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 (37 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: 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: 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: Marinelle Subject: Value of uke Question: I've Regal Chicago uke, probably purchased early '40s by my dad, but unique because has 10 tuners. Any idea how unique this is? Answer: Its not unique. Its a tiple. It has 2 courses of 2 strings each and 2 courses of 3 strings each. It is still tuned like a ukulele. Go to the Tiple site and they will instruct you how to tune it. Have fun...If you can get it to stay in tune, you will you be unique. - Friday, August 14, 2009

Question asked by: John Hoft Subject: Stadlmair Miami Soprano Ukulele Question: A Stadlmair Miami soprano ukulele sold on ebay recently for $546.21 with 32 bids. The price seems excessive and the interest remarkable. Why? What is special about this uke? Answer: It was made by Herman Weissenborn. The magic name in ukes, steel guitars and odd instruments. find him on the net and you will know....thanks for the question - Friday, August 14, 2009

Question asked by: Pukulele Pete Subject: Tuners Question: Hello, I have an old Roy Smeck Harmony and it has small 1/8 inch shafts on the tuners. I am assuming it is from the 30's ?? Is there a year when tuners changed from the 1/8th to the 1/4 inch shafts,not just on the Roy Smecks but the majority of Ukuleles? Thanks ( my brother gave me the name when he heard me play for the first time) Answer: Pete...if there is such a year I missed it. I know nothing about the technical side of ukuleles. I can play....that's about it. Ask this question on the bulletin board. They know everything....chuck - Friday, August 14, 2009

Question asked by: Allen Hopkins Subject: joseph question - ID'ing a baritone uke Question: I'm guessing "Wabash" -- starts with "W-a," ends with "s" and the bottom part of the "h." Answer: Allen...thanks...I thought that too, however what puzzled me was that I have had many wabash's but none mahogany and all with the goofy colored saddle and nut. Thanks for writing in, all help greatly appreciated. chuck - Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Question asked by: Eric Subject: Price for Kamaka Ukulele Question: Asked this question before, but must not have sent or you missed it. I was wondering what you can tell me about this ukulele and what it might be worth. Its the gold label inside which according to their site dates it 1954-1969 or something, but thats all I know any additional information would be appreciated. Thank you for your time and wonderful responses to other questions I have enjoyed reading them. Photos:      Answer: The dates are O.K. although it is hard to date a uke by the label. There is a great cross-over. It seems they, in some cases, used what the had at hand. Yours is the plane model Kamaka Pineapple and todays value is in the 300+ range. They are one of my top five favorite makers and the pineapple is my favorite shape...nice uke.....chuck - Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Question asked by: joseph Subject: Identify a aritone Uke Question: Chuck, Kevin, I found your sight and I am glad I did. Maybe you can help me. I recently acquired a baritone ukulele with the name partially scratched off. It is all mahogany and other then the partial name has no markings. It starts with a WA and seems to end with a SN? Any idea of maker or year? Any info would be greatly appreciated. Photos:      Answer: Joseph...I would like a picture of just the decal on the headstock. I can't work it out the size it is. Don't get carried away, just bigger not giant. thanks...chuck - Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Question asked by: Donald Marshall Subject: Willard Hall T-V Uke Question: Ive seen a Wendall Hall Uke with his name and T-V on it.23" long 15 frets. Makers label is Regal, Chicago. Any idea of value ? Answer: It is worth about 300 bucks to a collector who doesn't have one. good luck..chuck - Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Question asked by: Carol Abney Subject: Crestwood ukulele Question: Sorry, I don't have a picture at this time, but I have a question I hope you can help me with. I was cleaning out my basement for a garage sale and came across a box--just cardboard- shaped strangely and remembered it was left to me from my Father. I opened it up and inside was a ukulele--it was wrapped in the plastic paper it came in. It has 4 strings, looks like could be made of teakwood. When I looked in the front hole, it has a small area that says Crestwood, model #3000, made in Japan. It is in pristine condition--looks as though it has never been touched. I believe someone gave it to him as a gift through his job. I know it is at least 30 to 40 years old. Is this worth anything? Or should I just sell it for 10 bucks in my sale? I really could use some good advice- -I've been searching the internet for 2 hours and your site is by far the best I've come across for my situation. Any help you can give me, I'd really appreciate. Thank You, Carol ca1229ba@wowway.com Answer: carol...its not very valuable but it is sure worth more than 10 dollars. I would like to see a pic and tell you for sure.....too many models out there to guess....thanks..chuck - Sunday, August 9, 2009

Question asked by: ken Subject: martin uke repair Question: I Live in the San Gabriel Valley /Orange County , I have an old 1947 martin uke , it has a crack on the face /sound board . Is it an easy repair ? Do you have any suggestions where to have it repaired in The Los Angeles county .? Or better to ship it to a Ukulele maker like Kamaka . Mahalo Answer: take it to McCabes guitar shop in santa monica on pico blvd. They will do a fabulous job. Don't sent it to Kamaka they are not authorized Martin repair service. - Monday, August 3, 2009

Question asked by: william Subject: Beltone Teardrop uke Question: Chuck...I would have preferred that you answered the other two series of questions regarding Beltone ukes and this uke specifically, instead of the Martin question (I'm aware that Martin never sold a teardrop under their name at least). Please reconsider providing a response to my questions that were submitted with the pictures. Any help in this area would be greatly appreciated. Answer: William...I have reconsidered and feel. I have given you all I know. Thanks so much for writing in....always appreciated...chuck - Saturday, July 25, 2009

Question asked by: Steve Ballard Subject: Kam Ukulele Question: Chuck, I have a Uke made by Kam, i.e. An Tao Kam or Ah Tau Kam. Do you know where I could find out the history of this instrument? Answer: An Tao Kam was a maker in a small village with the Summers brothers and Sam Chang. He is the least known of the three. The small village was called Kaka'ako near Honolulu. Makini was also a neighbor of Kam. I have seen the dates of Kam's manufacture from the 1920's-1950's. I think he was closer to the 1920's. The two Ukes I had by Kam were made of Mango wood, a favorite of his. I did not find his workmanship to be of superior quality. The ukes were heavy and not very loud. I hope I have been of some help and I hope yours sounds great. It's really a rare instrument. thanks for writing in...chuck - Thursday, July 23, 2009

Question asked by: william Subject: Beltone Mahogany teardrop Question: Chuck, I've also read that CF Martin made a few of the Beltone ukes...Can you verify if this is true and if so, could this be one of those ukes? Thanks, William Answer: Martin made for beltone, 15 guitars, 10 mandolins, and 12 ukuleles in style 3k. I wish yours was a martin we could all retire. Martin never made a teardrop shaped ukulele. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Monday, July 20, 2009

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