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 (75 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: David Richard Subject: Montgomery Wards ukulele Question: I just purchased a uke from that big online auction place that was listed as a Montgomery Wards uke. According to the seller it is 22 7/8" long (concert?). I've read up a little and understand that Harmony made a lot of ukes for Wards. This looks like no Harmony I've ever seen. Any hints about who you think the manufacturer might have been? Also, did Martin make ukuleles for Montgomery Ward and has anybody ever seen one (and what do they look like)? What do you think the value of this uke is (I paid $200 - did I overpay)? Thanks - David Answer: please send a a picture...it will help a lot...chuck - Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Question asked by: Matt Arnold Subject: RE: Steph's Question Question: Quick answer- the uke in question is a "Classic" sold by Empire Music in Canada- about $40 bucks new- Not a great player, but an okay student uke... -Matt Answer: matt...thanks for that...its nice to know your out there..chuck - Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Question asked by: Peggy Subject: Banjo Uke Question: Chuck: Picture of tuners on this unmarked Banjo Uke as requested. Metal piece on the end says Patent Applied for. Would like to sell but need your help with value and info re wood it is made etc. Thanks a million for you help. Peggy Photos:      Answer: Peggy.. I wanted the back to see the tuners. The tuners tell me that it is going to be impossible to give you an answer without some mark. The words on the end of the tuner are for the tuners only. It is a better than usual banjo uke and should sound really good. If anyone out there would like to guess. guess away...chuck - Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Question asked by: Donna Subject: 1915 Aloha? Ukulele with tabu stamp Question: Hello again Chuck. I tried to get a picture onto this site and with my vista home premium system it keeps getting "bugged" up. Gave up. The item is on ebay with 12 pictures. Item number is: 200145411803. Think I might have a Uke that is really rare here. Haven't been able to find one exactly like it anywhere. Hope you can find it on ebay if it's not too much trouble and identify it. Thank you, Donna breezysbears (ebay) Answer: Hard to tell from the picture, but I can tell you it was a good deal regardless. Keep looking, there is a bus every 10 minutes......chuck - Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Question asked by: Tina Subject: strange gibson uke 1 Question: Hi Chuck, We've e-mailed before about this uke, but have had trouble sending the pictures you requested. Here goes one more time. Our Uke is 24 and 3/4 inches long; 9 inches wide at its widest point. The headstock is stamped "Gibson" in gold, the tuners are unlike any I've seen, but beautiful. There are no cracks; there are minor scratches in the finish. The sound is clean and clear - it seems to be of high quality.(I'll send the second picture of the back and tuners with a second e-mail.) Any idea what it might be worth? Thank you so much for your time and expertise. Photos:      Answer: Tina..its a very nice style 1 or 2, the fretboard is fooling me, Gibson Tenor Uke with replacd very fine tuners. Those tuners are available today. If you can find the original tuners that would help if you ever wanted to sell the uke...It should sound fantastic...all the Gibson ukes did...chuck - Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Question asked by: Lance Garrett Subject: strings, bridge pegs, Ludwig Question: I have fallen in love with ukuleles and now have a bunch of banjoleles, some Martins and Kamakas, and several others. This newfound joy leads me to three questions: 1) A Martin tenor I just got (post 1930) needs bridge pegs. Where can I find some appropriate to this model? 2) Like everyone else, I would love to locate and buy a good-quality Ludwig. Can you suggest any specific sources or specific Web sites that would provide the most likely opportunities. Finally, 3) I have bought a bunch of Aquila "banjo ukulele" sets for my banjoleles. Can these be used on regular soprano ukes; and what's the difference between the two types of strings? Thank you. This is an incredible service for the ukulele community. Answer: You can get the Martin pegs from the Martin company. They have an on line store and are available. The Ludwig will be more difficult. They are highly sought after. Your best place will be the better sellers...Bernunzio, Gruhn, Mandolin Bros, etc...keep after them and one will turn up. Be prepared to pay. The strings will be fine...keep strummin..chuck - Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Question asked by: Michael Barclay Subject: Any idea who made this uke? Question: Hello Chuck, I've just restored this instrument and was wondering if you could tell me anything about it. I don't know what wood it is, where it was made or when it was made. Looks old to me and pretty well made. Three braces on the top two on the back. Thanks for your time, Mike Photos:      Answer: It looks like a ukulele made to look hawaiian. I would have to have a side vfiew of the area where the neck attaches to the body. I can then tell where it was made...send one please...chuck - Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Question asked by: Rob Deel Subject: approx value of a ukulele Question: I had an insurance adjuster ask me what the replacement value would be for a 1960 Vega Arthur Godfrey Baritone Ukulele. Unfortunately, I only deal in new ukes & could not give an answer. Can you give me a ballpark figure for what that uke might be worth if it were in fair/playable condition? Thanks very much, Rob Answer: 300 dollars...... - Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Question asked by: Kathy Montgomery Subject: Slingerland Maybelle Question: Chuck what can you tell me about this? I know that it shows a #204 on the back and also that it needs strings. I don't know if it is worth anything or not and I don't know anything about banjos. Photos:      Answer: Kathy..It is a tenor banjo..You can get information from Bernunzio Vintage Instruments ...he has a web. Tell him Chuck Fayne asked you to write.....Old and dear friend...thanks...chuck - Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Question asked by: John French Subject: Taro Patch? Question: Can you tell me who made this instrument and about when it was made? Photos:      Answer: John...Its very interesting. It is not a taropatch...they are 8 strings in pairs. This is obviously a six string instrument. I would like to see a picture of the whole instrument and the dimensions...length and width...thanks...chuck - Monday, August 27, 2007

