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 (70 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: 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: Gary Lasco Subject: Maybell Ukelele Question: I am am interested in what year and price of this Maybell Uke. I also have original case that came with it. (Can't seem to send more than 1-picture at a time? so am using Word Doc) thanks, Gary Lasco Answer: Still need a picture....chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Kirk Nelson Subject: Regal Uke Question: One more question. The tuning pegs are a little slippery. Is there a way to service them, or can you recommend new ones to put on it? Thanks again. Photos:      Answer: You may have to get tuners with larger shafts or have a luthier rebush the holes. chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Kirk Nelson Subject: Regal Uke Question: Hey Chuck, Can you tell me a little about this vintage uke I bought my wife, like when it was made and stuff. It looks like it is solid mahogany. It says Regal made in chicago on the headstock. Photos:      Answer: Made by the Regal company 30's and what great shape. The finish is called Tobacco Sunburst. Play it , its a beaut...chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Zara Subject: Baritone Ukes Question: Hi Chuck. I have two Baritone Ukes that I have acquired, and well I thought I should cut down to 1. But as both of these were junk store finds I dont know much about them or their retail value. Might you be able to help? I haven't seen either of these on ebay or anywhere, so I figured you're my best bet! The 1st is a Tempo baritone with a redish tone, inside the paper is in great condition and just say Tempo Model 74. The 2nd to last peg slips a little but other than that is a lovely sounding thing. The 2nd has a withering away headstock name that says "Del Canto" Inside it says Model B.U. 150 Weiss Musical Instrument Corp. Sure book values would be great, but really any information about this instruments would be really interesting to hear about. Photos:      Answer: They are about the same in value. I would pick the one that made me sound better than I am. Go for it...chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Dave S Subject: Martin Uke - Unique Stamp? Question: Aloha I can send you more photos - email: sandman3@pacbell.net phone: 949-413-9439 This Uke has the Martin stamp on the back of the headstock and no decal...just the mark in the photo. It's a O model...21 inches long. Dave Photos:      Answer: home made carving. It doesn't need a decal to be a Martin. It does need a stamp inside the uke stating a C.F.Martin Nazareth Penn. If it does not have that stamp it is not a Martin. Please send a pic of the whole uke...chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: sandy Subject: low g string Question: can a low g string be put on a soprano size ukulele? Answer: Yes...you can get sets of strings already to go. chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Sam Takata Subject: Yasuma Tiple Question: I have a Yasuma @ Co. tiple which was well taken care of. Beautiful pumpkin colored spruce top with rosewood back & sides. Question is, I'm looking for a Martin tenor. What would be a fair value for either in a trade? Thanks, I enjoy reading you Uke Yak. Answer: I love the Yasuma tiple. I would value it at about 1000 which is almost what you would have to pay for a Martin Tenor. Martin tenors can be had today for aobut 1200...good hunting...chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Robin Subject: ukulele Question: I have two uks that i got from an estate and do not know what they are worth or who to take them to in my area..One is made of Mohogany CF Martin, Soprano..I have been told it is probaly from the 50's..A friend at work has already been begging for me to sale it to him for $200..even before he saw it..Now he really wants it when he saw it..The other shows made in Korea, but, the shop it was bought from shows Arwin Musical in Beverly Hills CA..Not sure what that is worth..It is not made of mohagoney like the other Answer: Robin, I can't help you without pictures of the ukes. I have no idea where you live so I can't help you with the area. I can help you with one part. DONT sell any martin or anyone named martin for 200 bucks Bad sale, worth much more...send pics..chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Robin Webster Subject: Old Kamaka Uke Question: Trying to get an idea of the year and value of this Kamaka Ukulele. It has tortoise binding around the body, an unusual neck end (not square). Whoever put the strings on it was a bit knotty! I will e-mail some more photos to info@flea... I could only send 1 in this message? Thx, Robin on Maui. Photos:      Answer: Early Kamaka....nice uke. 300-400 bucks.. 50's.....play it...chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Warren Goff Subject: Maui Music uke Question: Hello...I was referred to you by Jim Beloff and Peter Lieberman. Would you be interested in my uke? Warren S. Goff, D.O. 6555 99th Way N. #20 A St. Petersburg, FL 33708 (727) 466-4843 wgoff@tampabay.rr.com www.warrengoff.com Photos:      Answer: I'm not interested in buying it, but put it on the marketplace, someone will...thanks...chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Eileen Kemp Subject: Kaholas and Co. Ukelele Question: 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: SEND PICTURE PLEASE......CHUCK - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: jeanne st-onge Subject: i'm searching for a uke Question: HI, I am searching for uke.I got about 100 hundred dollars.I have already a fluke uke,but i would like to have a traditionnal uke made in solid wood.I saw a Gretsch 1950 on ebay in solid mahogany.(130 169665 145)What do you think? Thank you Jeanne(Quebec) Excuse my english Answer: Jeanne , you are going to have to shop around...I don't know another way..You might use our marketplace on this site and let the readers know your wants. Someone will have something decent. thanks for writing in...chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Graham Davis Subject: Grandma's Uke. Question: Hi Chuck, Here's a picture of a Ukulele I found that belonged to my Grandma. It smells and sounds fantastic! It's labeled as a being made by the Ukulele Mfg. Co in Honolulu. Any idea of it's worth? Thanks, Graham Photos:      Answer: I think it is worth about 200 as a ukulele. As a good smelling ukulele its priceless. I would write more but I am going to sniff my piano...best..chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Graham Davis Subject: Shaftesbury uke Question: Hi Chuck - ever heard of a Shaftesbury Ukulele? I picked this one up at a thrift store and wondered about the history. Thanks, Graham Photos:      Answer: No idea what it is...but new names pop up each week. This is this weeks. Will check and see what I can find...thanks....chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Paul Douglas Subject: Hawaiian Ukes Question: Chuck: Could you recommend 5 or more Hawaiian Uke companies that produce what you would consider investments? Modern or a traditional Uke? Looking to buy new. Thanks for this Forum - it is GREAT!! Paul Answer: Kamaka, K P ukuleles, Lo Prinzi, to name three. I have probably left out many others. sorry to them...best..chuck I would be investing in vintage ukes that you can buy at a bargain price. Unless you leave the new ones to your heirs, it will be a long wait...best..chuck - Monday, November 26, 2007

