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

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Question asked by: Lance Garrett Subject: Is this a Leonardo Nunes? Question: LOL! Here's a repeat of my question. The picture is actually four separate pictures of the uke. If it's still unclear, I'll try again. Unfortunately, all I have to work with here is my phone, the camera's in a packing box somewhere. Previous message follows, and thanks. Lance Garrett I bought this with the assurance that it is a Leonardo Nunes. When I received it, however, I saw that it is unlike any L. Nunes I've ever held. The neck and its decal are almost certainly authentic, and everything seems genuinely old. However, there are also these facts: 1) There are no rings around the sound hole and 2) no label inside. 3) There are two small repairs on one side (upper and lower bout) just where the side joins the top, and a ¾” crack extending up from the bottom piece on the same side on the lower bout. 4) There is also separation between the side and bottom piece at the very base of the lower bout. 5) The fret wire where the neck joins the body of the uke seems different from the other wires and is set lower than they are. Finally, 6) the bottom piece doesn’t have the lovely convex shape of many ukes of this vintage. You can see from the picture that it’s as flat as it can be. Given this information, is it possible that this is in fact an authentic L. Nunes, or is it more likely that at the very least the bottom might have been replaced? Would you be willing to accept or sell this as an authentic L. Nunes? Thank you for this invaluable service. Lance Photos:      Answer: I have seen L Nunes ukes with no sound hole rings. Sure looks like a Nunes to me. Unless you can see where there has been an obvious rejoin of the neck to the body, and even then it could mean nothing, I would assume that this is a Nunes. I don't see anything that would jump up and say it isn't..The fact that it has no label inside is also not proof that it is not. Send me a picture of the butt of the uke, that will sometimes tell me more. IF you want to take some better pics I will have another look. best...c - Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Question asked by: Jack Subject: oddball uke c1920 Question: Greetings,I have an interesting uke with a simple impressed stamp on the headstock O.M. TIBBS MAKER. It's koa. Fella I bought from said it was a Hawaian maker who built for about 10 years in the 1920s or 30s. I couldnt verify this. Ever seen anything like this. See 2 attached pics. Look forward to your reply........Jack Photos:      Answer: Jack...I've seen this uke before. It pops up about every 5 years and questions are asked and no great answers given. I am posting it in the hopes John King sees it and knows something. I have seen the name in print and don't know if a location is given. It sure it pretty. How does it sound? I would like to have a picture of the back and the side of the neck where it joins the body. I could tell you a lot more that way. please send pics...Only one of your pictures came through the other is out there somewhere. c - Wednesday, May 21, 2008

Question asked by: Doug Subject: early Martin 2m Question: Hi Chuck, purchased what was described as an early Martin style 2. Is there anything you can tell me about the unusual dot pattern on the fret board, the wide fret board (measures a little more than 1 7/16 at the nut)and approx. age? Thanks, Doug Photos:      Answer: Doug...not too much unusual about this uke...fairly standard. Dots right, they used nine and ten as the spot for the last dot. Early Martin Style 2, 1920's, small dots on the fingerboard and wider headstock and fretboard...pics is so light I can't tell if it is Mahogany or Koa. Looks like Mahogany. Send a better pic and I will tell you what you have. Why did you think the dots were unusual?....Hope this helps.....good uke....chucki - Monday, May 19, 2008

Question asked by: Cory Subject: Gretsch Banjo Question: http://good- times.webshots.com/photo/204893880 0098293009xMafrr Hello, that's the link to a picture, but it's not my picture. I found this today cleaning out passed family members house. It says clarophone on the front and on the back it says Gretsch American or America. My question is do you know what year this was made in and if it's worth anything. I would never sell it, but am just curious. Thanks for your time, Cory Answer: Couldn't get the pic to come up. But what you have is a failry common banjo uke. Clarophone by Gretsch. 1930-40's ...value 250 approx.....Should have little sound holes around the body. Don't use metal strings they will shorten your fingers. best to ya...c - Monday, May 19, 2008

