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

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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

Question asked by: Lester Brandt Subject: Ukelele ID Question: Aloha, I got this uke from an estate sale here on the Big Island of Hawai'i. It had no tuners. The fret board is flush with the body. There is a very faint trace of a head label that looks vaguely like an early Kamaka label and there is a faint trace of a pineapple shape between the bridge and the sound hole. The edge bracing inside is not notched. Sound is loud with excellent tone. Is this an old Kamaka, I wish, I wish? Thanks for your expertise. Lester Photos:      Answer: Lester...My memory is fading fast, but I seem to remember that this was made by Lyon and Healy. I will go back in my pictures and find out for sure. I can tell you it is definitely not a Kamaka. My fading memory tells me that it is from a fine maker. Look on the uke and see if you can find the words Patd Pending impressed in the wood. thanks....Sorry Its not a Kamaka but It may be as good. see yaa..c - Sunday, June 8, 2008

Question asked by: Tara Ishaya Subject: arthur godfrey tenor ukelele Question: I don't have a picture of the ukelele but it is in good condition and was just wondering if you could give me a ball park figure of how much it is worth. It was my uncle's. Thanks, Tara Ishaya Answer: Would you measure the ukulele from top to bottom and then I can give you an answer. I need to know which uke it is and the only way I can find out without a picture is the measurement...thanks..chuck - Friday, June 6, 2008

Question asked by: Robert Subject: Martin 5 M Custom Question: Hey Chuck, Hope you are doing well. I thought I would share a picture of this Martin 5M Custom with you. One of a king I think. Notice the inlay around the head stock. Never seen that before. Kepp in tough! Photos:      Answer: Robert...when was it made..any idea. It looks like the work of Mike Longworth. I had one of his ukes with the same style headstock inlay.....nice uke and thanks fodr the pic...c - Monday, June 2, 2008

Question asked by: Bruce Harvie Subject: Hollywood Uke Question: Hi Chuck... First time poster here Just found this Hollywood uke at a flea market this morning, and wanted to get more information about it.... Pics are here: http://s231.photobucket.com/albums/ee22/ e_stamp/Hollywood/ Some questions... Is the bridge original? If "no", can someone post a pic of an original bridge so I can whip up a new one?? The uke is pretty interesting, with a fiddleback mahogany neck... Anyway, any info that anyone can provide would be greatly appreciated... Thanks in advance! Bruce Photos:      Answer: You should get Jim Beloff's book "A Visual History" On page 103 you will see all the HOllywood Ukes and yours is the last on on the right side. As you will see the bridge is not the original bridge. They were made in California and one of the first ukes to be seamless at the butt. One piece side and back....All in concert size except the little mini one and the Pearson, both of which you will see in the book. Great uke, great player great find. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Monday, June 2, 2008

Question asked by: Steve Subject: De Vekey Question: Chuck The De-Vekey Style three is probably worth about £400-£500 at the moment in England. More if it was in mint condition but would need an original case to fetch this much. I have had two and the last one sold for about £475 with case. I'm still looking far a Style 4 if anyone out there has one. All the best Steve Answer: Thanks Steve....always appreciated...c - Monday, June 2, 2008

Question asked by: rodger macdonald Subject: uke info Question: This is labeled Roy Smeck Uke the harmony company chicago usa How old?How collectible?Approximate value?Thanks for your time!Hope both pics came through. Photos:      Answer: Rodger. Only got the picture of the back. But am familiar with the front. Not very collectible, they made millions of them. Cheapie but most play well. Value...100 bucks. Wish you could retire on the sale of this uke...but keep looking. thanks..chuck - Friday, May 30, 2008

Question asked by: Oldtime Guitarpicker Subject: Coconut Uke Question: Can you tell me anything about a "coconut Uke" I took in. Its on my website, www.thestringshoppe.com Photos:      Answer: Ed..the uke was made as a novelty tourist ukulele and made in hundreds of different styles. Coconuts are popular with the tourists and don't make great ukes. good luck. What may look like synthetic material, is probably, in fact, the original coconut. Thats the way they look...see ya...chuck - Friday, May 30, 2008

