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 (77 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: 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: Nick Corbett Subject: 1920s Tabu Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I purchased this no-name tabu ukulele recently and have been researching and poking around in the sound hole with my lights, camera and eyes. There is a wealth of interesting things in there. To the right of the tabu stamp there is smudged ink, which I believe came from a hotel stamp, and if I stare at it long enough it can say "Gift of The Royal Hawaiian Hotel" or "Gift the The Moana." Depends how long I stare. On top of that I've found a wealth of other lettering including a full message "To My Sisters Meg and Chris I Love You Stu" Underneath all that I think I've found the impressions of a makers mark. It looks to be SAM CHANG with SAM on top of CHANG and they seem to share 1 very large letter "A." I couldn't find the "A" at first and couldn't put the name together as the big shared "A" spreads the "S" away from the "M" and the "CH" away from the "NG." And then I find a doodle of a "thumbs up" and kitty cat head to the right of all that, possibly symbolizing "cool cat?" The cat as well as some of the other lettering in the uke, like many sets of initials "SC" seem to run off the edge of the back, like the markings were there before construction? So, do you think this is a 1920's Sam Chang, or am I spending too much time down the sound hole? Are many old ukes this interesting inside? I also should mention it has such a lovely voice, and the wooden pegs hold tune quite well. It's a player, a wall hanger and a definite keeper. Thanks - Nick C Photos:      Answer: Well nick... First, let me tell you what I think it isn't I don't think its a Sam Chang...now the good news. I think its a better made uke than Chang built. The tabu stamp is just a warning to let others know that this is a genuine uke. It was used by Chang, kam, the summers brothers and a couple others I can't remember. This ukulele is really beautiful in all respects. I can't tell you for sure who made it, but I can tell you about when...It is from the teens to the 20's..It is an early ukulele. The decal would normally be deceiving but the shape and size are not. I would love to have it in my hands. It has the classic early headstock. The strip in the butt is also a good sign. It reeks of class. Like I said, I can't tell you who made it and I don't think we'll ever know. But who cares. Its just academic. Its a beauty..My birthday is 19 sept..Don't free pressured. best to ya...chuck - Thursday, August 2, 2007

Question asked by: Mary Subject: ukulele Question: I just recently acquired this old ukulele. I think it's really old and inside says is made in czechoslovakia can you tell me about it and what it may be worth? Its very nice except kind of beat up Photos:      Answer: Its a Mandolin. Thats about all I can tell you. I would suggest you find a Mandolin site and send them the picture. It looks like a flat back mandolin. Thanks for writing in...chuck If its quite small, I can't tell by the pictures, It might be a dancing masters mando or a mandopicollo...worth checking....see ya...chuck - Thursday, August 2, 2007

Question asked by: Jackal Subject: what kind of uke is this Question: I think this is a royal hawaiian brand uke (genuine). Is it, and what else do you know about it. Photos:      Answer: It is a hawaiian ukulele. It was made in the 20's -30's by Kumalae for the Royal Hawaiian Hotel. That is the story I have always heard. I have no reason to doubt it because they look exactly like kumalaes. nice uke..chuck - Thursday, August 2, 2007

Question asked by: Milan Subject: Rutan Question: Chuck, I did it again! I got this uke on eBay and am into it for $200. It is a wonderful uke and intonates all the way up the fretboard. It has very good volume and an amazingly "sweet" tone to it. It needed some repairs, i.e. bridge re-glued back on and some cracks sealed. I feel I got a bargain. I'm becoming addicted to these Rutan/Peter Pan ukes. The wood is a really nice "ribbon" mahogany which gives it an almost koa look. Photos:      Answer: now find me one....your amazing...thats a great uke for little dough...nice score..thanks for sharing.....chuck - Thursday, August 2, 2007

Question asked by: gab Subject: songbook Question: do know where i could find websites that has free songbooks with tabs for ukulele Answer: put this question on marketplace...on this site..they will know...thanks - Wednesday, August 1, 2007

Question asked by: Alice Subject: Uke Question: This fella is selling a "Pure Hawaiian" classic A model CL100M uke. Any ideas of what its worth? Its an online sale, wish I could play it first. Thanks for your help ALice Answer: Alice...i wish I could help...where is it on line..I'll look. Don't know the numbers or what kind of uke it is..sorry..chuck - Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Question asked by: Clark Turner Subject: Harmony tuning peg question Question: A retailer of ukes is offering a Harmony soprano "20s-30s" vintage with wooden friction pegs. It doesn't have a label, but the seller says he's had two or three in the past with the same type of pegs and correct labeling, too.The seller has an excellent reputation and I want to believe what he says. But I've never seen or heard of a wooden friction peg Harmony. Have you? Answer: The only harmonoy ukes I have heard about with tuning pegs and ones that have replacement tuning pegs. I'm sure Harmony made some that way, but it makes no difference. You might like them, I do, and you can always switch...If its a nice uke and reasonable..go for it...chuck - Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Question asked by: Paul Chapman Subject: Salvador Ibanez ukulele Question: Dear Chuck, Some time ago I acquired this old Spanish ukulele by guitar makers 'Salvador Ibanez E Hijos'of Valencia. (see label). Spruce top. Back,side and veneer to headstock all Walnut, Mahogany neck and Ebony fingerboard. Looks great but unfortunately always sounded crap. I have always thought it was because of the unlikely, primitive-looking, crudely carved bridge with no saddle! I was once told this was 'right' and I shouldn't try to replace it,but it has now come off and I'm tempted to try a conventional uke bridge. Should I? Can you advise or put me in touch with anyone who knows this uke. Have sent one photo. Five more coming. All the best, Paul. Photos:      Answer: It is tne original bridge. Ukes like your traditionally don't sound like you would expect. Where they are made they are more of a percussion instrument than a sweet melodic instrument. If I had it, I'd leave the original bridge and hang it on the wall. I don't think replacing the bridge will help all that much..sorry..chuck - Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Question asked by: BrianT Subject: Martin style 2 Question: Hello Chuck, this style 2 is for sale for $600.Is that a fair price with the crack on the face? Can you recommend a luthier in the Portland, Oregon area? Thanks, Brian Photos:      Answer: I think its a fair price. I will try to find a luthier. go to the player directory on this site and look at the players from portland. Probably a letter to a couple of them will yield a lthier...thanks..nice uke..chuck - Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Question asked by: Cort Moore Subject: June Days Question: Hi Chuck, This note is nothing to post but merely a second opinion on the "June Days" uke you recently commented on. I have one too and have seen one other. That other one is in the collection of one of the great dealer, repairer, collectors here in Ca.. These ukes are not junk but, rather, a nicely made production uke(Stewart I'm pretty sure, but I'd have to double check). I'd be happy to provide better pics if yer interested. cheers, Cort Answer: Cort..unless this is a different picture than the uke you are talking about....I am puzzled. I have had in my hands many of these ukes. The ones I have had were definitly made by stewart and would not qualify to be in a fine collection of banjo ukes. It is a knock em out banjo uke I did mention that they didn't have a bad sound, but a collectors item...not any I have ever seen. If you want to see collectors banjo ukes, get a hold of the 1001 banjo book by Tsumura and you will see what qualifies as a collectors banjo uke. I hope I'm wrong and the picture is just hiding a great uke...but I think not. By the way who is the great dealer, luthier, collector in California. I am from california and would love to know...thanks...chuck - Saturday, July 28, 2007

