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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

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: 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: 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: Chris Davis Subject: electric pickups Question: What's a good electric pickup and do I have to drill my ukulele? Thanks in advance. Answer: There is an external pickup being made today. I am not sure of the maker. I will look around and see. They are not as good as the internal, but they will do the job. If you contact John Bernunzio at Bernunzio Vintage Instruments in Rochester New York, he may know the answer. Thanks... - Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Question asked by: Paul Petrucelli Subject: Gretsch Soprano Question: Hello Chuck, I have this mahogany Gretsch. Recently had some cracks cleated & glued, and action adjusted at the nut. No markings inside, and has no side kerfing on the inside. Do you think this is from the 30's-40's or 50-60's? How much do you think this is worth? Thank you for the info., and Uke- on!! Photos:      Answer: It is a standard Gretsch from what I can see from the pic. They are worth alot more than they sell for in my opinion. They are a great sounding instrument. I have seen them sell from 300-400 and I believe they rank with the best. Have had many and all good. Thanks...chuck - Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Question asked by: Pete Subject: specific example for Chuck Question: Chuck to give you a specific example of a price comparison. A rarer L&H soprano bound top and back and sound hole with kite inlay from the 20's will not fetch the same price as a plan martin soprano from the 50's of which there are many more of. Why is this elightened one? thanks Pete Answer: The Martin name is Magic. I think Lyon and Healy are wonderful and I would advise you to buy all the inexpensive L&H ukes you can. Put the in a closet and wait. People are dwawn to the Martin name. Thats why the Martin soprano S O sold and the only reason. They stopped selling when people realized that the name is not enough. A piece of junk is a piece of junk. Thanks see ya...chuck - Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Question asked by: Jared Vandersaal Subject: White Label Kamaka pickup Question: Chuck, I recently purchased a soprano Kamaka White Label on Ebay and when I received it I was surprised to find out it has a pickup. Did Kamaka ever install pickups on Sopranos back in the White Label days? (See Pic) If so, how does it affect the value of this uke? Thanks in advance for your Help! Best, Jared Photos:      Answer: I can't see the pickup that well, but my guess is that it is a modern addition. Kamaka may have sold pickups but it's not part of the flyer I have. I can't imagine that it lowered the value. I would love to have a Kamaka amplified. How does it sound. Keep it. chuck - Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Question asked by: TP Subject: Unmarked KOA Uke Question: Hi Chuck, Thanks for your recent responses to my questions. Any idea who or what company made this one? It's claimed to be '50's vintage, solid koa. Any thoughts on value? Thanks in advance! Photos:      Answer: Looks mainland..copy made to look hawaiian but not. Have no idea, sort of has a regal head. But then so did King George. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Question asked by: Dan D Subject: Favilla B-2 6 string? Question: Chuck, Know anything about a 6 string baritone strung like a guitar? Did Favilla build it? Maybe Tom F could add some history. ebay item # 190093946265 Answer: Dan, Favilla did make a little 6 string guitar. I will post this and Tom Favilla, I hope, will answer the question exactly. I had one for years and it sounded pretty good. Send me a pic...thanks..chuck - Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Question asked by: Mike Benefield Subject: Antique Store Find Question: I bought this soprano koa ukulele in an antique store two weeks ago for $50. A friend of mine says that it's a Supertone, though we couldn't find an exact photo match. Any idea what it is? What it's worth? Photos:      Answer: It may be a supertone..can't tell, but I can tell you something. That small extention on the fingerboard dates it to the 40's and supertone did do that. There are also other companies who did. I never could figure out exactly how to use it. Let me know if you do. Nice uke.....chuck On further examination of the pics, I think that is a regal headstock. If not, certainly a Chicago made instrument. - Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Question asked by: Daryl Shick Subject: Cleaning Question: Hi Chuck some questions for you 1 cleaning dirt and built up grime off old timber uke info do's + don'ts 2 when you do valuations is it in u.s.a dollars ? thank Daryl Shick Answer: Go to a music store ( a good one) and get some Gibson Polish and cleaner. Good stuff. When I quote bucks its USA. Thanks...chuck - Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Question asked by: Dan Subject: pictures requested Question: Requested Maker/Vintage/Value on this Uke. Addl images to follow Photos:      Answer: I need you to answer a question. On the back is the little part that covers the area where the neck attaches to the uke. Is that piece part of the back or a separate piece? That will give me the clue to your answer. Chuck - Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Question asked by: bob Subject: tiple bridge Question: From your answers on this site I believe I have a tiple. "The Vernon" is the only marking on it. It is not in the best shape. In fact, it found me just prior to being shipped to the dump. It is in need of a bridge. It is a 10 string, 2-3-3-2 pattern. Do you know where I might find a bridge for this instrument? Thank you, bob Answer: Its a tiple and I would advertise on market place that you want a tiple bridge. any one will work, they are all about the same. thanks..chuck - Wednesday, April 11, 2007

