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

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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: 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: bobtheuke Subject: Picture of UB Question: A 1923 ub 11159A-13 with 9 inch head...Came with old metal strings...were they used that way in the dance bands do you think Cheers Bob Photos:      Answer: Have no idea. Can you send me a pic of it straight on so I can see what the front looks like..As long as your sending that, sent a back view. I'm not sure what you have....chuck - Thursday, May 24, 2007

Question asked by: Terry Plauché Subject: Harmony Uke Question: I believe it is a baritone uke, but I'm not sure. It appears to be mahogony. The inside label states the Model No. as RB-352. There is another number on the label that states "5-78" (date of manufacture?). It also states "Made in Japan". Any info on the uke would be greatly appreciated. Terry Plauche Mobile, Alabama Photos:      Answer: I knew Harmony had ukes made in Japan...first one I have ever seen. Interesting...Have no records about them but that is the Harmony script logo. best...chuck - Thursday, May 24, 2007

Question asked by: Heck Subject: Banjo ukulele Question: Chuck-- Found a little ole' banjo ukulele recently. Want to get new strings for it. I see banjo ukulele strings for sale on the net, but is there actually a difference between regular uke strings and banjo uke strings? Or can I just use any old set of uke strings? Answer: Use a strong set of strings..Kamaka or orignal Martin. They will give you the best sound on a banjo uke...stay asay from metal if you like your fingers...chuck - Thursday, May 24, 2007

Question asked by: Jane Subject: Conqueror Baritone Uke Question: I purchased this Uke at a garage sale for $20.00 made by Conqueror. I don't know anything about Uke's, but thought this was so pretty in the case. It is mahogany and looks like brand new, with the exception of the strings being different colors. I would send you a picture, but don't have a way to do that. Thanks for any info. Answer: Conqueror uke pop up occasionally, and I have never know who made them. I have catalogues with them advertised, but always by distributors not manufacturers. Not valuable but if it sounds good play it. chuck - Thursday, May 24, 2007

Question asked by: Colin Subject: Hawkes & Son Question: Chuck, I'm not sure how interested you are in English ukes, but I've recently bought this banjo uke in an auction. I know I got a good deal, I paid about forty quid ( less than $100 ) for this and a tatty electric mandolin, both in cases. I haven't touched the mandolin since but I have not put the uke down. It had steel strings on when I bought it and I think that was the only thing not original about it. It's in very good nick and sounds great. I understand from the internet that Hawkes and Son stopped trading in the twenties and eventually became Boosey and Hawkes. Are you familiar with the makers, is it really that old and have you got any idea of the value? Excellent website, Thanks Photos:      Answer: Nice...You are right. Hawkes and sons did become Boosey and Hawkes. Thhey are known more for the brass intsruments. Trumpets and Trombones. They made all the instruments for the Salvation Army at one time. First banjo uke I have seen. I would leave it alone and just play it..How does it sound. best...chuck Looked again...really nice...keep it - Thursday, May 24, 2007

Question asked by: Dasher Subject: Le Domino Ukes Question: Hi Frets: What can you tell me about Le Domino ukes. Who made them? How do they play/sound? I don't have one so I can't send a pic. Thanks Answer: Well, years ago I thought they were just novelty ukes. But I found out they made guitars, banjo ukes, soprano and concert ukes. I just saw one sell on Ebay for a staggering 1000+. I would not pay that much for all I have seen. They were made by a couple companies. They sound good. Made in the 50's primarily. Best...chuck - Thursday, May 24, 2007

Question asked by: Rick Herceg Subject: Lyon and Healy tiple Question: Hi Chuck, I have inherited a Lyon and Healy tiple which I believe dates back to the early 20th century. It has no label or number. Can you direct me to a site that might determine it's vintage? Thanks, Rick Herceg Answer: Send a picture and I will..chuck - Thursday, May 24, 2007

Question asked by: Bullfrog Willard Subject: Wood Magic Uke Question: Gordon Yamazuki had a question about a Wood Magic uke. I've got a Wood Magic soprano. The label lists them as Hawaii and Oregon! I haven't found any information on them, but my bet is they are no longer in business. Mine looks a whole lot like a Kamaka and is comparable in quality; solid koa, simple but with great tone and playability. Great instrument! I only paid $95 for mine, so we must assume they are a great bargain! Answer: Thanks for the help...Thanks for reading the column..sound like a great uke for the price. best..chuck - Thursday, May 24, 2007

