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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
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(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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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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