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

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Question asked by: Melody Andersson Subject: appraisal on vintage ukulele Question: I have a vintage Harmony Ukulele with a gold and red Harmony Label. It measures 20 1/2" with a white band around the body. It has the original carry bag, both are in great condition, if not mint. Could you please tell me what you think it may be worth? Thank You. Melody Photos:      Answer: Melody....Lyric here ( my real given name)..It is a Harmony and its in nice conditon. To a Harmony collector, it would already be in their collection. If not, 200 tops...thanks for writing in..chuck - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: Thomas Martin Subject: Tuners for Gibson Tenor Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I have a Gibson Tenor Uke(serial # 7906 6) with the original case. A Gibson tech estimated that it was circa.1948. It is in absolutely mint condition except for the tuners. One is broken, one is damaged and all the white plastic knobs are cracked. I have had no luck in finding replacement tuners. Can you help? Many thanks, Tom Martin Answer: Thomas, Gibson made everything except ice cream trucks. I would need a very good picture of the uke to tell you exactly. A gibson tech should not be estimating, he should know exactly. Gibson is well documented. Find another tech. In the meantime, send a picture and I will do my best. They probably made 10 styles of tenors, all different. The number is useless, Gibson put anything on them. If it is a mint tenor, you have a wonderful find regardless of the model...thanks..looking forward to the pics. - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: William Arndt Subject: Vita Uke Gold on Black Cloud Label Question: Hi Chuck.. Long time reader..first time poster....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: William...I can tell you only one thing. Its the back of what appears to be a vita uke. Hope that helps. I can do a much better job if I can see the front...the entire front....thanks...chuck - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: Tad Subject: Question: Greetings Chuck. Can you tell me anything about these ukuleles? Maker, era of production and approximate value, etc.? Much thanks. Photos:      Answer: U.S. made...either Harmony ( probably not) or Lyon Healy. They both used the wording, Conservatory. I would need a better picture. Close up and where does the nane conservatory appear. Thanks...looks like a good example....chuck - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: Robert Subject: Kamaka Pineapple Ukulele Question: Chuck ...here is a pic of the front. I sent the first time, but must have not gone through. Thanks! Photos:      Answer: Your front came thru...Nice uke...What information would you like from me..I can now help...chuck - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: Fogducker Subject: Kamaka labels Question: I see where there are a lot of different colors of labels on Kamaka ukes. What are the various meanings? Do they represent different grade levels or age or what? Fog Answer: They represent ages. the white label, with l928, means just that. The main three are, white, Gold( 1950's approx) and the white again ( from then on)..Thats just a guess because Kamaka had a habit of overlappig the labels. Its best to see the instrument. There are variations that give the date. They are all worth owning..thanks...chuck - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: Leigh Ann Subject: gibson Bajo Uke Question: Hello I have a question i have a Gibson Banjo Uke the was my grandfathers the he bought when he was in the Navy at Hawii during World War II it has four strings and at the top it says The Gibson in gold letters and has a Gibson girl under it back in the 70's my mom was offerd $2,500.00 for just the top with the girl on it i was wondering how much is it really worth if you have any information please write me back thanks!!! Answer: Most banjo ukes have four strings. Need a picture to tell whch one..They made dozens. The painting must be by Picasso. If you got an offer for 2500, dont sell. Get it to an art apraiser. I have been in this businness 40 years and only seen crude ones done in the dark...If someone offered 2500, they know something we don't....chuck..let me know what it is. - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: DEMETRIUS Subject: Elias Howe Superbo Question: Hi Chuck, I was wondering if you had any luck regarding info on my Elias Howe ukulele. Answer: No such instrument...he made sewing machines..much harder to tune, but a great sound. good luck..I see you sold it...congrats...beautiful uke - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: Jerry Subject: Question: I often see ukuleles on Ebay with the �Winner� label on them. Was there actually a �Winner� instrument manufacturing company or did they farm out the work to other companies and put the �Winner� label on them? Answer: Somebody made them and put winner on them. If you think, its a wonderful alternative to "looser"...just a name not a manufacturer......chuck - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: Angel Subject: Stella Question: I wanted to see if you had any info about a Stella Banjo? My Grandfather left it to me and I know nothing about them! When it was made? What it is worth? Inside of it says 1909, i that the year it was made> This one has 4 strings, the front of it at the top is written very pretty Stella in gold and kinda red, and it has its on case. Thanks Angel Photos:      Answer: give me the oferall dimensions and a pic of the front. It may be a tenor or a banjo uke...Stella in that era was a wonderful machine...chuck - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: Jess Adams Subject: Harmony Uke date + value? Question: Yesterday I brought home a Harmony Ukulele that the seller believed to be circa 1960 or so. It seems to be in almost-new condition, and it sounds good. I paid $50 for it. I was curious to know a bit more about when it might have been manufactured, and what its value might be? Here are a few more detailed photos of the uke: http://www.flickr.com/photos/raanve/tags/ukulele/ Thanks! Photos:      Answer: 1050's...nice conditon...100 dollars...thanks for writing in..chuck - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: Randy Hostettler Subject: String Spacing Question: This is probably not a typical question for you, but I have rather soft fingers which make it difficult to play a guitar - fingers tend to touch ajoining strings. It appears that Ukulele's have slightly larger spacing, but it's a bit hard to tell for sure - pictures don't help much because the size is so radically different from a guitar, and it's hard to find an actual spec on string spacing on the web. Do uke's in fact have slightly larger spacing than the standard guitar? Thanks in advance for your answer... Randy Answer: The fingers touching the other strings is something you have to get used to. The spacing is about the same on all ukes. You will eventually get the hang of it. Keep playing. I wish I could help with the spacing problem, but time will toughen your fingers. chuck - Friday, July 20, 2007

