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 (35 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: 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: 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: Mick Dow Subject: gibson 2 ? Question: I am sending some photos individually as I am not sure if you can send more than one at a time Mick Photos:      Answer: This is Gibson doing what they did best..Confusing you. They would make whatever asked. I have seen this uke before and many other variations. I have a gibson style one with the extended fingergoard, spruce top and extra fret. Great players. Nice uke and as you might have suspected...rare... - Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Question asked by: Mick Dow Subject: unusual Gibson 2 Question: Hello Chuck this is the second time I have been looking to you for some enlightenment. I have here what I think is an early gibson 2 ukulele except it has the extended fret board of the number 3 The gison logo is in silver and slightly larger letters than on other gibsons I have seen. Three layer edging on the front but none on the back. Did Gibson offer custom models? as it most resemble a 2 model with the addition of the extended fret board. It is in great condion, hardly played! Patent tuners and a wooden period case I'm thinking it is early 30's and was wondering if you could enlighten me further as I havent seen another one like it. I will send a further picture or two. Best regards Mick Photos:      Answer: Mick..It is what Gibson did best. Confuse. They would make whatever was ask of them..I have seen this uke before and many other variations. Very nice uke and as you might expect.....quite rare. thanks for writing in....chuck - Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Question asked by: Rose Subject: toy ukulelefrom arthur godfrey Question: back in the day their was a talk show the man was arthur godfrey and he played the uke and they sold the toy for kids just looking for a collector for this rare toy. thank you . Answer: Rose...stick it on the Marketplace and it will sell. It is on the menu at the left...free and only uke nuts read the column...best...chuck - Saturday, October 17, 2009

Question asked by: Rick Carlson Subject: U-Bass Question: Hi Chuck, I saw the inquiry regarding the ukulele bass. I am pleased to provide you with information about Kala's new U-Bass and invite you to our landing page at http://kalaukulele.com/Ubass_Detai ls.html Please let me know if you have any questions. all the best Rick Carlson Kala Brand Music Co. Answer: Thanks for the information. Always appreciated....chuck - Saturday, October 17, 2009

Question asked by: Mark Regan Subject: New Ukulele Reccommendation Question: Greetings Chuck, I currently have a KoAloha Super Concert and have a KoAloha Tenor Sceptre on order. What I would like to know is what would you recommend for a next ukulele? Money isn't a huge issue, although I'd like to stay under $2,000. I love the KoAloha sound, but I have not ever played anything but a KoAloha. I can't play a soprano, but other than that I am completely open to suggestions. What should I check out next? Thank you very much for your consideration and assistance. Sincerely, Mark R. Answer: Mark...please write me back and let me know whether you want a new or vintage uke...It really makes a difference. thanks...I'll help...chuck - Saturday, October 17, 2009

Question asked by: Terry Dennis Subject: Kamaka Model ? Question: Chuck, I'm playing a Kamaka uke that seems to have an odd mixture of features not seen on my other Kamaka sopranos. Body length is 20 1/4" w/ a 13 1/2" scale. It has 14 frets to the body, a wide nut, 1 1/2", & a Gumby peghead(online folklore says is only on Concerts), Bell shaped body is deep, & top bound in black. Was this a Standard Model of the times (70-90's), a custom order? or a concert? Your answers are always greatly appreciated, T Dennis Photos:      Answer: Terry..the uke you sent me is a standard uke. It does not have a gumby headstock. Clear this up for me and I will help you. chuck - Saturday, October 17, 2009

Question asked by: Kira Taylor Subject: What is this Ukulele? Question: This ukulele was my great aunts and the only thing it says is "handmade Leonora" on the inside. My friend says it looks like a 1920's Martin. What is it, and who is Leonora?? I will send a picture of the back of the uke with another form... Photos:      Answer: It looks like a style two Martin but I have never heard of Leonora. I will do some research but I have been at Martin ukes for 30 years and never run across that name. Is there any other marks on the ukulele. The tuners are more the gibson style tuners than a Martin. I will get back to you...chuck - Saturday, October 17, 2009

Question asked by: GDUke Subject: modern collectible ukuleles Question: What are high-end ukuleles being built now that will hold high value and be the popular vintage ukes years from now? Answer: If I knew the answer to that, I would be investing in those ukes. I would also be at the casino mentally directing the little ball in my chosen hole on the roulette wheel. I would be watching the brands used by the great players of today as a source of good information. Also go on the Marketplace and read the descriptions and prices of the high priced ukes. If you see ones popping up alot and snapped up...that might be a clue. If you figure it out, Please let me know. I wont tell anyonelse....c - Saturday, October 17, 2009

Question asked by: Pukulele Pete Subject: Martin style 1 refinish ? Question: Should I refinish the top or not? I'm getting used to the psychedelic designs but I'm worried about the lower half which is bare. I wont refinish the whole uke but the top needs some TLC.Should I leave it as is,put a coat of shellac or lacquer, or refinish?? Photos:      Answer: I'm not usually for refinishing, but in the case I'll make an exception. Get rid of the dribble. What brand uke is this....thanks...chuck - Saturday, October 17, 2009

Question asked by: Leslie Subject: Happy Birthday Question: Happy Birthday Chuck. I hope you got that style 3 Leonardo Nunes Radio Tenor you wanted. :) Answer: Thanks...me too....I have to look in the mail box. Thanks for reminding me...chuck - Saturday, October 17, 2009

Question asked by: Kristi Keller Subject: bass ukulele Question: Road Toad and Kala have joined forces to produce the U Bass which retails for $599.00 Sounds great and demand is very high. MGM has 'em for sale at this time. Kristi Answer: Kristi...thanks mucho...chuck - Saturday, October 17, 2009

Question asked by: tracie Subject: Kamaka uke? Question: Chuck is this ebay uke a real Kamaka? what's the story with the upside down decal on the headstock? http://cgi.ebay.com/curly-koa- pineapple-kamaka-ukulele-hawaiian- vintage_W0QQitemZ260408989303QQcat egoryZ2001QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZ p4340.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3DSIC% 26its%3DI%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA% 252BUA%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn% 3D10%26ps%3D63 Answer: Tracie...please just send me the ebay listing number, I have no idea what all those numbers are, I am a simple man. They look like the came from outer space. - Saturday, October 17, 2009

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