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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

Question asked by: Erik Subject: Wurlitzer Soprano Question: OK-here is a pic of a Wurlitzer soprano. The seller says 1940, but I think older--1920s or early 30s. It is a small bugger. Who made this thing? I'm thinking not Martin or Kumalae. Chicago? Asking 250. Seems high. Thoughts? Photos:      Answer: I think you hit on the nail....chicago, don't know the maker...1940's sounds like more the time. I have seen many varieties of this uke..enjoy..chuck - Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Doug's Uke Question: Chuck I've cleaned up Doug's photo and sent it on to you. The headstock logo looks like the crest on either a Kumalae or a Nunes but doesn't appear to have either of their names behind this as you would expect. It isn't as waisted as my Kumalae and looks to have had the body and neck stripped of it's finish, which will adversely affect its value to a collector. Dunno if this helps or not. I'm sure you will get to the bottom of this either way. take care. Steve Photos:      Answer: From the headstock, it is a common hawaiian of which millions were made. I don't think its any of the big makers. thanks for the clean-up...chuck - Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Question asked by: Bill Subject: Identify baritone uke Question: I have a "Mellow Tone" baritone uke Model B-38 that was made by the Kasuga Musical Instrument Mfg. Co. Ltd. of Nagoya, Japan. It has what I believe is called a "rope trim" around the body and sound hole. What more can you tell me about this instrument's musical value? Answer: I lived in Nagoya Japan for 14 years..Ok I didn't.....However I know nothing about the uke or the maker. perhaps someone out there will know.....best to ya..chuck - Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Question asked by: Manuel David Subject: Lindell Ukulele Question: Greetings Chuck from Cajunland in Southwest Louisiana! I picked up these two Lindell ukuleles at a local garage sale for five bucks each and was hoping you could tell me something about them. They are both in excellent condition except each has a hole drilled in the back where they were screwed into the wall as decorations. You can see the holes through the sound hole of each. They both sound and play really well according to an acquaintance that has been playing since the fourth grade and is now in her forties. Since I have found these ukuleles, I can’t seem to put them down; these little buggers really slip into your soul when you’re not looking!! Told a lady from church about finding them and now we’re starting a ukulele band at church, they do make a joyful noise! Can you tell me anything about these ukuleles, when they were built, where, value if any, collectability…etc? Any info you can give me is greatly appreciated!! Thanks, Manuel Manuel David 311 East School Street Lake Charles, La. 70605 Photos:      Answer: Lindells pop up regularly. No one seems to know the maker. In my catalogue collection they were carried by many companies. I would guess a chicago company, harmony , regal or pdiddy's uke parlor. best to ya....chuck - Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Question asked by: Doug Subject: re: help with old uke Question: Chuck, looks like I'm having trouble sending pics, my files are too large. Can you send me an E-mail addy that I can send pics to? I'm including the headstock pic with this post. The emblem is a Hawaiian crest with "ua mau ke ea o ka aina i ka pono" and the word Hawai`i under it. On the back of the headstock is a partial imprint of a "tabu" emblem (I assume this means it is an authentic Hawai`i uke). There is no sound hole emblem. The body and sound hole are ropebound. Photos:      Answer: get someone to take the pic that knows how to work a digital camera. There is no reason that you shouldn't be able to send a proper sized picture. Its so simple. That decal was used on every piece of hawaiiana ever made. The tabu is exactly what you think it is and the date is somewhere in the 29-30's.....chuck - Tuesday, February 13, 2007

Question asked by: Patricia Huotte Subject: Old Ukulele Question: My mom recently passed away, she had what she called a 6 string ukulele. She used to let me play with it occationally. She said she had it as a child. She was born in 1919. On the top it say's it's 1st National Institute of Allied Arts. I'm intersted in the value of it. Thanks, Patricia Answer: Patricia, I cannot tell what it is without a picture. Please send a pic of the entire front and back....I will then tell you what you have. thanks....chuck - Friday, February 9, 2007

Question asked by: Cliff Bonnar Subject: Harmony Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I wanted to thank you very much on responding to my e-mail back on Jan, 22-06 & letting me know that my Harmony is from the WW11 era which was excellant news. Have you had any luck resurching more info on my Harmony? Doesn't mater the value as I will never trade from my first find of many Uke's that I will hopefully come across. Photos:      Answer: Thanks cliff...nothing new but I will still try......love the uke....chuck - Wednesday, February 7, 2007

Question asked by: Doug Subject: help with old uke Question: Chuck, I recently aquired this uke at a garage sale. I have checked many websites and am unable to nail down the manufacturer and year. I think it is around late 20's vintage. I am including piccs of the front back and headstock. Photos:      Answer: Doug...All the pic did not come thru. I cannot tell from the picture, the quality is not good enough. Please have a picture taken that shows the ukulele in light, ..It is interesting enough to see if I can determine who made it. I would like a front and back picture and please see if there are any markings, stamps or decals or evidence that there ever were. Thanks , chuck - Monday, February 5, 2007

Question asked by: jim hebert Subject: 10 string ukelele Question: i have an 10 string ukelele that is 26-27 inches long with 19 frets, the neck and finger guard appear to be ivory or mother of pearl ? or maybe just white plastic, there is an inlay around the edge of the surface of the body.i believe it to be made of wood and not plastic. the tuning gears are metal.inside there is a round label, with a very colorfull seascape with the focus on a lighthouse emitting a ray of light to the left and to the right.in the light to the left it says bruno and in the light to the right it says means security. at the top of the circular label it say established 1834 and to the left bottom and to the right it says musical instrument.the reason that i am writing you is because i have no idea when this might have been made and also if i should insure it. any help would be greatly appreciated. thank you jim. Answer: It is a Bruno Tiple. The Tiple was a south american instrument that was made popular by the Cf Martin company. The Bruno Tiple is not a valuable instrument. They usually sell for about 250-300 in wonderful condition. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Monday, February 5, 2007

