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#Get expert ukulele advice at the Collector's Uke Yak
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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

Chuck Fayne

Flea Market Music Uke Yak (68 of 296)
(Chuck "Frets" Fayne has answered the following 5919 questions.)

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-->Question asked by: Jim Ravoira
Subject: Harmony Baritone
Question: I purchased a Harmony Baritone Made in Japan RB-3225. It appears to have a 18.5" scale length. It needs a bridge I estiamted it from the fret spacing using a scale caclulator on stew mac. I thought Harmony went out of business in 74 it says 11-78 on the sticker. I was wondering if it was originally a GCEA uke? Any info? Thanks, Jim

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Jim..The Harmony name is being used by two different companies today and they are both located in Japan. I have had many questions. I don't know if the bought the name or not...chuck
- Monday, February 25, 2008


-->Question asked by: Dan Frank
Subject: Mystery uke
Question: Hi Chuck, I recently found this ukulele and I was wondering if you could give me any more information on it. It has a generic-type label on the inside of greenish paper that reads "High grade Hawaiian Ukulele Warantee 6-S" It has nice appointments, with the rope binding and the back extending over the heel joint. It has crowned brass frets, not bar. Any suggestions? Thanks, Dan

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: It appears to be Hawaiian and the heel cap makes me think it definitely is. It is a very nice uke. The body shape is more like the early Hawaiian Ukes. I will look at my pictures for who I think it is. I think I know but can't think of the name...chuck
- Saturday, January 19, 2008


-->Question asked by: Gene Amadio
Subject: Banjolet mfr. dates
Question: Last spring I rescued a Gretsch - American (on back of headstock) banjolet from a dumpster. I was some distance away and happened to notice the person as they put it in. Even at a distance I could tell it wasn,t just a toy. The headstock has "Clarophone" at the top in gold script.I was wondering if the tuning pegs have bone or ivory knobs. I do not see any molding lines and they are yellowed like aged piano keys. there are a couple of cracks either side of the neck where it meets the body. solid back. Missing 2 hooks to hold the rim. Chip on the end of the top nut by 1st string.Seems to be the original black painted finish. Did I find my 1st collectable, should I string it? Thanks,Gene

Answer: I still need a picture....chuck
- Sunday, December 30, 2007


-->Question asked by: Sam
Subject: open head ukes
Question: who is making (made)4 string tenor ukes with traditional open head stock (like a classical guitar)? Thanks,

Answer: A guy named Bill. Seriously, I have no idea. You just have to go to the various Ukulele web sites and write them the same question. Most of the companies who are making custom ukes, will make you what you want. Let me know if you find out...chuck
- Monday, December 17, 2007


-->Question asked by: Jerry
Subject: value of my UKE
Question: Hi again am sending more pics to help you estimate its value. Thanks Jerry

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Jerry, I have no idea who the maker is but the uke must be worth 300 bucks as is. It is a well made uke and seems to be from the 30;s,,,best,,chuck
- Monday, December 17, 2007


-->Question asked by: Bill Jehle
Subject: Nunes Cigar Box Ukulele?
Question: I'm attaching a PDF to this message. Just in case it does not come through, I ran across an obit for M. Nunes in a newspaper, The Modesto Evening News August 2, 1922, that mentions "Manuel Nunes, inventor of the ukulele, dies in Honolulu. He built the first ukulele out of a cigar box in 1879." Now, I've seen the Kamaka cigar box Ukes before. But, Nunes? The idea isn't absurd. Kamaka was a student of Nunes afterall. However, I've never seen a cigar box Uke attributed to Nunes before. I have seen the Kamaka cigar box ukuleles though, the ones in the illustrated history of the ukulele book for example. Can you help me unravel this mystery about Nunes a bit? Did this first cigar box ukulele survive? Is it in a museum or collection somewhere? I wonder what differences a Nunes version had from a Kamaka. Perhaps they looked the same. I don't know, and that's why I'm asking for your help.

