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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

Question asked by: Adam Subject: Weird Harmony Question: Just bought this beauty on eBay... listing mentions it's all wood (no plastic fretboard), yet no idea how old. Only Harmony logo is on the back (picture attached). Any guesses to the age? More pictures can be found on eBay here: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=200155204255&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=010 Best, Adam Photos:      Answer: Made in the 50's...Nice back of the headstock. How the rest...best..chuck - Monday, October 15, 2007

Question asked by: Thomas Subject: kamaka strings Question: I recently bought a Kamaka Tenor on ebay {a great uke}. It is strung with wound 3rd and 4th strings. Is this common? I would like to purchase an extra set of strings, however the local Kamaka dealer does not sell Kamaka strngs (which Kamaka recommends]. Should I string it a good quaility set of Tenor strings with a wound 3rd or combine two sets to make the current set up? Answer: Kamaka is still in business and has a web site. Go to the site and order the correct set of strings. They are still my favorite strings...I know there are recent additions to the string world, but I like the lightness of the Kamaka strings. They make a few different strings for the tenor, its as matter of preference. I don't like the wound strings personally, but that is just me..I do a lot of picking and I don't like the squeak. best to ya...chuck By the way...What Kamaka dealer doesn't sell Kamaka strings? Sounds like bad business....what say you?..chuck - Friday, October 12, 2007

Question asked by: Daryl Shick Subject: Action Question: Chuck,my question :I've got a old akaii uke to make it good to play action needs to be lowered what should i do. And if professional work should be done do you know good fellows in SYDNEY N.S.W thanks Daryl Shick Answer: Daryl...don't know anyone in Sydney, but if you find a good violin luthier he will be able to do the job. I'm in Melbourne and if you want to give me a hoy I will try to help from here. good luck..chuck - Friday, October 12, 2007

Question asked by: Kevin Subject: Luthier Question: Hi Chuck- Who would you recommend to lower the action on my 1927 "The Gibson" style 3 ukulele. Also, what strings would you use on such a player? I live in Seattle. Thanks much! Kevin Photos:      Answer: A short board style 3, not many of those around. X braced and usually a spruce top. Nice sound. I like Kamaka strings and always have. You can use whatever pleases your ear. Jim Beloff has many strings available on this site. I would go for the softer strings given the era of the uke. It is a strong uke and will take all sizes. Have fun...nice uke..chuck - Friday, October 5, 2007

Question asked by: Alan Holbert Subject: Gibson UB1 dimensions Question: Can't seem to find the over-all length, width and depth measurements of a Gibson UB1. Would really like to know. No picture included here,,,only a question. Answer: Don't have one here, but I'm sure someone out there will help us. Please ,yakkers, send the measurements of a ub1 to alan. Thanks...chuck - Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Question asked by: Mike Subject: Steel wound low G string Question: Will using a steel wound low G string (I use the Kamaka standard with low G string) cause more stress to the neck and more wear to the frets? Would a nylon or gut low G be preferable in terms of wear? Is there a big difference in sound? Thanks Chuck -great forum. Answer: There is a differece in the sound, but I can't hear it. I would doubt if it would cause more wear..perhaps over a long time. It won't cause any more stress. Now go play...chuck - Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Question asked by: Lesley Subject: Gretsch Baritone Question: Chuck did you get the email with the pictures from Intermountain I sent one to Uke yak and one on the contact us email they have on this page with all the pics on that uke. Let me know. Thanks, Lesley Answer: I got the pics..nice instrument, how can I help...chuck - Wednesday, October 3, 2007

Question asked by: shawn Subject: don't know what I have Question: I am lucky to have been given a ukulele labelled Aloha Royal 2654. How might I figure out if it is tenor, bass... I also want to learn how to play common songs ie Happy Birthday... any suggestions? Thanks Answer: Shawn...measure the uke. It is most likely 21 inches long and that is a soprano. (the smallest variety). Aloha Royal is a name used on many ukes. It it likely Hawaiian l950's. Since when is Happy Birthday a common song? At my age, I almost never hear it and if I do, I strike down the person singing it. To learn simple songs, go to the online store on this site and purchase a beginning book by Jim Beloff, who by the way sings Happy Birthday with such meaning the I was unable to blow out the candles on my cake. Best to ya and Happy Birthday....chuck - Monday, October 1, 2007

Question asked by: Chuck Subject: Martin uke Question: I have this Martin uke Ser# 36217 ? i would like to know it,s worth app ? I can send you pictures to your e mail address Thanks for any help Answer: It is probably not a ukulele or not a Martin. They did not number their ukes. Please send a picture to this on the whole ukulele front on. I may be a Tenor Guitar. Thanks...chuck - Monday, October 1, 2007

