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 (36 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: 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: Jeana R Weiss Subject: Info on this Ukulele Question: I got this from my Aunt. She used it when playing. She did the piano and Uke professionally. I found it odd that there was no center hole. It also has Band-0- Uke on the top where the strings attach. ( I know nothing about Ukulele) I would like more info on it. Thanks in advance jeana weiss Photos:      Answer: It kinda of looks like a high class vita ukulele. I will need to find bandouke and see what it says. nice uke...chuck - Saturday, October 17, 2009

Question asked by: Michael Crownhart Subject: Bass Ukulele? Question: Hi Chuck, I have a ukulele group that wants to add a guitar to get a low bass sound. To keep it all ukuleles is there a good bass ukulele that you could recommend? What is a resonable price and quality. I really enjoy reading your insight. Thanks, Michael Answer: Don't know of a bass ukulele being made today. If someone out there does, please help..thaks...chuck - Thursday, September 10, 2009

Question asked by: FRANCIS DAMICO Subject: Harold Teen Uke Question: Howdy. I have owned this Uke for about 5 years. Have been trying to find out anything about it, but untill now my searches have come up empty. What info can you give me on this? Thank You Photos:      Answer: You must not have searched very hard. It is the number one comic uke. It is the number one color...the others being yellow and green. It is in wonderful condition The one you have if it is in the condition I think it is , on today's market is worth about 750 dollars. Its known as the Card Ed ukulele and made originally in the 30, and later in the 50's by Harmony. best...chuck - Thursday, September 10, 2009

Question asked by: Allen Hopkins Subject: joseph question - ID'ing a baritone uke #2 Question: This Wabash uke on eBay seems to have the identical logo on the headstock: [link]http://cgi.ebay.com.my/Vintage-Wabash- Ukulele-40s- 50s_W0QQitemZ170353115072QQcmdZViewIte mQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0? hash=item27a9d63fc0[/link] Answer: thanks alan.....need all the help I can get...chuck - Thursday, September 10, 2009

Question asked by: Pahu Subject: mystery Baritone Question: 30 inches overall/spruce(?) top & maple(?) back & sides/intricate inlay work front & back. Any clues as to its origin or builder? sorry, I dont know how to get multiple photos in one image..I will send more Photos:      Answer: It was made Kay Kraft. Man of the original ukes had a key chord device that allowed you to press a button and the gizmo pushed the correct strings. Too much work for me. I'd rather learn to play...best...chuck - Thursday, September 10, 2009

Question asked by: Joni Back-Bubenzer Subject: Value of Made in Japan Kamaka Soprano Question: Hi! I have a late 1960s Kamaka soprano ukulele (the label on the back of the head stock says it was MADE IN JAPAN!). It is missing its nut and bridge--I've ordered these items from Kamaka, and a ukulele luthier is preparing to replace them. The new bridge is larger than the original, but our luthier says he can fit it so the uke is playable. The koa wood body is in good condition, as is the neck. This ukulele will be played often, so I am not so concerned that it will not have the original nut and bridge. I am more concerned with having a ukulele that sounds good than having a show piece that no one can touch. I have acquired this ukulele from a family friend, and need to pay her some amount for it. She said that she would leave it up to me to determine the amount that I pay her. I have seen similar Kamaka, with and without problems selling for around $100 (American). Considering the parts I have had to purchase ($22 for nut and bridge, $15 for Aquila strings) and the unknown cost of the actual repair, I would like to know how much you think I should fairly pay the original owner for this instrument. If you require photos for your final evaluation, I can send them later--they are on my computer at work! Thank you very much for your assistance! Joni Answer: The Japanese Kamaka is worth about 250.00 I have seen and owned examples and they are good players. How much you should pay is up to you...good luck c - Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Question asked by: Steve Ballard Subject: Kam Ukulele Question: Chuck you helped me out with the history of the Kam Ukulele back in July. Could you give me a ball park figure on what I could sell it for. Just a general Idea. It is in excellent condition, except the original tuning pegs were replaced Thanks, Steve Ballard Answer: He made many models but an average Kam in good condition would sell for about 400 dollars ....More depending on the decoration and condition...thanks chuck - Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Question asked by: flo Subject: banjo ukes Question: I am a new player to ukes who loves the baritone uke and have a Martin, Harmony, and Kamaka in my collection. At this point I 'd like to expand into a banjo uke. Any suggestions using a baritone tuning? Answer: Tuning is the same. You should be looking for a long necked banjo uke. Whet you look for is determined by the price. What do you want to spend, I can then help. Thay run the range of prices.....write me....chuck - Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Question asked by: Darryl De Tar Subject: Old ukeulele Question: A friend gave me this uke found in a box in the attic of the house he bought. I have a small guitar shop, and he thought I might have fun fixing it up. Have you seen one like it before? It is all mahogany. The pearl fingerboard is very interesting to me. Photos:      Answer: Interesting to me too....Please send pics of front and back that are clearer and the headstock and tuners. thanks...chuck - Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Question asked by: Mitch Thompson Subject: Uke sound Question: Greetings Frets, I have recently picked up a Collegiate by P'mico soprano uke from an estate sale. It was in sad shape loose neck, sound board separating, finish bad and covered in dust. With my modest wood working skills and reading some on the repair, I have put the uke back in service. When I played it, I was stunned. The volume, beautiful resonate sound, It even feels different when I play it. Now, I also own a 3 year old Hilo uke. This is what I started on a little over a year ago (I'm a newbie) it has a nice sound, but nothing like the Collegiate. After my long windedness here's my question: I have only heard 2 ukes played, are soprano ukes all that different sounding, because these two are like night and day. Here's a picture for laughs, I don't care what it's worth I've had a ball playing it. Thanks Mitch Photos:      Answer: Its a nice looking. Ukes are like people. All different. Thats how we pick the ones we want. I'm glad you got one that pleases you. Your a lucky man...chuck - Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Question asked by: Tom Subject: ukulele Question: I found a ukulele I need some help knowing what stings to get and if it is worth doing this. this what i know about it is made of wood around the is the harmony est 1892. Inside it is paper with ( Model no. rb-3520 or rb-3jyo or rb-35yo,) The Harmony. T.M. company CHICAGO ILLINOIS 60632 Made in Taiwan It has case I hope you can me. Thank you for your time Tom Answer: I'm old fashioned...I would fine the Kamaka site and order a set of Kamaka Blacks. I have been using them for voer 30 years and still have an original set on one of my ukes. Give it a try..chuck - Wednesday, September 2, 2009

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