|
|
|
|
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
|
|
|
(Chuck
"Frets" Fayne has answered the following 5919
questions.)
|
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
|
|
|
E-mail: info@fleamarketmusic.com
Home
Online Store Events Calendar
Mailing List Ukulele Links
Marketplace
Bulletin Board
Player Directory Collector's Uke Yak
Ukulele Tuner
© 1997-2024 Flea
Market Music. All rights reserved.
Web Design by
Web Solutions, Inc.
|