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

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Question asked by: Jim Tranquada Subject: Goro's M. Nunes soprano Question: Chuck: Goro's M. Nunes soprano with the Southern California Music Co. label likely dates somewhere between 1912-13, when SCMC first began retailing ukuleles, and 1917, when SCMC announced it was no longer Nunes' mainland agent. Answer: Thanks JIm...and from me personally, thanks for taking time to read our column. Your fine information is always greatly needed. Best to you and thanks again..chuck - Thursday, April 5, 2012

Question asked by: Tony Hall Subject: Matchstick Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, Hope all is well with you. It’s been ages since we last corresponded about the matchstick uke and we also discussed the coincidence of being acquainted with Glen Campbell. I am saddened to learn of his suffering from Alzheimer’s; the last time we met he was most generous with his public praise of my father’s matchstick guitar after his performance in a segment of the new series of Ripley’s Believe It or Not! There is some unedited footage of Glen with the matchstick guitar on YouTube and the matchstick ukulele can be seen being played (not Glen :-))on the same video in segment three at 6mins 57secs. Don’t blink though! http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=w2VNdDV6Vzo Uploaded recent photos of the matchstick uke and the case! More uke photos on my flickr photostream http://www.flickr.com/photos/52858221@N04/ It’s great to hook up with you again. Warmest regards to you, Jumpin’ Jim and everyone at Flea Market Music. Photos:          Answer: Tony, how nice to hear from you I remember you well and our conversations about the matchstick instruments. I would like you to post a series of the different ones on this site, so our members could see what a treasure and lost art they are. I realize they are on flicker, but perhaps some pics with explanations would be great. Thanks for getting in touch and always nice to hear from you...chuck hey yakkers, take the time to look at the work of a remarkably talented man.. - Thursday, April 5, 2012

Question asked by: Ashley Subject: De vekey style 4 Question: Hey , Iv found a de vekey style 4 ukulele in my grandparents house. It has 3 pieces of pearl missing from it but seems to be in good condition . The case is very worn and has no back to it . I was wondering how much it would be worth to sell ? Answer: ashley...please send a picture. Until then I would not put the uke in the case. I can tell you more if I can see it...chuck - Thursday, March 22, 2012

Question asked by: Rob Pacitti Subject: Favilla Uke Question: I picked up a Favilla teardrop last week for 17.00. I am in love with it, however I am having trouble with the tuning pegs. Wold you happen to have any suggestions for replacemtns size style, etc. Thanks -Rob Answer: Tom just just when we think there are no more bargains. Can you help rob with his tuner question....Until then, I remain picking your brain. chuck - Thursday, March 22, 2012

Question asked by: Mary K. Hallen Subject: CF Martin Type 0 Question: My father recently sent me his ukelele. It is a CF Martin Type 0, most likely made around 1940 ish. He bought it used in 1955. I haven't mastered the picture sending part yet, but I was wondering what someone could tell me about it or recommend a book, website or would be interested in seeing pictures. Answer: I would be interested in all of that. Please have someone give you help in sending, It is very simple if you know how and impossible if you don't. thanks...chuck - Thursday, March 22, 2012

Question asked by: Don Kellett Subject: .What is it? Question: Wondering if you know what make this baritone uke might be - is solid Mahogany with Ebony fingerboard and unique pointed bridge. No label - appears to have been peeled off. Don Photos:      Answer: Don...almost impossible to tell from just that pic. If you want to send some better ones, Ill try..thanks chuck - Saturday, March 17, 2012

Question asked by: Carl Boland Subject: Gretsch uke Question: Hi Chuck- just obtained this nice (I think so) Gretsch uke, wondering if it indeed is about 1960 as the seller claimed, and it's value. I paid $145, which seemed reasonable based on some other posts here I'd looked at while researching. I didn't know Gretsch made ukes. I was looking for a first uke to play, and I favor vintage/aged instruments (like my 1970 Gibson ES-335). Does have a small crack on back seen in last photo, but doesn't separate at all. Also, other Gretsch uke photos on this site have white tuners, so I presume these black ones might not be original? Thanks, and it's great having your forum for vintage uke info! Photos:                          Answer: It is all you were told and 145 is a steal.I'm not sure about the tuners, I don't know if I ever noticed the color. thanks...chuck - Saturday, March 17, 2012