Question asked by: Larry Subject: Kumalae Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I was interested finding out more about this Kumalae ukulele including value, type, and authenticity. It's in pristine condition. I have more pictures available if interested. Thanks for your time and any information. Larry Photos:      Answer: It is authentic. It is a style 2 Kumalae ukulele made teens-30's. It is beautiful and worth from 350-450. Thanks for writing in and let me know if you need my address to send it as a gift. chuck - Friday, July 13, 2007

Question asked by: Robert Subject: Kamaka Ukuleles Question: Hi Chuck, What would be a good asking price for these 3 Kamaka Pineapple ukuleles. Any idea of years they were made? It has been a while since we talked. Hope you are doing well. If you ever get to come visit Hawaii...would love to see you and I am sure Jimmy would too. Take care! Aloha, Robert Photos:      Answer: Robert, please send me pictures of the front. These ukuleles are like people. Different on the front, same on the back. thanks and hope to see you soon...chuck - Friday, July 13, 2007

Question asked by: Vicki Subject: value of uke w/ original tuners Question: Hi Chuck, I have a couple of vintage Regal ukes to sell that are in great shape except for the tuners, which are very hard to turn with rusted end screws , but they do work. Would installing new tuners on them increase their value or should I just leave them alone? Thanks, Vicki Answer: Vicky, It won't increase their value, but the buyers would appreciate your desire to make them happy....chuck - Thursday, July 12, 2007

Question asked by: Tony Powell Subject: Swagerty Surfulele Question: Hello Chuck, Any idea where I could get a replacement tuner for my Surfulele? Thanks, Tony Answer: place your wahts on marketplace on this site..Somebody will know....chuck - Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Question asked by: wenz Subject: Kumalae Question: Hello Chuck, what do you think of this Kumalae Uke? Hom much is it worth? I've played one and i liked it much! Thanks in advance. Photos:      Answer: 250-300+ good condition, plain jane style one. Usually a great player...thanks for writing in...chuck - Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Question asked by: Jerry Subject: Is this a Kumalae? Question: Chuck, is this a Kumalae? It looks like one to me, but there's no label in the soundhole and on the headstock the decal only says "Hawaii." Photos:      Answer: Jerry...it is not a kumalae...wrong shape and wrong headstock....Don't know what it is, but there are thousands just like it...thanks for writing in ...chuck - Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Question asked by: Brian Subject: The Southern California Music Company Question: Hi Chuck, I was hoping you could tell me something about this Ukulele. The sticker inside says HAWAIIAN UKULELE at top with a "crest" to the left of the word UKULELE. Under it all, a beach "scene" with a Hula Girl to the right. Then saying "SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA MUSIC COMPANY" and under that "LOS ANGELES CALIFORNIA". There is no other writing, stickers, or identification of any other kind on or in the Ukulele except for a pencil marked 42 inside with part of the 2 covered over by the SC Music Co. sticker? I'd sure like any information you may be able to offer. Thanks in advance... Brian Photos:      Answer: Brian...can I get a full shot of the front and back of the ukulele. Its hard to tell from just the sound hole..thanks...chuck - Wednesday, July 11, 2007

Question asked by: Bill Martino Subject: Stringing a Polk-a-lay-lee Question: Hey there Chuck. I�ve noticed you�ve had a few questions over the years on how to string some of those �kooky ukes� from the 60s, such as the Polk-a-lay-lee and the Singing Treholipee, so I�m hoping you and your readers might find the following info useful: The Polk-a-lay-lee I acquired a couple of months ago has a tenor ukulele scale length, and the original instructions that came with it say to fit it with classical guitar strings and to tune it aDF#B, i.e. re-entrant �D� tuning. This I�ve done, using two classical guitar high-Es, a B and a G, and they work fine, whether tuned as suggested or only up to gCEA. I�d imagine you could use Worth tenor (maybe even baritone) ukulele strings too, as they�re also long enough for the purpose. The resultant sound is a little thin due to the Polk-a-lay-lee�s thick plywood top, but it�s great fun to play, especially in front of an audience that�s never laid their eyes on one before, which pretty well covers any audience I can think of. You should�ve heard the laughter and gasps of amazement (or horror), and seen all the cameras come out, when I played it at Klub MUK the other night. Attached is a photo of the event snapped by Arch. Cheers, Bill Photos:      Answer: thanks bill, thanks arch..very informative..will keep a copy for my files....chuck - Sunday, July 8, 2007

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