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

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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: Robert Hansek Subject: Blue Bird Question: Have you heard of Blue Bird ukulele's? I have one that belonged to my Dad from back in the 1930's. They seem to be very inexpensive, just painted. Just wanted to know some history. Thanks. Answer: Robert. Blue Bird is a common name for ukuleles. I have seen it on inexpensive ukes of different makers. I have no knowledge of who made it. Send a pic if you have one. I'd like to see it...chuck - Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Favilla Baritone dates Question: Hello abain and Happy New Year Chuck, On Jan. 22, Isabel asked what is the difference between a Favilla Baritone uke with Favilla burned into it as opposed to one with a Herk Favilla label. You were correct in that there is no signaficant quality difference. It is a matter of time frame as to when they were built; Favilla Bros. burned in (but no serial number) pre-1953. Favilla Bros. burned in with an ink stamped serial number, 1953 to 1959. Herk Favilla label 1960 to 1980 Tom Favilla Answer: Happy New year to you and yours. Thanks as usual....Your always the last word. When are you going to publish the book or have you already. If you did, it didn't reach the shores of Australia......Keep in touch. Always intresting and alway informative. best....chuck - Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Question asked by: Paul Subject: Mystery uke Question: Hi Chuck, any thoughts as to the origin of this uke? I cant find even the trace of a label or decal on it. The finish has a fair amount of "craqueleur". I don't know why, but when I look at it, I think of Chekhoslovakia in the early 50's. (the tuners are new) Thanks alot, Paul Photos:      Answer: European or Japanese. Interesting design up the fretboard. First time I have seen this. Not much else to report. Thanks...chuck - Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Question asked by: Andy Subject: Choosing a Uke Question: Chuck,wanting to buy a uke but so many. Can one buy a good uke with good sound and craftmanship for a price around $300- $400? Tenor. Answer: Andy... Try Bushman Jenny. JOhn Bernunzio has them on his web site.. Bernunzio vintage instruments. Don't know if they make a tenor, but good reports. reasonaable. chuck - Wednesday, January 24, 2007

Question asked by: Diane Robinson Subject: Dandy line ukulele Question: Hi, I am the proud owner of a Dandy Line ukulele and would also like any information on this item. I bought it at an auction and can not find any information about this company. Thank you Diane Robinson Answer: Hi...The Dandy Line uke comes up quite often. and nogody seems to know exactly who made. I have it offered by about 6 different companies that were in existence in the l940's....I might be a regal body and then the dandy line distributor put on the decal. Not a bad uke...Hope it sound good, thats what matters. I'm not sure Dandy Line was a company itselt. Certainly not a manufacturer.....thanks again...chuck - Monday, January 22, 2007

Question asked by: David Subject: Unknown Uke (from 1-12) Question: Chuck, This is a follow-up to the email I sent on Friday. Here is a picture of the entire uke per your request. I am going to send two more since I can only send one at a time in this program. David Photos:      Answer: David...I got all the pic you sent and will answer with all my thoughts. I first thought it was possibly by Manuel Nunes because of the cloud arrange below the bridge. However it is mother of pearl and I don't know he used that. It seems to modern for Nunes. The Tabu Stamp on the back of the headstock is also too late for him. I think it is one of two things. Either the uke was made by Paul and Harold Summers or it is a plain hawainn uke of the l940'50' and somebody has tricked it out with mother of pearl. I doesn't have the shape of a really early uke. It is very attractive and a real fooler. There ukes I call tourist ukes that were made to attract the tourist. This might well be one of them. Withoug any marks of identification except the tabu stamp, It could have been made by many artists who were using that stamp. I'll look a little longer and send the pics to a friend of mine who may know more. Thanks for sending it in, Its a beauty. As for value, I would just be taking a guess. 600 approx....thanks..chuck - Monday, January 22, 2007

Question asked by: Isabel Subject: Favilla Question: What is the significance of having a Herk Favilla label in the sound box of a baritone uke vs the woodburned Favilla logo? Thanks and be well. Isabel Answer: Have no idea. They both identify the instrument and I don't think either is any more desirable than the other. Good baritone. Have fun with it...chuck - Monday, January 22, 2007

Question asked by: DARYL SHICK Subject: ukulele brands Question: Hi Chuck the regal i spoke aboutwas the one steve minon asked you about. You answered on wed nov 22 2006 about it. I purchased a fluke special edition snowfluke concert since than. Still would like info on brands that are good that don't cost the earth . regards Daryl Answer: Bushman Jenny.....good value....go to Bernunzio vintage instruments and you can see them for sale at a really great company. Tell John Bernunzio I told you to contact him. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Monday, January 22, 2007

