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

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Question asked by: Nate Subject: mele ukulele Question: I found an old uke in my grandfathers attic. I dont know what it is. It says "meleukulele" on a paper in the soundhole. The headstock says "mele" and "b&j NY, NY" it also has a woman playing a ukulele on the headstock. On top of all that, it is skinnier than a regular uke and has artwork on it that looks like feathers. Answer: Nate send pictures. That woman on the headstock must be uncomfortable...chuck - Wednesday, December 13, 2006

Question asked by: grouch Subject: old banjo uke Question: g'dy, Chuck!..grouch here..and a question (or 2?)..had this old thing over 20 yrs..it ain't a player..in looking at the body, do you have any idea what wood it is?..just curious..thought it might be birds-eye maple..any notion how old it might be?..there- -that's 2 questions!.. thanks..have a good one...Grouch Photos:      Answer: It is maple and it is 30's. And I agree, they don't sound all that terrific...keep in touch...chuck - Monday, December 4, 2006

Question asked by: Dave Demaree Subject: Tuners for Martin Ukes Question: I have a Martin Soprano Type 1 (thanks to your ID of it) that has two different types of tuners (tuning machines) on it. Two are of one style and two are of another. I think they may both have been Martin original style tuners, but I would like to get all four to match (one set has a spacer under the knob, the other does not). So I am willing to buy a set of four or two each of one of the types on my uke. Any suggestions as to how to find/acquire them? Thanks again for your help. Photos:      Answer: Go to the C F Martin site and order a set of Martin tuners direct. They will work....thanks for writing in...chuck - Monday, December 4, 2006

Question asked by: Frank Burnworth Subject: Arthur Godfrey Solo Lute Question: I would like to thank you for the rapid response to my previous question. I appreciate any information I can gain on my "Lute". I have another question I would like to ask. I have the original case for it and I intend to keep it---but I would like to store it in a more substantial case. Since the "Lute" is longer than a normal Baritone, Where can I obtain a hardshell case for it? Thank you, Frank Burnworth Answer: Put an ad on Marketplace on this site looking for an oversized case. You will probably have to settle for a tenor guitar case which would probably fit it perfectly. Try it and see what happens....chuck - Monday, December 4, 2006

Question asked by: DOUG Subject: ORLANDO UKE Question: I HAVE AN ORLANDO THAT I CANNOT FIND ANY INFORMATION OR VALUE. IF ANYONE CAN DIRECT ME ON WHERE I CAN FIND MORE INFORMATION, I WOULD TRULY APPRECIATE IT... THANKS Photos:      Answer: I have a cataloge that shows Orlando being distributed by about 5 different companies. Probably made by regal for sale to retailers. Thanks for writing in. NOt a bad uke....chuck - Monday, December 4, 2006

Question asked by: chris young Subject: Aloha Royal Uke Question: Dear Chuck, Do you know who makes (or made) Aloha Royal ukes? My neighbor has one – real nice (looks like my gold label early 60’s Keiki Kamaka but I doubt Kamaka made them). I offered to buy it and told him I’d get a price. Any ideas on who might know how to value them? Aloha, Chris Answer: Aloha Royal pop up all the time. I'm not sure who made them...The decal was available in stores at that time. Some sound really good. Would still like picture to be sure its not mainland with a hawaiian sticker...chuck - Monday, December 4, 2006

Question asked by: rubberdog Subject: Follow up - ropebound soprano Question: Hi Chuck - follow up with picture - you asked about the neck to body joint on this solid mahogany rope-bound soprano. Nothing unusual from the outside, except a very V shaped heel. Neck block inside is rectangular with a thick dowel. Kerfed lining, wood nut and saddle. The tuners seem unusual - brass, with the small buttons in settings like jewelry, marked (I think) "pat pend". No 12th fret. Sounds mellow, loud, not bright. Intonates well. Any idea what it is? Thanks. Photos:      Answer: mainland made. Perhaps harmony or regal or one of the other Chicago makers. I have seen those tuners before, they are more rare than the uke. Not bad tuners. Nice looking uke, hope it sounds good. l930's-50's.....chuck - Monday, December 4, 2006

Question asked by: Tony Kimball Subject: Dixie Uke- all steel Question: Chuck-Bought this new in the '50s and need some parts but cannot find a source nor OEM...any help? thanks Tony Answer: advertise your wants on the marketplace on this site. It will not be an easy one to find. best...chuck - Friday, December 1, 2006

