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

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Question asked by: jeff sure Subject: johnson radio and music company Question: I have a ukulele from my mom Johnson and music company what can you tell me about the company my email is janetbumpo @aol.com Answer: How is your Mom Johnson? I have no idea exactly how to answer because I am not sure of the question. I am assuming that the company is Johnson and Company. Is that correct and remember your under oath? If you can send me a picture of the uke or your Mom I will do my best to answer the question which you will send also. Thank you so much for writing in. I think..chuck - Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Question asked by: Chris Subject: Martin tuners Question: Thanx for speedy Gonzales response, Chuck! I send a new pic of the front. Do you think, the grover champion tuners @Steward McDonalds would fit the uke? I'd rather replace some original Martin tuners of the correct period, but it will be hard to find some, don't you think so? Kind regards, Chris Photos:      Answer: Well, it is a very nice Martin style O and I think if you contact the Martin company ( go on line) you will find that they still stock the tuners. I would rather see you that than go to a tuner that might have mean the uke would be altered. Let me know if you cannot locate proper tuners and I will look for you. Nice uke...chuck - Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Question asked by: Carol again Subject: flukes Question: Hi Chuck, There is an art deco fluke uke on the marketplace now that I am interested in buying. My only concern is that it has a plastic rather than a rosewood fretboard. Does it change the tone? Do you think I should wait for one with a rosewood fretboard? Thanks for your help again. Answer: I would go ahead and buy the plastic one. I don't think the sound will be altered greatly. I have a harmony with a plastic fingerboard that is about 50 years old and if I close my eyes I wouldn't know the difference. Go for it..chuck - Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Question asked by: Bill Arthur Subject: Kamaka 8 string tenor Question: I have a Kamaka 8 string tenor ukulele - about 25 years old. I want to convert it from standard tuning G C E A to baritone tuning D G B E. If I simply tune it down, the strings are too loose and I lose too much of the fantistic sound. Any suggestions on the string diameter that I could use in this conversion? Thanks for your help. Bill Arthur Answer: I am not a fan of tuning a uke in a mnner for which it was not designed. If you have to, try exra long concert strings or hit your neighborhood fishing store and play around with strings of different weights. You might think I'm kidding but I am not. I have tuned many ukes with fishing line. I find that using uke strings for fishing doesn't work either. Please let me now how it works out..I love the Kamaka 8 string tenor and personally cringe at the thought of altering a perfect sound. But if you must, you must. Hope this has helped...chuck - Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Question asked by: Toya Ricci Subject: Cole Clark Baritone Question: Hi Chuck, I live in Australia and I'm finding it difficult to get a goo baritone ukulele. I recently played a Cole Clark soprano, and it gave me chills. Do you know if they plan to make a baritone? Also, do you know of anyone in the Melbourne area who can give lessons to an intermediate beginner? Thanks for your help - it's awesome that you are in Australia! Toya Answer: Toya...I don't know if Clark will make a baritone and if you will contact me I will try to find you a teacher. best and cheers...chuck - Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Question asked by: Saiko Genso Subject: Ludwig Wendell Hall Tuners Question: Regarding the question about the original Wendell Hall tuners, I have included a few photos. Two show the tuners that most Wendall Halls used. They have a nut that screws down to tighten them. I've never seen this type of tuner on anything but Wendell Halls. The other two photos show the Planet tuners that most Ludwig banjos and the more expensive Ludwig Banjo-ukes used. They are not Grovers, more like the Waverly ones. I always assumed that Planet was the brand name (they show a Saturn-like planet and say Pat. Pend.) Some of the Wendell Halls were fitted with the Planets, but it is quite unusual. If anyone knows the brand of the original Wendell Hall tuners or other banjos or ukes that used them I'd be very interested. Answer: Saiko...no pictures but thqnks for the information. Always appreciated. I use your information later to look smart. So thanks for that...best...frets - Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Question asked by: John Hyatt Subject: Marca Aquila Question: I have a "Marca Aquila" soprano uke. I have been able to find out very little about it except that it is the early brand name used by Favilla. I do play it and I like the sound. I am surprised at how scarce they seem to be. I cannot find any images of them on the web. The only other reference I can find to someone having one is on your website. Are they that rare, or are we just flying under the radar? I do not have a photo I can send right now, but I will send a photo later. It looks like some of the early Martins in that it is trimmed with some kind of white material around the edge and the sound hole. Celluloid maybe? Answer: Tom....Help...Your always my first and last resort. What say you? thanks pal...chuck - Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Question asked by: mike reese Subject: Standing Pic Question: Chuck, Thanks...now I know to send add'l entry for each pic. There will be 2 more to follow. When I talked to Martin, they told me they changed tuning peg design in 1927 and I read somewhere that they went to decals in 1930. If you need anything else. let me know. Mike Photos:      Answer: Mike...Im sorry to say I forgot what you originally wanted. Please write again and I will go my best. nice uke..chuck - Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Question asked by: Chris Subject: Martin tuners dating Question: Hi Chuck, is there a possibility to date a Martin Style 0, decal on front of headstock, stamp inside body without made in U.S.A.. with these tunes? (attached pic..) Love to spend my time reading all your comments on all the ukulele sheiks questions. Chris Photos:      Answer: Those are not original Martin tuners. I would have to see the front to have a shot at the date. I can only tell a certain time period as Martin did not date their ukes. thanks for writing in. chuck - Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Question asked by: Allan Little Subject: m.nunes uke Question: Just acquired this uke from and estate sale. It has a small crack in the top and back but before I get it fixed wanted to check and make sure that it was a smart investment. Its and M.nunes but has no date and after some research im at a dead end. There is a paper tag inside but its very faded and illegible. Thanks Allan Photos:      Answer: Allan...it's not only a smart investment its a must. It was made by Manuel Nunes somewhere arond the 1920's in Hawaii. He was one of the first three Ukulele builders including Dias, and Santo. It is the plainest of the models but quite rare to fine one floating around. Because of the Uke craze now, they get snapped up. It will cost you a few bucks to get it repaired. The cracks oddly enough don't seem as bad as they look. It needs a new bridge, one without screws. It needs to be checked over to see if the screws are needed for something else. Please take it to a good luthier, one who is familiar with early Hawaiin Ukes. If you go the player directory on this site, find someone who lives near you and ask them for the name of a good luthier. Your neighborhood music store might not be the place. When its fixed up it will be worth 700+ plus but more importantly, you will have saved a very collectible and historicaly important instrument. good score...chuck - Sunday, April 5, 2009