Question asked by: Steve Foote Subject: unknown baritone uke Question: Could you help me identify the manufacturer of this uke and give me some indication of it's worth? I purchased it around 1963. I've looked inside for a manufacturer's name, but nothing is visible. Thanks for your help! Photos:      Answer: Don't know the maker. It looks like so many ukes made at that time( 50's). Is it a baritone? It is probably U.S. made definitly not hawaiian. Wish I could help more but without somekind of identification, its very hard. thanks for writing in ...chuck - Friday, May 18, 2007

Question asked by: Stan Filipiak Subject: Another old uke? Question: Chuck, when I asked you about my Kamaka last week I had another Uke that I bought at the same time that I thought had no value. There is no name on it. After doing research and looking at alot of pictures, I now think this may have a value. It has the Hawaii coat of arms on the head and the only other identification is C228 hand written in pencil in the sound hole. Any ideas? Thank you, Stan Photos:      Answer: Stan , the picture is too dark to tell what it is. I need a well lit picture and front and back. That would help alot. chuck - Saturday, May 12, 2007

Question asked by: TOM Subject: Kumalae Uke Question: Aloha, I have aNO 21 straight Koa from 1922-23.The label is great no cracks original canvas bag and two gut strins still on it. I was wondering what it's worth and would it be eays to sell? Mahalo, Tom Answer: Please send picture. Kumalae made many styles that affect the value. I have no idea what a no 21 is. Never heard of it...Thanks...send pic - Monday, May 7, 2007

Question asked by: Lynne Holyoke Subject: black king uke Question: Hi Chuck, The label inside this instrument says BLACK KING,with a logo of a crown It has a no. 28, then it says MADE IN KUROSAWA, TOKYO, JAPAN. There is mother of pearl inlay on the fret board, and around the opening on the soundboard. The tuning keys work but don't keep the strings in tune very well. There is a hairline crack running the length of the back. What have I got here? Photos:      Answer: You have a Japanese Ukulele. There are dozens and have been dozens of Uke makers in Japan. I am not familiar witht This name. Perhaps you can send me a picture of the entire ukulele instead of just the sound hole. They have a tendency to pretty much look the same. thanks..chuck - Monday, May 7, 2007

Question asked by: Bob Subject: Metal strings on uke? Question: Hello Chuck We didnt get far with the Les Howells koa unless you have heard anything. Just another question I recently bought a Gibson UB 1924 with a 9 inch head and mandolin scale length and it was fitted with metal strings and i have reason to believe that they are original..This uke predates the ub1,2,3 etc .I am thinking that these ukes were used in the dance band era in the 1920's and would have had metal strings for that purpose. What is your opinion.? The uke is certainly capable of taking the strain of the metal strings as it is well constructed with co-ordinator rod and sturdy neck.,,,, Answer: Bob, I have had all the gibson banjo ukes through the years. I don't know what uke you are talking about. I'd love to see a picture. It sounds more like a tenor than a banjo uke. I am not familiar with a banjo uke with a 9 inch head that preceeded the ub 234and5. The only other ones are the trapdoor banjo uke and the ub1 which has a six inch head. Please send me a picture, I'm curious. - Monday, May 7, 2007

Question asked by: Wawang Wijaya Subject: Dual neck uke Question: Is there any kit offering dual neck uke e.g both Soprano or one tenor and the other is Soprano? Or maybe there are some craftsmen offering to make dual neck uke? Answer: YOu have to contact the makers and ask. I have see some offered but don't know anyone who makes it amd had them in stock...You will find links to makers on this site and if you google ukeulels manufacturers you will find who to write...thanks...chuck don't know of a kit. see ya - Sunday, May 6, 2007

Question asked by: Stan Filipiak Subject: Kamaka Uke Question: I have had this uke for 15 to 20 years and dug it out the other day and looked it up and was suprised at its potential value. I emailed someone from another site and he told me that if it is as I described he'd offer $2000 TO $2500 any ideas? It is a kamaka painted pinapple there is a hand written number on the blue lable inside the number is 1678 Thank you in advance. Stan Photos:      Answer: Nice guy, I would offer you 2000 bucks too. But I would be cheating you. It a face painted style 1 Kamaka 1030's version of the uke. If it is genuine, and I don't see any reason why not, the last one I saw sold in excess of 7500.00. The market is irratic to say the least... If you want to sell it, use marketplace on this site first....best...chuck - Sunday, May 6, 2007

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