to the body of the uke...trace with your finger along the neck up to the tuners. If somewhere there you see a splice, parallel to the uke, that would mean it was probably Hawaiian. Also a Hawaiian uke would have the little heal cap, the part that goes over where the neck attaches, as part of the back itself. If it is not, then it is certainly a mainland uke. If someone out there knows the name " La Melodia" please write us and let us know. Interesting, how many different ukes, and names appear daily. Keep us posted and if I come up with anything, I will add it to the uke yak...Chuck - Wednesday, September 30, 1998

Question asked by: Hal Brolund Subject: Valencia banjo Uke Question: How do I repair this Banjo Uke? Answer: Hal writes that the banjo uke has a margerine tub lid for a skin...thats a first for me. The fact that he didn't use a butter lid, proves he is, at the least, health conscious. You want to know where to find a replacement skin. Go to the Bernunzio Vintage Instuments link on this site and order one from John Bernunzio, one of the worlds great experts on replacement banjo uke heads. You asked about replacing the entire head with a piece of spruce. That would also be a first for me...I have never seen a skin head replaced with a piece of wood. My guess is that the sound would be horrible. My suggestion is always , when possible, to restore an instrument the way it was intended. E mail Bernunzio, get a replacement head, and do it up right. John will also have the bridges for it. Thanks for writing and do restore the little uke. It deserves it. Chuck Frets Fayne - Wednesday, September 30, 1998

Question asked by: Travis Harrelson Subject: 12 or 14 fret tenor martin Ukes, that is the question Question: What is the difference,why, and does it make a difference in playablilty and price. Answer: Before I answer this question, I must tell you a little about Travis Harrelson. He is among the greatest Ukulele players in the world today. ( He is going to yell at me for doing this) But if you ever see his name and he is playing anywhere near, run don't walk....After hearing him play, I want to break my fingers...He is also one of the most well informed men in the instrument world and a nice guy. (Think I like Him?)...to answer you question Travis. I think the main difference is in the age of the instrument. The 12 fret tenors are older and therefore a little softer made. I think they have the sweeter sound. The 14 fret models are a little heavier and therefore have a harsher sound. But the difference is very slight. For the real player, the advantage of the two extra frets is important. I also prefer the finish of the older ukes, more satin less shiney surface. Travis, thanks for joining the uke yak club. You are a welcome member. keep them cards and letters commin....chuck - Tuesday, September 29, 1998

Question asked by: Bruce Maxwell Subject: Martin Tiple???? Question: Bruce has found a Tiple with three different woods in the binding. Also there is a black stamp on the back of the neck. Answer: Bruce, from the information you have supplied, I cannot imagine that this is a Martin. Martin was very consistant with their markings. Martin, was either a decal on the front above the tuners or an impression on the back of the older models on the back of the headstock. C.F. Martin was always used inside the uke and the year number was on the neck block inside the instrument. These remain constant, unless it was an employee instrument made on their own time and not allowed to be marked. I have serious doubts that this is a martin, however one never knows. I have asked bruce to send Pics and more information and I will continue to see if I can figure it out. Thanks Bruce as usual...chuck frets fayne - Tuesday, September 29, 1998

Question asked by: Bruce maxwell Subject: Mini Tabu Question: Bruce has found a small Ukulele and wants some information about it. Description...16"long 5" wide...12 frets, Tabu mark on the inside, 12 frets and arched back. Answer: Bruce, the name of the instrument is not Tabu. Tabu is part of a safety feature that the Hawaiians came up with around l920 to insure that the instrument was made in Hawaii. So many mainland makers were making ukes and saying that they were hawaiian made that the uke builders in hawaii came up with this imprint that guaranteed it was genuine Hawaiian made. The imprint looks like two Kapu sticks crossed, with a crecent moon and the word Tabu. You will see this on many makers, Akai, Paul Summers to name two. Bruce, the Uke you found is interesting because of its size. It is a little smaller than a standard soprano, but not small enough to be a salesmans sample. Just a small Uke. Normally they have 13 frets to the body..12 is also interesting. I have asked Bruce to send me Pics and when I get them I will try to add any more information I can. Until then, I would only be guessing. But, isn't it interesting, how many variations of Ukes there really are. Its endless. Thanks for sharing your find with us. Write again..Chuck - Tuesday, September 29, 1998

