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 (69 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:      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:      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: MCM Subject: Beltona tenor Question: Chuck - Are you familiar with the Beltona blue Songster Tenor uke? If so, can you give me your overall evaluation of it? Thanks. Answer: Really good. I had one and enjoyed it a lot. Let me know how you like it......chuck - Friday, December 7, 2007

Question asked by: Chris Luessmann Subject: Swagerty Kook-a-lele PEG Question: I have a Kook-a-lele made by the Swagerty company in San Clemente. it has these very specific looking tuner pegs. Which always break! The bottom line is, I bought one minus a peg. Do you know of anyone who replicates these pegs, or how I can make one? Thanks, Chris Photos:      Answer: Chris , I will post this on uke yak and I suggest you post it on Market Place and the Bulletin Board on this site. You will then reach a huge ukulele gene pool. Someone will know. Thanks...chuck - Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Question asked by: Bob Heilman Subject: re: Martin tiple (or tipple) T17 68355 Question: I bought this Martin 10 string tiple from a pawn shop in Sacramento in about 1960, and have not played it enough but I want to do something now. 18 frets. No case. No serious injuries, but a few nicks. Looks like original strings. What value range instrument is this? thanks for any help. Robert Heilman, Placerville, Calif Answer: Without a picture I would say about 1000, the market is a little soft on Tiples. I love them and the sound. If the instrument only has play wear, this is a fair price. best..chuck - Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Question asked by: James Britton Subject: other inherited ukes Question: These are some more of the ukes that I inherited from my Father. I know one is a Favilla, one a Harmony, one a Stella banjo uke, but I do not know what the banjo uke with the resonator is. Any idea? Thanks... Photos:      Answer: James, there were many makers who used that pot, I would have to know what the decal on the headstock says and if you take it apart, is there any stamping inside on anything? Nice batch of ukes...chuck - Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Question asked by: James Britton Subject: Baritone Uke ID Question: I have my Father's baritone uke that he got in the late 1940's or very early 1950's. It is solid wood, mahogany I think, no name but the headstock has the tuning letters stamped into it. It has the original GEIB brown case too. Who made this baritone uke? Photos:      Answer: James, It is another of the baritones made in the 50's by many companies, I wish I knew but I would need more to go on. The case is a good make...See if you can find any more makings...thanks...chuck - Tuesday, December 4, 2007

Question asked by: Lindsay Whitelaw Subject: Banjolele identification? Question: Hi Chuck, I've recently uprooted this old Banjo ukulele from the wardrobe and I'd be interested if you could tell me more about it? The headstock has a small metal label that says "Melody-Uke", with some musical bars pictured on it. I believe it was my grandads, and that it's from the 1920s/30s? I don't expect it to be worth much (and I don't plan on selling it either), but a price estimate would be interesting. Apologies for the picture, I'll try and upload a clearer brighter one. Thanks! Photos:      Answer: Its a very nice banjo uke. It is, as you imagined, from the 30's. Its value is around 300 dollars. thanks for writing in...chuck - Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Question asked by: Mike Mc Subject: Vintage Ukulele? Question: Couple of guys on the bulletin board said you might be able to help me date this Uke? On the rear of the head stock is a sticker from Weymann and Sons, Phila., PA. Also, the numbers 36067 15 stamped onto the head stock. 12 frets and a one piece wooded bridge/saddle tha is in need of some repair on the E and A strings. Let me know if you can help? It was my wife's grandmother's and memories of family have her with it in the 40's but we are unsure of when it was bought and if it was bought new of used. I have a couple other photos if you want. Thanks and Million. Mike MC Hughesville, MD Photos:      Answer: I have to tell you, I am pretty good at this stuff. But to be able to tell if it was bought new or used from a picture, well, if I could do that I would be in Vegas at the roulette table. I can tell you that it is a very good ukulele and it dates from the 30's. If there is anything else I can do let me know. Oh by the way, buy a lottery ticket and play 16 3 88 23 18 46 12. no guarantees...chuck...I hope you win....be sure and play that uke it is on of the better ukes. You asked if I want the other pictures...No...I want the uke.......my birthday is in September.... - Wednesday, November 28, 2007

