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

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Question asked by: ukieyukyuk Subject: Dixie banjo uke Question: Hi Chuck I have a Dixie banjo uke and the tuners need replacing. Do you know any company that sells replacement tuning pegs that would fit? Jerry Answer: Not a clue. Thats not going to be easy...I''ll ask around and write if I find anything Perhaps one of the yakkers might have an old beat up one and you can steal the tuners. Good luck...c - Monday, July 20, 2009

Question asked by: Danny Grace Subject: The Gibson Mandolin Banjo and Eukele Question: I have a mandalin banjo and eukele, both stamped with "The Gibson" for which I'm seeking information as to value. I obtained both of these items from my great uncle some 35 years ago. He had them passed to him by his older brother who had obtained them from a musician "Red" something who played primarily in Kansas. The mandalin banjo has a stamp inside of 9018-26. I figure these are both around 100 years old and in good shape. I don't play ( I played piano and brass instruments but never stringed instruments growing up). Can you help? Photos:      Answer: In case you didn't get my email...I would like to have pictures of the backs of both instruments. thanks..s.c - Monday, July 20, 2009

Question asked by: Mike Subject: Kamaka baritone ukuleles Question: Chuck - what can you tell me about Kamaka baritone ukuleles? Worth the $$? Good sound?? Comparable to Martin baritone ukuleles? Thanks. Answer: Fabulous. I prefer them to the Martin Baritones. Absolutly worth the money. Company has been at the class end of the business for over 100 years and still maintaining the same quality. go for it. chuck - Saturday, July 18, 2009

Question asked by: mark Subject: Ukulele reccommendation Question: Greetings, I have been playing for years and have gone through many ukuleles as my ability has grown. I am currently playing a KoAloha super concert model. I love this ukulele, but am interested in something even better. As I play near or above the 12th fret, intonations isn't so great. Other than that I love the KoAloha. I'm willing to pay between $1,000 to $2,000 for something really special. Thank you! Sincerely, Mark Regan Photos:      Answer: Look for Kamaka. Difficult to do better. let me know how it turns out. Go to their website and look around. Great company... - Saturday, July 18, 2009

Question asked by: ray orr Subject: ukulele Question: I have an 8 string Kanilea baritone, custom made. what type of pick-up would be best if I make it an electric uke? Answer: Ray...Go to a good luthier and have an under the saddle pick up put in. Best place for it and best for sound. Many on the market, ask for a suggestion. let me know how it works. chuck - Saturday, July 18, 2009

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Baritone Uke with no label Question: Hi Chuck, On June 16th Howard Kolodny wrote inquiring about the age of his Baritone uke. Marked Favilla Bros. New York and having no label would place the instrument as being pre- 1953. Linda wrote on June 30th about her Favilla teardrop uke marked with a 300 on it. Not much I can tell you on this, except produced from about 1915 to 1930 (a few produced up to 1940) the peak production was the 1920's. My grandfathers shop was popping them out like M&M's (all colors and numerous design variations). Best as always, stay in touch. Tom Favilla Answer: As usual you are at the rescue. Thanks again from me and all the people you have helped through the years. Nice to know your out there...chuck - Saturday, July 18, 2009

Question asked by: Christian Bernardo Subject: pono low end or lanikai higher end Question: im trying to decide on comparatively priced concert ukuleles and cannot make a decision. there is a pono ohai wood lower end on the pono line and a lanikai mango finish. what are the advantages of each line/brand in terms of feel and sound? thanks. would you suggest any other brand where i would spend roughly $250-350? Answer: I am going to turn this question over to the yakkers out there. I would also suggest you ask this on our bulletin board. Those people know everything. Thanks for writing...chuck - Saturday, July 18, 2009

Question asked by: Dennis Arnold Subject: 5-string baritone uke Question: Chuck, I sent in a question a few days ago asking if you might know the maker of a 6-string baritone uke I have. I thought I'd send some more pics in an effort to help. More to follow... Dennis Photos:      Answer: i am including this picture of the slide ukukele in the hopes someone knows more about it. chuck - Saturday, July 18, 2009

