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 (91 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: Pete Subject: Harmony baritone tuners Question: Answer to question on replacing Harmony baritone tuners. Check out tuners at stewmac. I think they are the same as the original ones used by Harmony Answer: Pete...thanks for the help...always appreciated...chuck - Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Question asked by: mLKauai Subject: arthur godfrey bari Question: How good are those Vega Arthur Godfrey baritones?... or not? mahalo.. Answer: real good.......great sound and not really expensive. thanks and happy new year....chuck - Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Question asked by: Peter Fox Subject: gibson tenor strings Question: Hi Chuck, I just got a gibson tenor uke. The few times I had her up and running, she has truly produced a great sound. I would like your advice on string length since its over all size is 24.5 should I be using concert or tenor strings and do you have some suggestions for getting pins to stay in place I seem to get it working and then they take off like bottle rockets. Please help, thank you Peter Answer: get the pins with the notch in them so the string can't really pull against the pins. If its a tenor uke, I would strongly suggest that you use tenor strings. That is why they are named tenor strings. The concert strings seem to work best on the concert uke and so on. One more suggestion, if you wear a 33 pair of pants, usually a 42 is not going to fit well....best....chuck - Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Question asked by: Scott Collier Subject: tuning machines Question: Ok Chuck, this really isn't a collectors question per se, but... I have a nice Lanikai tenor that I love but I hate the tuning machines, they stick out the side like so many today. I would like to replace them with ones that stick out the back. Is this possible? Answer: absolutly....take the uke to a good luthier and explain the problem. There are hundreds of tuner sets made today, many will fit your uke......see yas...chuck - Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Question asked by: Dennis McKenna Subject: My next Uke Question: I'm not very good for playing two years now but would like to purchase a good sounding less- expensive Tenor. I like my little Mahalo Concert size. Any suggestions? Answer: Get a Mahalo Tenor is the first solution that comes to mind. If this doesn't work, write back...lots to choose from today, but why not stick with what's working....chuck - Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Question asked by: Daryl Shick Subject: brands Question: HI Chuck I just need some info on uke brands that are good but don't cost the earth.Was looking at that mother pearl REGAL REGARDS FROM LORD HOWE ISLAND DARYL Answer: What mother of pearl regal regards from lord how island.....?????? chuck - Tuesday, January 9, 2007

Question asked by: Brian Subject: Lapinad ukulele Question: This is a Lapinad taropatch for sale on craigslist. Have you heard of them? I googled the name but could not find anything. Photos:      Answer: sure looks nice..wonder what the wood is like, but never heard of the maker. Are you sure that is the maker and not the kind of wood. )Perhaps a little more research..I will do my own..let you know...chuck - Sunday, December 24, 2006

Question asked by: Suzanne Umberger Subject: dixie banjo uke Question: My mother is 70 and bought her Dixie banjo uke in a pawn shop when she was around 15. Her bridge broke and we don't know where to get a new one. Any ideas? Merry Christmas Answer: Call her dentist. Sorry, couldn't resist. I don't know of anyone who could fix it The normal luthier won't work on the all metal banjo ukes. I'm assuming that is the uke your're talking about. Take it to a metal worker and see if they can fashion something that can work...sorry...best...chuck - Sunday, December 24, 2006

Question asked by: George Jeremias Subject: Strings for 12 Fret Tenor Question: I have a martin tenor with 12 frets above the body. I'm having trouble finding strings with the right tension/intonation. Any suggestions? Answer: Find the CFMartin web site and write and order a set. They will fit perfectly. If the intonation is wrong, it is probably not the strings Have it checked by a reputable Martin Dealer. They will be able to solve the problem instantly. Remember, be careful handling your ornaments on Xmas......best....Mt Idy Elves and the uke makers of our small town.....cf - Sunday, December 24, 2006

Question asked by: BOB SCHREIBER Subject: MARTIN UKES Question: I OWN 4 MARTIN UKES AND AM FAMILIAR WITH AGES OF THEIR GUITARS MATCHED WITH SERIAL NUMBERS BUT DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIND OUT HOW OLD THE UKES ARE SINCE THEY DO NOT HAVE THE SAME #S AVAILABLE. IS THERE A WAY OF FINDING OUT JUST HOW OLD THEY ARE AND THEIR VALUE? I COULD SEND PHOTOS ID YOU WOULD BE INTERESTED. THANK YOU, BOB SCHREIBER Answer: Bpb, you are welcome to send pics to me, but I would first go to a fine music store and look at a copy of the Martin book by Mike Longworth. There you will find all you are looking for. The ukes are all pictured and dated for easy identification. IF all else fails, send them to me and I will help...Happy Year...chuck - Sunday, December 24, 2006

Question asked by: Andy Subject: Kamaka Keiki Question: I've just recently purchased a Kamaka Keiki that I think was made in the 1970's. It has a Kamaka label inside. When did Kamaka start making this model and how long did they make it? I paid $25 for it and it is in near mint condition, sounds and plays great. Was this a good price? Seems like a deal and a half to me. Answer: Great Price, great instrument Great present for me. Write the Kamaka Factory in Hawaii, they are still in business, and ask the same question. I think,if I remember correctly, l950=70's....best strummin...chuck - Sunday, December 24, 2006

Question asked by: Henri van Wandelen Subject: Mystery Ebay Uke Question: Hi Chuck, Do you recognize this 'ukulele on Ebay # 300058771893 ? Mucho Mahalo, O Wise One Photos:      Answer: Its a regal.......have seen that fender head before......chuck - Friday, December 15, 2006

Question asked by: Darrell Urbien Subject: Hollywood/Schireson Question: Did you mean Schireson as in the early 1900 LA luthiers? You spelled it differently... If it's the same one I'm thinking of I had no idea their relatives were still around LA. I wonder if he has any old photos, etc. from the olden daze. Answer: sorry for the missppellling......It is the same company ...You want to talk to gary schireson at volutone in the san fernando valley. tell him chuck fayne told you to call.....great guy.....real collector of family memorabilia......chuck - Friday, December 15, 2006

Question asked by: Jay Dunning Subject: What's that you got? Question: PS, Chuck. I meant to ask you what uke you are holding on your picture? Is it a Baritone? What model, etc? Jay Answer: Its a l950 Gibson style 3. Tenor..... chuck - Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Question asked by: Jay Dunning Subject: An old uke! Question: G'day Chuck and greetings from Melbourne, Australia. My question is, What do you know about Barclay ukes (by Barclay Musical Instuments Co. Ltd.). I think in N.York? I have an old one that looks mass produced but the timber (sound) is delightful. It states on the inside label that it is, "New Style No. followed by what looks like a D or could be an A without the horizontal stroke. Bit hard to tell. Anyway, mate, waddayareckon? All the best, Jay Answer: send a pic if you please...I'll help...chuck - Wednesday, December 13, 2006

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