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

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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: Sue Rice Subject: My mother's ukelele from the 1920's Question: Can you tell me the origin of this ukelele. It is in mint condition with inlay on front, all wood including the pegs. If you need it I can send more pictures. I couldn't get the other pictures to send. Photos:      Answer: The trade name is the Sammo Masonic uke. I can't, for the life of me. remember the name of the man who made it. It is Sam something and the name is a combination of his first and last names. He made two styles with different colored triangles in the headstock. I think the name is Samuel Morris. I will check and find out..thanks...chuck - Wednesday, April 9, 2008

Question asked by: Mike Subject: reso uke pick Question: Chuck, All other factors being equal - if I could afford to buy just one resophonic ukulele, which of these would you recommend I choose? a National concert wood body, a concert National metal body, a Beltona concert resin body, or a Beltona tenor resin body? Thanks. This will give me a good start. Answer: Mike, they are all fine. It depends on your ear. I have always said the best uke for me is one that makes me play better than I know I can. My pick of the four means nothing, because it is based on my personal preference. If I can help in any other way, please let me know...chuck - Saturday, March 8, 2008

Question asked by: Granjon Sylvain Subject: Banjonlele Question: Hello, I have this Banjolele, the sound is wonderful, very strong and clear. But there is no name, nothing! Can you tell me if you know something about this uke? The age? I\'m french, so sorry for my littlle english!Thanks and keep in touch!Sylvain Photos:      Answer: I know nothing about this banjo uke. I have seen many that look like it. I would guess it was made in the 40-50's. I don't know the maker..sorry. And, your English is fine. I understood perfectly...If I can help some more, please write. chuck - Saturday, March 8, 2008

Question asked by: Tommy Green Subject: Resonator Uke strings Question: Hi Chuck, I have a Johnson metal Resonator uke and would like a reccomendation on what your opinion of the best strings.It came with low G Hilo. It has a great sound but I don't care for the low G. Thanks, Tommy Answer: Tommy , please post this on the bulletin board, those guys know more than I do about strings. best...chuck - Saturday, March 8, 2008

Question asked by: Pete Mohler Subject: Kamaka Uke Question: Hi Guys, I got this Uke from my grandmother's estate - apparently seldom used - My Grandparents spent some time living in HI in the 50's. The nice people at the Kamaka factory said it would be from the '40s - but what might be it's value? The white label inside is a bit chewed up - but it says "Special Concert Size" Thx Pete Photos:      Answer: Now, thats a uke. Fine example of the transition period. High sound hole and lots of trim. I love and wish it were mine...My birthday is sept l9 but no pressure. If I had that uke I would not take less than 750+ for it. I agree with the 40's date...keep in touch..chucik - Friday, March 7, 2008

Question asked by: Jerry Posner Subject: Unusual Shaped Ocean Uke Question: Hi Chuck. Love the Uke-Yak! Here's an unusual one. All koa and six sides. This concert uke has a lovely tone, and the label reads: Ocean Ukes, Waianae Hawaii. Have you ever seen one like it? Any idea what it might be worth? Thanks a lot, Jerry P.S. I'll send you a pic of the back also. Photos:      Answer: Jerry..beautiful uke. I have no idea who the maker is. I also have no idea what the value would be. I guess you can name your price if we cannot trace it. Unique is always good. Is there a label under the label in the sound hole. Any info would help..Keep in touch and I will see what I can do Glad you like uke yak...me too..best..chuck - Friday, March 7, 2008

Question asked by: Jack Dan Subject: Hawaiian Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, Not sure if my last query. Just wondering if you have any idea what this ukulele is, When abouts it was made and if I paid too much for it at 260. Thanking you in advance, Jack Dan Photos:      Answer: Jack...hard to tell who but hard to tell when..with the tabu stamp it would be late teens -20;s. Who definitely did not pay too much..You stole it....good score. If you find anything else on the uke let me know and I will try to find out. Very deep body, that should be a clue...chuck - Friday, March 7, 2008

Question asked by: virginia oman Subject: swanee banjo uke Question: Your expert knowledge is appreciated. I'm trying for find out where the Swanee banjo ukes were made, how long ago, and anything else you can tell me about the history of that banjo uke company. THANKS. Answer: I am giving you special attention in the answering department because I know how urgent Swanee Banjo Uke information is. Here is what I know. It is not a manufacturer, and it is a name that was used by many different companies. It stands to reason it would be a popular name given the time and the popularity of the swanee river, and Al Jolson's popular rendition of the song by the same name. I have seen the name on many instruments but I cannot see the one on your instrument because there is no picture. If you will send me a picture, I will see if I recognize it and if I have any more information. It was made anytime between late 1930 and late 1940...safe guess since most of the banjo ukes were made at that time. This, as of now, is my expert opinion. Should I, after the receipt of the picture have any additional expert knowledge, I will get it to you a soon as my little fingers can type. I hope this helps in some way. Thanks for writing in and for the follow-up letter to Jim..Anytime I can be of assistance, don't hesitate to write. chuck - Friday, March 7, 2008

