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

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Question asked by: Gary Timmons Subject: Weissenborn Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, An elderly friend owns this instrument. She wanted to know if I thought it was worth selling. I've built a couple of mandolins so her guess was I might have a clue. A buddy suggested checking out this site. Any suggestions who to contact regarding selling would be appreciated also I put together a page of additional photo's at http://sonic.net/~gtimmons/Weissenborn_Uke/ Thanks for your time. ---Gary Photos:      Answer: Gary..I don't know what "if its worth selling"...It just might be worth keeping. One of the better made instruments by world class maker. I sold mine, exactly like it for 2200 dollars. I still don't know whether or not I made the right decision. Its a whopper of an instrument...thanks...chuck - Monday, February 23, 2009

Question asked by: Herb Subject: Miami Professional Ukulele Question: Chuck, Hope all is well with you. I recently purchased a Miami Professional soprano ukulele. I searched the Uke Yak for info and understand that they were probably made by Stadlmair in the 1924-26 timeframe. The label on the inside does not mention Ukulele Hughes. There is no Stadlmair mark anywhere. Also the impressed stamp on the headstock is on the front rather than the back. I was wondering if there was any significance to these two items (no Hughes and stamp on the front) as far as early or later date of manufacture? Would you have an estimate on value in today's market? There are no cracks...just a few scratches. Thanks, Herb Photos:      Answer: Value is 300+..It is made by Stadlmair, ot sure of the date. Very good uke..enoy...chuck - Monday, February 23, 2009

Question asked by: ambrose pottie Subject: identify uke Question: hi Chuck, This ukulele was given to me recently in Toronto. Any thoughts on what it might be and it's worth? It's in rough shape with cracks on front, back and a biggie on on side. I'd like to get it up and running but not sure whether it's worth it or not. No label, but something that might be paper residue inside. Thanks for any info you can supply me with. cheers, Ambrose Photos:      Answer: Ambrose...would you please send me pics that are on a plain background. Especially one of the back where the body joins the neck...it is an insteresting instrument...chuck - Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Question asked by: Frank Abrams Subject: Original Tuners, Regal Victory Uke Question: Hi Chuck. Do you know if the original tuners on a Regal Victory Uke (I'm restoring) were wooden pegs? If so, would they be the same ones Harmony used at the time? Appreciate your response, Frank Abrams Answer: Thee marketplace on this site has been very helpfull in finding stuff..try it...also the bulletin board. thanks..chuck - Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Question asked by: joe Subject: have you ever seen this uke? Question: Hello Chuck Have you ever heard of or seen a uke with Humps on it's back like a cello a stand up bass? The label in the hole says "Hawaiian Royal Music Supply" and a little label that say's "No.15" Also do you know the era and is it koa? Thanks! Joe Photos:      Answer: Joe...please send me a picture of the whole back and whole front. I may be able to help. I had a very similar uke...thanks...chuck - Monday, February 9, 2009

Question asked by: joe Subject: Identify a vintage Kamaka? Question: Hello Chuck I want to know what Model era this Kamaka is from. It does mot have a label inside the hole but has a "Kamaka Hawaii" with the Hawaiian coat of arms decal between the pegs. And lots of inlay on the face around the sound hole and the fret board. Thanks! Joe Photos:      Answer: Joe...That is a 1920-30 style 4+ Kamaka soprano and its very rare. What a beauty..Have not seen one in eons..best..chuck....P.S. I don't often say this, but the uke needs a refin. It has had a bad one and needs TLC...Take it to a good luthier who will be sympathetic. Chuck - Monday, February 9, 2009

Question asked by: Basil Henriques Subject: Kumalae style 1 Question: Any answer to Answer: The headstock I can answer...They were hand cut and it is asymmetrical on many of the early ukes not only Kumalae. I am going to enlist the help of John KIng, the Hawaiian Ukulele expert. If he does not read this in a couple days, I will write him personally and ask your question. He may know...hang in there..c - Saturday, December 20, 2008 Answer: Basil...Not yet. I will put this in again in the hopes John sees it. chuck - Monday, February 9, 2009