Question asked by: Tim Musselman Subject: SS Steewart Professional Uke Question: Tim wants to know if the SS Stewart Professional Uke is the same maker as the great Banjo Makers. Answer: Its the same name, however many years passed since the Great SS Stewart Banjo were made. The company has changed hands, names and many other things through the years. However, I asked Tim to send me some pictures directly of his uke. It is a quality mahogany Ukulele with Original friction tuners and the close-up of the Uke shows it to be of very good quality. The Lable is standard blue lable used both in the ones SS Stewart made and the ones they had made for them. This looks to be the quality of the SS Stewart Genuine Ukulele. It is a nice piece, resembling a martin in construction. It is collectible, and I have known ones like it to sell for 250.00-350.00....in top condition. thanks and I hope I have helped...keep writing us we need all the help we can get....chuck - Tuesday, September 29, 1998

Question asked by: chuck fayne Subject: a mispelled name Question: what was I thinking about? Answer: The request for help with finding material related to the Schireson Music Company is spelled just that way. Not the way I spelled it...Shireson. I had a mental lapse....so as you look for related material, it might make it easier for you if I spell it correctly. so remember SCHIRESON.....SCHIRESON.......thanks and sorry gary...write and let us know what you find. It helps us all put the pieces together about these little instruments. best...chuck - Friday, September 25, 1998

Question asked by: Tom Walsh Subject: Questions about kamaka pineapple and the connection between Martin-Weymann ukuleles.. Question: Tom's questions are about a gold foil label on a kamaka pineapple uke and the connection between Martin and Weymann as Ukulele makers. Answer: The answer to the Kamaka Pineapple Ukulele lable is...I don't know...Kamaka used so many different labels, it becomes confusing. I am familiar with the gold foil label you are asking about...they were unattractive and constantly coming loose. I can only speculate that they were used to save money. They certainly were less expensive than the beautiful decals Kamaka used for so many years. I have see probably a dozen different types of labels. I wish they helped date them, but they don't seem to follow any logical yearly designation. My guess is that they were used in the 50-60's. I will write the Kamaka factory and see what I can find out. If any of you out in Uke Yak land have any answers, please send them along. Tom's second question is about the connection between the Martin company and the Weymann company and their Ukuleles. I own two Weymann Ukuleles. One says Wymann on the headstock and Martin inside. It is exactly like a style O. The second one says Weymann on the back in the form of a decal, however, if you didn't know about the Weymann decal you would swear it is a Martin made instrument. It is also like the one you own, a style 2. I am not sure who made it. My suspicions are that it was made by Martin. Whenever I see an instrument that so closely resembles a Martin, I assume Martin made it. Ditson is the only company that asked martin to make Ukuleles that were a different shape than the standard Uke shape. No martin copy I have ever seen,(ie Favilla for one), has ever come close to the quality of the craftsmanship that Martin was able to achieve. This era is very confusing era for the manufacturing of instruments. Martin made for many different companies. Some they stamped, and some were not. I find this time in Uke history the most insteresting time and invite all of you who have either answers or questions to write....In the meantime, Tom, let me refer you to Mike Longworth's wonderful book "Martin and Company" It lists all the other companies that for whom Matin manufactured. For those of you who are not familiar with Tom Walsh, he is one of the creators of the Ukulele diner website-the link can be found here on flea market- and very involved with the Ukulele Hall of fame Museum with Paul Syphers. Thanks again for the good questions and most of all for the good information you sent along. I will file it for future reference. Much appreciated. Feel free to ask or contribute any time...we need the info. Hope I've helped and keep in touch chuck - Thursday, September 24, 1998

Question asked by: David Cook Subject: dixie steel banjo uke Question: David wants to know when they were made, sound quality, value...etc Answer: David..I am sorry to be the bearer of bad news, however, these little things pop up often and seem to have some fascination with collectors. I have had one or two in my lifetime and they must have seemed like a good idea at the time, however they have a terrible sound. I have tried gut, metal, and wound strings...nothing helped. They were made in the 50-60's more of a novelty than a serious instrument. They were made both with and without a resonator. The ones without a resonator are more in demand because you can't hear them as well. On the bright side, no collection is complete without one. I wish I had better news. I have seen them sell from 25.00 to 150.00...thanks for using uke yak...frets - Wednesday, September 23, 1998