Question asked by: Carol Subject: Martin tenor 1 Question: Hi Chuck, I wrote earlier but not sure you received my question. It was about 2 other ukes but I thought I'd try this one. I just bought this Martin Tenor which I believe is from the 50's. It doesn't have the Made in USA inside. It's in very good condition with some scratches but no cracks or dings. My questions are: What strings do you suggest? One of the tuners doesn't hold it's tune at all, It keeps slipping. Any suggestions? What do you think it's value is? Thanks for your help. Carol Photos:      Answer: Carol, for the tuner problem I would go to a good luthier and they will either suggest you replace the tuner or repair the one you have. Martin still makes the tuners that are used on that uke. I like either the Kamaka black strings or the original martin Strings which are available on the Martin site. If want to experiment with differnt strings there is a great sellection on this site. You have a wonderful ukulele and the value, depending on the condition is around 1000-1200...best....chuck - Friday, April 3, 2009

Question asked by: Carol Subject: choices to make Question: Hi Chuck, Love your column. I've learned a lot in the short time I've been playing. I have a dilemma. Unfortunately, I need to sell a few of my ukes. Times are hard. Wanted your opinion on two (for now). Will write again on others. I have a Kamaka white label Soprano from the early 90's which is in mint condition and an original Roy Smeck Vita uke which is in excellent condtion with a few small scratches. Wondered which you like better and which would hold its value for the long haul. Also, what do you think each is worth in today's market. Thanks for your help. I tried to send you a pic of the Roy Smeck and assumed you'd know what the Kamaka looked like. Carol Photos:      Answer: The are both wonderful ukes. The Kamaka is a great player as is the vita. I would keep the Vits on the long haul. It will increase in value more because they are much harder to find. Especially in that condition. The vita is worth about 500 and the Kamaka 400....Best..chuck - Friday, April 3, 2009

Question asked by: Steve Pepper Subject: Banjo Ukulele Question: Chuck On response to Toya's query about the banjo uke. I'm afraid to say it isn't one of the better styles of uke and wouldn't be worth spending a fortune on the repair. I know proces have shifted but I wouldn't pay more then £60-£70 for that particular one in the UK even if the skin was good and tuners intact. In perfect condition it would only be worth say £120 at the very top end. Most banjo's of that style resonator would have been Mandolin banjos and from what I see it isn't from a well known maker possibly someone like GH&S. NB there's a John Grey Mandolin Banjo nearly the same for £75 and a nice Keech Banjo uke for £135 (Both in nice condition)on the Springer Sister's pages in the uk right now. If Toya canb stick a new vellum on (£15?) and some new tuners and strings themselves then it's worth it but a restorer would want more than the uke is worth. Kind regards Steve Answer: Steve, as usual thanks...All info appreciated. I am looking at a converted Mandolin banjo as we speak. Great conversion and passable sound. I appreciate the information as always. I[m sure Toya will read this and take your sage advise. Keep it comin' ..makes me look good down the line. Best to ya and thanks for reading the column.....chuck - Friday, April 3, 2009