Question asked by: paul wanserski Subject: play or show Question: Hi Chuck, Is a Kamika rope style,origial case pat. jan 3, 1928 #74178. excellant condition. something you would play or hang on the wall?? worth??? Answer: Paul...I need a pic of the front and back. Thhat description fits too many kamakas. Please send one and I will tell you exactly what you have....chuck - Saturday, February 3, 2007

Question asked by: Heck James Subject: mid-priced ukes Question: Howdy, Chuck! Thanks for your advice about mid-priced ukes. I will definitely check out the Bushman Jenny! (Dang, I sure wish I had the dough to afford one of those vintage Martins!) Was also looking at the Cordoba 24ck Concert. Solid Koa wood. Do you know anything about Cordoba's reputation with ukes? Answer: Sorry , I don't know. But one of our yakkers will. if you want to as this same question on the bulletin board you will get many responses....thanks...chuck - Friday, February 2, 2007

Question asked by: Kyle Leonard Subject: Melody Band Harmony Question: A fifth-grader just brought in an orange Harmony “Melody Band” Uke. It is stenciled with G C E A musical notes under the name “Melody Band C-tuning”. It’s in its original cloth bag with the snaps on the end. The Harmony label is just like the late 1940’s on the Catfish web page. Does this have any collector value? It would be fun to let the 11 year- old girl who owns it know. Photos:      Answer: It is worth about 100 to a collector of Harmony ukes who doesn't have one. Thanks ..chuck - Friday, February 2, 2007

Question asked by: bart tuthill Subject: kamaka Question: i just got this uke. was told that it was a 1930S kamaka. was disapointed on the quality. wonder if it was fake. bart Photos:      Answer: You were disappointed in the quality and I am curious about the picture. I would not send a picture of the back of a person if I wanted identification. Perhaps a pic of the front might help., Most ukes, like most people, resemble each other from the back. I can help you if you will resend a pic of the front. Thanks for thinking of us......chuck - Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Question asked by: Jeffrey T. Smith Subject: Chicago ukulele information ,History , makers, players,etc. Question: Dear Chuck, Jim Beloff told me too ask you if you had any information on ukulele history of Chicago. I am of aware of quite a few of the makers,publishers, etc. Maybe you know where I can go to find out. I plan on writing an article about this for the Chicago magazine. Mahalo, Jeff. P.S. Can I send you a "got uke?" t-shirt I make? Please send me your size and mailing address. THANKS! Jefe' Answer: Jeffry, I am compiling a list of the chicago makers. The list is endless and the names have all but vanished from the records. Regal, as you now was the leading manufacturer and made most of the product from Chicago in the early years. They sold to many distributors and there is where the problem arises. It is difficult to tell the maker from the distributor. If you want to do a Chicago piece, more interesting than the makers is all the people who were claiming to have made ukes. I will do the best I can and get the list to you. Will talk soon.....chuck - Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Question asked by: Sharon Subject: uke by Ray Smeck Question: Sorry, I said the uke had 6 strings. It only has 4. Red and black sticker on back of handle says, genuine mahogany. Stamped Signiture of Ray Smeck over music and The Harmony Co. Chicago Answer: Sharon, picture please. Your description could fit more than one roy smeck uke. A pic will tell everything. thanks...chuck - Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Question asked by: Sharon Subject: want to know Question: I have a Roy Smeck uke. It is genuine mohogany (sticker of gold) and red on back. The name of Roy Smeck Uke,The Harmony Company of Chicago,Illinois on the face. All are printed on the front with music bars across his name. It is 4 strings. I don't see information on the inside. Answer: Sharon, Picture please. I can't tell from your description. It fits too many roy smecks ....A pic will tell all...chuck - Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Question asked by: JOE HUSTON Subject: HONU UKULELE Question: I RECENTLY SAW A BEAUTIFUL UKE WITH A LABEL INSIDE THAT READ: "HONU UKULELE - DESIGNED IN KALIHI, HAWAII - HAND MADE IN CALIFORNIA". CAN YOU TELL ME ANYTHING ABOUT THE BUILDER AND/OR HOW TO REACH HIM/THEM? THANKS, JOE Answer: I can't find the maker. I am posting this in case someone out there knows who it is. Thanks for writing in. I will continue to search for it. chuck - Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Question asked by: Mark Subject: old uke Question: Hi Chuck, Here's a pic of the whole uke. Like I said it came from Montgomery Wards 1941 postmark. the headstock is hard to read it may say Consort? Looks like a musical staff with a Large C and something else I cant make out. Thanks, Mark Photos:      Answer: Pic too dark to tell. Its a classic regal shape. Please send a lighter pic so I can help more...thanks...chuck - Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Question asked by: stan Subject: two shillelagh o'sullivan Question: Could I purchase a sheet music piano copy of "Two Shillelagh O'Sullivan" by Email or do you have to send it through the mail. Stan Answer: Stan, I answer questions about the ukulele. I know nothing about sheet music. I never heard of the piece of music you are after, but the name was worth the question. Hope you find what you are looking for. thanks for writing in three frets fayne....... - Tuesday, January 30, 2007

Question asked by: Jeff Subject: Plastic Ukuleles Question: I'm having a hard time finding info about plastic ukuleles. My main question is: is there a modern day maker of quality plastic ukuleles that are similar to the ones made in the 50's? If so, how much do they average in cost? Mahalo JS Answer: Jeff. I have no idea. I have not heard of anyone making plastic ukuleles except for kids toys. If you find out, let us please....thanks...chuck - Sunday, January 28, 2007

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page