Question asked by: Keilani Yang Subject: History of the Ukulele Question: Keilani wants to know where to find information on the history of the Ukulele. Answer: There is precious little written about this instrument. Rather than to list all I know, I refer you to Jim Beloff's Book..."The Ukulele, A Visual History...It is available on this site and in the better book stores. In the back you will a list titled. History. This list is very complete...One additional piece of information is available from the University of Hawaii..a paper done by Karen Drodz on the History of the Ukulele. Thanks for asking, I will keep your uke yak question and if additional information becomes available, I will let you know...thanks for yaking.....frets fayne - Wednesday, September 23, 1998

Question asked by: Phil Morris Subject: Lyons Brothers Banjo Uke Question: Phil found a Lyons Bros Banjo Uke, and wants to know what I know about it. Answer: Phil..Lyons Bros was a fairly common Manufacturer of Banjo Ukes and Banjo Mandolins. The scroll shaped headstock is not unusual on English instruments. It is nice that you got the original case and tools. It is not rare, it is unusual to find one if you don't live in England , I am not sure of its value, but yes it is collectible. It is more valuable if it has a resonator. There are a few good English Banjo Uke makers, however the best banjo ukes were made in the United States. English Banjo Ukes tend to be heavy. Put gut strings on it, you might find the tone a little easier to take. thanks for your question. I hope I've helped. Frets - Wednesday, September 23, 1998

Question asked by: Joe Owens Subject: Singing treholipee by Swaggerty Question: How do you tune it because of its unusual size. Answer: This instrument has always fascinated me. It looks like it shouldn't sound good but it does. I tune mine just like a soprano ..A D Fsharp B...and play it as if it were a concert. I'm not sure that how to tune it was a concern when it was made. It was made as a novelty surfer Dude kind of thing and by some strange quirk, it sounds pretty good. I like mine and play it regularly...Thanks for asking and if any of you find one of these strange lookin' things (pg 46 and 47 in Jim Beloff's book " The Ukulele a Visual History) buy it...it will surprise you... thanks for joining the yakers....frets fayne - Sunday, September 20, 1998

Question asked by: Clyde Croasdale Subject: New head for a Gibson Banjo Uke? Question: Clyde wants to know if he should keep the uke original and not replace the old head. Replace the old head, or get a new banjo uke to play. Answer: You already have a wonderful Banjo Uke. I would take the old head off, if I were worried about its tearing, and replace it with a new one.( see John Bernunzio"s link on this site for the new head) Replace the old one but save it. Play the uke with the new head and when you decide to retire the Gibson, put back the old head and hand it on your wall. That's what I would do , but then I am a nut. I personally would never retire a good instrument, they like to be played....Thank you for using uke yak.....it's always nice to get repeat business. Chuck Frets Fayne - Sunday, September 20, 1998

Question asked by: Gary Shireson Subject: Hollywood Ukes Question: Dear chuck.....Got any Hollywood Ukes you want to give away? Answer: This is a personal friend of mine. He is the Grandson of the founder of the Famous Shireson Music Company. He is attempting to put together the history of his family owned business. Hollywood Ukes is only one of the items they manufactured or distributed. This is a worthwile venture and we are helping all we can, by letting Gary know when we run across a piece or Shireson memorabilia. The more information he has, the more information we have and we are always trying to learn new facts about the Uke. If you run across anything related to Shireson Company, please let Gary know. He can be reached at gvolutone@earthlink.net. And to answer your question about Hollywood Ukes to give away....No. But you are welcome to come to Australia and play them any time you like. Help him out if you can..all you Uke Yakers out there and again , thanks for the question Gary. - Sunday, September 20, 1998

Question asked by: hal brolund Subject: banjo uke tuners Question: Hal has aquired an old banjo uke and wants to know about replacing friction tuners with geared tuners, and what strings to use. Answer: Hi Hal...welcome back. repeat business, the ultimate compliment. It is a simple matter to replace the tuners, just find a set that fits..It should not be too hard. There are hundreds of brands being made today, and if you are on good terms with a good magic shop, they might even have a vintage set that will work. You may have to drill out the holes a little to make them fit. the question about what strings to use. The answer is quite simple also. Do you want it to sound like a banjo or a uke. If you use steel strings, it will be more a rhythm instrument, nylon strings,which I prefer, give it a more melodic sweeter tone. It is a personal preference. Originally, I think banjo ukes were made to sound like banjos. but today, most of them are strung with uke strings. Stick with me, I will get one of these answers right yet. Welcome back and spread the word about uke yak... Uke Yak " to serve and protect" whoops I think that is already the slogen of the Police...anyway were here for you uke needs. thanks chuck "frets" fayne...... - Monday, September 14, 1998