Question asked by: LORI Subject: kAMAKA PINEAPPLE Question: Chuck --- I've been trying to find a reasonably priced Kamaka Pineapple to purchase. Other than e-bay, can you recommend where I should look. I've been looking for a few years but just decided that I am ready to buy one recently. Thanks so much for your help. Answer: I wish I knew...I'd be there also. advertise you wants on the marketplace and bulletin board on this site. Perhaps someone has a clue....c - Friday, March 7, 2008

Question asked by: Sue Rice Subject: RE: vintage ukelele Question: I am sending this again to see if you get the image jpeg of my mother's vintage ukelele. Thanks for your time. Sue Photos:      Answer: I have just thought of the maker of this ukulele. IT was made by the Samual Osborn company..Or as it was known..SAMO...It was made in the 30-40 to resemble an Hawaiian ukulele. Not a bad job. They are reasonable players and worth about 200 dollars. Thanks for writing in and sorry it took so long for my brain to work..chuck.. They are know for their little doo-dad in the headstock. Some were white and some were black....best - Monday, March 3, 2008

Question asked by: david Subject: sam chang Question: hi i got this ukulele on back has sam f chang ukulele guitars curio honolulu on front says aloha hawaii in very good shape can you tell me any info or price looks like 21 inches from top to bottom.thank you for any help david Photos:      Answer: Sam Chang was one of the early makers along with Cam, The Summers bros etc. They were made in the 20's and 30's. Sam had a habit of making a heavy uke and then putting enough lacquer on to make a seafood table. With all that, he still made a very nice uke and when broken in, play beautifully... value about 350 bucks..thanks...chuck - Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Question asked by: Oliva Subject: Luna Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, my late father bought me a uke in the 1960's when he was in Japan. It is a Luna pineapple soprano uke, and the original box says "Model by Kamaka" on the back. The uke looks like mahogany wood or koa (?) (wood is dark, reddish brown), with a rosette rope design around the soundhole. Inside the soundhole, I can see the label that says "Registered K (K is in a circle) Trademark, Luna No. 25, Made in Japan, Manufactured by Luna Music Co. LTD, Tokyo Japan". The Luna headstock has a shield containing a cross, moon and a star. It has the original nylon (?) strings and tuners since I barely played it until now (it has been over 45 years since I've had it). It's in excellent condition and I still have the original box. I'm now taking uke lessons and my teacher said the uke plays beautifully. He also noticed that the G string was wound backwards! Do you know what my uke is worth? I wouldn't sell it but am curious. Please help. I have several pictures but can only upload one at a time. Let me know if you need the other pictures. Thanks! Photos:      Answer: Olive...it is unclear what the Kamaka company had to do with the luna uke. Some say Kamaka supplied the plans for the ukes. Some say that Kamaka cut them and sent them to Japan to be assembled. I really don't know. I have had many of them and they all seem to have the box for some reason. Your teacher is right, they have a decent tone. A pineapple is worth more than the conventional soprano. About 250 bucks. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Question asked by: Robert Graham Subject: RE: Lyon Healey? Question: Many thanks for your reply Chuck! Unfortunately the uke does not have any markings on it. I re-glued the bridge (did I do it wrong?) because it was held on by scotch tape. I think the bridge is original because the green saddle matches the other green bits. I forgot to add that the fret markers are of the same green material. I appreciate your time. Take Care, Bob Answer: My guess is that it is Lyon and Healy and probably under the name Washburn. I agree the green trim is very L&H ish....I can only see a little of the bridge, but I would have it removed and put back on by a luthier. If you are not familiar with where the bridge is placed you will have a uke that will never be in tune. Its the most important component in the tuning of a uke. best...c - Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Question asked by: Shannon Vanderpool Subject: uke value and age Question: Hello Chuck, a friend of mine gave me this uke to try and sell online. I do not know the first thing about uke's. It measures 21 1/4 x 6 1/4 x 2 1/4, On the top of the neck it says Marvin and Co. Est 1833. In the inside of it you can see a stamp that says C.F.Martin & Co. (the C is very faint, i am assuming it is a c) directly under that is another word and i am not able to make that out as well. It is in Great shape, except for light scratches on one spot on the back. otherwise, no nicks, scratches, or cracks. What time period was this made and how much do you think it is worth? Thank you very much! Shannon Photos:      Answer: Shannon, it is a style O Martin Mahogany Soprano Ukulele made somewhere between 1930 an 1950. If it has the original case add 150 to the price. The uke market is a little wavy but this uke should sell for 400+....You might try it on our marketplace section. Its free including the pic and the only people who read this site are uke nuts...good luck...chuck Look to the left in the menu and you will find the marketplace...just follow directions.,....c - Monday, February 25, 2008

