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 (99 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: 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: 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

Question asked by: Erin Subject: Dominator's 6/13/06 Question Question: Correction to the last comment on to Dominator's banjo uke's picture. It is not the same as the banjo uke No.32 depicted at the Nalu website. I believe it is a Keech because of the metal tone ring. The uke on the Nalu site does not have a metal ring; it has a wood ring like the one I have. Answer: thanks for the help...always appreciated...chuck - Monday, August 21, 2006

Question asked by: Al Subject: Bushman Pickup_PU 2000 Question: I recently sampled the Bushman PU 2000 pickup in a new Bushman tenor uke. I compared it side by side to a Risa solid tenor and a vintage Harmony concert with a Dean Markley stick on guitar pickup through an acoustic amp. I concluded the Bushman was the hands down winner and would like to have one installed in all 3 of the ukes I use for stage. The main potential problem the onlooking luthier spotted was the smaller saddles (in comparison to the Bushman)of the vintage ukes may not have room for the under saddle pickup to be installed without bridge modification and saddle replacement. I forwarded these concerns to the Bushman company and await a response. Would you have any futher information on this subject? Thankyou, Al Answer: You've said it all...thanks for the info...chuck - Monday, August 21, 2006

Question asked by: Fran Subject: Roy Smeck Vita Uke Question: Just found Grandma's old Roy Smeck Vita Uke in the loft of my parents old garage. It's been hot & dry and cold & dry, so there's a massive crack around the side, BUT the seal sound holes are perfect! Looks like the bridge (which needs regluing) is original. I don't plan on making it my main uke, but I'd like to fix the bridge & crack. Is it fixable? Answer: Fran...it is fixable. I would like you to take it to a good luthier. It is a good uke and deserves to be repaired correctly. If you tell me where you live, I will try to direct you to a good one in your area or send you to someone who can do the job.Write me, I'll be standing by the mail box till I hear from your, or I'll just read it on the uke yak....chuck - Monday, August 21, 2006

Question asked by: Don Subject: Kamaka ua mau ke ea o ka aina ika pono Ukulele Question: Came across this old Uke and wondered if you could tell me how old it is and if it's one of those rare finds. It has a yellow label inside , and was made in Honolulu. It has wooden tuning pegs and a color decal label on the headstock with the words shown in the subject line of this message. Any information you could provide would be greatly appreciated. Also, what is the worth of this Uke? It is in excellent condition and has an old case with it. Thanks in advance. Answer: I need pictures. I can't tell anything from the description. That sentence in Hawaiian is on the headstock of 10000000's or ukuleles and almost everything else ever made in hawaii. It is a label you can still buy in Hawaii and put it on your own stuff. Please send me pic front , back, sides ...stand inside and take a picture looking out the soundhole....all info will help...chuck - Monday, August 21, 2006

Question asked by: orlando Subject: ukulele Question: I would like to know about a Nunes and Sons ukulele and and its value;and ,I would like to know some history of Silvertone ukuleles and its value. Answer: There is more information about those two ukes than I have time left to write. I need pics of the ukes in question and then I can give you an exact answer. Both companies made many styles. Nunes could be worth 150-15,000 and more...so send pics...chuck - Monday, August 21, 2006

Question asked by: Shawn Subject: Interesting Martin 2M Question: Aloha Chuck! I can't seem to pin this piece down. I recently bought it on the marketplace from a gentleman named Phil and it has some pretty fascinating characteristics and I thought I'd to see what you thought. It looks like a 2M, sounds like a 2M, and even smells like a 2M if you know what I mean. All the specifications are consistent with my other Martin ukes and in accordance with the information posted on the History of Martin Ukulele webpage as well. The odd thing is that 1) the C.F. Martin & Co. stamp inside the soundhole is sideways (typical of the Martin tenor and not the soprano or concert sizes), 2) there are no position markers whatsoever, 3) the nut and bridge are made of rosewood and quite different from the standard models I've seen, 4) even the headstalk seems to be a bit more narrow than the typical Martin uke although the width at the nut is identical with my other Martin soprano ukes, and 5) the heel on the back of the neck is also slightly rounded and not blockish as you would expect with most Martin ukes. There is no number stamped in on the keel and so I know it's not one of the first 200 that were numbered either. But I was told by a number of individuals that it's a very very early model. Possibly 1918 or even earlier? What do you make of this? I'm including a single photo for your references but I can send over a few more if it would be best to email you directly. I just didn't want to clutter up the Uke-Yak form with a bunch of my photos. Mahalo for your time! -Shawn Photos:      Answer: my guess, an employee made ukulele or a special uke for someone special. I love it for all the reasons that make it different. I have had a couple martins with sideways stamps and no fret markers. I wish I could tell you more, but the more you play with these things, the more variations you find. It is a two for sure....thanks for sending in the pic. I wish everyone would...It makes it so much easier.,,......chuck - Monday, August 21, 2006

Question asked by: rich Subject: old uke Question: I have an old uke I am interested in selling . It is from eather 1924 or 1925 as they only made thin model for two years from Stadlmair,in New York . It is a Miami uke endorced by Ukulele Hughes . Are you , or do you know anyone who would like to have this saprano uke? Thank You Rich Rich Music Inc. (541)389-0126 Answer: Need PIcture.......fast....chuck - Monday, August 21, 2006

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