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

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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: 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: rar jungle Subject: old ukulele Question: hi chuck, i bought this from a guitar shop. no idea of the history, but it has great tone and plays louder than most, but without lots of sustain... inside the soundhole on the back is scrawled the name "johnson" in pencil. to me the most distinguishing feature of this ukulele is it's rounded violin shaped back. contruction is solid wood, not plywood, but i am not really sure of the wood type. any ideas about the make or history, or even wood type? thanks for your help! rar Photos:      Answer: rar...the top may be spruce and the back and sides maple. That would be in keeping if it were made by a violin maker. It needs one more fret at the bottom.. Very interesting back..I have never seen one like it. I will post it and hope that someone out there knows..thanks..chuck - Friday, June 22, 2007

Question asked by: Chris Shennan Subject: Kumalae uke Question: hello my name is Chris Shennan and i live in Liverpool England. My grandad was a uke player and he recently passed down to me an old one he used to play. i know nothing of the instrument so perhaps you can give me some information on how much it could be worth, good condition etc. i wouldnt want to sell it for sentimental value but it would be nice to consider if its worth something. the information on the head reads : Kumalae gold award ppie 1915 it seems to be in good condition and i can see a faint marking of c-345 inside the instrument if you could get back to me with any information at all it would be greatly appretiated thanks for your time Chris Shennan Photos:      Answer: Chris. it is a very clean example of a Kumalae style 1 . It was made by Johah Kumalae in the 20's. It is worth, in this wacky market somewhere between 250 and 400. The condition adds that extra amount. Thanks for asking and keep in touch..chuck - Monday, June 18, 2007

Question asked by: Pete Subject: slingerland maybell U B Question: Chuck please tell value and era of this metal resonator banjo uke Photos:      Answer: Nice uke...made by slingerland drum company in the l930's...a cut above the rest of their line...about 300 bucks....chuck - Friday, June 15, 2007

Question asked by: Demetrius N Becrelis Subject: Superbo Question: Well this is my first week on this website, I am also new to the whole ukulele world. I play the guitar violin, bouzouki, banjo, mandolin, and I sing. Lately Ive been having the urge to find a ukelele and simply explore it. After looking around like crazy, I came to the conculsion that finding one is not going to be simple. So just as I was about to give up on the whole idea of walking into a store and finding one. I walked into an antique shop and behind a cabinet saw a small part of a case showing. It looked like a small guitar case. I then opened it up the tiny case and found an old tenor Uke. I honestly couldnt believe that i finally found one. Anyhow the uke needed some minor repairs but I figured I would get it and take that chance. I do some repair work on my instruments so I planned on doing the work. Once I got it home I really looked the uke over and saw printed on the back of the headstock. E. H. Company, and Superbo stamped above that. Then when I lookeed at the neck block on the inside, it read W "something" Cole. Someone said the E.W. Co, may stand for Elias Howe Company. My question....... Is this a pretty good Uke? , does you know anything about this instrument? Will this be a good enough starter instrument? I does appear to be nicely built. Thanks, Demetrius. Answer: Demetris...I would love a picture of the tenor uke that came from the tenor case. Thats a trick even I can't do. Seriously folks...a picture would help me help you. Glad you've entered the uke world Looking forward to hearing from you...chuck - Friday, June 15, 2007

Question asked by: George Subject: age, make? Question: Hi Chuck.... You said if I sent a full-frontal picture of this old banjo/uke you might be able to determine age and manufacturer. ? Thanks! Photos:      Answer: I can tell you the approximate date. It was made in the 30's-50's. It is a very common banjo uke. It was handled by many distributors. How does it sound? That's what's important. No idea who the manufacturer is...Probably lost to the ages. Thanks for the picture..chuck - Friday, June 15, 2007

Question asked by: Pete Subject: maybell banjo uke Question: Chuck can you please tell the era and value of this cool metal resnator banjo uke? Thank you Answer: Without a picture I can't do much. Maybell was popular in the 30's and the value depends on the model...Send a pic and I will try....chuck - Friday, June 15, 2007

Question asked by: Richard Troughear Subject: Suzuki and Tabu Ukes Question: Dear Chuck Can you tell me the approximate vintage of these two ukes. One is a Suzuki No.4, all solid wood, spruce top appears to have been stripped of original red varnish (new tuners, bridge and nut). The other is a piccolo uke with inner brand "Tabu Made in Hawaii" and with a silver logo on the headstock. The tuners seem to be replacements. Photos:      Answer: The Suzuki is worth about 200 dollars. The little Tabu uke is quite collectable. Tabu is not the manufacturer. It is a warning used to let others know this is a genuine Hawaiian Uke. The size of the uke is rare and very sought after. I would guess the age to be 19 teens to the 20's. value....400+...thanks for writing in...chuck - Friday, June 15, 2007

