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 (76 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: 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: 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: Paula Bowden Subject: Is this worth the repair? Question: Hi Chuck. I just purchased this uke on ebay for $20 +shipping. The seller mentioned that the front and back were loose. But when I received the item, I found that they are more than just loose, they are actually raised. Also the bridge is broken on the first and fourth strings. I don't know if you can see this in the picture or not. The uke is at least $75 years old. My question to you is what Kind is it, and is it worth the money to repair it. If not, the seller says they will work something out. Regards, Paula Bowden Photos:      Answer: Paula, I dont know what you mean by the front and back are loose. It looks like a regal or chicago type of ukulele. I would love to hae a better picture of the whole ukulele clearer and closer and then I can help...chuck - Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Question asked by: Glen Johnson Subject: Martin Uke Question: Dear Chuck...I recently took this Martin ukulele in trade for some guitar equipment and would like to know if you would be so gracious as to tell me a bit about it? The research I've done so far still doesn't help considering Martin's crazy dating system. Thank you for your time...Glen Photos:      Answer: No picture, try aqain pleae...chuck - Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Question asked by: w.byron Subject: granpa's uke Question: so my aunt pull out this ukulele that was grandpa's she says it is from the 40's, the label either says barclay or barday : made for Targ and Dinner INC. in japan. is this a uke from the ABC store of days gone by or something special? mahalo, wbr Answer: Japanese uke of the 50's..hope it sounds good. not worth a lot...chuck - Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Question asked by: Joan Thompson Subject: Rutan factory fire Question: Did you ever find any other info re the fire @ the Rutan uke factory in St Louis in 1940? If you have an old newspaper article I would like a copy if possible. Answer: still looking.....nothing yet...sorry...chuck - Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Question asked by: Dian Newell Subject: Dating my Baritone Uke Question: Hi Chuck! I picked up this Harmony Baritone Uke last week, it was a steal, and had been buried in someone's rafters for a number of years. The sticker on the headstock is pretty dirty and worn, but the stamp on the wood of the inside is clear (it's 144H695) I read somewhere that the "H695" models were built in the 60s, though I've also found pictures of the headstock sticker that say '50s era' I'm hoping that 144 might help pinpoint the birth year of my new treasure. I'm thrilled with how it sounds now that I've gotten it cleaned up and restrung and played in a little. It's amazing really, bright and loud. But I'd love to know a little more about it. I know Harmony probably made a million instruments. Can you help me pinpoint the date a little better? thanks, dian in spokane Photos:      Answer: Need a picture of the whole front of the uke.....top to bottom...then I can help...chuck - Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Question asked by: Paula Bowden Subject: Cracked Uke from the Philippiens Question: Hello Thanks for answering questions! I just bought a beautiful ukulele in Cebu, Philippines. It is made of acacia wood with lovely abalone and mother of pearl inlays. It has a beautiful sound. I moved it to Sacramento, CA and I didn't know enough to get a humidifier for it or put oil on it until it began to crack. There was actually already a crack in it that had been repaired with wood putty that I didn't notice until with the new changes, the putty fell out. The main crack is near the neck where it attaches to the body, but the crack is on the side part, not the top or the bottom. The other one isn't really a crack, but where the side and top come together at one point, the side looks like it has shrunk a bit, so it isn't quiet flush with the top. I hope this makes sense. And, here is my 2 questions. I paid about $180 for this instrument. The fact that it is cracking and shrinking a bit - does that reflect on the workmanship? Or is it just a casualty of climate change? 2) I have put high quality olive oil on the uke and got an Altoids mint box put holes in the top and a damp sponge in the uke case to act as a humidifier. Is this enough? I took it to a local luthier who told me that if it cracks more, bring it to them and they can shore it up with glue and clamp it to prevent further damage. Can you tell enough by my description if there is anything specific they should do? they don't work on too many Ukuleles. Thanks so much for your time. I am new to this world and have fallen completely in love with my new found friend, and would hate to loose her to something that could amount to nothing more than a head cold! Kind Regards Paula Bowden Answer: I think shrinking and cracking is a sign of faulty workmanship. It needs to go to a luthier who knows what they are doing. I might just be a glue job and thats all. Ukuleles are not usually fixed with wood putty. I would attempt to get my money back if I could...Look again.....chucki - Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Question asked by: William Arndt Subject: Vita Uke Gold on Black Cloud Label Question: Follow up pic Photos:      Answer: - Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Question asked by: William Arndt Subject: Vita Uke Gold on Black Cloud Label Question: Hi Chuck.. I've recently purchased this Roy Smeck Vita Uke and cannot find another with a label like it. It appears to be a silkscreened label. Is it an earlier model? Rare? I'm sending one image of the label with my question. More pics to follow. Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, William Answer: got all the pics..nice uke...odd to see that label on a uke..chuck - Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Question asked by: Herb Subject: Ukulele Test String Question: Hi Chuck, I was reading some of your old postings and had a "Why didn't I think of that?" moment. You suggested taking a uke string along when going to flea markets to test the playability of the odd uke. Would one string test the uke better than another: G, C, E, A? Thanks for a great suggestion. Herb Answer: any one will do.....it just gives you an idea of how it plays up the fretboard and the depth of tone...have fun - Sunday, August 12, 2007

