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

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Question asked by: Chris Subject: The Gibson hook and nut UB1 Question: Hi Chuck, I bought a lovely Baby Gibson, pre 1930. Unfortunately one of the hooks and the nut is missing. Do you have any idea, where I could find them? Anybody out there, who's selling a set? Kind regards, Chris Photos:      Answer: Chris...try Bernuzio Vintage Instruments in Rochester N.Y..Tell JOhn I told you to ask. You will find him online...thanks...chuck - Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Question asked by: David Subject: Kamaka gold label Question: Dear Chuck, I have had this one of my five soprano ukes for about 20 years. She barks loud enough to play with an acoustic guitar and drums. The wood is dark and looks a bit like mahogony. A side view would show that the neck is very thin and flat. Does the pointed fingerboard tell us anything about the uke's age? Play on! David Photos:      Answer: David,it is a very nice example of what is known as a high hole kamaka. It was made in the early 50's as far as I can remember. I can't tell much about the wood, there is a chance it is mahogany, although a Kamaka Mahogany is rare. It seems to be in wonderful condition. The Kamaka neck is my favorite shape. They are known for the flat neck, as was my uncle. I find It is easier for me to play when the neck is thin and flat, as was my aunt. Sorry about that, just had to do it. Seriously,it is a fine example of one of my favorite instrument makers. Those of you who have read this column for any time will note that I seem to lean to the Kamaka Company. I think that an company that is still making quality instruments after 100 years or so, deserves out attention. thanks...chuck - Saturday, April 25, 2009

Question asked by: D. Scott Stambaugh Subject: Uke C string Question: I recently purchased an Oscar Schmidt ou3 Concert ukulele and it's great except for one thing. The C string sometimes buzzes and vibrates a lot, mostly in the open position. It does this with or without a pick. If I pluck it lightly the buzzing doesn't occur. All of the other strings play just fine and it's tuned up accurately. I'm using the strings that came with it, but I also have a set of D'Addario J53 Black Nylon strings. Would changing the strings help this problem? Please let me know what I should do. Thanks, Scott. Answer: I don't know if changing the strings would help. It is usually a fret problem, and I would take it to a good luthier who will be able to spot the problem easily. If it is a high fret its is a simple matter of banging it back into place. Please dont try this yourself, you don't want to ruin the instument. Please let me know how it works out...c - Saturday, April 25, 2009

Question asked by: Matt Subject: No Name Banjo Uke Question: Hello, Chuck. I bought this banjo uke for 50 bucks at a guitar show. It sounds great and has a resonator that I haven't seen in other banjo ukes. Any idea about who made this and when? Thanks! (i'll attach other photos separately) Photos:      Answer: I will include this so that you out there in uke yak land can see this odd resonator. best..chuck - Saturday, April 25, 2009

Question asked by: Matt Subject: No Name Banjo Uke Question: Hello, Chuck. I bought this banjo uke for 50 bucks at a guitar show. It sounds great and has a resonator that I haven't seen in other banjo ukes. Any idea about who made this and when? Thanks! (i'll attach other photos separately) Photos:      Answer: There was alot of speculation when the first of these was discovered many years ago. Some thought it was a National...I never did. I find it curious that it has a fingerboard longer than a surfboard. It doesn't seem to affect the sound. I like them and I think they are really cool looking. I still don't know who made them, perhaps someone, someday will find out. Till then play it....c - Saturday, April 25, 2009

Question asked by: Deanna Subject: Yasuma Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, you answered a question for me last june but i was wondering, i have a handcrafted 1950 Mint condition Yasuma Ukulele I am trying to sell, you once told me it was worth 500+. Any Ideas where to start looking to get rid of it? It is just collecting dust in my closet and i feel bad. Thanks Answer: I would put it on this site on the marketplace. Its free and the only people who read it are uke nutz...Perhaps my endorsement will help. I have had about 4 yasuma ukes and as many tiples. They are really quality instruments and are as close to a Martin as you can get without owning a Martin. I wish I had saved one of my for myself. They all went with the collection. Good luck, I hope you sell it and Good luck to the person who buys it. Its a great instrument....best....chuck - Saturday, April 25, 2009