Question asked by: frets fayne Subject: Mr GARRETTS uke Question: No question...just a request...a fellow by the name of GARRETT sent me a question about a NUNES UKE..I, by accident, deleted the message. If you see this please send again and please send clearer pictures. I could barely make out the ukulele. Sorry for the additional work...c Answer: Hope you get this....chuck - Sunday, May 18, 2008

Question asked by: Tom Subject: 'Skylark Brand' Ukulele Question: I bought this 'Skylark Brand' Ukulele in the box for £5. It says inside it, 'Skylark Brand Ukulele, made in the people's republic of China'. One thingi thought curious was the use of violin type pegs on the headstock. Would this be normal for a Ukulele of such an age as this (i guess 70's), and really how old is it? (i must say, they hold tune much better than the plastic friction pegs on 1 of my other Ukes) Also, what wood would you say the Uke was made from? The back wood looks pretty nice, and the entire neck and fingerboard is made from it too. The nut at the top is also wooden, and just stuck on. it looks practically new, although when i took it out of the box, it was in tune, so it probably was previously owned by somebody who at least knew how to tune it. it appears to me to be a (although very playable) cheap Chinese Uke, so i don't expect it to be worth much; would i be right to think this? Either way, i am still happy to own it, as it's a great little playing Uke. Thanks very much, from tom :) Photos:      Answer: Cant help you with the woods. I can help you with a couple of other things..You are correct, it is a cheap Chinese uke. However if it sounds great, its a great uke. It sure was the right price. Nice score....thanks for writing in...chuck - Sunday, May 18, 2008

Question asked by: chris Subject: martin uke Question: what can you tell me about this uke? Photos:      Answer: It appears to be an early style 2 Martin Ukulele. Nice shape, what else would you like to know? Thanks for writing in...chuck..just out of curiosity, how long is the uke from top to bottom. thanks again,...c - Sunday, May 18, 2008

Question asked by: Ian Chadwick Subject: Diastone ukulele Question: Do you know anything about the Diastone company? I've learned they made musical instruments in Japan from the mid 1960s-mid 1970s, but they disappear after that. I'd like to know more about them and their products. Apparently they were amde in the same factory as Ibanez and Martin. Photos:      Answer: I have been around ukes for over 40 years and never heard of a factory other than martin that made martin ukes. Where did you get that information. I know nothing about a Diastone ukulele...I wish I could help. I am more curious about the association with Ibanez and Martin, which were and still are fabulous instruments. thanks for the info...c - Sunday, May 18, 2008

Question asked by: Charlie Burroughs Subject: 1960's Martin Concert Question: Dear Chuck:Hello,I've recently decided to sell my 1960's era Martin Concert.I've been checking for days now,all around the internet,and haven't gotten a good handle on what a Martin in very good shape will bring.I'd like to list on ebay,what would be a fair reserve price to hold? Thanks, Charlie Photos:      Answer: 1000 bucks more or less. Stick it on Marketplace on this site. Better exposure, all uke nuts read it. Ebay can be a little more complicated. The uke market is a little wishey washey now so no telling what it would really sell for. It should sell for more than 1000 but probably won't these days. My second favorite Martin ukulele. good luck...c - Sunday, May 18, 2008

Question asked by: Zane Rodriguez Subject: Vega Question: Ebay is showing an Arthur Godfrey Vega baritone uke right now. Are you familiar with this instrument or its value? Didn't know Vega was in the uke business. Answer: Vega made two styles of Baritone Ukulele for Arthur Godfrey. I have blanked on the name of the second one. It was a little more fancy than the plain bari. I just had my mind clear..It was called a solo lute. I have no idea why. Vega made other ukes as well. No idea about quality, but the Godfrey ones seems to be nice. best...c - Sunday, May 18, 2008

Question asked by: Seppo Piisola Subject: Kamalia uke Question: Hi Chuck! What do you know and say about Kamalia ukulele? It is told to made by Kamalia Kamaka Hawaii at about 1920... What does that mean, relative to current Kamaka? If it is reasonable by condition, what sould I pay for it? I couldn´t get a photo Sepi Answer: Sepi Never heard that Kamalia was made by Kamaka in the 20's. I would write the Kamaka company, they are still in business, and ask them the question. They keep wonderful records and will answer you. Look up Kamaka on the net and you will find them. let me know what happens...chuck - Sunday, May 18, 2008