Question asked by: Ken Stumpf Subject: Kamaka Pineapple Question: Would like your assessment on the attached. It is a Kamaka Pineapple, Blue label, and was owned and played by my great grandmother. The fingerboard is flush with the top; it has the Kamaka blue crest on the top of the neck, without the state motto, since this was made in the late 20's or early 30's. As you can see there is a cigarette burn on the face, but no other damage to the uke. Wondering about it's value. Thanks. Photos:      Answer: Ken, I am still stumpped by the two different but similar descriptions of wht appears to be the same uke. burn mark and all. It is not mother of pearl trimmed at least the picture you sent. Could you please write me and tell me if the two questions are about two different ukes. The picture I have is of a uke that is wood trimmed not MOP...Please clear this up and I will answer the questions...chuck - Monday, January 22, 2007

Question asked by: Cliff Bonnar Subject: Harmony Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I just sent you an e-mail asking for some info on my Harmony. I just wanted to send you more pictures showing my Harmony Uke. Thank You very much... Photos:      Answer: The uke was made during the WW11 era as evidenced by the trim. I have not seen another exactly the same. Its a great looking uke and I'm sure there are a lot of Harmony collectors that would want it. I will be glad to help you. I am going to some research on Harmony and see if I can find it listed somewhere. Best.,..chuck - Monday, January 22, 2007

Question asked by: Michael J. Locey Subject: Martin 1M ID Question: Hi Chuck; re; your response as to how old the Martin 1M is, you said it could be 60's or 70's; the photo shows the stamp inside without the "made in USA"; doesnt that mean it is not a 60's and later edition? Answer: NO USA stamp...My mistake. Its earlier than 60's or 70's. If the decal is on the front....l930's...Stamp on back of peghead.....20's probably. Best Martin style Martin ever made. Too bad they didn't make this one again instead of the Style's 5's....Somehow I dont think they still get it. I would be surprised if they sold 200 ukes at approximately 4000 each. But I have been very wrong before. If I had everything else and nothing but money, I would be tempted for the collectable value, however for that kind of money I can buy two superior ukes that really won't cost as much. Best and thanms....chuck - Monday, January 22, 2007

Question asked by: Erik again Subject: I should add... Question: I forgot to mention that the Wurlitzer in question has no cap on the headstock--the back doesn't cover it either. Thus, to me, it looks like a Chicago made Hawaiian copy... Answer: ERik...I would love to help you but I can not tell what you have without pictures. If you know of someone with a digital camera it would take aboutr 2seconds to put pics up. I could then tell you all. I have not seen a hawaiian style regal'/harmony with painted rings around the rosette and a harmony stamp on the back with a kumalae headstock. It is a new one on me. Pics tell all...Please send some....chuck - Sunday, January 21, 2007

Question asked by: Heck James Subject: uke purchase advice Question: Howdy, Chuck! I am new to uke playing, got a rather nice Oscar Schmidt uke for X-Mas (UO5 koa model). As I progress, I'd like to buy a nice SOLID WOOD uke, but there are SO MANY makes/models. Don't have thousands to spend. Any advice on a good solid wood uke between $300--$600? Answer: Look at the bushman Jenny. Look up Bernunzio vintage instruments..He carries them and is a good friend ...tell him I told you to contact him. He has a website. Hope this helps....chuck - Sunday, January 21, 2007

Question asked by: Erik Jorgenson Subject: Harmony Intonation? Question: Hi--I'm looking at a few vintage offerings, and I was hoping for a bit of advice. I "found" an excellent shape Harmony mahogany concert with case. Some people on the board have mentioned intonation issues. Asking $150. The other uke is a Wurlitzer soprano--probably a Regal from @1930. Thoughts? Answer: Eric Firstly, a Wurlitzer is not a Regal. Its possible for all ukes to have intonation problems if the bridge isn't right or the frets are too high or too low. If you are planning to get the Harmony, which is a good deal if it is in great condition, find out if you can return it if it has intonation problems. Thats the easiest way to find out. I would need a pic of the wurlitzer to tell you who made it. Keep in touch and let me know if I can do anything else....chuck - Friday, January 19, 2007

Question asked by: Jay Subject: Hanalei Banjuke Question: We recently acquired my wife's great grandmother's Hanalei Banjuke. I have had no luck finding anything out about it. Can you help? Thanks, Jay Answer: Same request I've made many times before. Please send me a picture. I can tell alot if I can see a picture. I will tell you all I can then....Thanks for writing, chuck - Friday, January 19, 2007

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