Answer: Thanks for the info. First I've never heard of Nunes cigar box uke.. John King will read this and hopefully answer. I would be hesitant to put the attribute the "FIRST" anything to anyone. Its very cloudy. Its hard to imagine that someone, sometime before Kamaka didn't say "Ah, a cigar box, It would make a good four stringed instrument". I have my doubts that Nunes made a cigar box uke. I have a feeling that the report is a mistake. Much was known about M Nunes by that time and I think something as out of the norm as a Cigar box uke would have surfaced. Tom Walsh are you out there and can you help..thanks for writing in...chuck
- Tuesday, December 11, 2007


-->Question asked by: Kent Williams
Subject: Martin ukulele
Question: Mr. Fayne: Jim Beloff suggested that I contact you with this request. I am trying to identify a ukulele. Thank you. Kent Williams Kent, Thanks for your email. Your best bet is to email your question and a jpeg of the entire front of the instrument to Chuck Fayne via the Collectors Uke Yak section of our site. Chuck should be able to help you. Best, Jim Beloff www.fleamarketmusic.com "Uke Can Change the World" on 12/8/07 3:47 PM, Kent Williams at electrike@wi.rr.com wrote: Dear Sirs: I found this ukulele at an estate sale. I am trying to determine the model/style of the instrument, approx. age, and value. Thank you. It is 20-7/8 in. long and 6-3/8 in. wide. The sound hole is 1- 11/16 in. across. On the inside of the back is printed: "C.F. MARTIN & CO. NAZARETH, PA. MADE IN U.S.A.". http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/ b268/KentHW/? action=view¤t=Martin- Ukulele001.jpg http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/ b268/KentHW/? action=view¤t=Martin- Ukulele007.jpg http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/ b268/KentHW/? action=view¤t=Martin- Ukulele009.jpg http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/ b268/KentHW/? action=view¤t=Martin- Ukulele008.jpg http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/ b268/KentHW/? action=view¤t=Martin- Ukulele003.jpg http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/ b268/KentHW/? action=view¤t=Martin- Ukulele006.jpg http://s21.photobucket.com/albums/ b268/KentHW/? action=view¤t=Martin- Ukulele005.jpg Kent Williams electrike@wi.rr.com

Answer: Kent, thanks for the question. It is late style O martin ukulele as determined by the U S A stamping. 60's 70's and perhaps later. Thanks for writing in...chuck
- Tuesday, December 11, 2007


-->Question asked by: Dennis Arnold
Subject: One more time....
Question: Hello again, Chuck Thanks for your patience on this. I thought I had sent a pic of front and back last time, but this time I am only sending the front. I hope this helps, and once again I want to thank you for your time and patience. This is the original email I sent. Hi Chuck, I recently acquired an old soprano uke. There are no marks on it anywhere that I can find. The guy I got it from said he got it at a yard sale. He lives in Redondo Beach, Ca. It appears to be pretty well made, at least compared with some of my other ukes. I honestly don't care what it might be worth monetarily. I like it and I have no intention of parting with it. It has a very light, plinky sound that makes it just fun to play. I keep it here on my desk so I have a uke handy to strum whenever I might need a stress reliever. I'm sure you and your readers know how comforting it can be to have a uke handy at all times. While I don't care about its value, I would like to find out about its history if at all possible. Can you determine who might have made it, where, and when from the pictures I sent? If not I'll still enjoy it as much as ever. While I'm at it can you, or one of your readers suggest something I can use to care for the wood it's made of (mahogany), it seems kind of dry and I want to do whatever I can to make it last. Thanks for all you do Dennis "5 thumbs" Arnold

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Dennis, it is a very nice instrument. I recognize that headstock I have seen it many times. I just can't put a name to it yet. It is a mainland made uke not Hawaiian. Mahogany and probably in the 30's by the look of the shape. I will go back in my picture file and see what I can fine ..Anyone have one of these, help...thanks again Dennis...chuck
- Tuesday, December 11, 2007


-->Question asked by: Dennis Chong
Subject: Koa Uke
Question: Chuck: Here is a clearer picture of the front of the koa uke. The fretwire is placed right into the neck material since there is no fingerboards. I mistakenly stated fretboards in my earlier email. It also does not have any headplate. Pardon my error which is due to my lack of education concerning ukuleles. Dennis

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Dennis, the uke is worth about 350+ on a good day It is a very nice example of an echo uke. thanks for sending the additional picture...chuck
- Monday, December 10, 2007


