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

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Question asked by: Bill Florence Subject: Unidentified banjo-ike Question: Hello Chuck. This banjo-uke has no name on it but seems to be a good quality old instrument. The headstock shape is different that any I can find info on. Any clues as to who may have made this? Thanks! Photos:                          Answer: Many banjo ukes had that headstock..Its called the violin headstock. I can't tell much about it from the pics except , as you say, its well made. Did you look at the stick inside the banjo uke. Sometimes on the underside, where you can't see, is a mark of some sort. You need a mirror to do that one. write me if you dan see anything.....chuck - Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Question asked by: Wichita Sam Subject: Lindell Baritone Question: Dear Chuck, Just picked up a Lindell Baritone Uke. I'm not familiar with this model, but the owner said that it had been in the family @ 30 years. It has a mahogany neck, and mahogany (ply?) top, bottom and sides. 14 frets to the body, 19 total. No other marking than the "Lindell" on the headstock. It frets out good and has a much better tone than modern "economy" ukes. Can you tell me any more about it and what it might be worth in very good condition (only a couple scratch marks) with a fiberboard case? thanks, Wichita Sam Photos:                          Answer: Sam...I have seen many Lindels in all sizes and really don't know who made them. It was not an expensive ukulele and made during a time when the Baritone was more popular. I would guess it was made in the 50's and as far as value, its whatever you can get. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Question asked by: Peter Subject: Martin Question: Hello Chuck, I've been wondering is there any difference in sound between a 30's Martin soprano and a 60's Martin.? Were there any years to avoid? Thanks Answer: Not much difference, I would opt for the 30's uke if I were given a choice. The one to avoid is the modern made uke called the SO... I still don't understand why Martin put on the market this latest batch..Stay away from then no matter wht the cost saving is....see ya...chuck - Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Question asked by: John Sutliff Subject: Martin Baritone value Question: I purchased a Martin baritone about 1960. Played very little at family reunions for a few years. Excellent condition with one slight scratch/delam (?) I wish to sell it and would appreciate you estimated value. Thanks, John Answer: Baritones are not easy to sell. I should be worth about 750-1000 but its a tough market. good luck...c - Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Question asked by: Hank Subject: Banjolele strings Question: Howdy, Chuck. I recently purchased a Gold Tone banjolele. Can you tell me, does one use different strings on a banjolele than on a uke? Answer: Some use metal strings but I use uke strings. I like the sound. You can use any uke strings you like....thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Question asked by: Thom Subject: That Miami Question: Chuck: Is that Miami I sent you pics of possibly a Regal? It sure plays well, and I'm certain it's mahogany. Perhaps higher end, c50's? I can't find any mention of Miami ukes as Regals, but the headstock looks it, huh? At any rate, I love the sound. Thanks Thom Photos:              Answer: thom...what is the word under miami on the back of the headstock..I can't read it...thanks...c - Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Question asked by: Kevin Senzig Subject: Vintage Harmony Uke Question: Hi Chuck, any luck on the history of your Harmony uke? Jim B. referred me to you because the photo in his book is of your uke. It's the only one I have seen like mine. Photos:      Answer: I have had a few of them. However I know little about why it is. I always thought it was a uke made to look like a mandolin..Wish I could be more helpfull. I know mine was a really good player, hope yours is as well....chuck - Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Question asked by: Lindell Vecchio Subject: Arthur Godfrey Solo Lute Question: Where can I find an Arthur Godfrey solo lute ukalele, dark mahogany. I lost mine in the early 1950's. What would be a fair value for one of these in excellent condition? Answer: I have not seen a solo lute offered for sale in years. Your just going to have to search all uke sites. I would guess 500 would be a good price...thanks...chuck - Friday, February 26, 2010

Question asked by: Thom Subject: Martin Style 1 & 2 Question: Hi Chuck:An update on my Martin I question, and a complication:I'm now comparing a style 1 and 2 in the shop. The 1 has a decal headstock, frets look like bar frets,and has a repaired crack in back that is tight. Inside I can see diamond wooden pegs of mahogany, which I assume is the repair. Finish is good, price $875.The 2 has no decal and Martin name stamped on back. Pegs are not wooden, frets again are bar. No crack, no finish issues, price $1275.All things being equal (which they never are) do you have an opinion on which would be the better value? Both play like a dream.Do I stay away from the uke with a crack, or doesn't that matter?Again, no pics because I haven't bought. Yet.Thanks! Answer: I would spend the difference and purchase the style2....I may be wrong but I think 875 for an instrument that has cleated repairs is expensive. Remember this is just an opinion. I always, in my years of collecting, tried to upgrade any uke that was in better condition than the one I owned. Good luck and let me know what happens.....chuck - Saturday, February 20, 2010

Question asked by: micheal carey Subject: martin 3m uke Question: hey there chuck i just stumbed upon a martin 3M uke from the 20's, i payed 1200 for it. this uke is in fantastic condition can you tell me how much something like this could go for in this market? Answer: michael...can't tell you anything without seeing a picture. Martin made many variations of the 3m and each a different price. Please send pics of whole front and back...chuck - Saturday, February 20, 2010

