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

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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: 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

Question asked by: Molly Subject: baritone uke Question: Hello, I've recently been considering buying a new baritone ukulele with a pickup, however I love the warm sound I get from my vintage baritone. Do you have a brand you could recommend with a pickup that would have that same type of warm tone? Thank you for your help. Answer: Molly..If I were faced with your delima, I would pick up a used martin tenor and have a saddle pickup put in it. That is the best amplified tenor sound you can get. Can't help you in the new baritone world. Perhaps someone out in uke land will write in. Perhaps if you put this question on the bulletin board there will be lots of suggestions. They are more familiar with modern ukes than I am..thanks for writing in....chuck - Friday, December 2, 2005

Question asked by: Russ Morin Subject: Mysterious Man in Plaid Skirt Question: Hi Chuck, At the risk of having all of our friends jump onto "my discovery" (ha), please go to item 7367742483 on ebay. It is a koa soprano with the oddest label. It looks like it says Bill Hkamukow and it has a drawing of a guy doing the hula in a plaid skirt (okay, so it's probably a kilt) and pants. I have tried to research but no luck as yet. Any ideas? Photos:      Answer: I'd buy it for the label...what a hoot. never saw another....send pic of the whole uke if you can....chuck - Friday, December 2, 2005

Question asked by: Allan Subject: Kapalai uke Question: Do you have any info regarding Kapalai ukes made by Takemori of Kaneohe? I found one at a pawn shop and was curious about the value. All I have been able to find out is that the original maker has passed and they are not made anymore. Also, it was manufactured sometime between 1950- 1970's. It's not made of koa, but not sure what it is....wood has a yellowish tone to it. The back is not flat, but noticeably convex curved, more so than any uke I have seen(of course it may be common, but i am not that experienced). I believe it is a tenor..didn't get a chance to count the frets. No splits in the wood; varnish rubbed off a little on one side. Thanks for any help. Answer: Alan, can you send me a pic....name not familiar but the pic might tell the story.....thanks...chuck - Friday, December 2, 2005

Question asked by: frets Subject: new uke Question: I promised all of you that I would tell you about anything new that I thought was terrific. When I came to Australia 9 years ago, I began to look around for ukuleles. There was nothing. As far as I could figure out, there were two companies and neither making ukuleles then. One was JMG a weird uke made a lot like a violin and it sounded horrible. The other was a Maton, a company that is still in business, but no longer made ukes. by our standards , the ones they made were just passable. I went to visit the Maton Company and met a man named Brad Clark. We talked about ukes. He was later fired by Maton, a move I assume they regret to this day. He opened his own Guitar business and revolutionized the making of modern instruments by turning back the clock 300 odd years and by using some of the old and some of the new coupled with a world recognized sound system that is regarded by many as “the best”. Cole Clark Guitars has begun to make ukuleles with the same quality. They are manufactured in three styles. Each more fancy but all with the same fabulous sound. They are really a player’s instrument. They are larger than a soprano and smaller than a concert. You can see them and find out all future plans for the uke by writing Bradley@coleclarkguitars.com. I suggest you do, this is one of the best sounding and revolutionary ukuleles to be made to date. There, I lived up to my promise and am please to be able to tell you about the “UK-E-LADY’ CHUCK FAYNE Photos:      Answer: I have attempted to send a pic of the cole clark ukulele and so far I cannot get it on. I will keep trying , but in the meantime, please contact Brad Clark at the address given above. THIS UKE ROCKS.....ONE OF THE EASIEST I HAVE EVER PLAYED. P.S....when I referred to the lack of uke makers, I was referring only to wooden ukes. Take a look, I now have the pic up. More and better ones to come... - Monday, November 28, 2005

Question asked by: Michael Locey Subject: online virtual chord programs Question: Is there review site or page for online download virtual chord genrators? I want to know from ppl in the know if there is a good one; like with songs like "sheep" (which has sound), but more chords and also progressions. any comments on what to look for or where to go appreciated. Answer: Michael..as you might have guessed I know only what I know..I know vintage ukuleles and hawaiian ukuleles. I know pretty much nothing else. The message you sent me made me smile. I realize how far away from the modern world I am. It would be like showing a 21st century math book to a cave man. Lost and somehow thankful...frets - Saturday, November 26, 2005

Question asked by: Else Chubinski Subject: Info on uke, shown in pic Question: Hello Chuck, I have friend who has neither PC nor digicam but would like info about her ukulele, where made and value and all that. I'd appreciate any info you can provide. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving:)) Hugs, Else Photos:      Answer: 'else...its a favilla which you probably alrady know. Very well made ukulele and this one is from the 40'50'60' sometime...value about 400 dollars if it is in great shape. a little less if it doesn't have a case. would be my second choice if I didn't already have one..best and happy bird to you too...chuck - Saturday, November 26, 2005