Question asked by: Doug Oaks Subject: mystery uke brass fret saddle Question: Hi Chuck, got this on ebay awhile back. The one wooden tuner it came with is in the pic. Any idea as to make? No stamps or labels but has a brass fret saddle (?) which looks original but who knows? Thanks, Doug Photos:      Answer: Doug...The uke is mainland made ...to resemble Hawaiian. May be Regal, the trim looks alot like Regal. The tuner is probably not original. The brass fret was an added addition. Wish I could put a name for sure..chuck - Monday, February 9, 2009

Question asked by: Eric Bernstein Subject: Harold Teen Banjo Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck: I was referred to you by Mr. Gary Peare as Gary told me you would have the answer. Have you ever seen or heard of a Harold Teen Banjo Ukulele that is made in England? I have one more picture, but I can't enter more than one here. I am waiting to receive the uke in the mail, but I was told the original label is still on the rear and states Made in England. Do you have a clue as to this great "find" I have found? I look forward to your reply and thank you in advance. Eri Photos:      Answer: I have never heard of a Harold Teen banjo uke made anywhere. I have had all the teen ukes and this is a first. If this is original, and I have every reason to believe it is, it is very rare. Please send me more pictures closer on the uke and the back You can uke more than one uke yak question to send the pics. I will then tell you what you have. nice catch....chuck - Friday, February 6, 2009

Question asked by: RON Subject: VALUE APPROX............ Question: I HAVE A KUMALAE....GOLD AWARD...R R L E 1915 UKE HAWAII DOES IT HAVE ANY VALUE THANK YOU CONDITION GOOD Answer: Ron...I need a picture and sizes. It could be worth 200-5000...they made alot of different styles and only one or two decals. thanks - Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Question asked by: Carol Subject: Mimi's Uke Question: This was my grandmother's ukulele. We were not allowed to play with it, because it was "real." But we were allowed to play on the organ! She died 40 years ago, and I have continued the "real" excuse with my kids and grandkids. Now, I would like to know what this really is. The instruction papers that are with it are dated 1927. However, I am not sure that they 'came' with the instrument. The "Chord Master" reads 'Islander Uke", but again, I am not sure if it was part of the instrument or a separate accessory purchase. So, did Mimi keep us from playing with a toy, or what? Thanks. Photos:      Answer: HI Mimi...It is not toy and it is not a professional uke. It was made by Harmony or Regal in the 40's....It is in very nice condition and very desirable by harmony collectors. I would still keep the "nice".....It is not for children to play with. I would get them one of the cheapies that you can buy for next to nothing on Ebay...Keep this and when they are older and have learned to play on the cheapie...give it to them...best...chuck ]p s...the chordmaster is to be useed on the fingerboard of the uke all the way at the top. It, when the uke is in tune, will automatically play a chord. Better to learn to play.....thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Question asked by: Charles Subject: Martin S-O Uke Question: My mother has a Martin S-O Uke, SN: 4,298 (made in Mexico) and was wondering what it might be worth. Thank you for your time Photos:      Answer: Unfortunatly, it was Martin's great mistake. They have been very unpopular. 250 would be a great price for you to get...sorry the news is not better. chuck - Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Question asked by: Ben Elder Subject: Johnny Marvin tenor Question: Long time, no yak, ol' pal. I'm just about to post an ad for this Johnny Marvin tenor on the Marketplace. First the question, then a lot of fluff and detail. Is it priced reasonably in beat-up but playable condition at $350? It was given to me by a friend I originally found it for because he had an airplane-bridge guitar (another story). He's quit playing, I got the guitar...and Johnny. (Sorry only one pic, despite instructions for front and back. Back not as ugly as front.) Best to you and all the Faynes... Photos:      Answer: Ben....tried your email but to no avail. 350 is a good price in that condition. Please try to write me on my email..I want to talk to you. miss ya....... - Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Question asked by: Frank Abrams Subject: Original Tuners Victory Uke? Question: Hi Chuck, Just got a 1945 Regal Victory Ukulele. The tuners look shiny and new, and you can see the screws through the plastic. Are they the original ones Regal put on this uke in 1945?, or are they a replacement? I'll send one other picture. Thanks, F.A. Photos:      Answer: Frank...those are not the original tuners. Thanks for writing in....too easy...chuck - Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Question asked by: Mike Baker Subject: resonator uke recordings Question: This is not truly a gear question, and should probably be in the forum section, but I am curious if you know of musicians (past and present) who have recorded with Resonator Ukes. It might give me a range of possibilities with the instrument. All I know of are: Bob Brozman, Del Rey and the Ditch Lilies. Mike Answer: Your're right...it is a question for the guys on the bulletin board. Please ask it there they know more than I on subjects like this....thanks for writing in ...chuck - Sunday, January 25, 2009

