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 (82 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: 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: 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: 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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