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

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Question asked by: Laurel Beckman Subject: CMO uke Question: Dear Chuck, I recently received this uke: it's label says "handcrafted on the big island of Hawaii by CMO, 1999". I can't find anything online about this maker, and a local shop says it is koa wood. Can you tell me anything about the uke, it's quality, or it's maker? thank you very much, Laurel Photos:      Answer: No Idea...nothing comes up under the name CMO..Will check and add to your answer if I find anything. thanks for writing in...chuck - Friday, January 8, 2010

Question asked by: Dan Baxter Subject: uke ID Question: Hi, this is the front shot of the unidentified uke that apparently I sent you only a shot of the back. What'ya think, Nunes? Harmony? Stratavarius? Photos:      Answer: Regal 1960's Chicago...Thanks for writing in.....c - Thursday, January 7, 2010

Question asked by: Eric Subject: Kamaka Ukulele Question: I found this site linked in a forum I was reading. I was wondering if you might be able to tell me more about my ukulele and what it might be worth. I don't know much about it and bought it at a thrift store a few years back. I can send more pictures or any other information if needed. I believe it to be dated from 1954- 1969 based on the inforemation I read on the kamaka site. Thanks in advance for any help. Photos:      Answer: Eric..Kamaka pineapple uke 1960's...one of my favorites. worth 400+ on a good day with favorible condition. Lovely uke, I you play it....chuck - Thursday, January 7, 2010

Question asked by: Mark Snavely Subject: 1920s Kamaka Pineapple Soprano Question: I found some pix of the Pineapple. Any thoughts on what its worth would be greatly appreciated. Thanx Answer: Mark...How about you share the pics with me? I can tell a lot that way...chuck - Friday, December 4, 2009

Question asked by: Dan Baxter Subject: uke ID Question: I bought this recently, the seler didn't know what it was, he was told that it might be a Harmony. I thought maybe it was a Nunes of some sort. There is no label or stamp, just of inlay and nice tonewood, koa, I think. Any ideas? Photos:      Answer: Dan, as I have said before, ukes are alot like people...similiar from the back, all different from the front. I need a pic of the front to tell. There is little information on the back....c - Friday, December 4, 2009

Question asked by: george Subject: kent ukuleles Question: I can't find any information on Kent ukuleles. I have an opportunity to buy a kent bass uke, but I have no idea if it is even worth consideration. I appreciate any guidance that you may give. Answer: I have seen many Kent ukuleles and never known who made them. Popular name. I have, however never seen a bass ukulele. Please send a picture. c - Friday, December 4, 2009

Question asked by: Lisa Bellero Subject: Nunes Uke Question: Hello , I am trying this again. What year was this made? Tell me what you know! Thank you for your time. It belonged to my Great Aunt Roberta who was born in San Francisco. Lisa Bellero, Shoreline, WA Photos:      Answer: Lisa...I think I have answered this before. You have sent me a giant picture of a bridge and a giant picture of a label. Perhaps if you send me a normal sized picture of the front of the whole uke and the back of the whole uke I will definitly be able to help. I know little about the value and dating of bridges and labels. Please have someone help you with the size of the picture. I would be glad to help...chuck - Friday, December 4, 2009

Question asked by: Brad Aspey Subject: Banjo Ukuleles Question: Hi Chuck: I'm in the market to buy a banjo ukulele. Any brand(s) that you especially recommend? Thanks, Brad Answer: The price is a very important factor. What is your budget...There are thousands of Banjo ukes available from 10 dollars to 25,000.....I would imagine somewhere inbetween. chuck - Friday, December 4, 2009

Question asked by: Mika Waller Subject: Martin Style 0 from the 'Bay Question: Hi Chuck - I just won this uke on the 'Bay for a very reasonable price (assuming its real, of course) Never seen one with such a light colored body. What accounts for this? Can you tell me the approximate age of the instrument? It has a decal on the front of the headstock and ivory colored plastic tuners. Thanks, Mika Photos:      Answer: 1950's The color is usually determined by the tree...some light, some not so light. You have one of the some light. chuck - Friday, December 4, 2009