Question asked by: Bob Brosemer Subject: Try #2, Martin Tenor Ukulele??? Question: Chuck. Sorry about the previous picture. Here's the best one I have of the entire front. I do think that I was incorrect about it being a 1K, it's looks like mahogony to me??? Thanks again for the help and all the great info on your Uke Yak page. It has been great for me especially because I am just starting to play. Photos:      Answer: You are right about the vintage. It is an early 12 fret small dot martin tenor in the original case in very nice conditiohn. It is worth 1500+ in today's market. It is Mahogany not Koa. Good luck and thanks for the kinds words. chuck - Sunday, January 25, 2009

Question asked by: Dave Hancock Subject: american conservatory uke Question: I inherited an American Conservatory Banjo ukulele and want to know what tear it was made and also what it might be worth.The words American Conservatory are stamped on the instrument's wooden cross member on the back along with a number which is 5078. Photos:      Answer: American conservatory was a small label used by Lyon and Healy. It is still a Lyon and Healy..The little doodad in the headstock gives it away. No date numbers on these instruments but 20's-30's...nice instruments should play well....chuck - Sunday, January 25, 2009

Question asked by: Chris Subject: Martin Uke style 1 Question: Hi Chuck, here's a pic of my new Martin style 1 I was talking about in my last mail. Sending pics to the forum is little complicateted, but I understand that you get lots of questions and don't want to bump your mailbox. If you need other picture, just let me know. The question is the correct date of fabrication of this cutie. Kind regards (this time written without mistake;-), Chris Photos:      Answer: Can't date exactly....50's would be my guess. Cant see the dots clearly...might be real small ones, if so....40's...chuck - Sunday, January 25, 2009

Question asked by: zilla Subject: Pete Bermudez Question: I bought it from a dealer in Nashville. It was owned by my late friend Mike Longworth. It is a 6 string tenor model made of koa. I know nothing about the maker Zilla Photos:      Answer: I know two things about this uke. I know I don't know the maker and I know I wish it were mine. Stunning. Hope one of the yakkers out there knows anything...John King...what is it????? best. chuck - Sunday, January 25, 2009

Question asked by: Allen Hopkins Subject: Patrick Cullie's question Question: Couple of thoughts: There's a rumor around that guitar maker C F Martin bought up all the materials from Swagerty after S went out of business. I've heard no confirmation of this and certainly Martin has made no move to reissue the Singing Treholipee etc. Since this was decades ago, I assume contacting Martin would be fruitless. I had the same problem trying to get a replacement paddle tuner for my Polk-A-Lay-Lee. I ended up contacting an eBay seller who had a "trashed" one with a couple good tuners, and bought two of the paddle pegs for $20 each -- stiff price for two pieces of plastic! There was a poster on the main bulletin board who was considering having some of the paddle tuners made; Patrick might want to do a search and see if he could contact this person. Answer: Thanks Allen...all help appareciated. chuck - Friday, January 23, 2009

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