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Glenn's Feb 19 question Question: Hi Chuck, Sorry for the delay in getting back to you. Glenn's Baritone was built in 1962. You had in an earlier post asked about the attached photo... it's me, atop the Fire Island Lighthouse (with a view to the west. SHot is about two years old. Hope all goes well with you. Best wish's Tom Photos:      Answer: Thanks tom...What a view...and the background ain't bad either...as usual thanks from your pal...chuck - Saturday, March 17, 2012

Question asked by: Goro Morris Subject: M. Nunes Ukulele Question: Hello, I came across this Uke and wanted to see you you may be able to guess when it may have been made. I know some of the history of M. Nunes and his sons. Anyway it a Soprano 20 3/4" long the top and bottom have no cracks, the side has that large area where someone did a real nasty job attempting to repair it. It also has three areas where the side has blown out a little. I was thinking of maybe sending to Kamaka and repair it if possible. ( maybe Samuel Kamaka built it?) Photos:                          Answer: It needs work...but worth it. I am pretty sure Sam Kamaka didn't make it and almost positive that Manual Nunes did, Unless Kamaka has kept a huge secret for over 100 years. thanks for writing in..c - Saturday, March 17, 2012

Question asked by: Jeff Mercer Subject: Max's Mouna Loa uke Question: Hey Chuck, hope this finds you well. Yep, plenty of confusion regarding this- & similar - brand names. Multiple different spellings, too, which doen't help matters ! . I have a style 4 Mouna Loa that, like Max's uke, is definately Oscar Schmidt made, also a plastic Mauna Loa Maccaferri-style from the 50's,& a gorgeous Paul Summers Style 5 with Moana on the headstock. There were also the purportedly Lyon & Healy-made standard & banjo ukes with the Mauna Loa name stamped on the headstock, & Moana labelled ukes "made in Hawaii by a specialist" that I'm pretty certain were made by Makini c.mid-40's/ 50's. Hope that muddies the waters even further :), but I'd say Max's uke is a birch-wood Schmidt, late 20's/early 30's. Cheers mate, all the best. Jeff. Answer: Thanks Jeff...that pretty much clears it up. Your input is always appreciated...chuck - Saturday, March 17, 2012

Question asked by: David L. Subject: JONAH KUMALAE SOPRANO UKULELE Question: I would like to see if this could be put in a museum in Hawaii. Photos:                      Answer: I guess the first step is taking it to a museum to see if they want it...You have a rare distinction, in over 15 years of doing this uke yak...You have sent in the largest format pictures I have ever received. Thanks for the (question?) - Saturday, March 17, 2012

Question asked by: J Mane Subject: Kaimana Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I just can't find anything on this brand. Don't know much about it except I purchased it at a pawn shop for a last minute Xmas present for my hubby. He also got a Lanikai & stated although he liked the Kaimana, the sound resonance was more for slack key playing or picking. It had more of a guitar sound to it. Any info? Photos:                          Answer: No info...but I would hope some yakker out there is familiar with the brand..If so, please write in...thanks..chuck - Saturday, March 17, 2012

Question asked by: Yann poisson Subject: history of this ukulele Question: I recently purchased this Gibson tenor. I was told by the seller it's from 1925. I was also told this was your ukulele at one time. The top has been redone. I never saw the before photos so I can't comment on the restoration. I am not crazy about the satin finish on top I do however like the size of this tenor its smaller than any others I have played. My questions are : what is the year and model? how do you date them? what was the original top finish look like. My final question is about tone. this ukulele has a dampened like sound when I strum it is that because the top bracing under the sound board? it has the latter bracing and perpendicular bar acing as well. could you recommend a particular set of strings that that would brighten the sound? any info would be appreciated. Thank you! Answer: Yann...sorry but it doesn't sound like a ukulele I ever owned. As you describe it, I would never have purchased it and if given it as a present, I would have passed it along. A picture would pique my interest...thank - Saturday, March 17, 2012