Question asked by: kelly bennett Subject: de vekey 3 uke Question: i have a de vekey model 3 with original case i'm thinking of selling. do have any idea what a good asking price might be? thanks for reply. Answer: Hard to say. I have had the De Vekey ukes and although the are beautiful they are not very well known. Perhaps in England they are better known but in America they are not. I would ask 500-750 if it is in original condition with the original case. The style three, although not very ornate, is probably the best player of the group. best to you and if I can help let me know. If you decide to sell it, put it up on our marketplace on this site. It will sell as all the people who read the site are uke fanatics. Best and thanks...chuck - Friday, May 30, 2008

Question asked by: Chris Burndrett Subject: Martin Uke Question: Hello! I am a professional violinist and apprenticing violin maker. This Uke was my great grandfather's. He was a musican as well, mainly piano. It was given to me (from my father) this weekend as a birthday present. I do not want to sell it - but I would like a little historical info. From my limited research, it is a CF Martin 3K -possible an early Uke due to the diamond inlays on the fret board. I know it's earlier than 1932, but I don't know much beyond that. I have more pics of it if desired. Thank you so much for your time, I am very interested to hear an expert's assessment of this heirloom. Thank you again, Chris Burndrett Photos:      Answer: It is Martin's second from the top in ukuleles. IT=t5 is very desirable and the one you have is stunning. It is probably from around the 1930's as the older ones had different dot arrangements on the fingerboard. Martin made about 5 incarnations of the style 3 ...you have the third one. If I had this uke, and I wish I did, I would insure it for 5000.00 at the very least. If I were you I would attempt to find an original hardshell case for it...you might advertise on the marketplace on this site...if not, I would still invest in a hardshell case to protect it. Birthdays have improved through the years. I got a shirt. The instrument is one of the worlds best and most sought after. Do it a favor...play it...that's what it is really for. enjoy,...chuck - Friday, May 30, 2008

Question asked by: Scott Roberts Subject: Banjolele valuation Question: My mum has this what she believes to be a banjolele. Its made by John Grey and sons and was purchased in London around 90 years ago. The condition isn't perfect as you can see by the case but we were wondering if you could give us a broad valuation. Thank you Answer: I didn't get the picture you sent, but from your description and unless it is extremely fancy it is worth a couple hundred dollars. They made millions of them. John Grey is a good company...thanks for the question....c - Friday, May 30, 2008

Question asked by: R.F.Stacks Subject: CF Martin Ukulele Question: I have a CF Martin ukulele that I think is pretty old.It is 21 and 3/8 inches long and is made of mahogany it has no serial number in the sound hole,but it does have CF Martin Nazarath Penn. stamped in there,and CF Martin printed in gold on the headstock, nothing is on the back of the headstock Also it has two small gold rings around the sound hole,it has twelve straight metal frets with 3 white dots on the neck.It is in very good condition. Could you give me an age of this and an approx. value? Photos:      Answer: It is a standard style 0 mahogany approx l950's , 21 inch soprano. It is worth, depending on the day and the direction of the wind. 500+....If you plan to sell it, try the marketplace on this site. You will find that all the people who read marketplace are uke nutz. What a perfect audience. best..chuck - Thursday, May 29, 2008

Question asked by: Christoffer Moeller Subject: 73 kamaka Question: I just bought a kamaka soprano from 73 (white label) at eBay for 222,5$. No cracks at all, just a few dings and scratches. Was this wise or not? Answer: How does it sound? If it's a great player it was wise...if it isn't it wasn't...... I assume the 222,5$ was a typo and you did not pay 222 thousand dollars. That wouldn't have been wise. Keep us posted. Sounds like a good deal to me...thanks ..c - Monday, May 26, 2008

