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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:
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:
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:
Mika'ele McClellan
Subject: St George uke
Question: Dear Chuck,
I got your name from Jim, but
you're still local to So CA, I
assume. You knew my friend John
Zender! I don't have a picture of
my uke, but maybe we could meet
if need be. For a starter, what
is the background on a St George
Classique #2 'ukulele? I picked
it up at a surf shop in Northern
San Diego County--it seemed to
have soul! It needed some repair,
but it does have a soul inside
now that its repaired! It may be
pre-WWII. It is dark mahogany,
smaller than a concert but not
quite as small as my old Kumalae.
12 frets to the body and no more
beyond that; friction pegs; frets
pretty true. Pretty good
condition for its age....
I've appeared at folk
festivals with Jim, mainly the
Claremont one. I'm currently an
LA Treasure (Dept of Cultural
Affairs, I think) for Slack Key
etc in Los Angeles. I perform at
some libraries, schools, Topanga,
and one concert June 2 at the
Blue Ridge Pickin' Parlor. This
last will run the gamut of
Hawaiian music,
including "Malaguena" as
a 'ukulele solo! There will also
be singing, hula, and various
other instruments, but the uke
will be back-up on most of the
songs....
Mahalo no kou kokua,
Mika'ele McClellan
Answer: I have seen the St George ukes many years ago. I know little about them, I seem to remember they had something to do with Favilla. Tom will write me and let me know. They had friction pegs and were very slim waisted. I had a couple on my wall years ago and they were very good players. If I remember correctly, they had a label that had a bird on it. Et me know if I am correct and I will dig out a picture and see what I can find. Odd Ukulele as I remember. thanks for writing.
- Wednesday, April 25, 2007
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Question asked by:
DAN
Subject: OLD MARTIN DECAL
Question: I HOPE YOU GET THESE PICS. THIS
DECAL LOOKS LIKE THE BACKING PAPER
FOR THE DECAL WAS NEVER PULLED OFF
WHEN IT WAS PLACED. HAS A LOOK OF
BUBBLES ON TOP OF THE THE DECAL IN
A PERFECT RECTANGLE. BOUGHT FOR
$650.00 WITH ORIG CASE. IS IN EXC
COND. IT IS A 1939 FOR SURE. ANY
IDEA OF WHAT ITS WORTH? AND HAVE
YOU SEEN THIS B-4. IS IT FIXABLE ?
Answer: Sounds interesting, any chance for a picture. This is one I'd like to see...chuck
- Wednesday, April 25, 2007
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Question asked by:
Fran
Subject: Martin Tiple and Gibson Uke
Question: I have a pre 1929 Martin Tiple,
and a Gibson Uke. Both look
great, with only a few
scratches. The wood looks sound
and looks to have never been
repaired or altered. What should
I expect to sell these for?
Photos:
Answer: No picture of the gibson. They made dozens of models, I need pics of full front and back. Please..........
- Sunday, April 22, 2007
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Question asked by:
Wendell Guthrie
Subject: Gretsch and Sherwood
Question: Chuck,
I have a Sherwood, my first uke,
which you've helped identify as a
Gretsch soprano. I've had a good
luthier make a new bridge and
position it for better intonation.
I'm playing it more. Is it the
same as the Gretsch American
refered to recently in the Yak?
Thanks for all your efforts on
behalf of ukedom.
-Wendell
Answer: It is not the same as a Gretch American, it is exactly the same as a standard Gretch, as far as I know. I think they are great. thanks..chuck
- Thursday, April 12, 2007
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Question asked by:
gary parsons
Subject: ukulele
Question: got an old swannee ukulele
wandering if you have any history
on it.love to here from ya thanks
gary.
Answer: I had a swannee and How I loved it, How I loved it , my dear old swannee.....It was present from Al. I have no history on a swannee uke..sorry, however, seriously I have seen an Al Jolsen uke with Al's picture on the headstock. I will check around and see if I can find anything. thanks...chuck
- Thursday, April 12, 2007
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Question asked by:
Larry
Subject: armadillo ukelele
Question: do you know anything about the
value of this 10
string 'armadillo ukelele' it had
an armadillo as the back. it is
numbered 001. guys asking $100.
is this a deal?
Answer: I know what you are talking about and I can't for the life of me remember what they are called. They are a South American made instrument (duh)...guess that because thats where the Armadillo's are from....I will remember it soon. As far as the price, I have no idea, but I think 100 is a good deal. You say it had an armadillo...what does it have now. It's kinda hard to scrape the armadillo off once its on. They are usually 5 sets of 2 strings and that makes it hard to tune it like a ukulele. If the formation is any that gives you 4 sets, 3223 2332 etc then it can be tuned like a uke. Good luck and remember, for repairs take it to a Vet. Chuck (I think its called a Churango)..but then I think alot of things are called Churango.
- Thursday, April 12, 2007
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Question asked by:
Brent Graves
Subject: kumalae inside writing
Question: On 1/14/07, Brian asked about some
writing inside of a Kumalae (query
pasted in below). I just found what
looks like the same model at a
local flea market type store. On
the inside of mine, in the same
location, and written with the same
greenish ink or pencil, is "37-37"
(it might be 37-31; the top of the
second 7 is very faint, but it
seems to be there and the bottom of
the numeral is at a strong slant
like a 7 rather than a 1). Thought
I'd offer this bit of information
in case it might eventually lead to
a pattern. Maybe a Kumalae employee
gone wild?
Thanks for all of your information
- wonderful reading.