Question asked by: Jack Dan Subject: Tabu stamp, Aloha Hawaii crest... What is it. Question: Hi Chuck, just picked this uke up on e-bay. Beautiful sound despite the fine crack in the soundboard. I have read a lot of your answers and very interesting. Is this a Kumalae. Looks alot like Jeff Mercer's Uke (posted Feb 6). Decal is a bit different though. Has a hand written 248 on the inside... a valuable clue! Seriously though there are so many of these Tabu stamped Hawaii decaled numbers around... can you tell me the who, when and how much? Thanks, Love your work. Jack Dan. P.S. the tuning pegs are out of my harmony so don't let that throw you. Photos:      Answer: Jack it is definitely not a Kumalae. I am not sure what it is, but the tabu stamp, which I have never seen on a Kumalae, is early. Lighter strip on the butt is also a sign of an early uke. If I had it in my hand, I could do a better job. It is the wrong shape for Kumalae...too round. Nice uke, wish I could be of more help. Please send me a better picture of the decal...see ya....c - Sunday, May 18, 2008

Question asked by: Dan Subject: Tiple Question: HI , I asked around and was told by the tiki king that you may have an idea of what price I may get for this Tiple. I have inherited a Martin T 18 Tiple. I would like to sell it, but am looking for a buyer who may appreciate it, rather than just put it on E-bay. If you have any ideas please let me know. It seems to be in perfect condition. I don't know where it came from, or where it has been, just that it has been in my uncles cupboard untouched since 1990 in Perth, West Australia. I have more photos if you are interested. According to the serial #425084 Tiple was made in 1980. See attached pictures Thanks for your time Dan Goodridge Photos:      Answer: Tiples are not easy to sell. I really like them myself. A few years ago this would have brought about 1200.00 dollars. In todays fluctuating market, its hard to estimate. I would hope it would bring 1000.00 and thats because you have the original case. If anyone out there is looking for a tiple, this is nice as sthey come...best...c - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Question asked by: Chris Buttitta Subject: 20s? Martin Uke Question: I believe I have a 1920s vintage Martin with original case. Can you i.d. it from this picture? I have more but can't crop into 1 pic. Thanks, Chris Photos:      Answer: Its a style 2 koa uke in the original case and its a beauty. enjoy...chuck - Wednesday, May 14, 2008

Question asked by: michael Subject: picture of ukulele label Question: Aloha frets ....sending the pic again The paper label inside is white (well faded and toned )that says: "Genuine Hand-Made Ukelele's Since 1916 - Kamaka Ukelele Factory, Honolulu 19, Hawaii"...There is no other date on the inside that I can see mahalo..michael Photos:      Answer: Kamaka is known for using many label. This is as I said it was but perhaps a little later. Maybe into the early 40's. Nothing else has changed...great uks. c - Monday, May 12, 2008

Question asked by: Jim Subject: Robert E. Pearson Question: I understand this guy designed and made instruments for Schireson Bros. in the late 20s. I'll send the pic of the back next. Is this something people are interested in? I collect guitars. Thanks Photos:      Answer: Joe..a Robert Pearson made ukes for Shireson, butI think this was not. It is Robert Pearson but they were British made and not close to the quality of the Pearson Ukes. Pearson made ukes under the name Hollywood or for Hollywood. If you look at JIm Beloff's book you will see pictures of the Pearson....pg 103 5 from the right. best..c - Monday, May 12, 2008

Question asked by: WARREN ZAMBRA Subject: Thank you Question: Hi Chuck, Many thanks for the reply, I forgot to mention also it has it's origional black hard carry case with it, in good condition, does that increase it value by much, it's nice to know that is worth something, as I can remember my dad telling me that he got the uke new and cost him here in Australia the sum of 12 Aussie pounds which is now = AUD$24.00 so will do what you suggest insure it for 2000+ should it be worth more with case,. Regards Warren Answer: yes...good luck - Saturday, May 10, 2008