Question asked by: Earl Marsh Subject: Ukulele Identification Question: Hello Chuck. Sorry about my floppy fingers - but my post should have read "I guess it's a Soprano" I have sent a picture of the head. It was bought at an auction in England a few months ago but I'm having difficulty in identifying it. It is all hardwood. 21.5" long with scale length of 13.3/16". I'll send another message with picture of the front. Cheers Earl Photos:      Answer: Eqrl here is what I can tell you. I am not sure of the label, I will have to do some research on it. By the shape of the case, the shape of the uke and the two dots of mother of pearl on the bridge I can tell you its English. It is made of what appears to be curly maple. The ukulele is the traditional shape of early french and italian instruments. Very rubenesque...Its quite early, probably around the l920's. The case is not original, it probably had no case. I would have the headstock crack repaired soon before it comes apart. Nice score and I will add the pic to my collection..thanks for sharing...chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Herb Subject: Question: Hi Chuck, Hope all is well. I just picked up a "Regal" ukulele with a different headstock label. Enclosed is a pic. Is this the same Regal Company that we all know and love or is it one of the other Regals listed in the Tiki King database? See below: "1884-1904 The Regal name was used by Emil Wulschner & Son, Indianapolis, IN. 1905-1908 the Name was used by Lyon & Healy." Thanks, Herb Photos:      Answer: Herb...how are you....That is the same Regal company that we all know and love. I have seen that label before but not many times. keep in touch....best..chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Macmechanic Subject: Regal Tiples Question: I have two Regal Tiples, apparently from the 1920's. One has a spruce top and what looks like rosewood back and sides, with real herringbone trim; the other is all mahogany (top, back & sides). The spruce-topped one is in pretty good condition: playable, the top very slightly bellied at the bridge, neck on securely, etc. The Hog has the bridge screwed down, the neck pulling away from the body; not in such great shape, but playable. Could you give me an idea what they're worth? Answer: Not much. they are not worth a lot in great condition and condition is a factor here. I would guess, without seeing them, 75 bucks each...perhaps a few bucks more on the spruce topped one. Wish I had better news, but there you have it...chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Joe Subject: Camp uke Question: I was wondering if you can tell me anything about this camp uke? It has no label. no writing on the head-stock. no serial# or model name. I found one on E-bay that was exactly the same claiming to be a Gretsch. I don't think it is a Gretsch. If you could give me an idea of value that would be much appreciated. Thanks. Photos:      Answer: Joe, it is a gretsch. Its value in great condition is about 150.00. Many were not marked but they are easily recognizable. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Lesley Subject: Lehua Question: Hi Chuck, What can you say about the Lehua Tenor Ukulele made of solid Australian Blackwood with wenge fingerboard? Anyone out there have one and some information on how they like them? They look to be a nice ukulele. Tone? What can you say about these Lehua ukes Chuck? I don't see but one question about Lehua on uke yak. Thanks, Lesley Answer: Lesley, I know little about them. But I will post this so that a yakker who knows will help out...HELP.....chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Earl Marsh Subject: Ukulele identification Question: Hello Chuck Are you able to identify the ukulele from the pictures. I guess it is a Soparo: It is very old, 21.1/2" long with 13.3/16" scale length. Any idea of value? Answer: Earl, no pic made it....please resend...not familiar with the name..chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Ron Knaus Subject: Hanging ukes Question: Should I store or hang my collection. Augie says store 'em. Who's Augie...He is Augustino LoPrinzi --he and his daughter, Donna, are luthiers of ukuleles and guitars. I was going to hang them anyway. Thanks, Ron Knaus Answer: Hang em...I had a thousand hung and no problems ever. chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: GEORGE MCMILLAN Subject: Real Uke Question: You have recently helped me identy this ukulele most likely as a 1930's Regal Koa Soprano. I was wondering if the wooden tuning pegs might make it a little older? Thanks again for your help. Regards. Photos:      Answer: Nope, still a regal 30's...pegs dont make a difference..probably not original anyway...chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Robert Battle Subject: Uke from mayor of Honolulu? Question: This ukulele has been in my family for many years. According to family tradition it was given to my great grandfather Harry Culver (founder of Culver City, CA) by the mayor of Honolulu on one of Culver's trips to Hawaii in the 1920s or 1930s; however, my great aunt also lived in Hawaii after that and it may have come from her. If you could possibly narrow down when it was made (and anything else about it) it would be quite helpful. Thanks! (as only one picture can be submitted at a time, I will post pictures of the back, interior markings, and head separately) Photos:      Answer: It is very beautiful Akai made in the teens and the mark with the crossed sticks are to guarantee that it is Hawaiian made. Its the prettiest Akai I have ever seen. The Koa is fabulous. Be sure and play it, it deserves that...Its a treasure. Thanks heaps...chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Rhonda Smith Subject: Trouble tuning a taropatch Question: Hi Chuck, I am trying to do some research on behalf of my father age 75. He makes ukuleles and is in the process of making one with 8 strings which he tells me is called a taropatch. He understands how it should be tuned but is having a problem, he calls it discordant i.e. not harmonious. Do you have any advice on this matter and why this may be happening? Many thanks Rhonda Answer: I wish I could help. I will also post this in the hopes one of my luthier friends will write in with a solution to the problem..the problem is out of my range of expertise. In the meantime, please look on the net for K P Ukuleles and write Ken Potts. A very good friend of mine and tell him I told you to write and ask him the same question. I know he will be more than happy to help..best..chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

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