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 (94 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: 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: Amanda Subject: String theory Question: Hi Chuck, Is it possible to tune a banjo uke to the key of G? I'm assuming that they would normally be the standard soprano tuning of C? Your help is invaluable! Answer: Its possible, but you need to alter the string size. Go to a good luthier and ask for a set of strings to be fitted that can be tuned to G....Why do you want to do this? Let us know what happens...chuck - Monday, November 6, 2006

Question asked by: Uke Slytalker Subject: 1927 Gibson Sunburst Tenor Question: Hey Chuck. I hope all is well. I have a 1927 Gibson Style 2 Tenor uke with a 5 pin bridge. It's the sister to the one you own. It needs a new home. What's it worth? Answer: Pleanty..ask 1000 at the least. They are rare with the bridge and they are great players. If I didn't have one, I'd buy it...thanks for all Randy...chuck - Monday, November 6, 2006

Question asked by: darren okrainec Subject: polk-a-lay-lee Question: Hi, Just a few months ago a took up the ukelele and came across a polk-a-lay-lee which I had purchased. As I learn the instrument better I will buy a better one in the furture. I bought the polkalaylee mostly for it's unusual shape. I know it's an older instrument, but will it ever be a collectors item or will it be just a strange oddity, as far as uke's go? Thanks, Darren Answer: Its a strange oddity, a player and a collectable right now....I like the way they play, but they are hell to carry around, especially if you have the six foot size.....thanks for thinking of us....chuck - Monday, November 6, 2006

Question asked by: Peter Shalleck Subject: please ID if possible Question: Hi Chuck- I just was made aware of your site and I love it! My story is simple: my dad gave me his Martin uke that he played at college (U of Penn) in 1928.(I was given it about 43 years ago.)He showed me 4 chords and said "learn those and you can play just about anything." Driving home from school for Christmas I flipped the car and the only broken thing was my Dad's Martin (sitting out under rear window...smashed!)I didn't pick up another Uke until my wife just bought me a $30 Hilo for my birthday as a joke. I started to play it and still remembered the 4 chords.I actually play pretty well now after 6 weeks of playing and I adore it. I just purchased the pictured Uke and would love to know what it is (it plays so smoothly and I love it)if you can tell me. Also, as you can see I would love to replace the black tuners which were added if you can lead me to a place or if you happen to have 2 that look like the other 2(i'll gladly cover any cost). With Ebay around I can see how someone can become obsessed. Thanks so much, Peter Photos:      Answer: I know nothing about the uke.Thanks for the pic of the decal. I can tell you about it. They are still sold in stores in Hawaii. I think, perhaps I am being pickey, but a pic of the uke would help. Its like trying to discuss your car with just a picture of the gas cap....chuck - Monday, November 6, 2006

Question asked by: David Subject: Mystery Uke Question: Hi Chuck - I have yet another unmarked uke that I would love help in identifying. Appears to be solid mahogany (?) with rosewood fretboard and flat frets (not rounded fret wire). White binding on the front only and bwbw binding around the sound hole. Neck is one piece and quite pointy at the end. This uke is strung with Nylgut and sounds dreamy. Ideas and value? Thanks - David Photos:      Answer: It is mainland made. Cheap tuners, but not a bad looking uke. Wrong shape for hawaiian, but if it sounds good thats all that counts. let us know....chuck - Monday, November 6, 2006

Question asked by: Paul Matthew Lauck Subject: Wendell Hall Uke Decal Question: Chuck, I have owned numerous Regal Wendell Hall Ukes over the years. Most are good players. All have Wendall's face centered INSIDE the round decal. I've had this uke for years that has Mr. Halls head OFF- CENTER and heading outside the decal. The face is also colored differently. Just wondering if you have seen this incarnation before. Photos:      Answer: Just a bad strike on the decal. looks alright to me......I have not seen this incarnation before but I think , as I said, just a mistake. have fun....chuck - Monday, November 6, 2006

Question asked by: Ron Subject: Robert Pearson Banjo? Question: Hey Chuck, just came across your site. How old could this Robert Peterson Banjo be? It's 7 1/2 across the round part and about 21 inches long. On the back center of the round part is a Mother of Pearl Star. I needs a new skin and strings but still looks good. Ron. Photos:      Answer: Good uke...nice condition...needs somework. 1920/s-30's....Robert Pearson came to America and went to work for the Hollywood uke company and made some of my favorite ukes. Can see traces of his work in your banjo uke...best...chuck - Monday, November 6, 2006

Question asked by: Terry Nagel Subject: unknown uke Question: I have a soprano uke that my father-in-law won in a Charleston contest in Cincinnati the 1920's. It has lots of inlays on the binding and on the back. The sticker inside was unfortunately damaged, and the middle is missing, but there is a picture of a Hawaiian girl sitting in a chair playing the uke, with a pineapple at her feet, and it says "Manufactured by M....ar Sc....., Inc., New jersey" In Pencil it says " N190 on the label, and stamped on the inside of the back is "02431." Any idea who the manufacturere was? Answer: pictures needed badly...inside and out...especially the label.....My mind is shot. I can't picture where my car keys are, let alone your uke....thanks...chuck - Monday, November 6, 2006

Question asked by: Shawn Charton Subject: Lindell Ukulele Question: Hey Frets, This is a Baritone uke I bought in a fit of Pawn Shop ukulele frenzy. I've fixed its few issues and now it sounds good. It is makrked "Lindell" but I can't find much about that brand name on the internet. Do you know anything. I understand Lindell has dubious associations. Any guesses as to the age of it? I'm guessing the late 50's or 60's. Photos:      Answer: Not alot is known about Lindell. Have seen sporano uses by Lindell but no baritones. May be distributor..thanks..chuck - Monday, November 6, 2006

Question asked by: Janet Topor-Bixler Subject: Robert E. Pearson Banjolele Question: Aloha Chuck, I have my Mother's banjolele. It is about 21 1/2" long and the total diameter of the banjo part is 7 1/2". The neck has a gold label with Robert E. Pearsons name. Inlaid on the neck are 2 mother of mother of pearl dots. The back of the banjo comes to a point and there is a larger mother of pearl dot inlaid on that point. It is in great shape, however, over the years it has lost two of the original pegs. I love this little uke! Can you please tell me something about it? Answer: Send pics..Pearson made many different ukes and banjo ukes..need to see it in person...chuck - Monday, November 6, 2006

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