Question asked by: Lesley Subject: Gretsch Baritone Ukulele Question: Hello Chuck, I had emailed a few times before about my Gretsch baritone/tenor guitar uke? Anyway I kept on looking to find another one like it and have located one at Intermountain guitar and banjo in Utah. The label in the instrument is different color white and blue looking #13827 mine is an orange and tan # 13869 color. the model or serial number is off by two numbers. The model # is 6945 The dimensions are identical and they look the same except for a variation of the fretboard dots and the fretboard itself. Mine looks like a black type wood and the other one is rosewood fingerboard. Has mahogany body, cream binding, spruce top. It is said to be a Gretsch baritone selling for $900. If you would like, tell me where to send the pics by email I will send you the pictures of it so you can see another example. It is very nice looking in a little nicer condition than mine is. I also think that these resemble the body style of the Vega solo lute which I think is rare. I believe that these baritones are quite rare as they are so hard to find. The shop it is a baritone not a tenor guitar. what say you? Thanks, Lesley Answer: I say send pictures...I will then tell you what it is....I know the boys at intermountain..great guys....chuck - Thursday, September 27, 2007

Question asked by: DaveM Subject: Gretsch ignorance Question: I am new to ukes (I own a "modern" one), and today I came across a Gretsch that sounded very nice and had no cracks that I noticed. However, the action was high, and the onsite luthier (I think) explained to me why he really couldn't adjust it (using terms that I did not understand). I think I could live with the high-ish action, but I'm wondering what to look for to determine the value of the uke. They were asking $100 (somewhat tentatively; the shop owner was not in). Unfortunately, I can't send you a photo before buying it (without being sneaker than I am). So: What do I look for to determine its value? Thanks, Answer: I am more concerned by a luthier that cannot lower the action...thats crap. I think a hundred dollars for a gretch is a good deal providing there is not damage to the uke. You should look for cracks, ding, dongs and another luthier in case you need help....chuck - Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Question asked by: Jim Roberts Subject: harmony Baritone Question: Hello! I have what appears to be a 50's- 60's era Harmony Baritone uke. I say "appears", because there is nothing on this instrument to signify the maker. I found several online and compared them to it- everything is there except the decal on the headstock. Does this affect the value? Is it possible to replace the decal and call it "authentic"? Would adding inlay designs ruin the value? Anything you can tell me would be appreciated. Thanks, JimR Photos:      Answer: looks like a harmony to me...do nothing except play it.....thanks for writing in..chuck - Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Question asked by: Dian in spokane Subject: harmony baritone uke Question: Sorry Chuck, I sent all three pics originally, so not sure why they didn't go through. I'll send them separately. Here's the front dian Photos:      Answer: Dian,, Haven't I answered this question. It is definitely a harmony baritone and it looks pretty good. How can I help you..chuck - Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Question asked by: tracie Subject: that uke Question: can only send one pic at a time? i'll send you the headstock next. Photos:      Answer: what does the label say...chuck - Wednesday, September 26, 2007

Question asked by: frank Donnoli Subject: La Melodia Question: Hi Frets, I picked up this Uke today. It Looks and sounds lke Koa. It is a La Melodia serial #814 which is witten on the label. By the look and shape of the case it may be 30s or 40s (just my guess). I can't seem to find out much about it all. Any clues? Photos:      Answer: I have had a few La Melodias...My feeling is that they were made in the 50's and for sure on the mainland. Hawaiian copy....thanks for writing in..chucki - Saturday, September 22, 2007

Question asked by: Nina Subject: Curly Koa Wood Question: Is there a difference between "curly koa wood" and regular koa wood? I'm in the market for buying my first Kamaka, and wonder if there is any difference sound and/or value if the wood grain is wavy of if it runs straight through the body of the ukulele. Please let me know. I do so look forward to your response. Thanks! Answer: No difference to my ear as far as sound goes. I think its easier to sell a beautifully marked koa uke. Regular Koa is the right color but little grain..thanks for writing in...chuck - Saturday, September 22, 2007

Question asked by: Sam Subject: P.S. Question: Dear Chuck, I'm sorry I forgot to ask if you know what kind of wood this is made of. Thanks! Photos:      Answer: Mahogany.....nice uke..thanks..chuck - Saturday, September 22, 2007

Question asked by: Sam Subject: Side view of ukulele Question: Dear Chuck, I asked you a question recently about this uke. You said you needed to see a side view to assess whether it was from the mainland. Does this picture show you what you need to see? Thanks a lot for your help. Photos:      Answer: from the picture it is a mainland uke. - Saturday, September 22, 2007

Question asked by: Daryl Shick Subject: akaii uke Question: Hi Chuck sent this one in before but no answer I have a old akaii uke to make it play well the action needs to be lower if work needs to be done by a pro do you know good people in sydney australia thanks Daryl Shick Answer: sorry, I wrote you on your email...I know of no one in Sydney....I live in Melbourne and its and it hard to find someone here. I use a violin luthier. Perhaps there is one in your are. They can do the job...chuck - Friday, September 21, 2007

Question asked by: Zara Subject: Nunes Question: Hey Chuck. I was checking out the Uke Yak. What a wonderful resource! I'm very new to the uke but loving every minute of it, and finding your site very informative. My mother has an old Nunes uke, which I will send you pics of soon. But in the meantime I was wondering what makes the Nunes so valuable, and what could make it worth up to $15,000 as you've stated earlier in your column? Answer: I looked for my 15,000 answer and could not find it. Doesn't mean it doesn't exist. You uke value depends on which Nunes..Manuel or Leonardo...and the model. Rarity plays a big part in price. I await your pics...chuck - Friday, September 21, 2007

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page