Question asked by: Ryan Guetersloh Subject: TABU Markings Question: Hi Frets, I enjoy learning from you all the time! Thought I would ask about the old TABU markings that appear on actual Hawaiian made ukes. When did that begin, and when did it end? Also, any idea why no one seems to use it anymore? I think that would be very cool stamped into the back of the headstock of my KoAloha! Thanks for all you share with those less learned.....such as me! Answer: It began in the late teens when the mainland makers began to make ukes and represent them as Hawaiian ukes. Some of the Island makers used the tabu stamp to denote a genuine Hawaiian Uke.. I have no idea when it ended, I assume when the makers who used it were no longer around. It was common on the Summers Brothers, Antu Kam, Sam Chang Ukes and I cannot remember the others right now. I liked the design of the stamp also.Thanks for writing in and keep in touch. - Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Question asked by: Chuck Sullivan Subject: Tenor Ukulele Strings Question: I play tenor ukuleles, and tune them DGBE. Because most tenors are tuned GCEA, stringing my ukes is a challenge. I understand Lyle Ritz tunes his tenor as I do. How would I go about contacting him to find out what strings he uses? Or maybe you already know. Answer: This may be a question for Jim Beloff. He is the man in the know. Jim...Help...frets - Monday, April 20, 2009

Question asked by: Doug Oaks Subject: Gretsch date Question: Hi Chuck, I know you're a Gretsch fan. I scored this for under $200 and it is a great player, a great value. The age was stated as 20s 30s, does that seem right to you? Thanks in advance, even though you are upside down you're the best. Doug Photos:      Answer: Thanks for the kind words. More like 30-40's and it's a beaut. You got the best tuners which were ripped off most of the Gretsch ukes. Your right I am a Gretsch fan. I just recently scored a Gretsch Tiple. First one I have ever seen. Needs some fret work but other than that its grest. Getting that Gretsch of yours was a real bargain at under 200 bucks. Enjoy and keep in touch...chuck - Monday, April 20, 2009

Question asked by: Philip Borgnes Subject: Regal Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I've had this Regal Soprano Uke for about 15 years now and wanted to get a bit more information on it. My guess is that it is somewhere between 1930-40, no label except what is on the head-stock, all mahogany, white inlay/insert around the sound hole of some sort. Nice and tight, just missing the 12th fret. Any other info? Price? Common? Photos:      Answer: Common, good condition, 40's-50's, 250+ on a good day. keep strummin...chuck - Friday, April 17, 2009

Question asked by: PETER Subject: UKULELE Question: HELLO, A NEW ARRIVAL AT MY HOUSE. THIS UKE APPEARS TO BE MADE OF KOA AND THE ONLY WRITING IS BELOW THE SOUND HOLE AND SAYS"HAWAIIAN UKULELE" I'M GUESSING ITS FROM THE 50'S OR 60'S. IT HAS A NICE LOUD SOUND. I PAID 40 DOLLARS INCLUDING POSTAGE. . Photos:      Answer: It is a standard tourist trap uke of the 50's-60's and still being made today. NOt a bad player...Nice condition......thanks for writing...chuck - Friday, April 17, 2009

Question asked by: Teek Subject: Harmony uke age by decal? Question: I have not seen this decal anywhere else, it is a solid mahogany Harmony soprano including fingerboard, do you have any idea of age? Is it likely 50s and this is just the "upgrade" decal logo, or is it earlier? It's got a rounded back, not flat. Thanks for any ideas. Photos:      Answer: One of the many used by harmony. If you look at the latest answers you will see a site for Harmony Decals. Not complete but interesting. chuck - Friday, April 17, 2009

Question asked by: Chris Subject: @Ken Murray's question Question: There's in interesting site, helping to date your harmony Ukes by different labels.. Kind regards, Chris http://www.catfish1952.com/harmony.html Answer: I took a look at this site...inteesting but not complete.....thanks again for writing and all info greatly appreciated....chuck - Friday, April 17, 2009