Question asked by: Pearl walker Subject: A bell shaped Lyon and Healy Ukulele Question: Pearl wants information about a bell shaped Ukulele she owns. Answer: Pearl, you do in fact own a bell shaped Lyon and Healey Ukulele. Made in the mid l920's it was one of the oddball shaped instruments Lyon and Healey were known for. They also made one shaped like a balalaika. They made the bell shaped instruments in guitar, tiple, tenor guitar, and ukulele. I have had a few of the bell shaped ukes and they are all exactly the same. Dark mahogany, raised sound hole, decorative diamond shape in the headstock. trimmed in white binding. They all have pin bridges, which Lyon and Healey used on all their better instruments. Lyon and Healey ,for style, is my personal favorite. They had the guts to try different shapes. They did not limit this to only Ukes...they tried with all their lines of instruments. They made beautiful instruments, and were known primarily for their harps...which are prized by the great players of the world today. Pearl, you have an uncommon Ukulele...much sought after by collectors and in our correspondence you told me you got the instrument with steel strings. It was not intended to be played with steel strings..... gut or plastic only. You loose the sweetness of the sound when you put a steel string on a wooden ukulele. Steel strings in an instrument that size are to be used on banjo ukes and then mostly for volume or to duplicate the sound of a true banjo. Put gut or plastic and enjoy your lovely ukulele. If you want to see your Uke in print, it appears in the Washburn book ( available in most better music stores) on page 108. I hope I have helped you and thank you for joining a very exclusive club, "the Uke Yakers" we just can't stop talking. Chuck "frets" Fayne - Sunday, September 13, 1998

Question asked by: Werner Sommer Subject: Bruno Ukulele Question: Werner has a Bruno Ukulele that has a decal on the headstock that says "The Dandy Line" and below the bridge, a larger decal that looks like arrows and the decal inside has lables that say "Standard Aproved"...by the National Assosciation of Musical Instruments Mfrs, U.S.A. and the other label says Est 1834 Bruno Means Security. He wants information as to when it was built and who was The Bruno Mfg Company. Answer: I e mailed Werner and asked for a picture of the uke. He emailed me a pic. The Ukulele is beautiful..The decal under the bridge is quite ornate and the overall condition of the ukulele is wonderful...It is a fine example of a Uke that was made for the Bruno Company, in the heyday of the Ukulele ...late l930'-40. Most of the Bruno Ukes were made by either Harmony or Regal...Most of the Ukuleles made for distribution were made by Harmony or Regal. The Bruno Company was Est. in 1834 and for a time had an association with the Martin Guitar co. and made their own line of instruments of very good quality. This Uke, is unfortunatly, not from that time. But then no Uke is from that time. The uke , as we know it, came into being after Kumalae visited America in l915. But, no matter the date of this instrument, it is quite unusual. I have never seen one like it and the only other company I have ever seen that used a decal below the bridge in the same way, was the Lyon and Healy company. I hope you play it, it needs to be played. Thanks for joining Uke Yak and spread the word. Ukes are cool and Ukers are cooler. thanks, Chuck Frets Fayne.......If anyone out there knows what the decal the "Dandy Line" means, please write me (chuck) and let me know. Im curious. thanks again....… - Saturday, September 12, 1998

Question asked by: Clyde Croasdale Subject: stadlmair&co Tiple Question: Clyde wants to know about a Stadlmair & co Tiple. Answer: The Stadlmair & co was in existence in New York in l924-l925 at 115-117 E 23rd St Ny. It produced ukes and tiples under the names or "Miami and Avalon" Ukulele Hughes was E.S Hughes a professional player of the day who endorsed the "Miami Line" Hughes also wrote instructional booklets which were published by Stadlmair company. As in all ukes of the day, it is unclear whether Stadlmair was the actual manufacturer or not. I think he might have been. I own a uke and it is of fine quality. Your friend purchased a fine instrument. As to its value, ...it is again hard, it is the first one I have heard of to come up for sale recently. I would guess that in very good shape it could be worth as much as $400 -$500 because of its quality. thanks for asking this ineresting question and if any of you out there have a Stadlmair instrument, I would be interested in hearing about it....please keep in touch with Uke Yak and spread the word to your friends..still got a load of unused answers just waiting for questsions. chuck Frets Fayne - Wednesday, September 9, 1998

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