Question asked by: Ron Knaus Subject: hang and show ukuleles Question: Hi Chuck, I have been able to collect 5 Martin ukes, 3 LoPrinzi ukes (a 4th is coming Christmas) and a few others. Augie says to keep them in the cases but I want to hang and show. Any thoughts? Ron K. Answer: who's augie....???? Hang them and show them. Nothing will happen to them unless your walls get sloppy with water. again, who is augie....who made him the hanging maven...chuck - Wednesday, November 21, 2007

Question asked by: Dennis Russell Subject: antique uke ???? Question: I have a real small Ukelele I purchased with another different instrument. The seller needed the money for gas. It is made of Koa has a real small emblem on peg head, bold letters on top read Aloha, below HAwaii but in small letters below emblem on a ribbon it reads UA MAU KE E A OKA AINA I KA PONO. inside it looks like a embossed emblem in black, almost looks burned in that has signature like HKAI above it another emblem half missing reads made in Hawaii. the sound hole has rope binding, the top has rope binding, the fingerboard hassix pearl markers all different designs, one is square, one is oval one a tear drop other two are roiund in fair condition except small crack on sound plate. two pegs made from koa that are left, has a old case made of canvas opens from bottom has leather binding. I would like to know what its value is and when it was made or information on it. Thank you......Sorry no pictures, I have a digital camera but I am not computer savvy to get a photo taken and sent over internet..........Dennis in Yuma, Arizona Answer: dennis find someone who can put a picture on the internet. It is very simple. In the meantime, please send me the size..length ( total)..width across the body...the fat part and the not fat part. the number of frets..the little metal things in the fingerboard...but please send a picture...thanks..chuck - Thursday, November 15, 2007

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