Question asked by: John Subject: Fin-der Question: Chuck, I hope Beloff is paying you handsomely for your expertise. I'm paring down my small collection of nine ukes, keeping only a Martin. This is my third and final inquiry, about the pictured Fin-der with it's original box. It's in pretty good condition, with some minor surface scratches, that could probably be buffed out. I'm hoping to learn your opinion of its market value. Where do you believe is the best market to sell vintage ukeleles? Thanks again. Photos:      Answer: I think its worth about 150-200 dollars and I would definitely sell it on the Marketplace here on fleamarketmusic.com ...Nobody will be interested in eBay.....Not the crowd.. best to ya and enjoy your martin...c - Sunday, May 25, 2008

Question asked by: John Subject: Gretsch banjo uke Question: I'm back. This is the second uke that I would greatly appreciate your opinion of its market value. It's in above-average condition; certainly has a great sound. Thanks again, Chuck, for your help! John Photos:      Answer: same 150-200 - Sunday, May 25, 2008

Question asked by: John Subject: Harmony soprano Question: Much enjoy browsing in uke yak. I have this green Harmony soprano uke that I'm interested in selling, but would greatly appreciate some help pricing. It's in good condition, with about the same amount of paint distress as in the photo on page 97 of Ukelele A Visual History. (I'm going to ask for your opinion on two other vintage ukes.) Thank you! Photos:      Answer: 200...nice uke - Sunday, May 25, 2008

Question asked by: steve smith Subject: Old uke ID Question: hi chuck, i inheirited this uke, wood tuning pegs, 20 7/8 long,6 1/4 hips,2 1/4 deep. C.F. Martin & Co NAZARETH PA on back headstock and inside hole. guessing 20's? Approx. Market value? may list it on the marketplace, thanks, steve in CA Photos:      Answer: Steve...nice early style one. Looks like its in great condition....20's is close and the value can run the range from 500-750. For anyone contemplating A Martin purchase, in my opinion this is the best Martin had to offer. My favorite martin and the favorite of most serious players. Thanks for the memories...c - Saturday, May 24, 2008

Question asked by: robert stuck Subject: washburn by lyon&healy uke Question: HI CHUCK, CAN YOU TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT THIS WASHBURN,LYON&HEALY SOPRANO UKE? BACK OF HEADSTOCK IS MARKED PAT. APLD.FOR,WASHBURN #5316.INSIDE SOUNDHOLE ,LYON&HEALY MAKER. THANKS BOB Photos:      Answer: Robert..ukes are like people ....pretty much the same from the back....all different from the front. I can tell you you have the back of a lyon and healy ukulele. Now send the front and I will help you...c - Saturday, May 24, 2008

Question asked by: Jeff Mercer Subject: Martin 5M soprano Question: Hi, Chuck, hope this finds you well..a quick question..Have you ever seen an original Martin 5M soprano uke ? I seem to remember this being asked LONG time ago, but can't recall your reply at the time. Many thanks, Jeff Answer: Yes I have seen two of them. One was made for CFMartin II wife and the other was privately owned by a fabulous collector who sold his collection prematurely and often has monetary memories..... - Saturday, May 24, 2008

Question asked by: Doug Subject: early martin 2m Question: Chuck, here's a better pic, I'm pretty sure its mahogany. I've seen three dots in a row, no dots, four dots ending at the 10th fret but never seen dots ending at the 9th fret. Any guess as to value? Thanks, Doug Photos:      Answer: It is Mahogany. The dots ending at the 9th fret is not uncommon on the earlier models. It could bring from 700-1000 depending on the wind and what day it is. The value of ukes is all over the place today. Five years ago I could hit it on the head..no more. best..c p.s. the maple nut and saddle are further proof that it is a very early model. It's very clean and ought to be highly sought after. best of luck.chuck - Wednesday, May 21, 2008

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