-->Question asked by: Eileen Kemp
Subject: ukelele
Question: Original letter I sent to you in November: I have a ukelele from Kaholas and Co. that says: Ukelele O Hawaii Highest Grade For Tone Quality and Workmanship Kaholas and Co. (followed by a crest of some kind) on a round sticker inside the instrument under the hole in the front. It looks exactly like one I saw advertised on the Retro Fret site on the computer. That ad says it is a soprano ukelele most likely from 1925. It was given to me by a relative, who has since passed on, and I am wondering the value of it and anything else you might tell me about it. It came in a canvas type cover, and is in very good condition. Thanks for any help you can give me. Eileen Kemp

Answer: Ellen, Koholas was a decent commercial ukulele. I have had ones that played beautifully and ones that didn't. They were known for their consistent inconsistency as far as shape was concerned. I think your uke is worth about 300 dollars. The age you have is about right, anywhere from 1920-1935..thanks for writing in...chuck
- Monday, December 10, 2007


-->Question asked by: Pete
Subject: regal concert
Question: Chuck, can you kindly tell me any history and value of this regal concert with figured mahogany and ivroid tuners great sound deep and rumbly.thanks

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: This regal was made in the 1950's and is considered to be near the top of the line. I have seen them go for 350+ and probably more than that today. Nice instrument ..Thanks for writing in...chuck
- Sunday, December 9, 2007


-->Question asked by: Steve Pepper
Subject: Angi's George Formby Ukulele
Question: Hi Chuck I can confirm that Angi's Uke is a George Formby Signature Banjo Uke (Model B) as made by the Dallas company, (see Dennis Taylor's Site GFS). I have two of them and the metal plate has "George" (underneath an engraving of him) in a sort of small script type font and underneath that in larger Capitals the word "FORMBY" in a sans serif font. To be sure on the back of the head there should be a "B" followed by a "/" and then a four digit number (The one I'm looking at right now is number 1150). Also if the vellum is original it will have what looks like his signature on it but it was actually just a rubber stamp. If the case is original I would have thought that it would be worth nearer at least $300 even though it has had some play wear judging by the mark on the first fret. Take care Steve PS. Any news on my Concert Dallas, Gerry Mawdsley President of the George Formby Society thinks it may be a badged Keech Concert Ukulele, but I'm not so sure.

Answer: Steve...thanks for the info. I stand educated. I appreciate you writing in and helping Angi. No news on the on the concert dallas. I am still looking around. Will let you know what I come up with . Thanks again for you help...chuck
- Sunday, December 9, 2007


-->Question asked by: gary Lasco
Subject: Maybell Banjo Uke
Question: Chuck, I'm thinking to put this Banjo Uke for sale. What year was it made..? What should be a fair asking price..? The wood appears to be American Walnut and has an original case. There is a wood chip @ 14th fret. thanks a lot for your help. Gary Lasco

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Gary...it is a fine banjo uke well made from the 30's. The fact that you have the case helps alot..They are usually missing. I would ask 300-400 for this banjo uke...thanks for writing in..chuck
- Sunday, December 9, 2007


-->Question asked by: angi
Subject: uke age and name
Question: hello is it possible for you to tell me the name age and value of the item in the photo thanks.

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Angi..I am assuming that the decal or plate reads Geo Formby. It is a British Uke but not a Geo Formby. That little tag was made and used by many companies. I don't know if it was a Formby endorsed uke or not. If it is just a standard British banjuo uke it is worth about 200 dollars and it was made in the 30-'s...thanks for writing in. chuck
- Friday, December 7, 2007


-->Question asked by: Eileen Kemp
Subject: ukelele
Question: Hi, Chuck, I am sending you the pictures of the ukelele I questioned you about in my letter written on Nov. 26th. My computer crashed in the meantime and I had to wait until it was fixed to send these to you. I would appreciate any help you can give me concerning its origin and its value and whatever else you can tell me about it. Thanks and God bless. Eileen Kemp.

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Eileen...It is a confusing question. The tuners are top of the line used by Gibson and other companies, however that is not a Gibson body or headstock. IT appears to be a Martin copy and I can't tell which it is. Have you looked all over for any kind of mark? I would like a picture from the front on this time and I might be able to tell more. Is there a decal on the headstock. Nice looking uke, hope I can help...thanks..chuck
- Friday, December 7, 2007


-->Question asked by: Dennis Chong
Subject: Koa Uke
Question: This concerns another uke of my mother and it was played quite often. The uke is made entirely of koa. The story is that it was made by the inmates of Kulani prison and the label on the inside states Echo-Uke. It has no fingerboard or headplate. It uses wooden friction pegs for tuning and the top three frets heavy finger indentations. It was refinished and the finger indentations are quite visible. I would appreciate it if you could give me an idea of when it was made as well as the value today. I want to send other picturtes.