Question asked by: Tina Subject: Gibson Uke Question: HI Chuck! I learned so much reading the current entries, thank you! I'm having trouble identifying/valuing our Uke due to one unusual feature: the tuning keys. The fret board also seems narrow - 1 and 7/8 inches wide. Can you help us with its value and when it was made? Thank you very much! Photos:      Answer: Tina...it is difficult enough to try to value a uke when I have all the pictures I need. I have no idea what that is a picture of. I have never seen tuners like that and they have nothing to do with any gibson. I would like to have pictures of the front, back and the headstock where the gibson logo is. Gibson made about 50 variations of ukuleles. Each with its own value. I can help you if you send the pics. I'm glad you liked the site and I waiting with anticipation the rest of the pictures. I would really like to know where the tuners came from..Would you please measure the overall length and include that with the pictures. Keep them letters comin', best..chuck - Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Question asked by: jeff Subject: Question: Hi, My old lady picked this little banjo uke up for me. She's a little beat up, but sounds great! The headstock says only "june days" on it. Its got wooden tuners, and has the great picture printed on the skin. Just wondering if anyone knew anything about it. Thanks! -Jeff Photos:      Answer: Just exactly who is "she" in the little beat up line? June days is just a fancy name somebody came up with. Has nothing to do with the manufacturer. I have no idea who made this banjo uke, but it is a cheapie of which zillions were made. Oddly enough, they sound pretty good. Please remember me to your Old Lady and thanks for writing in...chuck - Wednesday, July 25, 2007

Question asked by: Richard Barnes Subject: Mouna loa uke? Question: Hey chuck any ideas who made this uke ? It has a mouna loa label inside. Thank you Photos:      Answer: Mouna loa was the name of the uke..I think it was manufactured by Regal of Chicago. I have seen many of them and they are mainland made to look hawaiian..Hope it sounds good...if so..play it...chuck - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: Luke Subject: FleaMarket Uke Question: I saw a violin-uke at a flea market for $85 its owners new the history of the insturment but I could but one on ebay for 9.99 is that uke to expensive Answer: I assume it is the ukelin..If so, you just have to punch in ukelin in this section to see all I have written on this uke. If you want a wall decoration its fine..If you want alot of work for no sound..its fine..choice is yours....take a peek at my former answers and thanks for writing in...chuck - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: Lesley Subject: uke Question: Chuck what kind of ukulele do you have in your picture with the sunburst finish? Thanks, Lesley Answer: A late model stlyle 3 gibson tenor. Thanks for asking... - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: tracie Subject: Kamaka generations? Question: hi Chuck, what years Kamakas are the best players? browsing on ebay, they can look really different. are there any that are dissappointing and that one should stay away from? thanks for your advice, tracie Answer: There is no other company that has had the record of excellence that Kamaka has had. The best player for me is the 1928 pineapple. Best sound ever. You can't go wrong no matter what the era. I have owned most of them and never been disappointd. I don't say that lightly..best of luck..chuck - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: lewis robinson Subject: kamaka curved top uke Question: hi chuck, great site. just got a kamaka of unkown vintage. on the top is depression between the hole and where the strings anchor. is this normal or a result of the strings being to tight? i will try to upload some pics from disc as soon as i learn how. thank you Answer: to my knowledge Kamaka did not make a carved top ukulele. Please send closeup picture of the top and I'll see whats what...chuck - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: Dan Anderson Subject: Victor Ukulele Question: This was posted on craigslist recently as an "Old Victor Brand Ukulele" for $50. Know anything about these? http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/ w22/Princekdr/stuff%20for%20sale/? action=view¤t=StuffforSale- 28.jpg http://s172.photobucket.com/albums/ w22/Princekdr/stuff%20for%20sale/? action=view¤t=StuffforSale- 26.jpg Answer: The "Victor question" comes up regularly. I stil know for sure who made it. Its not a bad uke. I have had a dozen guesses and not one for sure. It is mentioned in dozens of catalogues I own. I think, again, Regal or Harmony made it...enjoy...chuck - Friday, July 20, 2007

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