Question asked by: Dennis Arnold Subject: Yet another unknown uke Question: Greetings and salutations Chuck, Once again I've come up with a uke I can't find any information on, and so, must resort to the one source I KNOW can help me out (that's YOU, Chuck). I've sent a full-length picture of my unknown 6-string baritone. It appears to be made of Koa in a double-puka body style. The only marking or identification of any kind is the decal of the Hawaiian Royal Crest on the headstock. It's very well made and has no dings, dangs, or cracks whatsoever. The back is one- piece, including the heelcap, and is curved from top to bottom (not arched). In other words it goes from one depth at the neck to a deeper depth just below the waist and then gets shallower again toward the bottom. The tuners are vintage, open back, and the ivoroid buttons are a nicely aged cream color. It's 29" long, 10 inches across the lower bout, goes from 2.5 inches deep at the neck to 3 inches just below the waist and then to 2.75 inches deep at the bottom. It has a 19" scale. The nut appears to be some kind of clear plastic and the saddle is bone. The bridge pins (yup, bridge pins) are white plastic. But, the really unusual thing about this uke is that the entire neck is flat all along the back, like that of a lap slide guitar. I'm wondering, although I've never seen one, if it might be a "lap-slide uke". Just because I've never seen one certainly doesn't mean they don't exist. I've played it that way with a chromed lapsteel slide and it sounds great (although my slide play leaves a great deal to be desired). Help me out here, Chuck. Could it be a baritone uke meant to be played like a Hawaiian slide guitar? Would you have any idea who might have made it, or how old it might be? Any info you might be able to provide will, as always, be greatly appreciated. No pressure, but I know you're the man to go to in a situation such as this. I can provide more pictures if need be. Mahalo nui loa, and keep up the great job you do for all of us ukulele lovers who don't have a clue... Keep Strummin... Dennis Photos:      Answer: Dennis, I have looked over all the pictures carefully and this is my opinion. It is definitly made for slide playing. I don't konw if it was originaly made for slide, perhaps someone shaved down the neck to make it square, but I doubt it. Thw wood is a mystery, It looks like koa on the body but the top is almost certainly spruce. It is island manufactured as the heel cap suggests. I would think it was made around 1950 and the bridge is very like a copy of a bridge used by Weissenborn and the summers brothers. It is not by either of these people. The tuners are low quality suggest that the uke might have been home made and a one off. It also has the sound holes you wouldn't expect on a slide They are usually middle holes and quite large for the sound. I assume it is not amplified in any way, which is also unusual for a slide instrument. The frets are above the board which suggests that it was at one time played as a regular guitar. If it was suppose to be a slide, the frets would most likely be flat to the board. Hope this has helped and if anyone out there knows, give a yak...best chuck - Saturday, July 18, 2009

Question asked by: Howard Kolodny Subject: Favilla/Banjo Ukes Question: Chuck: Please see my earlier question about the age of my Favilla bariton uke and the companies which made the MONA tenor banjo uke and the NMS Co. The pictures are attached. Photos:      Answer: Howard, Tom Favilly has been kind enough to answer your questions about the Baritone. I have no information on the Banjo ukes. I have never seen either and can find nothing in catalogues. Hope some one out the will know.. Please look at the picture on this site and write in folks...thanks...chuck - Saturday, July 18, 2009

Question asked by: Bill Hanlon Subject: Uke Identification Question Question: Hello! I’m an antique toy collector (www.usdimestore.com) and know absolutely nothing about ukuleles. However, I have always liked them and thought I might try learning to play one. I’m 62 years old and have never played an instrument, so I hope it is not too late! I recently purchased some antique toys and the seller threw in a ukulele. I would now like to know if it is an old one. And, its value if possible. I tried to find a similar one on the various uke websites but haven’t had much luck. To me it looks like a Harmony, but there is no decal and it looks like it never had one. It is 21 inches long and 7 inches wide. The wood looks like mahogany with perhaps a rosewood finger board with three mother of pearl spots. The top is a blond wood, perhaps spruce? There is a nice black and white plastic design around the sound hole and there is a thin band of mock tortoise shell (mottled plastic) around the body on top. You might be able to see it in one of the photos. (OOPS! I guess I can onlt attaach one photo!) Tuning knobs are black plastic.It came in a cheap case by Geib of Chicago. The case is the ECONOMO model and there is a little metal disc inside the case stating this. Funny thing, I’m also a toy designer and historian. In 2000 I reproduced the TONETTE for a company and Jeff Geib, grandson of the founder, still has the original mold. A few months ago we reproduced the Fitchorn Song Flute. Another mold Jeff has. Well, I hope you will be able to provide some info on my uke. It’s in great shape, but seems on the small side to me. One other thing, the back of the uke seems to bow out and is not flat like the top. Is this normal? Thanks so much, Bill Hanlon PS- I just wrote my first song check it out on youTube at http://www.youtube.com/watch? v=Djc020STONg Photos:      Answer: Bill it appears to be a Regal and a nice one at that..You don't need another uke, it is perfect to learn on and play. I might suggest the song books on this site. Jim Beloff and Liz have thought of everything to make it easier. Have a trip arount the on line store...The uke was made in the sixties and in the same city as the case which is collectable as well. good luck and let me know how it goes. thanks...chuck - Saturday, July 18, 2009

