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#Get expert ukulele advice at the Collector's Uke Yak
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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

Chuck Fayne

Flea Market Music Uke Yak (39 of 296)
(Chuck "Frets" Fayne has answered the following 5919 questions.)

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-->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: Photo 1    

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: 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: Photo 1    

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: Photo 1    

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: Photo 1    

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: Ann
Subject: 1928 Kamaka Uke
Question: Hi Chuck, I hope this picture will help. Sorry about the quality. Was taken with my phone camara. Any direction will help. Again I live in San Diego. Thanks.

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: It appears to be a style 1928 kamaka pineapple ukulele, with the original case. It is worth 350+ and the case is worth 200. I can't see the condition from the picture, however this is the price if the uke is free of bad stuff. thanks for writing in....cshuck
- Wednesday, July 8, 2009


-->Question asked by: Renzo
Subject: Kent Baritone
Question: Cant find much info on Kent brand..Was it a Harmony Brand? Bridge & neck look the same/different headstock. Appears to be solid mahogany body/rosewood fretboard & bridge. I'm guessing its from the early 60's ?? 30 in. overall/10 in. lwr bout/7.5 in. upper bout/1 3/8 nut width More info? thanks

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: I have seen the Kent brand before. I believe it was made by Regal, a Chicago based company from the 30's on..thanks..c
- Tuesday, July 7, 2009


-->Question asked by: G. Maloney
Subject: l. nunes ukulele
Question: I have an opportunity to buy this ukulele and was wondering what amount would be reasonable to spend. It has wooden tuning pegs. The label says made by Leonardo Nunes Tone Material and workmanship.

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: I cannot see the uke and I need to. Nunes made so many styles and the price is determined by which one it is...send another pic,...this wont download....c
- Tuesday, July 7, 2009


-->Question asked by: Raymond
Subject: Fin-der tuner peg
Question: Chuck, I bought a Fin-der plastic soprano at a vintage guitar store yesterday with its original colored strings. I took them off and put Martin strings on it. The second string will only tension to D sharp. Is it possible to fix or replace the loose tuner? Attached a picture that shows the purple body. Thanks Raymond

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: raymond ,...you will have to write around and see what you can do. Bernunzio vintage instruments ( on line), may have some information...hope this helps...chuck
- Sunday, July 5, 2009


-->Question asked by: Doug Oaks
Subject: uke ID
Question: Hi Chuck, Any way to tell the maker of a tabu marked uke? Has wooden pegs and the Hawaii decal but so do a lot of other ukes. Thanks, Doug

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Your right...many uke makers used the tabu brand. Summers bros is the most likely guess. You will probably never now who made it.....the trim is also used by many makers. beautiful uke....thanks
- Sunday, July 5, 2009


-->Question asked by: mike
Subject: help me identify this uke
Question: hey chuck, i bought this uke recently, it says "williams" on the headstock and has "williams, los angeles" stamped inside the soundhole. haven't been able to find out much about it, and was wondering if it was worth restoring. would appreciate your help, thanks!

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Mike...it is not a valuable ukulele but it is quite unusual to see one. They all had different colored nuts and saddles. Little is known about them, but they do pop up now and then. It is worth restoring. The ones I had were good players. They also made a pineapple shaped one. Please let me know how it comes out, I have always wondered what happened to mine. best..chuck
- Sunday, June 21, 2009


-->Question asked by: Gay Maloney
Subject: Leonardo Nunes
Question: I have an opportunity to invest in this ukulele for my son. About how much is this ukulele worth? I don't want to overspend. Thanks!

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Can you send me a picture? If you did, it didn't come thru...try again.
- Sunday, June 21, 2009


-->Question asked by: Janice
Subject: Ukulele
Question: I have a ukulele. It has a paper label inside is partly torn off the label reads G CONSERVATORY UKULELE The rest of the word staring with G is missing. It needs to be repaired. but I was wondering if I can do it self or if it is worth having a professional repair it.