Question asked by: Carl Boland Subject: Marca Aquila uke Question: Hi Chuck- your forum has been a great help as I have been researching a vintage uke to buy (and play). Got the bug from a friend who's started making ukes, and has an old Martin. I'm a guitar player looking to branch out! Actually I already have a late 50's Gretsch standard uke on the way, but am considering this Marca Aquila uke also- I'm intrigued by the whole story. From posts by Tom Favilla I've learned they were early Favilla ukes. But the label, while authentic looking, looks different than one Tom posted a few years ago. Similar eagle, but overall layout and lettering on the label different. Also, it's got this label says "Pennant" on the back of the headstock. My basic question, and if Tom is around maybe he could help, is this a genuine Marca Aquila by Favilla? And any value guesses? Thanks loads. Photos:              Answer: Tom Help chuck - Saturday, March 17, 2012

Question asked by: Gary Schireson Subject: Hollywood Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck Keep me in mind when Hollywood Ukulele's pop up. Hope you and the family are well Thanks Gary Schireson gschireson@earthlink.net Answer: Gary how nice to hear from you. I think of you often...I write almost never. I will think of you when the Hollywood ukes pop up. I am in Australia now and the chances of finding a Hollywood uke is about the same as getting hit by lightning on the tip or your you know what... Best to you and yours...chuck - Saturday, March 17, 2012

Question asked by: Peter Daratsos Subject: Wish to sell banjo ukulele Question: I thought this instrument would add to my enjoyment of the ukulele but I just love to play my Fluke more. What is the banjo worth now? Thank you for your work. Photos:                          Answer: Peter...does it have a brand name...thanks...chuck - Saturday, March 17, 2012

Question asked by: Lesley Hubbard Subject: Electric custom Baritone Ukulele Question: Hi, From time to time folks are looking for a great electric baritone uke. Here is where to find a custom made beauty and mando's too. I just had a custom bari made. I have several acoustic bari some vintage too. Be sure and check this out. Les http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeoD4DXcNDw&list=UUnUsVphLWXt5Hdu-K0AAoJg&index=1&feature=plcp Answer: Thanks for the info - Saturday, March 17, 2012

Question asked by: Rob Subject: Help with identification of Aloha guitar Question: Hey Chuck! Great website. I just got this guitar from a consignment store up in Northern California. I tried to research any history on it but haven't had too much luck. Can you tell me anything about it as far as year, value, rarity, etc? Thanks, Rob Photos:                          Answer: Since that decal was used by many makers, I have no way of telling who made it. Does it have a label inside the guitar. It does not appear to be Koa wood, I can't really tell. Please look at the back of the headstock and see if there is a stamp of any kind. thanks for writing in, wish I could be of more help....chuck - Sunday, February 19, 2012

Question asked by: Glenn Brand Subject: Favilla Uke Question: Hi, I was given an old Favilla Uke by an olf farmer who I recently met. It's a Favilla B2- s. Serial number 10462. It's a bit dirty but looks pretty cool. Can you tell me anything about his in terms of year, potential value? Thanks so much Answer: I can but the horses mouth is always better. Tom....Help..thanks so much. I know it is a Baritone the rest will be come soon. chuck - Sunday, February 19, 2012

Question asked by: Max A. Head, Jr. Subject: Vintage Mouna Loa Ukulele Question: I am wondering what would the age be on this soprano ukulele, and who manufactured them? I have found references to both Lyon and Healy and also Harmony but this ukulele is unlike any other Mouna Loas I have been able to find pictures of. I am also interested in knowing what it is worth? Thanks!! Photos:                          Answer: Max...I have no idea. The Mouna Loa was a cheap line by Lyon and Healey. This doesn't look like any one I ever saw. If you plan to sell it, don't plan to go on a cruise just yet. If I find out anything else I will let you know...chuck - Sunday, February 19, 2012

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