Question asked by: MaysaHawaii Subject: Martin Tuners Question: Hi, I have a Martin Style 0 that I'm not sure if the tuners are original. I read from some of the old posts here and looked like they're not. I'm trying to locate where I can order the original tuners but to no avail. Could you please shed some light? or if you have a link/URL I would really appreciate. Thanks. Photos:      Answer: Maysai....I have seen these tuners on other Martin ukes. I don't know if they are genuine or not. I cannot see the front of the uke to tell the age. If you want more information, go to the Martin site and there are places you can order the other types of tuners. If you want to send me a pic of the front of the uke and the back of the headstock, I will do my best. thanks....chuck - Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Question asked by: Erin Subject: Your Book Question: Chuck, any idea when will your book be out? I have my order in already but just wondering. Thanks Answer: I've been lazy..but you question got me working again. thanks...wish I had a date but not yet. thanks again...chuck - Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Question asked by: Doug Oaks Subject: uke ID Question: Hi Chuck, Any way to tell who made this uke? Owner says it was purchased in Hawaii in the 50s from an antique shop. Best, Doug Answer: Doug...no picture...please try again. - Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Question asked by: Pukulele Pete Subject: banjo uke Question: Hello Chuck, heres a better picture of what i think is a Stromberg Banjo uke No name anywhere.The bone nut is 1 3/16". It's a high end uke.Do you know the what maker, age, value?On the head is written "USS CASE" and it may have been at Pearl Harbor on December 7th. Great website! Thanks Photos:      Answer: Pete....can't tell the maker. many used the inlay in the headstock. My guess its worth 250 without identification. thanks...chuck - Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Question asked by: Al Anderson Subject: Grandma's tiple Question: 2nd attempt Answer: Al...still no pictures. please try again..chuck - Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Question asked by: David Subject: Arthur Godfrey Vega Baritone Question: Dear Chuck, Take a look at my first baritone--a real beauty with rich tone, obtained recently from Ebay. No cracks, a few minor scratches, straight neck, funky saddle that I will replace. I'm playing all my stuff in new keys, or transposing the fingerings to play on D, G, B and E strings. The fretboard has beveled edges. (So I have a hard time controlling the E string. My palm hits the string, or it slides off the fretboard.) The work on those bevels is a little cruder than the rest of the uke. I wonder if that was part of a fret-job, or is it original? Also, I can't easily tell if the back and sides are solid like the top, or laminated. Thanks for your thoughts. Uke on! David Photos:      Answer: Nice uke...I wouldn't have thought that the sides would be made that way. I would take it to a good luthier and tell him your problem I'm sure he can shave or sand the edges so they won't be so rough. keep in touch...chuck - Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Question asked by: steve clines Subject: Made in Germany/US Zone - Value & Maker info? Question: Can anyone provide additional information about the maker, style, and possible value (low to high) for the Uke in the pictures? I have no clue when it comes to musical instruments, but thought it looked neat. There is a label on the top of the neck that reads Orpheum. As you can see from the pictures, it's currently not capable of making music, but if it's worth reviving, I may do so. Thanks for you help in advance! Photos:      Answer: Steve...Orpheum is a name used by many different retail outlets. I have no idea. Can you send me a better picture. What is that thing above the bridge. thanks....chuck - Tuesday, July 14, 2009

Question asked by: Cindy Subject: Martin 3K 1920-23 Question: Thinking of going on consignment with this vintage piece in original case in excellent condition. Was my grandmother's and stayed in the family all these years. Thought I'd see if there were any serious direct buyers out there. Have been told its value could be as high as $5,000. Will take $4,500. Have more pictures. Photos:      Answer: Try putting it up on this site on the marketplace. Look to your left at the menu. I think the uke is beautiful and it will bring a good price. I'm not sure it will bring 5000 in this market. Its soft at this time. If you find a serious collector who doesn't have this model (second incarnation of the 3k), then you will have a sale. It looks to be in fabulous condition. On our marketplace you will get the best exposure. It is read my only uke nuts. Thanks for writing in...c - Thursday, July 9, 2009

Question asked by: William Subject: This was an unpaid commercial...just a damn good recommendation Question: The subject just proves that Chuck likes to play along :-) I love your humor Chuck... Keep it up! William Answer: Thanks for the kind words. Its nice to know you care...I will try to be amusing if not hysterical each time you message.. - Wednesday, July 8, 2009

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