Question asked by: Jay Kallman Subject: Martin Ukes Question: Hi Chuck, Was directed to you by Craig Robertson. (what a nice guy) He thought you would know the value of the 2 attached Martin Ukes if I wanted to sell. can you advise. Thanks, Jay Photos:      Answer: - Saturday, March 31, 2007

Question asked by: Vicki Reno Subject: Martin ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, There was a Martin "Tenor Delux" uke advertized on ebay ... described as having a "gold, raised Martin insignia on the headstock and a "burned in" CF Martin stamp inside..w/ special mother of pearl/ebony bridge pins". Did Martin make a special "delux tenor" as I've described, or is this a conjured up version of a regular Martin Tenor uke? Thanks, Vicki Photos:      Answer: Vicki, Please send me more pics...the whole uke and one of the bridge...thanks..chuck - Wednesday, March 28, 2007

Question asked by: Herb Subject: Schoenhut Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, Are you familiar with a child's ukulele marked Schoenhut? Would you know who made them? Unfortunately it is not in my possession so I can't send a pic. Thanks and regards, Herb Answer: Schoenhut was a company that made children's toys, furniture, pianos, etc. Very popular stuff. I have see a couple ukes and they really are toys.Have not heard of one in a long time. Thanks for writing in. If I can help, please let me know...chuck - Thursday, March 22, 2007

Question asked by: Pete Subject: uke values Question: Chuck, thank you for your helpful information in the past . I'm trying to get and understanding of how ukulele values are established. The brannds that are bought and sold often are not to tuff. Like martin sopranos and kamakas, all sizes. But the harder to find ukes like lyon and healy tenors and gibsons that almost never come up dont seem to fall into the same pricing laws whatever that is for examble I've have found L&H Washburn sopranos that are not easy to come by can't fetch the same price as a martin soprano which there are lots of.Can you help Thanks Pete Answer: I can only help if you find something and and I can see it. There are Lyon and Healy ukes that will fetch many times the price of a martin soprano. The lyon and healy shrine trimmed in abalone sold for upwards of 15,000......So, the only answer I can give you is show me the uke and I will tell you what is worth. It is useless to try to talk about them because there are so many variations. Write when you find one...chuck - Thursday, March 22, 2007

Question asked by: Bill Klemme Subject: unnamed baritone Question: This looks like it's in decent shape, but I want something that will last, and especially, sound good. I want to play it a lot but am still learning. Are any ukeleles that are unnamed worth more than $50? This was made in Taiwan (or at least the hardware on the tightener mechanism showed that). Should I spend a bit more and get one that is known to have good sound and build quality? Thanks, Bill K Photos:      Answer: I doesn't look all that bad. If you decide on your top price, give me a bell and I will try to find out whats around. In the meantime, go to the marketplace on this site and look around and put your wants up on the list. Someone will contact you.....They always do. Hope I can help...chuck - Thursday, March 22, 2007

Question asked by: Alan Smollen Subject: plastic Harmony soprano fretboards Question: Hi, Would you know of a supplier of such? Other than looking for ebay items? thank you Answer: You just got to look. I don't know anyone who has a stock of them. Also,go on the marketplace on this site and state your wants. Somebody has one for sure. Let me know what's happening. chuck - Thursday, March 22, 2007

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page