Question asked by: Al Holbert Subject: George Washburn banjo ukuelel Question: I have just bought a banjo ukulele that's a George Washburn # 852, round drum is 11" in diameter Neck w/frets length is 9" Top with string knobs is 5" Overall length is 23", Depth chrome portion is 3" 4 tuning keys and a star on the headstock. It has 24 brackets.Do you have any idea what it is and when was it made? Answer: I need pictures to help...thanks..chuck - Saturday, February 20, 2010

Question asked by: David Subject: Johnny Marvin bridge Question: Hey Chuck - Greetings from Austin, TX. I think that the Johnny Marvin bridge pictured in a recent post is actually ok. If you look a little more closely, you can see that the bridge pins are casting a rather long shadow. The difference in color (in my opinion) is really just a weird lighting thing. I would probably ask the seller to send another pic taken in different lighting. I've owned 3 of these ukes and other than the color, the bridge looks pretty normal. On a related note, I also wanted to share with you the excellent craft of luthier Mika DaSilva -- Mike brought my beautiful Prince of Wales koa JM tenor back from the grave (see pictures). You answered a question about this uke in its "before" condition sometime ago. Hard to believe they are one and the same. What do you think the uke is worth in its restored condition? As always, keep up the awesome work! Photos:                  Answer: thanks...for the message.I am familiar with Mike DeSilva and agree he is a first class luthier. Thanks for the reminder to all at uke yak..... - Friday, February 19, 2010

Question asked by: Peary Wood Subject: Old Ukulele Question: Dear Chuck: Any idea of who could have made this ukulele? It was given to me as a gift a couple of years ago. There is a signature inside in pencil, but it is not legible. Any help would be appreciated. Photos:              Answer: Peary..I wish I could see the signature, I have the pics you send but cannot make it out. It looks like many Hawaiian makers but without holding it I can't te.. I have a feeling it was originally without the star and extra work. Its beautiful, If you can get a better close up of the signature, I will help...chuck - Friday, February 19, 2010

Question asked by: Doug Campbell Subject: vintage harmony baritone uke Question: We possess a mint condition vintage Harmony baritone ukulele with case and are curious about its market value. Thanks for your anticipatated response. Answer: A Harmony baritone in good condition would be worth 300+...thanks..chuck - Friday, February 19, 2010

Question asked by: simon cacy Subject: C F & Co ukulele from hawaii Question: Can you tell me anything about the C F & Co LTD Ukulele company. It says Made in Hawaii so it is not related to CF Martin. I can't find any info on this company, any help would be appreciated. thanks Photos:      Answer: Simon...research has failed to turn up anything. I will turn it over to the uke yak research team....somebody write me and let me know what you know. thanks..chuck - Friday, February 19, 2010

Question asked by: Darren Subject: Gibson Banjo Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck- I recently acquired a Gibson Banjo Uke with the Trapdoor. It has all the original parts, including "the Gibson" tailpiece. It had a serial number of 11111A-13. Any idea what year this means? I read somewhere that the Banjo Ukes made before 1925 was numbered in the 11000's. Help! Answer: I can't help...I have written to a friend who is Gibson expert. I will let you know what he turns up...chuck - Friday, February 19, 2010

Question asked by: Kennrth G Bailey Subject: Fred's mystery uke Question: Aloha Chuck, Fred's inquiry about his mystery uke got the old wheels in motion. Here's what I know about possible makers. In my uke closet there is a Style 4 soprano made by The Honolulu Music Co. Limited. The red and yellow lable in the sound hole reads "Royal Hawaiian Koa Ukulele". There is a Tabu stamp on the back of the headstock. I also found a Style 0 like Freds, but with a Honolulu Music Co. label. The headstock is quite similar to Fred's. The Tabu stamp is also on this one. His bridge and tuners maybe replacements. Mine are both all Koa. I can't find any historical mention of The Honolulu Music Co., but there are references to a Hawaii Ukulele Manufacturing Co. 1926- 1930 and a Hawaiian Ukulele Co. 1916-1917. My AA batteries are dead. But if you or Fred want pics, I'll follow thru asap. Mahalo nui loa, Ken Bailey Answer: As usual, thanks for the info..How are you and when did you start spelling your name Kennrth..classy...chuck - Friday, February 19, 2010

Question asked by: Bob Isaacks Subject: Favilla Ukulele Question: Chuck: I just acquired the Favilla Ukulele pictured. Condition is 98% (It looks like new) Vintage, probably 50's or 60's Gold emblem on headstock,stamped Favilla Bros. New York N.Y. U.S.A. in sound hole. Could you give me a ballpark estimate of its value?/ Thanks, Bob Isaacks Photos:                      Answer: It seems to be a Baritone. Value....300-400..thanks - Friday, February 19, 2010

Question asked by: Kris Bergeson Subject: ukulele Question: Hello, I was wondering if you could tell me something about this ukulele? Can you tell me its approximate age, maker, the wood, and what was used in the purfuling? Thank you very much for any help. Kris Photos:                          Answer: hard to tell alot from the pics. I appears to be a Regal from the 40's chicago. The wood appears to be Mahogany, but I'd need better pics to tell. thanks for writing in...chuck - Friday, February 19, 2010

Question asked by: William E. Walker Subject: Harmony H566 Question: Do you have any info about the Harmony H 566 model Uke. Answer: None...don't know what it is...chuck - Friday, February 19, 2010

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