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

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Question asked by: Jonathan Vacanti Subject: What do you think of this Uke? Question: Hi Chuck, Can you tell me anything about the value of my Uke? Thanks, Jonathan Photos:      Answer: It is a mainland made uke made to look Hawaiian. It was made in the 30-40 and it worth about 300 bucks. nice uke....chuck - Monday, July 7, 2008

Question asked by: Syuan Subject: Vintage Martin Stamps? Question: Hi Chuck, Long time reader, first time poster here. This is just a general question about vintage Martins: did they all have stamps in the soundhole or headstock? I'm asking because I found one on Ebay that has the headstock gold decal but doesn't seem to have a headstock or soundhole stamp - could it be genuine? From my browsing, I couldn't seem to find an answer about that, most websites mention that there should be a stamp on one of those 2 places. Oh, here's the Ebay listing if that would help: 150258885043. Thanks! Answer: It does not need the stamp on the headstock if I has the decal. However, no stamp in the sound hole may indicate a replacement back. No way of telling without a good luthier seeing if the back has been off. Martin is very strict about the stamping in the uke. My guess is there is a possibility it is an employee uke but I don't think so. I would not buy it without the sound hold stamping. chuck - Monday, July 7, 2008

Question asked by: Joe Subject: Camp Uke Question: Hello Chuck, I have here a camp uke in what I believe to be excellent condition. I found it stored in this bag in my grandmothers closet. I was wondering if this was an original case? Any Idea of the value? Thank you for your time and expertise. Photos:      Answer: Joe..it is the top of the line in Camp Ukes. The vine makes it. Its a beauty, best I have ever seen. Value, at least 500 not a penny less. good luck.....Go back and look in the closet again. She had great taste. thanks...chucj - Monday, July 7, 2008

Question asked by: Deanna Subject: 1950 handcrafted Ukulele Question: I am trying to find out how much my ukulele is worth. there is a sticker inside that says EST 1950 Yasuma Hand made by Yasuma Musical Inst., co. Model number TU-1 made in Japan. If you have any information on this i would be grateful. It is in mint condition there are absolutly no marks on it at all. Thank you. Answer: Yasuma was a company that copied Martin Ukes. They did a hell of a job. I have had many of their ukes and they are all quality pieces. Yours is a style one tenor and worth about 600 dollars. thanks..chuck - Monday, July 7, 2008

Question asked by: Susan Bowyer Subject: double kook-a-la-lee Question: I ran across a double-necked Swagerty kook-a-la-lee in an estate sale today and got if for a song. I have not seen any like this in any of my web surfing. Is it rare? Answer: It is quite rare. I have only seen a couple of them. There is a site designed just for the beach ukes. Please try to find it. My guess its worth a few hundred dollars and maybe more. thanks...chuck - Monday, July 7, 2008

Question asked by: Rob Subject: roy smeck vita ruke Question: what are these worth? I have one with no bridge or nut and has a crack in it. When I took it to the shop they said it was a vary special piece and that they could restor it for $144. Answer: I believe you mean Vita Uke.....It is a special piece and I would have it restored for 144 bucks. It is well worth the investment. They are worth 400+ easily. thanks for writing in...chuck - Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Question asked by: Brandie Subject: Traditional VS. low G tuning Question: Hi Chuck, I've been playing uke for a couple of years now, self taught for the most part. I have a soprano Kamaka that I love but because of it's limited frets I've always had a low G string on it. Recently though someone pointed out to me that the traditional ukulele tuning with a high G string yields more of a rich and unique sound. What's your opinion on this? Also, if I were to go back to traditional tuning how would I still get the range I get now with my low G? Do I have to buy an extended neck uke or go up in size to a tenor? I'm a small person and don't want to go too big. Thanks! Brandie. Answer: Brandie...It has to do with your own personal taste. The person who pointed out to you the more rich and unique sound is giving a personal opinion. There are some songs that lend themselves to the low G and some that don't. There are things you can do on both that are different. Don't have your neck extended, whatever you do. I have never heard of anyone getting the neck of a uke extended. Stick to what brings you pleasure. Try to listen to yourself and not others. They really don't know more than you do about yourself. Good luck and if I can help you, please write. Kamaka is one of the top brands in the world. I have had many and enjoyed them all...best..chuck - Saturday, June 21, 2008

