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

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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: 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: Sam Subject: Can you tell me anything about this uke? Question: Dear Chuck, This uke is approximately 21" long with a 9" long body that is 6" across at widest. I believe the bridge was reattached at one point, although it's possible the neck was reattached to the body. There is no label. It looks like there might be initials scratched into the back of the top of the neck - either BT, ET, or FT. Can you tell me anything about when it was made, who made it, or what it is worth? Thank you! Photos:      Answer: Mainland made. Heel cap is not part of the back. Headsstock looks like Regal. Worth? couple of hundred if it is not Hawaiian. Need to see a side view of the neck attachment at the body to be sure...chuck - Thursday, September 20, 2007

Question asked by: Michael Barclay Subject: “Pure Hawaiian” Model GL 500M Question: Hello Chuck, though I would give you some info on the “Pure Hawaiian” CLASSIC LOW “A” Model GL 500M. I’ve seen a question or two about the Pure Hawaiian ukes. I won this one in an ebay auction the seller said it was solid mahogany, it’s not it is a plywood ukulele made in Taiwan. This one is a concert scale, the nut is hollow plastic and was not seated right up to the finger board, it affected the intonation of open strings to fretted. The bridge is plastic and glued/screwed on about 1/8” longer than the 14 ˝” scale, after the replaced nut. It has a decent tone and good volume compared to the few I own, the best of which is a Pono. It’s a rainy day so I replaced the nut with bone that I cut for reentrant tuning (G,C,E,A), it was low G when I got it and that G sounded pretty lame, I have no idea what the “CLASSIC LOW A” is supposed to mean. I only paid $18.00 for it so I’m not unhappy but I don’t consider it a quality instrument, not bad after the work I have and will put into it but not worth it if you had to pay some one to fix it. Answer: doesn't sound promising. Send a picture.....chuck - Thursday, September 20, 2007

Question asked by: Vicki Subject: Larrivee uke Question: Hi Chuck, The 1999 Larrivee arrived in the mail yesterday and I love it. It's a very finely made highly flamed koa soprano w/ a generous lower bout...almost 8 inches. I found it used at Gruhn Guitars. It's has clear crisp highs w/ lots of volume..and killer sustain. Too bad they are not making them anymore. This will be a collector's item someday I'm convinced. Their guitars are of course alive and well. What did you do w/ your Larrivee uke? What kind was it? Vicki Photos:      Answer: It was exactly like yours but not as pretty...good catch...chuck - Sunday, September 16, 2007

Question asked by: counterbug Subject: Regal Question: Hi Chuck, I'll ask this question a different way from a prior question. I'm seeking an evaluation of an old Regal Soprono Uke in good condition and the approximate dollar value. Are they good sounding instruments. Any weakness? You know the history? This is just a general question and I have no picture since I don't even own one yet. Just picking your brain as to what you know about the Reqal Answer: average price for a regal soprano...200 dollars in perfect condition. Please don't take this as the price for all. They made thousands of different Price varies,,,good luck...chuck - Sunday, September 16, 2007

Question asked by: Herb Subject: Kamaka Ukulele Question: Chuck, Attached is a pic of a Kamaka Soprano uke. There is no date or serial number...just the kk decal and a gold label. Can you give an approximate date of manufacture and value? Thanks. Photos:      Answer: 350...and since Kamaka used all lables all the time, a guess would be 1970....nice uke..chuck - Sunday, September 16, 2007

Question asked by: Alan Holbert Subject: Banjolele Low Action Question: No picture. Just a question. Several of the banjoleles I've bought have the strings "out to Tibet" off the vellum. The only thing I can figure out how to lower them to 3/16ths at the end of the fret board near the pot is to lower the bridge. NOW comes the problem. All the bridges I've come across are 1/2 to 9/16ths of an inch. That means a lot of sanding of the bridge legs or taking it off the top of the bridge and re-cutting the string slots. Any ideas on this? Answer: I have a great idea. Take the ukes to a great luthier and tell him your problem He will be able to fix it. I have no knowledge about the technical side of ukedom....chuck - Sunday, September 16, 2007

Question asked by: Jerry Subject: value of my UKE Question: I tried to send you a set of pic's back in Sept. I hope these came through. I would be greatful for any information you could provide and the possible value of it. Thanks Jerry Photos:      Answer: I think I wrote you that the only thing I could value is the sound hole. I recognize the brand, but need to see a picture of the whole uke. They made many styles and they vary according to the trim. Usual price, and only a guess....350...if in great condition with good trim....chuck - Sunday, September 16, 2007

