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#Get expert ukulele advice at the Collector's Uke Yak
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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

Chuck Fayne

Flea Market Music Uke Yak (84 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: Photo 1    

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: Photo 1    

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: Photo 1    

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: 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: Photo 1    

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: TP
Subject: Louis Gaspar?
Question: What's know about this uke maker?

Answer: He was a violin maker turned ukulele maker. He lived in Hawaii and his ukes are not common but not unknown. I had a few of them at one time and they were always good players. How's yours....chuck
- Thursday, March 22, 2007


-->Question asked by: TP
Subject: Louis Gaspar?
Question: Hello, an asymetric pineapple claimed to be from Louis Gaspar. Any thoughts on it's value? Thanks!

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: I had one and it sold for 300 bucks. Second one I've seen with the Fender headstock. He was a decent make in Hawaii. good find...chuck
- Saturday, March 17, 2007


-->Question asked by: Dasher
Subject: Gibson Ukuleles
Question: Hi Chuck: I note that some Gibson Ukuleles say "The Gibson" on the headstock while others say just "Gibson". Can you tell me the significance of this change? Did it happen at a certain time? Does one indicate a better uke than the other. Thanks.

Answer: The gibson...1926-1940's Gibson... 40's on I prefer the earlier sopranos and the later concerts ( tenors).,...thanks for writing in...chuck
- Friday, March 16, 2007


-->Question asked by: Fred Crouch
Subject: Sheet Music
Question: Where can I find sheet music, not just folk but ballards etc.?

Answer: There are uke books for sale on this site and for the physical sheet music, you just have to scrounge. Ebay, Thrift shops, flea markets..etc....hope this helps...chuck
- Wednesday, March 14, 2007


-->Question asked by: Matt G
Subject: uke pickup
Question: I have 2 ukes and I want to wire one for use with a band. One is a 50-60s Harmony and the other is a new Johnson(my first). I'm not sure if I should be drilling holes in the Harmony even though it is my favorite and best sounding. The Johnson works fine and stays tuned. Which one would you get wired ?

Answer: I would drill the Harmony if it is the bst sound. I imagine you are going to keep it and I would not worry about hurting the value. It will end up worth more....best chuck
- Wednesday, March 14, 2007


-->Question asked by: MdJ
Subject: unknown maker - baritone koa uke
Question: dear frets i purchased this koa baritone uke on a charity website - the luthier who did some repair on it could not identify the maker- gave a ballpark value without knowing the maker of 750.00 - all koa including the bridge and nut. any info you might have would be deeply appreciated. thank you MdJ

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: I have nothing to add. Not knowing the maker I can't help...Sure looks good, beautiful wood and I hope a good sound. 750 sounds about right...best chuck
- Wednesday, March 14, 2007


-->Question asked by: Dan
Subject: Maker/Vintage?Value
Question: Chuck...Could you give me any information on this Uke.. Thanks

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Its very hard to tell from the pic. could you get me one I can really see. I think, from what I can see, its is a mainland copy of a hawaiian design. I don't think its island because of the headstock. I would love to have a pic of the whole uke front and back, well lit please. thanks..chuck
- Wednesday, March 14, 2007


-->Question asked by: Lisa
Subject: Lyon & Healy concert vs. Martin concert
Question: Hi Chuck! This is kind of a subjective question. I have 2 older Martin sopranos (which I love) and want to get a Concert (have a 50's Harmony that's balanced but not loud it all). I love the way Lyon & Healy's from 20's & 30's look, but can never find one locally to try out and would have to rely on buying one site unseen online. This question is hard to answer, but: How would you compare a Martin Concert to a Lyon & Healy Concert in tone, balance, sound, projection? I really appreciate you taking time to answer my query! Much Mahalo! Lisa

Answer: Have not seen alot of Lyon and Healy Concert Ukes. Lyon Healy made beautiful ukes but I don't think they can compare to the sound of a Martin concert. One of my personal favorites. It would be less espensive to buy the Lyon and Healy if you can find one. I would not buy sight unseen and sound unheard. I would buy with the right to return if not satisfied. You could get a real clinker more often than a prize. Let me know what you do..chuck
- Monday, March 12, 2007


-->Question asked by: Sam
Subject: Kamaka damage? Part 2
Question: Here is a close up of the small black dots on the back. Auction made no mention of repair and called these "label glue". Did I get hosed?

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Sam....I am suspicious of the small black marke. Looks like a repair to me. Violin luthiers trick of small rods....I would have a Luthier check it out, he will know in a minute and if it turns out to be an undisclosed repair, I would consider asking for a refund. At 350, it's at the top of the market. It is definitly not label glue...who puts a label at the bottom of the uke?....first mistake .....Suspicious in Mt Idy...chuck
- Monday, March 12, 2007


-->Question asked by: bobtheuke
Subject: unknown tiple
Question: sent pics the other day of my tiple...did you manage to identify it Chuck also any les howels news? Bob in England

Answer: Its still unknown...I think it might be a home job. Odd shape and not Regal for sure. Don't know at this time who it is...will keep comparing...chuck
- Monday, March 12, 2007


-->Question asked by: Adam
Subject: jcds
Question: she told me she paid $300 or $350 for the jcd 3 in 72 and paid $800 in 1974... Adam

Answer: Adam...They are beautiful and great players. I'm not sure what the original questions were, but I would be happy to own them myself. They are the top of the Doane line and I am happy to see them...Please write me with any questions....thanks...chuck
- Monday, March 12, 2007


-->Question asked by: Becky Lyon
Subject: about great granddaddy's uke....
Question: looking for more info on this sweet little (soprano?) uke acquired by pedro delemos during one of his many collecting trips. he was an well-known california artist of the arts & crafts style/era and curator at the stanford museum. instrument seems to be in very good condition. label is intact and reads ukelele o hawaii made by leonardo nunes especially for kohler & chase san francisco copyright 1915 l nunes. no thoughts of parting with it, but curious, of course, about value and wondering about any appropriate conditioning oils or storage concerns... our humidity can be mighty low in the winter months (southcentral alaska). is the copyright likely the year it was crafted? made from koa? thanks so much for your time and expertise! -becky

Photos: Photo 1    

Answer: Beautiful style 2 Leonardo Nunes Ukulele. 1920+ Wouldn't worry alot about the humidity, these trees are tough...I might, if worried enough, put a small container of water neer where you keep the uke. They make cigar humidors ( in portable small sizes that will do the job. )_ Wouldn't stress alot. Value??? 500 at the least. Perhaps more on a good windy day. thanks for sending the pics...Its wonderful...Great condition and I imagine a great player...chuck
- Monday, March 12, 2007


-->Question asked by: Adam
Subject: jcd 3 and 5
Question: As far as ive been told she had bought the jcd 3 in 1972 and the jcd 5 an 1974...

Answer: IF those dates are correct, they are worth quite a bit of money. He did not make many of the really fancy ones. I will check around and see if any have sold. I have had chalmers doan ukes but not of the calibre. They are really good players. For the collector, I would think they would be very interested. Let me see what I can find out and I will let you know. I would only be making a guess. Please ask if your teacher has any idea what they originally cost. I think Doan is still alive and it might be a good idea to write him. He lives in canada. If any of the yakkers out there know anything about these please let us know. I will put the pics up soon.chuck
- Tuesday, March 6, 2007


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Flea Market Music offers an on-line community for ukulele players, informative books on the ukulele, ukulele CDs,songbooks, videos and information on our instrument manufacturing of the FLUKE ukulele. Brought to you by "Jumpin" Jim Beloff. -