Question asked by: WARREN ZAMBRA Subject: Ukulele Value Question: HI, Have this ukulele that my dad left me, he had it since new, it's has a label at the top, which has National Triolian on it, at the end of it it has a serial number #662W, I have done a little research on it and it appears to have been made in 1930 and is a Walnut Sunburst? I have not though been able to find a value of it anywhere, as I would like to have it listed on my insurance if it's worth anything, I've been told by some music shops that it could be valuable but should find out from someone in that field. Thank you for any help you can give me. Best Regards Warren (Australia) Photos:      Answer: It is valuable. I have seen these go from 1000-`1500. For insurance purposes I would insure it for 2000.00. Dad left you a nice thing. The market is wacky these days and I am not sure what you would get if you listed it for sale. But I am confident if tried to purchase one, it would hurt the pocketbook. best..chuck - Friday, May 9, 2008

Question asked by: Jeff Mercer Subject: weissenborn uke Question: Hi Chuck , hope this finds you well! I just noticed Joan McKees' query re: Weissenborn ukulele. If Joan is able to send a pic, could you please post them, or send them on to me ? I have a kinda ongoing research project on these ukes, a have amassed a large file of images & info, so would be much appreciated..Incidentally, Joan, if you are reading this, the only two W/born ukes without rope-binding were the Style 0- Exremely rare, I know of only one example- which had no fingerboard markers & a single inlaid ring around the soundhole, and was made somewhere between 1929-37, & the Style 1, which had 2 f/board markers parallel to frets 5 & 7, and an ivoroid soundhole inset (I've documented only 4 of these). As for value? There is an obviously refinished Style 10 Tenor on e-bay that the seller wants $16,000 for !! Somewhat more realistically, I've seen a Style 1 at $2,199 and a Style 2 at $1950. The Vintage Guitar Price Guide-which unfortunately has pretty poorly researched vintage uke info-lists around the $12-$1400 mark,but given the rarity of ANY W/born uke, I'd think no less than $2000+ for a style 1 in really good shape. Hope this is of some help , & would LOVE a photo if at all possible! Cheers,Chuck, many thanks for doing what you do..it's appreciated..best, Jeff Answer: I'm posting this for Joan to read. Joan , if you need any help reaching Jeff, let me know and I will be the matchmaker...best to you both and I hope you will be very happy on your joint quest for weisssenbornknowledge...c - Saturday, May 3, 2008

Question asked by: michael Subject: needy help with ukulele date n value Question: Aloha...this old kamaka is tuff for me to date can you help . the only pic of a label i hav found like this 1 and its only 1 was shown as a 1920's era .. however the shape and style seem closer to later ukulele's in the late 30's however the ones i found all hav the pineapple label inside..the ukulele is in great shape and frets show no use or next to none ..Is it Koa or monkeypod ??? kamaka should be koa rite......So I put on new strings ukulele sounds great but a little quiter than my son's kamaka saprano . the pineapple wood is a bit thicker might be why ... A guess as to value please.. And Are there strings that r louder Hee Hee so son dont drowned me out...mahalo michael Photos:      Answer: Michael, it is exactly as it should be. The only other thing it could have is the pineapple decal under the strings. It is what's known as the style 3 of the Kamaka pineapples. If I am correct the inside label says 1928 and that should help date it. It was made a few years after that but not many. It has the high sound hole and the wide body, but Kamaka was know for variation in size. I have had them very narrow with the sound hole lower. I like this uke very much. It is Koa, not monkey pod. The label should also have a pencil serial number and if you get that to me I can give you a better date. I would string this uke with the original Kamaka black strings and you can get them from Kamaka. Go to their site and order them. Of all the Kamaka styles this has always been my very favorite. If you appreciate this message as much as you should, you will send me the uke for my birthday. It's only fair. The value is a hard one today because of the fluctuation of the market. It should bring easily 750+. It's very collectible. thanks for sending it in and good strummin',,,frets - Friday, May 2, 2008

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