Question asked by: Milan Subject: Peter Pan/ I Thought Was A Martin Uke Question: That Peter Pan duplicate of a Martin Style "0" has had new Grovers and a set of Worth strings put on it. It is the most incredibly LOUD and bassy soprano I've ever heard. It is unbelievable. I'm astonished at the projection. It is 120% of any Martin I've heard and I've had some good ones. How rare are these? Were they mass-produced? These may be the "sleepers" of the uke collecting scene if they're all like mine. Thanks again. Answer: They are fairly rare and not too well known. They were made by the Rutan company in the 30's. Rutan mnade ukes to rival Martin and I agree with you, they are very terrific and very much overlooked. Mysteriously, the Rutan factory burned down. Most of the Rutan's are easy to spot, they have a cut out at the top of the headstock...Much like an Early Nunes. There is also a Rutan with the name Rutan in abalone on the headstock. I've only see one of these Good find...keep strummin....frets - Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Question asked by: Kevin Subject: Kamaka Pineapple ukulele Question: Hi again Chuck I just won this beautiful Kamaka pineapple uke on eBay. Could you please tell me the age, rarity, and if the overall price I paid was fair. The link is http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=002&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=120126995895&rd=1&rd=1 Attached is one picture of the pineapple uke, and more pics can be seen on the above link. Thank you for your help! Kevin Photos:      Answer: Kevin...The Kamaka is not as rare as the other models. It is, however, in very nice shape. It does not have the double cracks below the bridge which 90 per cent of them do. It is also nice that it has the original case. That may be rarer than the ukulele. It is a style one 1928 Kamaka Pineapple Ukulele. They are wonderful players and very collectable. I think you paid right at the top of the market, but you bought well. It is a beautiful example and will hold its value. thanks...chuck - Sunday, June 10, 2007

Question asked by: Andrina (aka Dolly) Subject: Identify elderly ukulele Question: Just thought that seeings as you have a large number of ukuleles passing through this website you may be able to help me? I have just been given an elderly ukulele it is a "Johaan Kea" Laughing Water model. I am not sure of how old it is but do know it has been very well played. The decal under the strings says it is "MADE ON THE ISLANDS". Do you know of this ukulele, where it came from, age, history etc? I would be very grateful if you could assist. Photos:      Answer: I have looked for the name and cannot find it. It looks an early Kamaka but it is the wrong shape. I know of a couple makers that were making this shape early on. I am posting it in the hopes that someone out there will know the history. It is an interesting ukulele. If you are able to help, please write in. Thanks...chuck - Sunday, June 10, 2007

Question asked by: Wendy Matthews Subject: Radiotone ukulele Question: Hi Chuck! What do you know about Radiotone archtop ukes? Thanks! Answer: Radiotone was a name used by a couple makers. It, as I remember was not popular in the soprano size but more so in the concert and tenor. If you can send me a picture, I think I could do a better job. Thanks for yakking....chuck - Sunday, June 10, 2007

Question asked by: Dennis Ecklund Subject: Mystery Banjo Uke Question: Hi Chuck. This mystery uke banjo rescued from an estate sale will be my next restoration project. After an extensive image search on the Web I was still unable to identify it, so I'm posting here to see if you can give me a clue to who made it. Any info you can provide will be very much appreciated. It has a 20-bracket pot with a Waverly tailpiece. The tuning pegs are long gone, but they were the skinny post variety with shafts that measured about 1/8th inch. It has bar frets in a laminated fretboard that apppears to be ebony laminated to maple. The fretboard matches the headstock overlay. I've posted a page of detailed images on the Web. You can view them here: http://www.ecklunds.com/frets/old_g ear/mystery_banjulele/mystery_banju lele.htm Photos:      Answer: Dennis, get a copy of the Gruhn Acoustic Guitar book and you will see examples of the headstock shape. Vega used as did many others. Without a name somewhere on the piece, it would be hard to pinpoint. The waverly tail piece was used by all makers. It seems to be well made and I would love to see a picture when you get it finished. Thanks, chuck - Sunday, June 10, 2007

Question asked by: richard Subject: banjo uke Question: I bought this old banjo uke off ebay a while back. I love the crazy clunky sound, and I'm wondering how unusual the all metal body is, and if you know who made it? From the writing on the skin, it looks like the original owner's from Binghamton, NY, if that's a clue. Here's the ebay site & pix. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.d ll? ViewItem&ih=016&sspagename=STRK% 3AMEWA% 3AIT&viewitem=&item=260080076864&r d=1&rd=1 Thanks for your sleuthing, which reminds me: any good luthiers in the NYC/NJ area to tune this baby up? Photos:      Answer: I have had a couple of these in my collection. It has always been a puzzle as to who made them. It was thought for a while that National made them, but only because of the all metal body. I'm not sure they were made in the United States. They all have the sound you talk about. Is there a spot on the uke that it says Pat Pend' If so, please let me know. One of mine did and the other did not...best to ya...chuck - Sunday, June 10, 2007

Question asked by: George Laswell Subject: History of item? Question: Got this at the usual place ... (ebay). I bought it as it is different than all the four string folk instruments I have collected so far (mostly tenor guitars). Now I'm wondering what the heck I have ! George Photos:      Answer: George, you have a tail piece on a hunk of brown wood. You also have no eye for photography. Most people, not all, send me a picture of the instrument not an untra=closeup of the butt. I will be glad to help you if you send me as picture of the front, the whole front, of the instrument. I can do it but I'm no magician.....thanks for asking...chuck - Saturday, June 9, 2007

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