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

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Question asked by: Dan Marek Subject: Old Martin? and Kamaka tiples. Question: Hi Chuck: I have these two tiples I would like some information on. The first I believe is a Martin but it has no markings besides the number that reads something blotted then 11 the 705, the second is made by Samuel Kamaka in 1971 and is number 1. I was wondering the date of the Martin and if any more were made by Samuel or the Kamaka company. I would also like to know any value. Dan Photos:                          Answer: Dan...The first tiple is definitely not a martin for many reasons. Martin did not make instruments, unless they were employee made instruments, without identification. Decal, impression of headstock back or label. The kamaka is quite nice. The first tiple has some value...400 in today's soft market. The kamaa is worth 1200+. A quite nice example of an early Tiple. - Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Question asked by: Dee Subject: Age and type of Favilla uke Question: Greetings, Chuck! Could you tell me the style and date of this Favilla uke? Also, is this the original finish? There's some flaking around the sound hole-- is that wax or the original finish? Thanks so much for your time and expertise! Kind regards, Dee Photos:                          Answer: tom...can you help out as usual...I am asking Ton Favilla, old friend and Favilla expert guess why...thanks again..chuck - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: Robert B Subject: A Martin Copy Question: I just bought this Uke on the weekend I did not pay much for it. I missed out on an S.S.Stewart last year for $100.00 so when I say this one I bought it. The quality is good in my mind. My question is can you tell me more about it price range, rarity? I think it is made in Japan, the only referance I found was on Tiki Kings but there was no photo. I hope my photos work for you thank you Rob.B Photos:                      Answer: Robert...looks well made...I am not familiar with the model, however don't know value. Will check around and see if anyone knows...thanks...chuck - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: Holly Subject: any idea? Question: Hi Chuck, Any idea what this guy is? no name or markings anywhere.. Thanks a bunch! Photos:                  Answer: Holly..no ideal..how does it sound...Plastic fingerboard suggests its a cheapy..body suggests its better. mystery at best...chuck - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: Scott Subject: Hi chuck was wondering if you could tell me any thing about what type of banjo uke this is? Question: Hi chuck , I've no idea what make this instrument is . You have any ideas Kind regards Photos:      Answer: Scott, if someone put a gun to my head, Id say it was English..If someone put a gun to my head, I'd say it was a Helicopter if that was what they wanted to hear. Nice looking instrument, hope it plays well..Interesting...chuck - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Favilla Tenor ukes Question: Hi Chuck, On March 7th. A reader asked about Favilla Tenor ukuleles. They are very very rare. A few were built in the 1920's and 1930's. No production figures. I have only seen two or three over the years. Tom Favilla Answer: As usual, I cant thank you enough. I could if you would come to Australia for a visit...Dinner, drinks, on me. Thanks. Your knowledge is Golden...chuck - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: Troy Subject: Gibson TU Question: I inherited this Gibson TU from my mother, she inherited it from her stepdad who died in 1974. I don't think she knew how old it was, and I've been unable to find anything online. The serial number is stamped on the inside, 4697. Do you have any idea roughly when this was made and possibly what the market value would be? Also, is it best to repair the strings and tuning knobs before selling or leaving as-is? Thank you so much! Photos:                          Answer: Nice example of a Gibson late model Tenor. 1940-50. I would fix what needs to be fixed. Make sure about the tuners. the original are very desirable. Fix ist up, people want to get the instrument red to play. 500+ good price in today's soft market...thanks...chuck - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: Chris Subject: regal ukulele info Question: Hi there. I came across this "unmarked" uke on ebay reasonably cheap and grabbed it. I'm just assuming Regal, as I've only seen Regals with this tri-color inlay, and have seen a few on the fancier side (fancy pants, redhead) but this one looks older. Looks like koa? I've only found one reference to this online that dates it circa 1919, with no other info. Any info or idea of value? Thanks! Photos:                  Answer: Chris... I agree...Regal....Looks like Mahogany to me. Hard to tell from the pic...300 dollars would be if in good condition. Thanks...chuck - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: Danny Spencer Subject: Leonardo Nunes Question: Was wondering if you could tell me about this and maybe a value. I have no use for it and would like to get it to someone that would appreciate it. Photos:                          Answer: Danny Put is on our marketplace on fleamarketmusic site. It is a very nice uke and with the case...Its hard to tell price in this soft market. Perhaps 1200, perhaps more....I'd love to own it myself. Check past postings for birthday..Most desirable chuck It is a Leonardo Nunes Radio Tenor....The best of all the Nunes models in my opinion. - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: Sharon Peterson Subject: Mystery (ChicAgo?) -- Better Pics Question: Thanks for the reply, Chuck ... sorry about the tiny pics. Hope these are better, and I added one of the heel. To me, it looks like a one-piece heel and neck; a separate piece from the body. If it's Hawaiian, the "Made in USA" stamp probably dates it to 1959 or later, right? (I'm no uke expert, but I grew up in Hawaii.) Many thanks for any wisdom you can provide! Photos:                          Answer: Sorry Sharon From the pics it looks mainland made. I have no idea of price without knowing the maker. Perhaps 200-300 if it is in good condition and plays well..thanks..chuck - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: Greg Wickliff Subject: very old ukulele Question: Shawn Yacavone pointed me to you. Trying to id this. He had not seen one like it and said it may not be a ukulele but another instrument. Just under 26" overall, 17 1/2" scale length. Ebony veneer pick guard - like on an 19th or early 20th century mandolin. Spruce top. Mahogany back/side/neck with a spanish- style heel. Bamboo binding? Grafted headstock with dart. Rosewood fingerboard. Bone nut. Ebony bridge/saddle. No identifying marks that I can see. Any help would be most welcome. Thanks, Greg W. Photos:                          Answer: I am not very familiar with these instruments. I believe it is South American and may be a Quarto. It is definitely not a ukulele. It can be strung like one and played the same. Most countries have by trial and error come up with a four stringed instrument. You have one. Let me know how it sounds. chuck - Thursday, July 4, 2013