Question asked by: kathy rhein Subject: banjo/ukes Question: I am looking for a banjo ukelele or a banjolele. I do not know what to look for in an instrument that I cannot hear (i.e. the internet) and I don't know how these two differ. I have a beautiful old Kamaka uke. I have owned it for 50 years. I'm used to a great sound and good quality. Can you give me tips on which of these would sound the best and how to select a really good one? Answer: They are the same , just different names. Sound is something I have to hear, I have heard great instruments that sound like crap and crap instruments that sound great. It is something you have to determine yourself. If it sounds great, plays great and makes you feel good and in your price range... buy it. Wish I could help more...chuck - Friday, December 4, 2009

Question asked by: Rick Beets Subject: restoration Question: Old question, but...I have a number of vintage ukes that would be more enjoyable to play with newer style tuners, will I kill the value if I replace the tuners? All are friction type so I'd replace with the same so I wouldn't have to drill or modify the holes in the headstock. Answer: Rick...Keep the old tuners. For those nuts who have to have it all original...You won't kill the instruments by putting tuners that need no drilling. thanks...chuck - Friday, December 4, 2009

Question asked by: Vinnie Mondello Subject: Harmony Aero Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I have this uke in my shop and as you can see, found out the normal stuff on the web about it. My question is that if it is this obscure, why did someone make a repro of it, and not cheap either. I can find nothing on anyone actually playing them View it on my page here http://4stringbanjos.com/HarmonyAer oUke.html and when you have time let me know if you know more about them than the sketchy details. Vinnie Mondello, 4stringbanjos.com Answer: Cant get your site up..please mail me a picture....then I can help....chuck - Friday, December 4, 2009

Question asked by: Yen Oshima Subject: Martin Tenor Uke (1940's?) Question: Hi Chuck, I just acquired a Martin Mahogany Tenor Uke. I think it's a Tenor size and the original owner said it was from the 1940's. It measures 26"h x 9"w. The headstock has a decal "CF Martin & Co. EST. 1833" and there is no stamp on the back. It has 12 frets with 1 dot on the 5th fret, 2 dots on the 7th fret and 1 dot on the 10th fret (you can also see dot markers on the side of the neck). The bridge is white in color and there are black bridge pins holding the strings. The tuning pegs are black. Seen through the soundhole "C.F. Martin & Co. Nazareth, PA". To the left of this logo are the numbers "2178" written in pencil. All parts are original and there are very minor scratches but no cracks. My questions are: 1) Is this a style 1-T? 2) What's the significance of the "2178"? 3) Was it made in the 1940's and if yes, what year exactly? 4) How much would a uke like this cost in today's market? Sorry, I attached only 1 photo (the front) because I don't know how to upload multiple images through Flea Market Music. I can e-mail the rest of the images to you per request. Thank you so much, in advance, for your help and expertise! *big hugs* Photos:      Answer: Ken..it is a standard 12 fret tenor...1000 bucks in great condition. No martin can be dated exctly except for the tiples and guitars that follow a number chart which ukulele do not. Closest I can come is the 1950 on. Lovely instrument and yes it is a Tenor. thanks for writing in...chuck - Friday, December 4, 2009

