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 (98 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: 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

Question asked by: John Swainson Subject: Old and unidentified Question: Hi Chuck I would really appreciate any info you could tell me about this old bowl back instrument. I always thought this was a mandolin until I saw something similar in the ukelele section of the 2006 vintage guitar guide. A label stuck inside says Artist Style 5 13028 Thanks in advance John Ontario, Canada Photos:      Answer: Its a mandolin. Find a Gondola and play....chuck - Monday, November 6, 2006

Question asked by: Jim Currence Subject: J. F. Stetson uke Question: Chuck, I recently bought a J. F. Stetson & Co. uke from ebay. There isn’t a lot of information on this brand out there, but it seems from my research that it’s possible that Martin was making some of these ukes. There are definitely Martin details to this instrument: The white/black/white nut looks like those on some 3’s and the binding looks like that of the 2’s. Also the ivory bridge saddle and the general look and construction seem very “Martin.” However, there is no stamp anywhere on the instrument. It has bar frets and ivory button tuners. So my question is, what do you know about this uke and do you have any idea about its age and value? Thanks!! --Jim Photos:      Answer: Not a Martin...That headstock says Rutan. Nice uke and rare. Keep it....good company...chuck - Monday, November 6, 2006

Question asked by: Nick Leonard Subject: Tuning pegs for an Islander Question: Hi Chuck! I see someone has already asked you about replacing the tuning pegs for an Islander, which has the older style, thinner shafted pegs... I was wondering if you came up with any options? Nick Answer: Sorry Nick..non leads..chuck - Monday, November 6, 2006

Question asked by: DON TIMMONS Subject: ARTHUR GODFREY UKE Question: Just curious about the collectability and value of a "Arthur Godfrey" uke. It says that in a stencil on the neck. It has a cardboard case. The uke is make of wood and is in very good condition. It is one of my wall hangers. Thanks, Don Answer: Need pics...lots of Godfrey ukes. He had a big influence on the new wave of uke interest. love to see which one it is and then can answer your question... - Monday, November 6, 2006

Question asked by: P.V.Nasby Subject: Martin uke serial numbers Question: The new round of 5Ks ukuleles from Martin all have serial numbers. I loved seeing rows of them in production at Martin in May (about a hundred or so). Many more than I would have thought and I am willing to bet alot more than Martin expected. I would guess more 5Ks have been made in the last 6 months than during all previous years combined. Photos:      Answer: I am sure your right. Thanks for the pic. I hope they learned their lesson with the Martin SOrry........and this is not another picec of junk. I am eagerly awaiting a report of the new 5k (numbered).....Its wonderful. I have played so many new makers contributions to the uke world and the sounds of some are fantastic. I really hope the 5k is all it should be....thanks again, chuck - Monday, September 4, 2006

Question asked by: Bradley Subject: SS stewart uke Question: Hi Chuck- Thank you for your timely response! I didn't mention the number 3135 that is stamped or burned onto the inside of my SS uke, visible through the sound hole obviously. Is that the patent number or the serial number? How does it affect judgement of the piece? I hope that I re-sized this pic down to at least RV scale for you! thanks again, -Bradley Photos:      Answer: thanks bradley.....It is a serial number further proving it has nothing to do with Martin. Martin only numbered a few of the original style one and two's in about l915. None since. They numbered all the other instruments, mandolin, guitar, etc but no ukuleles. Still a pretty instrument. thanks for the smaller picture. It helped a lot....chuck - Saturday, September 2, 2006

Question asked by: Dorthy Subject: Ukulele Pic Question: Hi. I emailed you last night. Received a picture of the ukulele this morning. Made me even more excited about it. It is 24" long. Concert ukulele? Does it need any particular type of strings? Thanks again, Dorthy Photos:      Answer: Yes it is a concert. Are you sure of the age. Looks marvelous. good luck...chuck - Saturday, September 2, 2006

Question asked by: Dorthy Subject: strings Question: Hi,I am receiving a national ukulele. It belonged to to my uncle's uncle. He played it in the 1930's. I am a harmonica and mountain dulcimer player. I know alomost nothing about ukuleles. I am very excited about playing it. I have not seen it yet but it has been described as mint condition. What do I need to know to purchase strings for it? Thanks, Dorthy Answer: Dorothy, take it to a good music store or a good luthier and have them professionally installed. You can use gut or metal strings. I prefer gut. NIce instrument........Is it difficult to play tshe harmonica and the dulcimer at the same time?...thanks for writing in...chuck - Saturday, September 2, 2006

Question asked by: Nitro Newman Subject: minor cracks Question: Hi Chuck: I have some minor cracks on the top surface of an old Kamaka I purchased that are due more from dryness and age rather than anything else. Should I take it to a luthier or is there something I can do to seal them? Super glue, plastic wood? Answer: take it to a luthier..too good a uke to do yourself....chuck - Thursday, August 31, 2006

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