Question asked by: Shannon C Subject: Vintage Kamaka Tenor Question: Hi there Chuck - I have purchased a 30+ year old Kamaka Tenor as a gift for someone who will appreciate this fine instrument but who is not a serious collector (at least not yet, but you never know). Since it is a gift I am considering having these scuffs restored and the neck cleaned so its appearance is pristine. What are your thoughts on these making these types of repairs and can you recommend someone in Orange County, California that would do it properly? Thanks! Photos:      Answer: Its a personal choice. I personally wouldn't touch it. The scratches will not affect the sound. Those are the only repairs I ever made. When it would improve the looks....usually never. Its a lovely example, leave it....chuck - Friday, November 24, 2006

Question asked by: Bryan Holley Subject: Help with Ukulele Identification Question: Dear Chuck, I've been working on tracking down the origin of my ukulele for several years now. Dave Hurd in Hawaii, in response to a verbal description, wrote me the info I've pasted at the end of this intro. Today, I am sending you web-size JPGs of this uke which are within your limit. The originals of these JPGs are hi-res and show all detail, but are too big for web. I think this is a Soprana Uke, but I'm open to persuasion. It weighs 9 ounces and sounds fantastic. I inherited it at the passing of my dad's third wife, who may have purchased it in Palm Springs, Los Angeles or Hawaii. Here's Dave Hurd's statement: "Aloha Bryan, I believe that the ukulele you have was made by either An Tao Kam or Kaneala Makini, probably in the 1950's in the Kakaako area of down town Honolulu. They had shops next to one another and made very similar instruments. Try to compare the measurements of your ukulele with those two types on my www.ukulele.com/ whatuke.hml page. Moana was the shop name of a Honolulu music store owner named Kuhns. I met his daughter who worked for the Public Library and was in her 60's some time ago. Very nice lady and very helpful in helping me to find out more about these instruments." I didn't have a picture when I contacted Mr. Hurd a few years back, so I described it with the following language, again some of it is speculation. > I believe it is a soprano uke. It is exactly 21 inches long and 7 inches > at its widest at the lower bout. It has 12 playable frets and it is > 6.5 inches from the body to the nut. It is made entirely of koa wood, > excepting the friction, flamenco-style tuning pegs which are a blonder > wood (oak? sandalwood?). The headstock, neck and fretboard appear to be a > single, carved piece of koa wood. Front, sides and back are also koa, > with a nearly parallel dark, some almost black lines. Small circle > inlays (ivory? plastic?) identify the 3rd, 5th, 7th, 10th and 12th fret > positions. A decal is centered on the headstock; It is the > seal of the state of Hawaii with the words: UA MAU KE O-KA AINA IKA PONO.* ** Surrounding the soundhole is a very spare single circle rosette > (again ivory? plastic?). > Inside the ukulele is a small, diamond- shaped paper label, with two > stars at each end of the diamond and the following words centered > (vertically and horizontally) in the diamond: > > L > MOANA > Quality Koa - Wood Ukulele > MADE IN HAWAII > By a Specialist > Kuhns Careful examination reveals no other identifying markings such as serial number or year stamp. So, Chuck, without wearing you out with too much information, I'm asking for your assistance. I recently found this site and Jim Beloff suggested I contact you when I ordered a few items recently. I've waited long enough and done research since I got this ukulele, so anything you could contribute would be very welcome. Mahalo, Bryan Holley Ashland, Oregon mailto:holley@opendoor.com Photos:      Answer: I agree with David Hurd. It really could just about any maker from that time. they were all doing pretty much the same work. It looks like all of them. I have seem many examples of ukes just like that and the best you can do is take a guess at the age and possibly who made it. Without a definite lable or decal or some positive example of maker, its impossible. Just enjoy it ...You might want to search the web for a book my John King, if it is still in print and it shows examples of many ukes. But it will still only tell you what you alrady know....Its Hawaiian about l930's...best and sorry I can't tell you what it is., chuck - Friday, November 24, 2006

Question asked by: tontonnihoneurniproNITRObOT Subject: Clapped Out Stella Question: Chuckmeister,I bought this clapped out Stella uke (just for $120 on eBay). . . I know what an idiot. mainly what got me was the painted resonator. It's nostalgic for me cause it's like a maker's label from a 19th C. American shelf clock. I think it should have a tailpiece and the bridge at the moment is a carved paddle pop stick. Can you give me any pointers about getting the correct replacement parts. It's just for fun. I've also got a National Style II a 1964 Kamaka and I just bought a Maton pineapple which is interesting from an Aussie's 'point de voir.' please help me Chuck! Answer: send pics., I can't even imagine what it looks like...I can help.,..chuck - Friday, November 24, 2006