Question asked by: steph Subject: Question: ive not heard of this brand of uke and was wondering if it is quality or not...it is for sale. thanks Photos:      Answer: Hard to tell from the pic of the soundhole. But the lable and the wood don't smack of real quality. Sorry, wish it did...chuck - Monday, August 27, 2007

Question asked by: Nick Subject: Candelas Ukulele - Nunes Copy Question: Hi Chuck, A while back someone asked about a Candelas Ukulele. I just visited the shop which is still running in East Los Angeles and left with this lovely soprano. I saw a photo of them making ukes in the 1950s, so I bet there are a few old ones around. Tomas Delgado, third generation grandson of the founder, made six ukuleles this year. Three like this with a Tacote top and Cedar back and sides, and three all Mahogany. They sound so lovely too. Five left.... Photos:      Answer: Thanks for the update nick...They used to be on Sunset Blvd in Hollywood for years. They made really nice latin guitars as well. see ya..chuck - Monday, August 27, 2007

Question asked by: Ffrancene LaShomb Subject: bruno means security Question: What would the value of this type be? It is very old. Just curious Thanks Answer: Hi..I have no idea what you are talking about. The bruno company made thousands of instruments. At the very least I need pictures of the front and back and then I can help you. Please make it a ukulele...chuck - Sunday, August 26, 2007

Question asked by: Donna Subject: Made in Hawaii Ukelele 1915 approx. with tabu stam Question: Hello, I found a beautiful Ukulele at an estate sale. It is about 21 inches long, 6" wide at the widest part and about 2 1/2" thick/deep. On the top handle it says Hawaii (Aloha on a gold, red, blue, black, cream crown- like insignia and below that it says Paradise of the Pacific on a ribbon like banner. Inside the sound hole it is stamped made in Hawaii (tabu stamped). It only has one of the original? strings, should be four. And it just has two of the string tightening knobs. It does have a crack all the way through on the top handle piece that looks like it has been very well glued back togther. The handle, front, and back of the uke appear to be in near perfect condition. One side of the Uke body does have a hairline crack the goes from the top down around the bottom. Up near the top of the crack there is a little nick/chip of paint missing. Looks like it could be easily? repaired by a professional. I haven't been able to find this uke anywhere to get its approximate value. I paid (too much for it so says hubby) and I have to re-sell it. Pictures are on ebay under Vintage Ukelele Hawaii 1915. It's the only one like it. Do you have any idea what it is worth? Would you advise I take it off ebay and sell elsewhere? Thank you kindly for any further information you can give me. Donna breezysbears (on ebay) Answer: Please send pictures....I can help if I can see it. chuck - Sunday, August 26, 2007

Question asked by: Peggy Subject: Banjo Uke Question: Chuck: I have this old banjo uke that was handed down to my late husband from his grandfather and was wanting to sell it but as it is unmarked it is hard to fine a value, also do you know if the wood would be maple. Thanks Peggy Photos:      Answer: It is hard to tell what it is without a label. It has the headstock of a gibson. Please send me another picture of the tuners and inside the back. thanks..chuck - Sunday, August 26, 2007

Question asked by: Dean Subject: uke pic 4 Question: picture 4 Photos:      Answer: I got the pictures. Thanks...I have no idea who made it. It is very modern. I also have no idea what the bolt is all about. It is a very clunky way to do the neck. I have posted the picture that is the easiest to see in the hopes someone out there knows who made it...thanks...chuck - Sunday, August 26, 2007

Question asked by: Thumbstrummer Subject: Sonny D and Favilla ukes Question: I've heard you praise Sonny D ukes and wonder why you prefer the mid-20th century vintage models over the newer ones? And, do you like the Sonny D concerts as well as his tenors? Also, took your advice on Favilla baritones. Got one and its much more to my liking than the Martin baritone that I once owned. It is a Herk Favilla and lighter in weight than one of Favilla's earlier models that I played. It's got great depth of sound and sustain and plays very easily. Thanks for the advice. Answer: i am a fan of all the Sonny D ukes. I play a large sized soprano as my main instrument. Thanks for the update on the Favilla...chuck - Sunday, August 26, 2007

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