Question asked by: Craig Taylor Subject: Uke Question: Howdy Ian Whitcom said to ask you about this Uke I found. The lable inside says "Ukelele, Native Hawaiian Instrument, Ukelele Mfg. Co Honolulu Y tried to send a pic thu your site, but I dont think it worked. can you hekp me? Answer: Graig..please send another pic. That label comes up once in a while. I am not sure what it is until I see the uke..pics of front and back are better. If you see Ian please tell him I sent my best. Good guy...I like him...best..chuck - Friday, April 3, 2009

Question asked by: Harry Subject: Tuners Question: I am currently waiting for the arrival of a Kiwaya KTS 6 soprano. I have recently been on a hunt to buy a good quality instrument that was Martin like and the Kiwaya seems like a good bet and for less that buying say a new Martin 3M. My hesitation though has been that they makers are still using the friction tuners on these expensive ukes and just don't understand it. My experience with them left me frustrated, why are these modern uke not all made with nice geared tuners? I don't get it. Now I will have to deal with it again on this new uke as well. Answer: I love peg tuners...try them first before you replace them.....good luck...chuck - Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Question asked by: Roy Sherman Subject: Pineapple Ukulele Question: I am interested in selling this mint condition Uke made in the 1930s...please let me know what you think a fair price would be because I am not much of a uke expert. Thank you! Photos:      Answer: 750-1000...beautiful uke...Kamaka style four in the old numbering system...One of my very favorite players....chuck - Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Question asked by: Toya Ricci Subject: Banjo Ukulele Question: Hello, I've been a fan of the Uke-Yak for a while, but never thought I would actually have something to submit. I picked up this banjo uke at a market a few days ago. The man who sold it to me said it was from England, but that's all I really know about it. Just wondering if you could add any more details and advise if its worth restoring it to playable condition. I know you're just going by the pictures, but is there any way to tell if it will actually sound good? Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Toya Photos:      Answer: They are great....I can't tell how much it will cost but It will sound good when done. I have had many of those and they are loud and fun...chuck - Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Question asked by: Allen Hopkins Subject: ember question - tempo instruments Question: Apparently Tempo was a name used by NY City distributor Merson (Bernie Mersky), starting in the late '40's with American- made instruments, then shifting to Japanese imports in the '60's, through about 1975. According to the Vintage Guitar website, Tempo instruments were priced in the $30- 50 range in the'60's, and "had a Harmony look about them." I would hazard a guess that the ukulele in question is Japanese rather than Chinese; in the '70's, China was recovering from Mao's Great Leap Forward, probably not exporting a lot of instruments to the US. Answer: Thanks Alan...always appreciate info. I didn't know about the Mersky connection...another tidbit to add to my ever growing collection...stay in touch...frets - Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Question asked by: ember Subject: Looking for info about my uke Question: I can't find any information about this uke except for one site that said it was made around 1970 in China. Is that true and can you tell me anything else about it, it's worth, what kind it is, what is it made of, anything else? I've never owned a uke but found this at a thrift store for $10 recently. It says "Tempo" with a guitar motif inbetween the tuning keys. I want to learn to play, I don't intend to sell it. Photos:      Answer: Ember...sorry, there are so many ukuleles and other instruments made in China today, it is almost impossible to keep up with them. I doubt that you will find the name as most instruments names are not the name of the manufacturer but rather the name of either the store or distributor....Looks nice...Hope it plays well. Good price. best and thanks for writing in...chuck - Saturday, March 28, 2009

Question asked by: Milan Subject: Yasuma Tiple Question: Chuck, here's a photo of a 70'S Yasuma Tiple I just got on eBay. It is in almost unplayed condition. I had to do some minor fret work and put some new strings on it. I'm into it for $540 and consider that a bargain. The only negative comment I can make is that I was the only bidder for it. This tells me that the ukulele community isn't familiar with tiples, little lone the Yasuma made ones. All the best. Photos:      Answer: Milan...your a lucky man..I paid 1000 for mine and consider it one of my best buys. I like it better than the Martins and I have tried them all. Yasuma is a little known instrument company that made the best copy of a Martin instrument ever. Enjoy it, it is a very overlooked instrument and an even more overlooked company...chuck - Saturday, March 28, 2009

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