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

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Question asked by: Lee Gordon Subject: Banjo uke Question: Hi Chuck, I would appreciate some info on this uke. How much it's worth? History? Who made it? Whatever you know would be good. Love you Uke-Yak! Lee x Photos:      Answer: Lee , unfortunatly not a rare instrument. It could have been made by 50 companies. Stock banjo uke...value 150.00....chuck - Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Question asked by: Bernie Klepper Subject: Uke Question: I have my fathers Martin uke and I can't match it to any Martin. On the back where the tuning pegs are, is stamped Martin, it's just legible. In the sound box is with the name and address. I don't have the Uke avaiible now, I am nothome.It also has 18 frets to the sound box. Answer: Bernie need pic to tell you..With a pic I can tell you i a second...chuck - Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Question asked by: Russ Morin Subject: Mysterious Man in Plaid Skirt Question: Yet another photo. Enjoy. Russ Photos:      Answer: don't have a clue....put up pic of label i hope that someone does...chuck - Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Question asked by: Scott Subject: tonk brothers sterling banjo uke Question: I am wondering about this very nice banjo uke. It has a label That has T.B.Co and below that is has sterling. can you tell me anything about this uke, when made, by who, etc. Thanks for any info Photos:      Answer: Scott, regardless of the label, it is one of thousands of banjo ukes made that look exactly like this one..They were mass produced on the thousands. They were distributed by most companies. Does not mean they can't be good, they usually are as long as you don't put metal strings on them.....thanks..chuck - Sunday, April 16, 2006

Question asked by: Albert Subject: mid 19th century Ukulele/machete Question: Hello Chuck, I found an very old machete by O.J.Nunes , the seller wants 1800$ as starting bid, is it worth such a high price?Is it a good investment, or should I better buy for a old Martin Uke? Photos:      Answer: by a Martin. This is not a uke and it is more a museum piece than a players instrument. I would not invest in it but then again, I didn't buy Martha Stewart Stock when she want to the slammer. bummer....chuck - Friday, January 27, 2006

Question asked by: michael L. Subject: today's market Question: Hi Frets, Please answer this one. In your opinion will the prices for vintage ukes move up down or not in the future? At close to market price are they a good investment? In particular, say a 40's-50's Martin in great condition that will be a player too. mahalo Answer: I wish I knew that answer. The best answer I can give you is ...class always goes up. You will not lose buying the best you can find. Overpay for perfect, the market will find you...chuck - Monday, January 23, 2006

Question asked by: Barbara Trautwein Subject: my childhood uke Question: Hey Chuck, My grandfather bought me a uke around 1938. I have no idea of brand but there was a picture of Bobby Breen glued on to it. Since I didn't know who Bobby Breen was at the time (or since!), I wasn't impressed. Alas, I no longer have this instrument but am curious to know what it was I had. . .Any ideas? Thanks & Happy New Year! BT Answer: Barbara..if you go to google and search you will find out who bobby breen was. IF you go to the uke yak log in you will find a search section...put in the name bobby breen and you will have all I know about it. It is not a valuable ukulele but interesting. Thanks for writing in....chuck - Wednesday, January 4, 2006

Question asked by: michael L. Subject: disregard my previous questions Question: Hi Chuck, I started reading from the beggining of the Yuke Yak section and came up with questions that were answered as I read more. You ought to require this for most questions. Please disregard any of my lame and/or redundant questions. I'm sure I'll have some after I'm pau reading. p.s. I hope to read something good about bruddah KP. I am ordering a uke from him. aloha. Answer: YOu will love your K P ..Ihave two standing next to me as we speak and I play them every day. He is a top maker. Which one are you getting. When you communicate with him, please let him know that I said hello and still love the Ukulele. chuck It would be hard for any company to make a better uke than the l928 Kamaka Pineapple uke. It would be hard for me to speak badly of a company that has remained in business for close if not 100 years and are still in high demand. Few things in the world are made the good old fashioned way ...Kamaka still does it. You will not regret the KP...I love mine...chuck - Wednesday, January 4, 2006

Question asked by: reggie miles Subject: Million Ukulele Question: Chuck, Thanks for taking the time to post my question and your response on your forum. I have no picture of this little beauty to offer at this time, but as you've never heard about this uke I'm uncertain how posting a photo would help. I've seen my share of ukes and I'd have to say that the most distinguishing feature about this one is the way the back is arched. It reminds me of the way certain violins have a pronounced arched backs or the arched backs that many of those F-hole guitars have. Thanks again for your time. I guess with so many ukes out there it certainly would be hard to be familiar with them all. Answer: The sketchy description of your uke could fit thousands of them. Most of the better companies made ukes for many retail outlets. The name means nothing, the arched back could be any one of a hundred uke makers, but a picture would tell the story. I have seen my share of ukes as well and I will tell you that many of them have arched back. I myself have an arched back and it is as about as distinguishing a feature as the back of your uke...I guess what I am trying to say, is please send a pic, have a healthy 2006 and remember that even after seeing the pic of your uke, my back will still be arched. best of the new year.....chuck - Sunday, January 1, 2006

Question asked by: Gavin Smith Subject: Harmony question - try again Question: Chuck, I am having another go at posting the picture that didn't come through a couple of days ago. What do you think? Photos:      Answer: Gavin, it is one of about 2 billion harmony ukes made. I am not familiar with your first question, its lost to the ages, but be sure and play it alot. It deserves it. please wish it and yourself a happy holiday......chuck - Sunday, January 1, 2006