Question asked by: Alan Holbert Subject: Information Regal Soprono,Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I'm seeking an evaluation of an old Regal Soprono Uke in good condition and the approximate dollar value. Are they good sounding instruments. Any weakness? You know the history? Answer: please send picture... - Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Question asked by: Phil Morris Subject: David Richard's Uke Question: Hi Chuck - I think you are right on the money on this uke. I have a Regal that is identical (except the finish, mine is sunburst) down to the bridge, the very curly mahogany and even the case. It is a great sounding and playing uke. Phil Answer: thanks for the info Phil...and how are you..chuck - Wednesday, September 12, 2007

Question asked by: pat berg Subject: price for 1957 uke from hawaii Question: i have a koa wood uke from hawaii brand name is Royal Hawaiian Craft md in hawaii. I bought it at px store on Pearl Harbor,Naval base--6/57 where cane I sell it? Answer: YOu can sell it on this site on the marketplace. Look at the menu to your left. No cost..just Uke nuts who want ukes.. Now...send a picture, I have no idea which Royal Hawaiian it is. ..I can then give you a price...chuck - Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Question asked by: Vicki Subject: Larrivee Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I just ordered a c 1999 highly flamed koa Larrivee soprano uke on approval. Wanted to know what you thought of them and if you had a web site for me to get more info. Are they still producing ukes? Do they make a concert as well? Thanks, Vicki Photos:      Answer: Vicki...I have no idea if they are still making ukes. You can go to the Larr4ivee Guitars web site and look around. If there is no site, there are no ukes...I had a Larrivee and liked it alot. The one you are getting is beautiful..Let me know what happens..chuck - Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Question asked by: lawrence palmer Subject: clear pics Question: hay hope these pics are better and you can shed some light on this uke . it's a great little uke sounds great too . the sring look like old cat gut if thats not a myth ! and the felt pick that was supplyed when brougt makes it sound sweet with this heavey hand off mine happy days. laurie Photos:      Answer: Lawrence...got a friend with a camera???if so, find him and have him take a picture of your ukulele. I have no idea what it looks like...best...chuck - Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Question asked by: Jim Myers Subject: Stella banjo ukulele Question: Picked up this old Stella banjo uke last week. After a set of strings, a new bridge, and a bunch of tweaking, I'm loving it! Not the best sound in the world with the Martin strings the seller threw in, but loud and punchy. Cuts nicely in a jam. Can you help me date this uke? The pot, resonator, neck, and fretboard all maple. It has what look to me like old Champion tuners (1920's?). The resonator rotates to open and close four sound ports in the sides for a slight change in the tone. It came in a beat-up end-opening case. I'm glad to get this raucous little cutie back in circulation. Uncle JimmyPie AKA Jim Myers Photos:      Answer: 1920-1930..nice looking stella. I have always been partial to stellas..had a few of them myself and they were always good. Thanks for writing in and keep strummin chuck - Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Question asked by: David Richard Subject: Montgomery Ward Ukulele Question: Sorry. Sent you the wrong file format. Any idea of age, maker, value? Thanks - David Photos:      Answer: Best Montgomery ward uke I have ever seen. I assume it was made by Regal....Value...250-300..made in the 1950's....Its a beaut....nice score unless you paid 1000.00 dollars.....best to ya..chuck - Tuesday, September 11, 2007

Question asked by: laurie Subject: looking for a playful home Question: hay i got this uke it"s still got the original strings and the logo that u sad you only seen one off on a green pineapple uke. do you think it's worth anything to a collector . have a harmoney day lozza Photos:      Answer: picture too dark..cant see it...send another..thanks..chuck - Friday, September 7, 2007

Question asked by: Gary Wilson Subject: lyon and healey uke Question: Hello, I just acquired a couple of Ukes I know nothing about both are sappranos one ia a lyon& healey washburn witk the numbers 703 on the back of the headstock very well played and it still sounds amazing it has a surface crack on the back and a from age and a ding top back and soundhole binding that appears to be cellulose??? and the bridge looks to be repaired. I know nothing obout this model what kind of wood? what year? what is it's insurance value? ect... is done sound and play beautifully. The next one has no markings it appears to be a handmade Uke out of mahogany it has a great bit of wood inlay in a herringbone patern around the binding and up the headstock the body measures 2 1/4 in. near the neck and 2 1/2 in. from the middle to the bottom the back is semi arched. same questions as above. did I get my $300.00 bucks worth? Thank you, Gary Photos:      Answer: Gary..I only got one picture of a back..I can't tell you anything except you got one uke with what appears to be a mahogany back. send more pictures for more information...fronts of the uke are really helpful...chuck - Monday, September 3, 2007

Question asked by: Jim D'Ville Subject: Conqueror Baritone Question: Hi Chuck, What can you tell me about the Conqueror baritone ukulele? I've been told it's a Japanese import from the late 50's early 60's. Answer: Jim , you were told correctly. No information about them..they pop up regularly....hope it sound good..chuck - Monday, September 3, 2007

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