Question asked by: Norm Jones Subject: Harmony Roy Smeck Vita Uke Question: Frets, I just sent you a message about a Vita I just received and forgot to mention that the case with it is a soft case made of brown corduroy with a couple of snaps that secure the open end where the uke goes in. The lady who gave it to me said she got the case when she got the uke, but I don't know if the case came with it or if she bought it as and accessory. Answer: Get rid of the case at once. Those type of cases are know as suicide cases. They offer no protection and when the snaps wear out, without warning, the uke will fall to the floor and commit suicide. Hence the name.......The original case was the shape of the uke and made of chip-board or hard material. best....chuck - Saturday, June 21, 2008

Question asked by: DeAnna Subject: 1950 Yasuma Uke Question: I have a 1950 handcrafted Yasuma Ukulele that is in mint condition no scratches or marks of any kind no cracks. I was wondering if you would be able to tell me a little bit about it and how much it would be worth today. on the tag inside it says made in 1950 model TU-1 Thanks Photos:      Answer: Yasuma copied the Martin line almost perfectly. They made and may still make great instruments. I have had a couple tiples and ukuleles. Yours is a tenor and worth about 500+ dollars. Thanks for sending in the pic...chuck - Thursday, June 19, 2008

Question asked by: Susanne Subject: Peter Pan Uke Question: Hi, I just inherited by grandmother's ukulele. It is a "Peter Pan hand made De luxe". It may have a couple of age cracks, I am not sure. Nothing obvious and it seems to sound good. How would I go about having someone look at it? Can I just take it to any guitar store? Thanks. Answer: Suzanne, you can take it to a guitar store if they have a competent luthier there. If you just take it to the usual music store you won't get any technical information. Look up Guitar repairer and see what you find. If you can't see any visible damage and it plays well, there is no reason to have anyone look at it. Its a very simple instrument and damage is easily seen. I would just string it up and play it. Its not like a car. There are no moving parts to jam up. Enjoy....chuck - Saturday, June 14, 2008

Question asked by: barbara koory Subject: worth of a ukelele Kalae Question: Are you able to give me a guesstimate on a Kalae soprano ukelele. It was purchased in Hawaii aproximately 46 years ago? It has the original strings. Has a slight crack on front -- lower right. If you need to see a picture, let me know. I'll see what I can do. I am not a picture computer saavy person. Thank You Answer: KaLae made so many different styles and shapes that without a picture I can't help. Please send pic...chuck - Saturday, June 14, 2008

Question asked by: Jeri Gale Subject: Date/value of Uke Question: Hi, I am eager to get info on this ukulele I inherited from my Grandmother. It is quite good shape. The turning peg has been replaced, but the wood finish is lovely. Is it really a Kumalae Taropatch made from Curly KOA wood? Age? Value? I will email additonal photos as I can't figure out how to attach multi[ples here! Thanks, Jeri Gale Photos:      Answer: Its the headstock of a Kumalae UKULELE not a taropatch. Unlike people, the headstocks of ukes pretty much look alike. Please send a pic of the whole uke (from the front) and I will do my best. It is probably made of Koa...I don't think I've ever seen a Kumalae that wasn't. As to Curly. The pic will tell that. chuck - Saturday, June 14, 2008

Question asked by: Steve Subject: ebay uke 170225946647 Question: Chuck I just bought this off ebay, not asking for a valuation (I already know how much I paid and don't want to be disappointed if I paid too much ;O) Do you or any of the other Yakkers have a clue as to what it is. It looks to have a lovely Birds eye maple back and is similar but not identical to the parlour guitar style of ukes made by De Vekey. Thanks Steve Answer: Steve, my guess would be, based on the trim, the wood and the shape, that it is a South American instrument of some sort. Nicely made. That style of trim around the top is used primarily in the Latin American countries. Lets see what the rest of the yakkers have to say. Nice score....chuck - Thursday, June 12, 2008

Question asked by: Matt Arnold Subject: Question: Hey, Chuck Thanks for writing a GREAT feature! I always enjoy reading & learning from you... Regarding Lester Brandt's "Ukelele ID" question about a uke he found at an estate sale on the Big Island- It looks an awful lot like a "teardrop" Favilla in mahogany, except no inlay around the sound hole, and the fret markers look larger... Maybe? All The Best & Cheers, -Mattman Answer: Matt, thanks for the suggestion, however, It is not a Favilla. I know what it is but the old brain is going dim. I still think it is a Lyon and Healy, but if it isn't I will remember soon. The body is much smaller than a Favilla teardrop and I have had a few of these through the years. I just have to go back and find picture. Thanks for writing in and the kind words. chuck - Monday, June 9, 2008