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Dennis. The Echo uke was not made by prisoners. It was a uke that was built with a gimmick that didn't work. If yours still has the gimmick you will find it by sticking your fingers in the finger hole and feeling down below where the bridge is located. You should find a little twanger made of metal that was supposed to resonate when played and make the sound fuller. It didn't. But they are a curiosity. Please send other pictures, I want to see a uke with no fingerboard or headplate...All the Echo Ukes I have seen are pretty standard and have fingerboards. I will withold the value until I see pictures. I just realized you sent a pic and it does have frets just in the neck. common. I'd like to see a whole picture of the front of the uke that is not as blurry. thankc..chuck
- Friday, December 7, 2007


-->Question asked by: Dennis Chong
Subject: Martin Uke
Question: My father passed away and he had two ukulele. One had the Martin label inside. A label on the back of the headstock indicates it was purchased from Bergstrom Music in Honolulu. The ukulele is made of mahogany with white binding on top and back of body as well as a rosette aropund the sound hole. It was hardly played but mainly stored. I would appreciate if I could learn the age as well as value today. Thank you for your assistance. I would like to send other pictures

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: It is a late style 3 about in the middle of the variations. Made in the 40-50's. Its value in that spectacular condition is about 2500=3000 dollars. beautiful uke. thanks for writing in...chuck
- Friday, December 7, 2007


-->Question asked by: Jim Herndon
Subject: Tenor Uke string breakage
Question: I have a 45 yr-old Martin tenor uke I can't keep strung. It has wooden pegs holding the strings below the bridge. The A string keeps yanking out the peg or breaking. Thank you

Answer: Go to a good music store or go on line to the Martin site and order a set of the correct pegs. They are made of celluliod or plastic and have a notch to keep the strings from pulling out. simple...chuck
- Friday, December 7, 2007


-->Question asked by: Dennis Arnold
Subject: Name that Uke...
Question: Hi again Chuck, I recently sent this email to the Uke-Yak... Hi Chuck, I recently acquired an old soprano uke. There are no marks on it anywhere that I can find. The guy I got it from said he got it at a yard sale. He lives in Redondo Beach, Ca. It appears to be pretty well made, at least compared with some of my other ukes. I honestly don't care what it might be worth monetarily. I like it and I have no intention of parting with it. It has a very light, plinky sound that makes it just fun to play. I keep it here on my desk so I have a uke handy to strum whenever I might need a stress reliever. I'm sure you and your readers know how comforting it can be to have a uke handy at all times. While I don't care about its value, I would like to find out about its history if at all possible. Can you determine who might have made it, where, and when from the pictures I sent? If not I'll still enjoy it as much as ever. While I'm at it can you, or one of your readers suggest something I can use to care for the wood it's made of (mahogany), it seems kind of dry and I want to do whatever I can to make it last. Thanks for all you do Dennis "5 thumbs" Arnold I apparently sent the wrong picture with that one, so here is a full body shot of the uke in question. Thanks, I do appreciate anything you can tell me about it Dennis

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Dennis...we'll get there eventually. Ukes are a lot like people. Very different on the front and pretty much the same on the back. Please send me pic of the front and I will be able to tell more...chuck It is a well made uke I'm not able to commit until I see the front. Headstock is promising. can't wait..chuck
- Friday, December 7, 2007


-->Question asked by: John Leszczynski
Subject: Ukulele
Question: Hi, I have for sale a Weymann & Son Phil.Pa Ukulele incl case Mahogany No on Stock 41527-116 Kind regards John

Answer: Congrats...any other info like details on price and how one would get a hold of you. Without those particulars, it would be hard to purchase. You also need to send a picture. Weymann made many varieties. thanks...chuck
- Friday, December 7, 2007


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Flea Market Music offers an on-line community for ukulele players, informative books on the ukulele, ukulele CDs,songbooks, videos and information on our instrument manufacturing of the FLUKE ukulele. Brought to you by "Jumpin" Jim Beloff. -