Question asked by: Wynona Flud Subject: ukulele strings Question: do all ukulele have plastic strings or do some have metal as well? Photos:      Answer: Tahitiah Ukes, which are primarily rhythm instruments have steel strings. All the rest have nylon, gut, plastic....chuck - Friday, November 24, 2006

Question asked by: Pascal Mettey Subject: Martin Ukulele Value Question: Hello Chuck, I acquired this ukulele from the estate of my grandmother. She bought it new or near new (I think) and she rarely played it. I don't know much about ukuleles but this one is a MARTIN which is a top brand. What would the value be in today's market? Photos:      Answer: 3000 on a good day. The price on Martin 3's has gone up and down for the last few years. Mainly because most serious collectors have one. good luck....Really pretty instrument and maybe the best of the high grade Martins they made...Grandma had good taste....chuck - Friday, November 24, 2006

Question asked by: Lesley Subject: Gretsch baritone ukulele Question: Hi, I don't know if the picture is there or not. Anyway what can you tell me about this rare gretsch baritone ukulele. I have not been able to find another one or any information about it. I want to have the neck reset so it is easier playing but wonder if they are traditional dove tail? This uke is in very good condition. Any info you can give me is much appreciated. Thanks, Lesley Photos:      Answer: I have no idea. I still think it is a tenor guitar and not a baritone uke. I have never seen one exactly like it...chuck - Friday, November 24, 2006

Question asked by: Garrett Subject: Lyon & Healy American Conservatory Ukulele Question: I had witten earlier regarding this uke, but forgot to included a photo. Would you happen to know what kind of wood was used to make this uke? Thank you very much. I appreciate it. Garrett Photos:      Answer: mahogany........ - Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Question asked by: Garrett Subject: c1900 lyon & healy american conservatory ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, Would you happen to know what type of wood the circa 1900 Lyon & Healy American Conservatory Ukulele was made out of? I have one in very good condition with canvas case (the case is not in good condition). Would you happen to know the approximate value? Thank you very much. Garrett Answer: mahogany...I would like to see the whole uke instead of just the fingrboard. I can tell you heaps about the fingerboard, but nothing about the uke...please send a front view of the whole uke....chuck - Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Question asked by: Mark Caspary Subject: old uke Question: Hi Chuck, I got this old uke on ebay and was hoping you could help me id it. It came in a Montgomery Wards box post marked 1941. It also says on the box "This article is similar to the one you ordered, but it is of equal or better quality. The one you selected is out of stock." It also came strung with steel strings and it had an extra set of supertone strings gut I think. Has a booklet a kamiki publication Wm J. Smith music co. Photos:      Answer: please send me a lighter picture of the whole uke and what is on the headstock. that might me a clue....chuck - Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Question asked by: Scott Collier Subject: Strings on old banjo ukes Question: I just purchased a nice old banjo uke from ebay and I want to put new strings on it. Do these old beauties require steel strings or can you get away with nylon? Answer: If you want to ruin your fingers use metal. if you want to have a good time..use nylon or gut. If you put steel strings on it and don"t like, push cheese through it, it makes a great cuttter. chuck( cuttin the cheese) fayne - Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Question asked by: Laurie Light Subject: KAMAKA PINEAPPLE Question: Hello from the UK. I have found a junk-shop Kamaka Pineapple, rope binding, beige inner label "Jan 3 1928" patent statement, handwritten '17802' but with an extra decal on the headstock and another below the bridge. The headstock one is faded but reads "THAYER". The one below the bridge is a coat-of-arms with the motto "UA MAU** EA* KA AINA IKA PONO" Can you give me an idea of date, value, and throw any light on the extra decals? Thank you Answer: I can tell you all you need to know if you will send me a pic. there were dozens of styles of pineapple ukes and I need clear pics of the whole uke and then I will help...chuck - Wednesday, November 22, 2006

Question asked by: kevin douglas Subject: new martin 5k Question: what are your thoughts on the re-release of the martin 5k? are they GREAT instruments? worth the $? Answer: not from what I hear. I have not played one so I can't tell you..I hope they learned their lesson from the release of the SO uke of a few years ago, which was a real dog. I'll let you know if I hear anything c - Wednesday, November 22, 2006

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