Question asked by: sheila Subject: makini uke Question: My husband has aquired an old? Makini ukulele. I belive it is a soprano from the size. The total length is 21 inches with the nut to saddle being 13.5 inches. The tuning pegs are wooden, and the fret wire is directly in the neck (not a separate fret board) There is a Hawaiian crest with Makini above it on the head. Other than that I can see no markings. There is a crack in the sound board, and the saddle needs to be put back in place. It needs a lot of work, however before he begins to repair this I would like to know a little more about it. Does anyone know where I can look for information? I have more pictures. Photos:      Answer: Makini was a maker in Hawaii in about the l930's He worked closely with a man named antu Cam ( or Kam)....He is one of the better makers but rarely seen. I have a couple of his ukes and they are very nice. I would have it repaired and fixed up because of its rarity. Thanks for sending in the picture. It is a soprano. - Sunday, January 1, 2006

Question asked by: Mike Subject: Tenor Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I was wondering if you could suggest some good tenor ukes in the $200 - $400 price range. Mahalo, Mike Answer: Look at the larger fluke on this site. It is in the on-line-store and the best value for your money. chuck - Sunday, January 1, 2006

Question asked by: Lulu Subject: 6 vs. 8 strings Question: Hello - What are the comparative benefits of six- and eight-string ukuleles for an intermediate-level player? Answer: The only benefits from a six or an eight string has nothing to do with your level. no matter what level you are it will only make the music sound fuller. thanks for writing in....chuck - Friday, December 30, 2005

Question asked by: Gladys Drew Subject: thrift store uke Question: Dear Fret, I have what appears to be a 6-string tenor uke. It has 17 frets and is 23-1/2 inches long. I got it at the thrift store for $6.99. It was strung with steel strings. It is very loud and resonates nicely. It seems to be a spruce top with wood on the fret board that is light with elongated spots. The sides and back are dark. I am wondering who may have made this uke. It definitely doesn't look high end. Is it a tourist uke? Here is a picture if it will help.... Gladys Photos:      Answer: gladys...its not a uke...its a little kids six string guitar. You paid what it is worth. have fun...chuck - Friday, December 30, 2005

Question asked by: reggie miles Subject: Million Ukulele, ever heard of this brand? Question: I was fortunate enough to talk a friend out of this arched back uke at a garage sale that we both went to, as he was going to offer it to his tiny grandson as a toy. It seems to be an older maker maybe 40s or even earlier. It has a blue and white art deco looking label inside with four white stars, two white palm trees and a crescent moon on a blue field. A numerical designation indicated at the bottom of the label is No. 4. It appears to have a spruce top with mahagony back, sides, and neck, an ivory colored binding around the top and back and a fancier than average series of soundhole rings. Have you ever seen one of these? Thanks, Reggie Miles Answer: reggie...send a picture....I have never heard of a million uke but then there are millions of ukes I have not heard of. a Picture would help...chuck - Friday, December 30, 2005

Question asked by: mike Subject: welton banjo uke Question: Hi Chuck, A friend of mine showed me his Original Welton Germany banjo uke that he aquired in the 60's. Do you have any info on these, and what the asking price for one in mint condition would be today? Thanks, Mike Answer: Never heard of a melton uke...Perhaps one of the ukers will know...thanks for writing in...chuck - Friday, December 30, 2005

Question asked by: Gavin Smith Subject: Harmony 1920s? Question: Hi Chuck, Merry Christmas. I am currently playing Chinese at the moment and would really like to upgrade to something with a little more character. I was hoping you could give me a guide as to what a fair price for the attached Harmony is. It appears to be in good nick. I'm in Melbourne (where this is for sale), and don't get to see too many vintage ukes so I am seriously thinking about having alash at this as long as the price is OK. Thanks Answer: Gavin ..no picture came thru..try again..and happy holidays to you...chuck - Friday, December 30, 2005

Question asked by: REMIT-Richard Subject: Original selling price Question: Chuck: I am curious what the original selling price for a Martin soprano style O. (the price back in the '50s) Answer: twenty dollars...send me a dozen...chuck - Friday, December 30, 2005

Question asked by: Shereen Walter Subject: Shrine Uke Question: I have a Washburn Healy & Lyon Shrine Uke that was owned by my grandmother. It is triangle shaped, has the green trim, has it's original hard case, all in good condition. It has a number 9968 above the Washburn logo. I'm not interested in selling it, but I was curious what it might be worth. Answer: It is worth 1000 dollars and if it isn't it should be......thats what I think it would bring in todays market..thanks for writin in...its on of my favorite ukes....chuck - Tuesday, December 27, 2005

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Christmas Question: Chuck We have just taken our lovely little Messerschmitt down to our local pub for a swift half. This is the reason I started getting into ukes as it is the only instrument you can easily carry in a microcar. Merry Christmas Steve Photos:      Answer: Steve thank you so muuch for sharing your xmas card and the pic of your lovely car. I hope the other yakkers get as much pleasure out of seeing it as I do. Fortunatly, I am old enough to remember when they were legal to drive in the Los Angeles. I will take this pic off uke yak and add it to my scrapbook...Thank you very much... and from me and all the folks at Mt Idy we wish you and yours very healthy 2006. chuck - Tuesday, December 27, 2005

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