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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
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(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:
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
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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:
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
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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
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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
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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:
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
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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
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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
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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:
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
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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:
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
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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
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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:
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
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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
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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:
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
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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:
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
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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:
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
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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:
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
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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:
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
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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
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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:
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
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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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