Question asked by: Bruce Barnett Subject: Traviss Harelson Question: hi Chuck been a long time hope you are well how is Traviss i lost track of him a while back as you know i bought many ukes from him and he was a fun guy is he ok p.s. are you still down under???? Answer: Bruce... I am still down under. Nice to hear from you. I'm sorry to have to tell you Travis passed away a few years back. I agree, he was a fun guy, a good friend, a wonderful player and Its nice to hear his name mentioned again. For those of you out there in yakland, If you missed Travis you missed a gem. He is on recording somewhere...find it and listen. Bruce, keep in touch...Nice to hear from you..chuck - Thursday, July 4, 2013

Question asked by: Tammy Subject: Jonah Kumalae Ukulele Question: My dad has a Jonah Kumalae ukulele he purchased from one of his neighbors. It looks very much like the one you have listed on your web page. His has a label inside the sound hole that says Manufactured by John Kumalae Gold Award and has an address of 1719 Liliha Street and the left corner says Phone 2364 and right corner says Honolulu, Hawaii. I did some research on the Internet and found that if it has this address on the label it is most likely before 1922 since that factory address was burned by fire in 1922 and they moved to a new address which they listed in those later models. I am trying to find an estimated value of this ukulele since my dad is considering selling it. Are you able to help me with that or direct me to someone who is? I called our local music store and they have no ukulele information at all. I can see about getting a picture if you need that. Thanks in advance for any help you can offer. Answer: Tammy... Yes a picture is absolutely needed. Kumalae made many different styles each with a different value...thanks - Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Question asked by: Laurie Conn Subject: orpheum ukulele Question: Found this cleaning out my fathers house, a orpheum ukulele. Not sure what it is worth. If you need more pictures let me know. Want to sell it but not sure what to ask for it or anything about it. Thank you Laurie conn Michigan Answer: Laurie Not only do I need more pictures, I like to see the one you tried to send. No picture received. chuck - Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Question asked by: Jeremy Subject: Kamaka uke value Question: I got this uke from my grandfather, has the gold label and double k decal which according to the kamaka website puts the uke in the 1954-69 years. Would love to know more about this and its value. Photos:                  Answer: It is the bottom line soprano ukulele and worth about 300 dollars. It is a very fine player and very common....Thanks...chuck - Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Question asked by: Lillian de la Paz Subject: Gretsch American Question: I'm not sure if you received the first transmission. I was given as a gift this Gretsch American Uke that was left in a home our friend bought. Can't seem to find much on this Uke but it looks rare. I know it may be vintage 20's 30's and it's mahogany. But what is it worth? Photos:                          Answer: Lillian. Unfortunately it is not rare. It was made by the Gretsch Music company in the 1940's and is quite common. 200 dollars tops in good condition. You need to replace the bridge, it has some problems. I can't tell exactly what but a good luthier an help..thanks...chuck - Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Question asked by: matt Subject: don sellers uke Question: Hi i have this don sellers uke and im having a hard time figureing out any info on it Photos:      Answer: Matt That makes two of us. I have no idea what that is. If you send a couple more pics of the uke, I will dig around and see what I can find. Weird. chuck - Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Question asked by: Rbmyers01 Subject: Bushman Bluebird Soprano Question: I recently resurrected a Bluebird Ukulele from my basement after 42 yrs. Do these ukulele have any value and is it worth learning to play on this old instrument. I put some Aquila strings on and it sounds pretty good. Photos:                          Answer: Dear Rbmyers01...may I call you Rbm... The Bluebird uke comes along every now and then. This is the best I've seen. I guess 42 years in a basement has helped its condition. I have never really known who made them but suspect it was Regal with decal work by a man called Landon. It has novelty value because its really neat. I guess to a collector of novelty ukes 250 would be a good price. if you will excuse me, I am going to the basement for 42 years and see if my condition improves. Thanks...nice to see the uke...chuck - Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Question asked by: Joe Tucker Subject: Martin Ukulele Question: I recently inherited this from a friend. I play guitar but have no knowledge of ukuleles. I was told that it may be from the 1930s but am unsure. Just trying to understand what I have and what it may be worth. Any help is appreciated. There is some damage to the bridge that can be seen in the photos but everything else looks really good. Photos:                          Answer: Joe.. I wish I could tell you it is a bottom of the line Harmony ukulele and then try to buy it from you for about 50.00.. However, Jim Beloff would fire me from this lucrative venture. What you have is the 3rd or 4th incarnation of the style 3 Martin mahogany soprano ukulele. Made in the 30/40's. In my estimation, the finest player Martin ever made. On a good day with a new bridge, which you may be able to order from Martin, this ukulele is worth 3000 dollars +. So how's chances to by it for 50 bucks? My information must be worth something. Congrats, You have a real treasure. Enjoy it - Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Question asked by: Jack Morse Subject: Old Kamaka Uke Question: Hi Chuck - Long time no talk. Hope all is well. Can you tell me anything about this old Kamaka. Has no cracks. Also the value. Thanks, Jack Morse Photos:                          Answer: Hi Jack...nice to hear from you. What you have is quite rare. It is known as the High Hole Kamaka, for reasons you may have been able to spot. It is from the 30's and worth about 400-600 bucks..They were marvellous players with a sweet sound. My birthday is coming up so please let me know if you need my address. Nice to hear from you and nice to see your high hole...chuck - Wednesday, July 3, 2013

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