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Gretch Question: Chuck I have the opportunity of buying a Gretch uke (looks like a "camp uke" or the "Blue Round" in Jim's book) What would be a reasonable price I believe the instrument is in reasonable order. Also were they a 20s 30s or 50s item Thanks Steve Answer: 50's and a decent price would be 200.00. Thanks for writing in.....chucki - Sunday, June 8, 2008

Question asked by: David Subject: Johnny Marvin Tenor Question: Hi Chuck. Wondering if you might be able to give me some details about this ukulele. I know that it is a concert. Curious about when it was likely to have been made. Also, what do you think the value of the uke is? Value-wise what would be a comparable vintage soprano uke. I'm looking to trade on the marketplace but want to make sure that I get a fair trade. Photos:      Answer: David, I have seen them go from 350-500 depending on the condition. I would look for a Martin O to trade for. The airplane bridge Marvin is a collectible instrument. best...chuck - Sunday, June 8, 2008

Question asked by: John Subject: Manufacturer Question: Hello, Can you tell me who manufactured this ukulele for J.F. Stetson? Does it have any collectors' value? Thank you, for the service you provide. Photos:      Answer: According to Mike Longworth's Martin book, there were three guitars made for the W.JH. Dyer company in l922 under the Stetson Label. There is no reference to Ukuleles. There is a possibility that Dyer made them in house but not Martin. It sure looks like Martin influence, but not enough like the other Martin made Ukes ( Wurlitzer, Ditson, William Smith) to say that Martin made it. Beautiful uke and thanks..chuck - Sunday, June 8, 2008

Question asked by: diane mora Subject: treholipee Question: have had one since 1960's and have no idea what it is now worth. it wonderful condition and has hung on the wall of our family music business since the 60's...have customers asking questions and we refer then to jim's history of uke book which we sell..any info you can give me as to what it is worth would be appreciated...sorry but i can't sent a pic ...diane of Pedrini usic of la crescenta, cal. Answer: Depending on condition and how long it is.....300+ would be a good guess. thanks for writing in. chuck - Sunday, June 8, 2008

Question asked by: Victoria Dailey Subject: The Peach by Bruno Question: I found an old question and answer on your site and am hoping your still are out there helping people. I just found an old peach that is in pretty great shape considering its age. It needs the top and back reglued. No cracks of any kind. One fret needs some work. The bridge is missing and three tuners are gone. The body is perfect except someone used a pencil to put their initials on it at some point. How charming. It was advertised as from the 1920's, but the only info I can find is that they were made for the Bruno company by Harmony or Regal in the 30's or 40's and I don't know if that's correct. My question...I know nothing about ukes. Where do I find assistance on replacing the missing parts so it looks like it did when it was built? Any help will be appreciated. Also, what kind of strings do you think were used on it. The one remaining string appears to have been real brass, but, I don't know if it was original. Someone suggested using black tuners and regular nylon strings and a black bridge. I can figure out how to attach a picture if you need one. It does have a label saying, "The Peach." Strangely, I don't see a label inside. Thanks in advance. Victoria Dailey, NBCT Northview First Grade Answer: Firstly, I have seen many Peach ukes and banjo ukes and still don't know who made them for sure. I wouldn't think it was from the 20's...more like the 30-40's. It needs a lot of work and I would take it to a good luthier to have it done. I wouldn't worry about the originality of the uke, just put it back together..The uke, in terms of value isn't worth the time or money to make it original. By the time you found out and found parts, it would cost you too much. It shouldn't have metal strings regardless of what it is. There are many string sets offered today. Your luthier will help with that. Let me know how it turns out. fhufk - Sunday, June 8, 2008

Question asked by: Gary Davidson Subject: old Kamaka pineapple uke Question: Hello Chuck, I'm examining a nice old Kamaka pineapple uke and Jim Beloff suggested that you might be able to help with some thoughts about dating it (1930s?), what model it is and what its value might be. There is a handwritten number "4585" at the bottom of a yellowed paper label that has a pineapple in the middle, "Kamaka's Pineapple Ukulele" at the top, "Patented Jan. 3, 1928, No. 74178" to the left of the pineapple, "Strictly Handmade" to the right, and an address "1814 S. King, Honolulu, Hawaii" at the bottom. We see a lot of ukes here, but don't often Kamakas just like this. Thanks in advance for any thoughts on this uke. Sincerely, Gary Davidson Photos:      Answer: Its what's commonly called a style 3. I'm not sure what that means, Kamaka made so many variations of this uke. Its really a beauty. It was made in the 30's, the earlier incarnation of this uke (20's) had a white paper label, much plainer and a slightly different shape. The value is easily 500+. Keep it....you won't find another in that condition every day. best...chuck - Sunday, June 8, 2008

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