Brent
Question asked by: Brian
Subject: Kumalae
Question: Hello Chuck, I just
recently purchased a Kumalae Model
A, in very good shape. Inside the
sound hole, there is what appears
to be a signature, a "J" and then
some sort of scribble. I'm
attempting to send you pictures of
this (hope I do it right!), but it
will have to be sent in two
separate emails. What I want to
know is, do you have any idea if
Jonah Kumalae signed any of his
ukes and could this be his
signature? Thanks, Brian
Photo Available Answer: To my
knowledge, Johah Kumalae did not
sign ukuleles. I have never seen
that scribble inside a kumalae
ukulele. I have never seen a Johan
Kumalae signature inside a uke.
thanks..chuck
- Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Answer: Brent, any chance you can get a pic of the label and a close up of the writing. I'd like to see it in person. Thanks..chuck
- Wednesday, April 11, 2007
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Question asked by:
Don Carson
Subject: Niu Kani Ukulele
Question: I just got a Niu Kani soprano
Ukulele circa 1926. It is
unusual, in that it is very well
made , but has a polished coconut
body. This is not one of the
cheapo ones on ebay, it is a
really high quality instrument.
Nice Koa top, and Mahogony neck,
quality like an old Kumale. I
cannot find anything about this
Uke, are you familiar with it?
Does anyone know anthing about
this manufacturer? I have started
restoration, so the top is
stripped, and the bridge removed.
Photos:
Answer: I have had a couple of these through the years. They are lots of fun and hard to find. I have seen them with different names, yours is one I don't recognize. However coconut bodied ukes were very popular in the 30's. They don't usually sound really good but they are fun. I once had a coconut back uke that had 5 coconuts. Somebody drank a little too much and had a good time. Nice find, send pic when you finish...chuck
- Wednesday, April 11, 2007
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Question asked by:
michael
Subject: Ed Duvachalle uke???
Question: Aloha... Ukulele guru of ye
old..Have you ever seen one of
these by Ed K, Duvachalle
probably Obtained in hawaii 1927
according to owners daughter. it
had a label with his name in it.
Photos:
Answer: Michhal...Just a guess, but alot of these type of decorated ukes used to show up in the 30's and 40's. They were purchased plain from a maker and then decorated. They became known as tourist ukes. Designed to catch the eye of tourists. I have no idea who Ed is and have never heard of his name. It seems to be a home made job ( the decoration). I love them and it has some real value. It is unusual enough in todays strange market to bring a decent price. I have no idea what that would be but if I had it I'd keep it. best and thanks for sending it in. I will keep the pic
- Wednesday, April 11, 2007
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Question asked by:
Strummer Ed
Subject: Lyon and Healy banjo-uke
Question: What do you know about the uke
that Lyon and Healy made that is
named "American Conservatory." It
is a concert scale instrument.
When was it made and what is its
reputation? Thanks, Ed
Answer: It used to be thought of as Lyon and Healy's second or cheapie brand. However, I have found them to be every bit as good and I think Lyon and Healy just needed to have a less expensive model. There is little difference in construction but sometimes the difference is in the decoration. The reputation is good. They were a top company. thaks for writing in..chuck
- Wednesday, April 11, 2007
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Question asked by:
Tim Gillespie
Subject: Kohala Co. ukulele
Question: Hello Chuck,
I am looking for historical
information on this
little "Kohala Co." mahogany, I
did some minor restoration on.
(I have also seen a few others,
made out of Koa). Any clues??
(PS the "Red Fox", is alive and
well). Aloha Tim G. Hawaii
Photos:
Answer: Good uke, don't know the real maker. I think Kohala co. may not be the original maker. I have also seen and had them out of koa and they seem to be a decent uke. I am more happy to hear about the Red Foxx..That pleases me alot. Thanks for writing in Tim and good luck with Red...chuck
- Wednesday, April 11, 2007
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Question asked by:
Gordon Yamazaki
Subject: Wood Magic Uke Question
Question: I'm looking for any info or insight you may
have into an 8-string tenor uke I purchased
at a pawn shop in Hilo, Hawaii, this past
February. I can't find any info on the web.
Here is the info, and I have many more
photos if you want to see more.
Make: Ho'okalakupua La'au (Wood Magic)
Model: Kekoa
#172 (6-94)
Maui
JANEBB
The model name, Maui, and date are all hand
written. JANEBB is my best guess at what
appears to be a block signature.
Mahalo
Photos:
Answer: Gordon, I have no idea who made this uke. There are so many makers out there that its impossible to keep up with them. I will post this question in the hopes that someone out there will know. Thanks for writing in...chuck
- Wednesday, April 11, 2007
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Question asked by:
tony
Subject: age of my Kamaka Tenor
Question: Aloha Chuck,
I recently acquired a Kamaka Tenor
that I'm unsure as to it's age.
I'm enclosing a couple snapshots of
it.
Neck is thinner (not as radiused as
newer models), saddle and bridge
(where strings touch) are ebony.
Label is white and it has friction
as opposed to geared tuners.
My guess was early 70s as a few
late 70 models I've seen have
geared tuners.
Mahalo in advance for any guess or
info you might provide for me.
t
Photos:
Answer: It is a 70's and a beauty. Simple and I'm sure plays beautifully. If you want to know exactly the date, Kamaka is still in business and they are terrific people. Write them and send a pic and they will tell you exactly. They will still make that model if you order it. The white label is the usual way of dating. Later they went to gold and then to the label they use today. best..chuck
- Wednesday, April 11, 2007
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