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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

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: john Subject: ukuleles Question: i have a 1972 pure hawaiian classic low Á model CL100M in mint condition what would this be worth. Answer: John....Have no idea what you have....perhaps a pic and the name of the manufacturer would help me a little....chuck - Saturday, December 24, 2005

Question asked by: Sky Chaney Subject: Need help fixing my ukes! Question: I've recently started collecting vintage ukes and need some help learning how to repair them. I have a Koaloha, The Mele, and a couple Favilla Bari's with cracks that need stabilizing. Once I learn how to fix cracks, I'd like to learn how to refurbish or refinish them. What's the best way to learn how to do it right? Are there any folks on the Uke- Yak who may be willing to mentor me on this process? Answer: You've asked for help and hope someone writes in. The best way is the hire a luthier to teach you....best of luck...not easy stuff....chuck - Saturday, December 24, 2005

Question asked by: Rob Subject: What Question: What si the price range in models of Windel Hall Banjo Ukuleles? Do you see many for sale? Answer: not many, but they are great. 5 or 6 different styles ..price from 500 to 5000...hope that helps..chuck - Saturday, December 24, 2005

Question asked by: MARGARET WENZELO Subject: types of ues Question: what is the difference between soprano, tenor, and bariton ukes? I want to buy a uke but don't know the difference Answer: The length and width....soprano 21 in concert about 23...tenor about 28, bari about 30......go to a good music store and see which one feels the best...chuck - Saturday, December 24, 2005

Question asked by: keith Subject: fluke Question: what is the fluke and flea REALLY made of? Answer: This is a questio for Jim and the makers of the uke. I have no idea. I don't know what my kitchen table is made of so the fluke is out of the question...ask this directly of Jim and I'm sure you will get an answer. best...chuck - Saturday, December 24, 2005

Question asked by: Shawn Saunders Subject: Cole Clark Ukulele Question: Chuck, There have been a few inquiries about Cole Clark's ukulele's. If anyone is interested in the US, we are a new dealer and will be able to assist in the near future as they become available. Our website is www.worldstrum.com. Thanks, Shawn Photos:      Answer: Thanks....Shawn...good luck and feel free to grab the pics of the three styles from this site and put it on yours. Will let you know more when I do. If you yakkers out there are interestd in one fine uke....get a hold of shawn.....thanks for wriiting in....chck - Saturday, December 17, 2005

Question asked by: frets chuck fayne Subject: cole clark ukuleles Question: here they are...Until I can get the coleclarkguitars.com website loaded this will give you an idea what the three styles look like ...the style 3 is rosewood, trimmed in abalone. Absolutly beautiful. If you want to know anything about them until I have the site up and running...... please write bradley@coleclarkguitars.com and ask him your questions. Photos:      Answer: Bradley@coleclarkguitars.com and he will help you. Please look for the addition of the complete site under my picture which appears on the collectors uke yak question page. The style 3 has modernistic snow-flake fret markers, abalone at the sides and around the sound hole. It is a beautiful uke and a beautiful sound. thanks for looking,...frets Please remember the uke is larger than a soprano and smaller than a concert. Giving you the additional room to play the chords. A very comfortable uke..... - Tuesday, December 13, 2005

Question asked by: Doris Subject: quality and price Question: I am considering a Ludwig Wendall Hall banjo ukulele and are there models of it? Price range in real good condition? Answer: There are about a half dozen different models. They are all same body but the decoration is different. Let me know what you have or better yet send me a picture and I will help you . They are fabulous instruments. thanks for writing in and send a pic....chuck - Saturday, December 10, 2005

Question asked by: Chloe Subject: Kamaka Question: Hi, Please could you tell me which one is better to you between this two shape of Kamaka? Photos:      Answer: I prefer the one without the extended fingerboard. But that is a personal preference. Try them both and see how they sound...chuck - Thursday, December 8, 2005

Question asked by: Della Subject: Surf-A-LeLe Question: I picked up a nice Surf-A-LeLe at a fleamarket at a great price. It is in nice shape. However, when I tighten the strings to tune it, the bridge pulls forward towards the fretboard. I am afraid it will break if I continue to try. Any suggestions on fixing this problem? Thanks. Answer: take it to a luthier It may have to be glued down again..thanks...chuck - Thursday, December 8, 2005