Answer: Please send me a picture of the uke and the label. I will try to help...chuck
- Sunday, June 21, 2009


-->Question asked by: Howard Kolodny
Subject: Banjo Ukes and Favilla
Question: Hi, Chuck. Got a couple of questions about banjo ukes, but first there's one about the age of a beautiful Favilla baritone I just acquired. Inside the sound hole, there is no label, but there are stamped the words "FAVILLA BROS. on one line and below that are the words "New York, NY, USA". Can you tell me approximately when it was made? My next two questions concern banjo ukes which I've become very fond of lately. The first one is a soprano size with a non- detachable resonator with two "F" holes in it. On the back, just above the tuning pegs, in a horizontal diamond, are the letters "N.M.S. Co." Can you tell me anything about this company? The second banjo uke is a tenor of heroic dimensions. The body is 11" in diameter, 3" deep, and 30" in overall length. No resonator and underneath is a five-pointed star and the word "MONA". Can you tell me anything about this company? Your help and experience are very much appreciated. Thanks. Howard

Answer: Howard...information is easier with pictures. Please try to group the three together and send me at least a pic of the front. I can help you if I can see them..thanks..chuck
- Tuesday, June 16, 2009


-->Question asked by: Bill Bailey
Subject: Paul Summers uke
Question: I pick this Ukulele up at a local antique mall and I have a few questions to ask you. The ukulele is labeled Paul summers, It has Moana and crest on the front of the head stock and a tabu brand on the back. The uke has a small crack on the back and a small separation on the back seam that needs to be repaired. It has rope inlay around the sound hole, the top edge ,down the center and on the edge of the finger board. The back is equally flamed as the front when it comes the Koa wood. The patina is awesome. I can send more picks but there is only room for 1. If I have it repaired do I have it cleaned and or polished? I collect violins and I prefer all original finish with maybe a light cleaning but for uke's it might be different. I have a violin maker friend who could fix it for me. Or do you recommend a uke maker? If I was going to sell it would I do better with a fully restored uke? what is It worth? It looks to has been played a lot that might suggests it has good tone. Thanks Bill

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Nice uke...I would leave it as it is. If you have to have it repaired, I would have no problems with a violin luthier for just crack work. If it was internal work on the guts of the uke, I would go to a guitar luthier or uke luthier if you could find one. It is an older summers (1918) circa. The should be worth more than they are. If it has a decent tone 500+ in this wacky market. If you are going to sell it, I would put it on the marketplace on this site. It is viewed by ukeies only. Best exposure you can get. Good luck with the uke. As for the cleaning, I would ask your violin maker for a good , very gentle cleaner and no elbow grease. Leave the patina as it is and only remove a little surface dirt. best and thanks for writing in..chuck
- Tuesday, June 16, 2009


-->Question asked by: Ann
Subject: Kamaka 1928 YUK
Question: I have this UKE that is collecting dust. It is in good shape, and I have its original case. Which is surprisingly good shape considering its age. I live in San Diego CA and have no idea where to go to sell it. I don't play myself. I would learn because I love the sound, but unfortunently I wasn't born with the gift of...(whats the saying?} melody?! lol Anyway if you could maybe direct in the right way I'd appreciate it. Thank you. Ann E.

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: could you send me a pic of he whole uke..I will help...c
- Thursday, June 11, 2009


-->Question asked by: Al Anderson
Subject: Grandma's Tiple - back
Question: Trying again....

Answer: Sorry al....still no pictures. I wish I could help, but I know nothing about sending the pics. Contact the webmaster on this site. Anyone out there that can help Al.....
- Tuesday, June 9, 2009


-->Question asked by: Norb Shebish
Subject: Uke identity?
Question: I bought this uke at an estate sale for $1.00. A label inside reads: "Barclay W151 Made in Japan exclusively for Targ & Dinner, Inc." Is this a toy or a real uke? It's 21" long. Thanks.

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Its a real uke..how does it sound......chuck
- Sunday, June 7, 2009


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Flea Market Music offers an on-line community for ukulele players, informative books on the ukulele, ukulele CDs,songbooks, videos and information on our instrument manufacturing of the FLUKE ukulele. Brought to you by "Jumpin" Jim Beloff. -