Question asked by: Dave Subject: tenor uke and chords Question: Hi Chuck I have a question about Tenor Uke? I am recently playing a fluke Soprano I like to go to Tenor Uke. What is the Tunning For Tenor and are the Chords played the same as on a Soprano Also are there any books that teach Tenor UKE? Thanks for your time Dave 11/22/05 Answer: Dave...I tune my tenors up to soprano tuning but I wouldn't try it unless you have a professional see if it can take it. You may have to tune it down. I like the sweet sound with the deeper tones. I would like you to put this question on the bulletin board where there are many more people who have experiamented with tenor tunings, and they will be glad to help further. The position of the hand in the tuning is the same and all you will find is that the spacing for the fingers is a little strange at first but you will adapt easily. let me know how it works out...thanks for writing in..chuck - Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Question asked by: mickey luck Subject: P'mico Question: I noticed in Jims book a reference to a company refered to as P'mico or as being in P'mico. I have a yet to be restored tiple with the lable Nobility Guitar Co. P'mico N.Y. I have tried to find out where this came from with no luck. Any info about Nobility Guitar and where the heck is P'mico. Answer: P'mico is the Philadelphia music company and has nothing to do with new york. I have no idea what the Nobility Guitar Company is and I have never seen P'Mico N.Y. I would love to know what you find out, Its a curiosity....chuck - Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Question asked by: Jerry Carden Subject: Epiphone Masterbilt Ukes Question: Hi, Chuck - Have you an opinion on the relatively new Epiphone Masterbilt ukes? I believe they're made in China, but seem to be quite well-made. Am I better off to spend my dough on an older, used uke instead? The street price for the mahogany model is $229, and the koa version can be had for just over $700 (YIKES!). Thanks! Answer: Jerry, I understand, with no surprise, that there are fine instruments eing made in China . I am not familiar with them and here in Melbourne Australia few come thru. I would again place this question on the bulletin board where more people have had a chance to play around with them. Let me know what you find out , we are hungry for information..thanks..chuck for the bulletin board look to your left in the black menu and you will find it....c - Wednesday, November 23, 2005

Question asked by: Jim D'Ville Subject: Pleasure Ukulele Question: Hey, Chuck, Do you know anything about the Pleasure Ukulele distributed by the Meier & Frank Company of Portland, Oregon? Answer: I know nothing but the name suggests it may be more than just a ukulele.....thanks JIm...see ya...chuck - Sunday, November 20, 2005

Question asked by: Paul E. Subject: Martin 0 Question: Hello Chuck, I just got a '60's Martin 0 from e-slay, paid $355 not including shipping. It has scratches, a few dings...It will look much better after i clean it up- the main question is...a slight crack in the back. It's about 4" long not touching bottom or top but in middle. Can't see through to other side when looking thru soundhole, but when I press ever so slightly it moves. Looks like a scratch, but when turned in the light, crack can be noticed. Its very close together, not gaping or anything. Seller didn't know it was there, said they would be willing to accept its return. Should I return it or did I get a good price & shut up? Or, did I pay too much for scratches, dents, and a light crack? I tried to attach more picts, but only could get the back in. Photos:      Answer: Paul...I would push a little white glue in there, put a shoe lace or a rubber band just let it set up and forget it. Its not dangerous at this point, but I would stop the crack from spreading. YOu paid a decent price and even with the crack its worth it. best...chuck - Sunday, November 20, 2005

Question asked by: Gil Snyder Subject: uke for grandson Question: What uke would you recommend for a 7 year old whom I would like to see if he could learn to play one? And if he doesn't "take to it" I would not have spent a lot of money. Answer: I would definitly get him the flea offered by jim on this site. go to the on-line-store and look around. Best value for the bucks and it will last and it sounds great. NOt a huge investment. I have one and play it all the time. let us know what you decide..hope this has helped. Thankd for writing in Gramps.....chuck - Sunday, November 20, 2005

Question asked by: Lynn Brothen Subject: National Slider Question: I have a National Slider in its original case 1920s or 1930s - the back has palm trees silk screened on to it. I am looking for someone who can help me with finding out the value of this uke. Answer: Lynn, please send a pic and I will forwrd to Collin McCubbin who knows all and post it for all to see. Someone will know. I am not that familiar with resonator vintage ukes.....thanks...chuck P.S, where do you live and I will see If I can find someone in your area who can help.....c - Sunday, November 20, 2005

Question asked by: Colin McCubbin Subject: Martin 1_T with violin pegs Question: I have a Martin uke which with it's 17" scale and 12 frets to the body I understand to be a 1_T. However it has violin pegs, and everything I read says that the Tenor only came with patent pegs. Could this be a very early one, or did they indeed use violin pegs on the 'T'.. Aloha, Colin McC Answer: Colin...I have seen tenors with violin pegs. IF it has no trace of metal washer marks where the tuners are, it is probably original...rare, but original..chucki - Sunday, November 20, 2005

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Bobby Henshaw Picture Question: Was it you Chuck who wanted a picture of Bobby Henshaw??? Of course, you being the BH authority you are, you do...Feast yer eyes m8ee... Yer Pal, Steve Photos:      Answer: Thanks steve....looks like one of the 3 stooges or a very late picture of Zachery Taylors wife......best....frets - Wednesday, November 16, 2005

Question asked by: Judd Eide Subject: Kamaka Question: Chuck, Sorry I have to write 3 notes to send these pics, but I could use your help. thanks, Judd Photos:      Answer: Kmaka made very few of these special order models. They are very hard to get. look on marketplace to see it.... - Tuesday, November 15, 2005

Question asked by: Judd Eide Subject: Kamaka Question: Chuck, Here is a pic of the baritone 8 Kamaka with the custom label inside. Photos:      Answer: this uke is on marketplace. check it out...its a rare bird - Tuesday, November 15, 2005

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