Question asked by: Else Subject: Thanks Question: Just wanted to thank you for the information. It's very much appreciated. Hugs, Else Answer: A pleasure...keep in touch - Friday, December 2, 2005

Question asked by: john rosett Subject: vintage regal uke Question: hello again! i finally got the uke back from the shop and took some pictures. it's a soprano, not a tenor. there's more detailed photos at http://groups.msn.com/rosettpics/sh oebox.msnw?Page=Last i decided to leave the 12th fret out, because it seems like it would just come out again. the little fingerboard extention on the top is not actually part of the fingerboard, but a completely different piece of wood. besides, most of the pictures of old regal ukes with this type of fingerboard extention don't have a fret there anyway. it's all solid mahogony, with a beautiful curly figure on the back and sides, and a brazillian rosewood fingerboard on the three piece neck. the tuner buttons are white bakalite. the "regal" decal on the peghead says "made in chicago". it has it's original end opening canvas and leather case, and the leather handle has "556" stamped on it. any ideas on it's vintage and value? thanks, john Photos:      Answer: In great shape a couple hundred. It was made in the 40's probably by the shape. Hope this has helped....chuck - Friday, December 2, 2005

Question asked by: Yuka Subject: Martin 3M Question: Chuck, Hi. I apologize if you actually received this and just haven't had a chance to reply. I wasn't sure if it sent correctly. I asked what you think is a fair price for the uke in the picture. I believe it's decribed as 1930s 3M with strum wear on top, some fret wear on the top frets, 1 1/2 inch hairline on back that doesn't move. The seller also felt the strum wear on top was a non issue for playing. He estimated that a person can play it 1-2 hrs/day for 700 more years! The bid is ending 11/30 around 6PM US PST. I wanted to ask again in case you didn't receive it from 7-10 days ago. Photos:      Answer: Yuka...sorry I didn't get to it in time. Hope , if you got it, you got it at a steal. thanks for writing in...frets - Friday, December 2, 2005

Question asked by: LuAnn Nagel Subject: Martin O 1923 Question: I have a friend who inherited a 1923 Martin Style O. It has always been kept in the case. Condition being the same are older Martin O's more valuable than say 1950's? I realize that condition is everything. We saw one on ebay the other day that had a crack in the back and some use scratches that were identical to hers and it sold for $560. Was that a fair price, high or a real deal? I have seen your responses to others that minor cracks can be fixed and they apparently do not deter real collectors from buying them. Just wondered if a model O from 1923 was any different than the later model Os in the same condition and as I asked before, does the case add value? Is a used Martin O with case in good condition worth $300- $500 range? Thanks LuAnn Answer: A later martin O would be worth a little more than a modern one just because its older and more broken. That is if all else the equal. Condition counts. Minor cracks that can be closed easily, don't usually change the value of the uke. Big gaping holes do. The answer is yes to the value...yes a good martin uke is always worth 300-500 range....thanks for writing in...chuck - Friday, December 2, 2005

Question asked by: DIANE MCCONNELL Subject: ukulele beginner Question: grew up in hawaii always a ukulele in the house. I am 51 yo. live in beaverton, oregon bought a hawaiian songbook HE MELE ALOHA. SONGS I KNOW, with ukulele chords. got a website i can go to to hear it and play it, but no uke.. what kind of uke should i get since i'm no ohta san, just to play for my pleasure, but i still would like a nice sounding one? Answer: go to the on line store on this site and look at the fluke..you will have years of fun and they sound great. thanks for writing...aloha..chuck - Friday, December 2, 2005

Question asked by: Christie Subject: Kapono Ukes Question: Hi Chuck, You probably don't recall but you were kind enough to help me, a kindred expatriate yank, by phone when we first arrived in Australia. We've now sailed from Australia and are back in New Zealand. Now that I am addicted to the uke, I notice that Kapono Ukes are made in Auckland by the Hewitt family. Do you know anything about these? Here is the web info: http://tinyurl.com/dre69 Sorry, I don't know how to make it a working link. I'd appreciate any input you have. Thanks, Christie Answer: Not one has made it over here. Know nothing about it, but have friends in NZ and will ask.,,,,Ukes here are rare and few and far between. thanks for the kind words...chuck - Friday, December 2, 2005

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page