Question asked by: Teek Subject: Louis Gaspar pineapple uke Question: Hi Chuck, I have only been able to find out a little bit about this uke, so I was hoping you could shed more light. It's a funky little pineapple, has a remnant of Louis Gaspar's label inside, and has solid mahogany top and back over koa sides and likely neck, which seems really weird, like it was made out of scraps. The neck is straight and very thin and flat with a taper to the nut. The intonation is good. It has a bad glue job on back but there are no cracks there, the top is loose, and the frets need dressing. Two top cracks under bridge feel stabilized. Even loose like this I tuned it up just to hear it and it feels and plays sweet. It buzzes on the 3rd sting but I can feel the vibration is from the loose top, when I hold the top down it rings clear. So I want to try to get it taken care of for a player. Is it worth taking to an expert luthier? If so I don't really have the funds right now and it will have to sit. It's in a case being humidified for now. I bought it as an old Aloha to glue up and play as is, but as it's a Gaspar I wanted to check with someone in the know first before I would mess with it. Also, any idea why all his ukes (the other two I've seen plus this) are all wonky? Thanks for any help! Photos:      Answer: Don't mess with it yourself. It is a fairly rare instrument. I have had a few of them and always good players. My guess it was made in the 40's...Don't know who louis Gaspar was or is. Have any work done by a professional....Nice instrument, be sure and play it...thanks for the pic. chuck - Friday, December 4, 2009

Question asked by: pahu Subject: last(I promise) Baritone pic Question: Fretboard appears to be M.O.T.S. or similar, making me believe its pretty old. Thanks Photos:      Answer: It is 40's made by the Kay company. They came with and with out the Kay Chord. A device that pushes down the correct string which is never correct. Nice instrument. chuck - Friday, December 4, 2009

Question asked by: Jeff Mercer Subject: Hekili Collection Question: Hi, Chuck, As always, hope this finds you well.. Just wondering if you'd heard anything from Ken G. Bailey recently ? We seem to have "lost" him again :o) Are you aware of any plans to resurrect "The Hekili Collection" website ? It was a great resource, ( not to mention wonderful "eye candy"), & I miss it, particularly as my own collection of vintage koa ukes has grown... Heard anything ? Many thanks, Chuck All the best, Jeff Answer: Look now. he is back up...good guy ken. glad he's back...chuck - Friday, December 4, 2009

Question asked by: Pukulele Pete Subject: tuners image Question: Here's an image of the tuners. I've also noted the some Roy Smecks have the name in black and some in gold. Am I correct in thinking the gold lettering is older? Thanks Photos:      Answer: I don't know which on is older Pete, I have seen it both ways on all models. Wish I could be more help...chuck - Friday, December 4, 2009

Question asked by: gerard sulc Subject: GRETSCH UKE Question: HI GRETSCH AMERICAN SERIAL #426 SEEMS TO HAVE A V NECK! IT IT A TENOR AND WHAT DO YOU THINK IT'S WORTH?I PAID $400 Photos:      Answer: Please send pic of full front. chuck - Friday, December 4, 2009

Question asked by: Mark Snavely Subject: Blue Label Kamaka Pineapple Question: Chuck, please please help! I just put my VGC condition 1926? Blue label#462 with rope binding, not a painted, Pineaple on consignment in a shop for $1500. The uke is a real beauty with just a couple of shrinkage cracks in the top. other than that it is very very clean. I cant send u pics cause the shop already has it.Im now getting cold feet. When I see similar painted blue labels being offered for $6500 it makes me think I should go and rescue mine. I would sincerely appreciate your opinion on if i have priced this too low. If its all about condition, i would bet that there isnt much better out there. I am with humility waiting for your response. ms Answer: Mark...I don't understand your question. Is yours painted or not. If not, it has nothing to do with a 6500 painted one. I have no idea what model yours is. The color of the label has nothing to do with the price. It is the model that has everything to do with price. Please find a way to photo it , then I can tell you. thanks for writing in. chuck - Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Question asked by: Sheryl Yoshida Subject: Aloha Royal Ukulele Question: Hello: I got your info from Richard Hefner. He gave me a link to your site and said you may be able to help me. I recently acquired an Aloha Royal Ukulele, and wanted to find out the age and value. It's really is beautiful. No cracks or scratches. In good to excellent condition. I'm not sure what kind of wood was used, maybe mohogony? Any info you could give me would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Sincerely, Sheryl Yoshida Photos:      Answer: My guess is the 50-60's and the wood is mahogany. They seem to be well made but never very expensive. play away...chuck - Tuesday, December 1, 2009

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