Question asked by: Strum Bum Subject: value estimate Question: I'm thinking about selling my Koaloha tenor. It was made about 2 1/2 years ago - the typical production model - reddish-blond, non-curly Koa style with pineapple head and bridge. A few little dings that would go almost unnoticed. Great sound. If there is a variance in sound quality in this model from 1 to 10 - this is a 9.5. These went new for about $800 SRP, and given the demand now, I think I can ask that much for it. What do you think? Answer: No idea strum..out of my league. ask the question on the bulletin board and put it on marketplace. You will get more information than you want. chuck - Sunday, August 12, 2007

Question asked by: vivien Subject: uke marcus aquila Question: My uke is pre 1920 & has an Eagle on the label. Is it valuable ? Answer: If it is a favilla it does...send me apicture and a picture of the uke..thanks - Sunday, August 12, 2007

Question asked by: Andrew K. Subject: Martin Style Whatchamacallit??? Question: Hi Chuck! Can you please shed some light on this "Martin" that's currently listed on eBay? I've never seen anything like it. Perhaps this is proof that C.F. interned with Nunes. ;-) Here is the eBay item number for the listing: 290147135324 Thanks! Andrew Photos:      Answer: its a disaster on all levels. Its not a martin, they never made one with purfling around the body...wrong headstock, wrong bridge, wrong decal, wrong fingerboard, but other than that it is OK. Martin was around before manual nunes cut his first soundhole. thanks...a good laugh...chuck - Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Question asked by: Mj Subject: Canuke Question: can you give me some history about the Canuke soprano uke. It was hand crafted in Japan for the Imperial Musical Instruments Ltd thx Answer: MJ...I known nothing about the company. I have not tried yet , but they must be on line somewhere. Someone out there help me, I am limited in the Japanese uke market...thanks..chuck - Sunday, August 5, 2007

Question asked by: William Subject: Vita Uke Gold on Black Cloud Label Question: Question: Hi Chuck.. I've recently purchased this Roy Smeck Vita Uke and cannot find another with a label like it. It appears to be a silkscreened label. Is it an earlier model? Rare? Any info would be appreciated. Thanks, William Photos:      Answer: Thanks Willoiam...now that I have a picture of the label, I will throw it to the rest of the yakkers. I have not seen this label on a ukulele. I have seen it on a tenor guitar and a guitar. No idea of how rare...I have seen hundreds of vita ukes and none with this label..lets see what happens...intereting...chuck - Sunday, August 5, 2007

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