Question asked by: Larry Beal Subject: White Label Kamaka and Fortune Baris Question: I only see two references in search on white label Kamakas. What about them? A W.L.Kamaka baritone uke offered currently at less than 1/2 price retail. Hope your answer here doesn't lose me a good opportunity. Also have a Fortune Bari from FMM with installed pickup to trade or sell. Value? Thanks, Chuck Answer: Are you asking me if you should purchase the Kamaka. I am not a fan of Baritones but if you are, a Kamaka is a fine ukulele...Hope this reaches you on time..chuck - Friday, April 17, 2009

Question asked by: Nancy Deal-Whitacre Subject: Kumalae uke Question: For some reason I grabbed this from my mom's estate when she died, and it's been in a drawer ever since. I googled Kumalae and it seems like someone might be interested in it.I don't play, what do you recommend I do with it? Should I have the crack in the back repaired by a luthier first? Thanks, Nancy Photos:      Answer: Let the buyer fix the crack. should bring about 300-350...good luck...chuck - Friday, April 17, 2009

Question asked by: Bill Martino Subject: Awkward... Question: Mr. Fayne, Could you please tell Adam that Uncle Bill would like his uke back? Yours etc, Bill Answer: Consider it done....c - Friday, April 17, 2009

Question asked by: Ken Murray Subject: Harmony Decal ID Question: What a wonderful site here. Thanks for an opportunity to ID my old ukulele. It is a Harmony with just a little different of a decal than anything I can find. It isnt in great shape, just curious as to how old it is if you know. I really appreciate your time....Thank You..Ken Photos:      Answer: 1950's...hard to be exact as they used different labels at different times. But if I say 50's, I'll be really close. Thanks for the kind words and keep reading. chuck - Tuesday, April 14, 2009

Question asked by: Janet Hopp Subject: ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I have a ukulele that is made by Leonardo Nunes. It's a beautiful little instrument.Is't possible that you know the value of this instrument? Thank you, Janet Photos:      Answer: Janet, I hope you received my first answer to this question. Here it is again. It is a very fine example of a Leonardo Nunes style 2 or 3 and is worth, on a good day.....750-1000.....thanks - Friday, April 10, 2009

Question asked by: John Subject: P'mico Question: I just bought this P'mico soprano uke. I know that P'mico is the Progressive Musical Instrument Company of New York. I think that this instrument was actually made by Regal, and retailed through P'mico, but that is conjecture based on the shape of the head stock. Any information on this uke will be much appreciated. It has a great sound, but needs a little TLC. It is pretty dirty. Should I clean it, and if so, what should I use. I do not want to damage the it. Photos:      Answer: I know the same as you do. I have always assumed that the uke was made by regal. I have had many of them and I have pamphlets which offer them for sale. I still don't know for sure who made them. They always had a very good sound for what was an original cheapie uke. But then a model T ford was a cheapie car...try to buy it today for 400 dollars. best...chuck - Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Question asked by: Adam vanLangenberg Subject: Awkward... Question: Mr. Fayne, After a nasty incident involving an enraged busker and a cup of hot coffee I now appear to have a ukulele stuck somewhere on my person. Without going into details I can no longer sit down and I walk like a cowboy. I have since discovered that I can play it by clenching. Do you think that there is a market for this? Yours in love and fondness, Adam Answer: Adam, how nice to hear from you. I see they finally got your medication dosage correct. So sorry to hear about your mishap. What brand of uke is it, perhaps if it is valuable enough it would warrant removing. A job for which I feel enormously unqualified. Walking like a cowboy is not all that bad. John Wayne did for years and look where it got him. His mishap, however was concert grand piano. Please feel to write me any time you have a problem. It nice to have a serious question for a change. All my best to you and the rest of the people at the institution. Yours in confusion. Frets.......... - Wednesday, April 8, 2009

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