Question asked by: Manuel David Subject: Decca ukulele Question: Greetings Chuck, I came across this soprano ukulele at a garage sale. It has Decca on a decal on the headstock. A label inside states Decca with "MADE IN JAPAN IMPORTED BY DECCA DISTRIBUTING CORP NEW YORK N.Y. USA". JAPAN is stamped on the back of the head. It has a molded plastic fretboard with friction tuners. It is in kind of rough shape, top and back pretty much unglued all around. Do you know anything about Decca ukuleles? Would this little uke be worth restoring or leave it as a wall hanger? Any info is greatly appreciated! Best to you, Manuel Photos:      Answer: It is a real cheapy....Decca is a name used by many different companies. I would not spend any money on the uke. If you did, the only value would be in the repair. Hunt around, you will probably find a uke that will cost you less. sorry the news isn't better....c - Monday, February 25, 2008

Question asked by: Morgan Subject: Paul Summers uke Question: Hi Chuck, I found this ukulele at a thrift store down the street from where I live. It has a Tabu Stamp and a Paul Summers Honolulu crest on the back of the head stock. It has a hairline crack on the front and a small hole on the bottom side but otherwise is in excellent condition. I'm not planning on selling it but was still curious to know what it was worth, what kind of wood it was made from, and whether or not it was a good find etc. Any info would be great. Love the site! Keep up the good work! Thanks. Photos:      Answer: It is a fine uke. The Summers brothers made quality instruments. This is the plainest one I have ever seen, however that is second to the sound. The uke was made in the 20's and the Tabu Stamp was meant to imply that it was island made. It is and the wood, although it looks like light mahogany, is Koa. The uke would fetch in, in this market, around 350 dollars depending on the weather. Good luck..Nice find...c - Monday, February 25, 2008

Question asked by: Robert Graham Subject: Lyon Healy? Question: Hi Chuck, I just picked up a soprano ukulele at a resale shop. It needed the nut, saddle, and neck re-attached but luckily all the parts are there. I got it back together and put some strings on and it sounds great. I am now trying to identify it, and after looking through your site I think it is Lyon Healy, but I'm no expert! The man I bought it from said the lady who owned it bought it in the 20's. Could this be correct? It has lime/jade green (celluloid?) binding with matching green nut and saddle. Thanks, Bob Graham Photos:      Answer: This is a stumper. The green trim was used by L&H however, the bridge,although it is a correct bridge has been either added or reglued. It looks like a L&H to me. If it is genuine, it should have a stamp on the back of the peghead that says "Patd Pen....Look for its. Let me know what you find...c - Monday, February 25, 2008

Question asked by: Jeff Mercer Subject: outsourced ukes Question: Hey,Chuck & Ken,thanks for getting back to me..hmm.."Fayne,Bailey & Mercer- Ukulele Power Trio"..maybe we could do a reunion tour before we've even met!Ken,your theory on ukes being outsourced between manufacturers holds considerable water-not so much that Maker A's neck ended up on Maker B's body- but that there were "Rope"inlay specialists,possibly furniture/cabinet makers who regularly used the technique,and were happy to supplement business binding ukes.Not such an outlandish thought,considering C.F Martin,both new & vintage,probably did'nt keep a Master inlay artist twiddling his/her thumbs around the factory waiting for the occasional Custom Order(or occasional 5K!)I have a Style 3 Echo uke & a Style 3 Kumalae that have rope binding that almost HAVE to have been done by the same hand-even a blank spot occurs in the same area on the soundhole rosette-yet the Ukes are clearly from different manufacturers.Thanks for your help,guys,and thanks heaps for Uke Yak,Chuck..much fun! Answer: Thanks for the info..keep in touch...Any info that makes me look smarter is greatly appreciated and most necessary...see ya..c - Monday, February 25, 2008

Question asked by: Bruce Mann Subject: Martin year? Question: Hi Chuck. More on my mother in laws Martin. The picture shows the headstock. The back does not have the inprint. The inside says C.F. Martin, Nazarith, Pa. No "made in USA". What confuses me is the friction tuning pegs. I read that they were discontinued in 1928 or so. She had two uke's and one was from the 30's and one was from the 40's. I think she has them mixed up. It is a long story..... Thanks for the help. Bruce Photos:      Answer: This is not 30's uks....Later. Keep strummin..c - Monday, February 25, 2008

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