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

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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: Mark Aicher Subject: Plz date Harmony Ukes Question: Hi Chuck! Well I read the entire column and only saw one of my ukes in pics but no dating info. I have three of these style ukes... the first was purchased on Ebay from an 84 year old supposedly had it as a child....paper label it smells old inside and the nut saddle slot is deeper than the other ones I purchased...to be continued with more pics Mark Photos:      Answer: Mark, you know as much as I do about these ukes...harmonies....millions of them made for everyone and their uncle. these are early and probably for a department store. let me know what else I can tell you. There are harmony experts who will be able to tell more than I can.....best....chuck - Friday, October 28, 2005

Question asked by: Michael Aratani Subject: unknown uke Question: Restored this unmarked beautiful inlayed mahagony soprano. Any idea of origin,maker and worth? Photos:      Answer: If it says mele, I guess thats what it is. nice job. I'm not sure about those tuners. have seen them before and they are not common...best....chuck - Friday, October 28, 2005

Question asked by: Mike Subject: baritone uke question Question: Frets - I have to choose between a Martin baritone ukulele and a Ken Potts baritone uke. Which would you choose and why? Thanks. Answer: I could only make a choice by playing them. The name is not a reason to purchase a ukulele. Play them...The one that makes you sound the best is the one you buy. Its a tough question all the way around. They are like apples and oranges. Buy the sound ultimatly wins. I know I haven't helped much, but its the best I can do. It would be a tough choice for me. I have them both and love them both for different reasons. frets - Tuesday, October 11, 2005

Question asked by: Bruce Subject: crack in the back of Summers Question: In addition to one missing tuner, and most missing frets, there is a pretty nasty crack in the back. Can you lead me to information on how to handle some of these repairs. This is a Harold Summers the inside label is handwritten "Feb 1933" Photos:      Answer: That is one beautiful summers. Nicest I've sen in a long time. Where do you live. I will help you by trying to get you to a good luthier. That uke should be fixed by a professional. Its quite valuable with the trim. If you write me and let me now where you live, I will direct. IF you live where there is no guitar luthier, you can always go to a good violin repair shop. The are used to fixing cracks and, in my experience, really know their job..nice uke...thanks....frets P.S. that is an easy fix, it hasn't started to spread too much. It is a stress fracture, a natural occurance in koa and not from someone sitting on it. Your lucky. thanks.... - Sunday, October 9, 2005

Question asked by: DON FLICK Subject: Question: Greetings Grand Poobah of Ukedom! It is amazing what some people will do to a classic uke! I recently found this Martin 5K at a local flea market. It seems to be all original except for the changed neck and body. It looks like the work was done in the 60's using parts from a Gibson Ultratone lapsteel. Have you ever seen one like this before? Thanks! Don (from the wilds of northwestern Ohio, just down the road from the original Mnt. Idy, where it is so flat that on a clear day you can look towards the horizon and see the back of your own head) Photos:      Answer: Thanks for all you remembered about my nonsense...its refreshing. Now thats a 5k...Its too bad they removed all the abalone. If I owned that uke, and that is not an offer to buy, I would never sell it. I would write martin and see if they ar interestd in purchasing it for their museum. Thank you so much for writing in. You brought a smile to my face. frets - Sunday, October 9, 2005

Question asked by: L.Chan Subject: Atlas Baritone ukelele Question: Dear Chuck , Have you ever heard of the Atlas musical instruments brand of ukeleles and are they any good sound or quality -wise? Specifically 1940s-50's; model A245 89xx.Appreciate a second opinion.On that note, any brands I should stay away from? Thanks, - L.C. Answer: Never heard of them. But then I get about 10 questions a week about ukes who's names I have never heard. I have in the past referred these kinds of questions other places for help, but I think leaving it on this site and asking you to send a picture, seems to brings better results. A lot of times, if I can see the uke and its shape, headstock, body, neck, I may be able to get a fix on who made it. I think many baritones were made, but not that many makers. They just had other names attached and then retailed by outlets other than the maker. Please send a picture and I will do the best I can. By the way, ...this is "peace and respect" weekend in Mt Idy. Perhaps some of you readers would like to attend. Its nice to be reminded once in a while why we are all here. I'm lucky, I live here and am reminded every day. - Sunday, October 9, 2005

Question asked by: laura sin Subject: favilla? Question: Thanks for your quick answer Chuck.Please explain to me what is a favilla ukelele.Sorry if it is redundant to ask, but what brands would you recommend new or used? - Laura Answer: Favilla, was a ukulele made from the 30's-60's and have been favorably compared to the Martin in many ways. They are less espensive to purchase but no less quality. The ukes I would recommend..used martin ( never new)...gibsons, gretsch, sonny d ( hawaiian) ...This ought to give you a good start. If you still don't find what you are looking for, you might want to try our marketplace and put up your wants and your budget. You may get alot of response from people who have ukes for sale. The nice part about marketplace ( on this site) is that the people who read it ( for the most part) are just Uke Lovers and are very willing to help. Keep in touch...always awake....From the never sleepy village of Mt Idy ...chuck - Sunday, October 9, 2005

Question asked by: Dave Finnell Subject: Kanilea Ukuleles Question: Hi Chuck, Can you tell me a little about Kanilea Uke's? I reviewed their website but have been unable to learn of their quality or construction consistancy. In your opinion are they a fairly decent buy for the money? Thanks, Dave Finnell Answer: Dave...this is really a question for the bulletin board. There are people over there who are owners of the ukes and will give you their opinion...I have never played one and it would not be fair to give you an answer based nothing., Thanks for writing in....keep in touch....chuck - Sunday, October 9, 2005

Question asked by: laura sin Subject: buying an ukelele Question: Dear Chuck, I was wondering if I can only afford to get one good ukelele for myself as well as my beginning/intermediate children to play, is there certain brands I should stick to? I am aware of the best choices of Kamaka,Ko Aloha,Martin but what about Tangi and some of the better(koa) Hohner Lanikai's? And is it better to buy used/vintage rather than used especially in regards to the top 3 brands? Please help advise. I hope to buy something that will last for around $300-400 tops. Is it recommended to get a pickup over one without ? Thanks, appreciate your help.-L Answer: Laura.....I am a fan of vintage ukes. If I had 300 to spend on a vintage uke, I would look for a favilla in good condition. It can be done., You have to shop around, but you will find one. You won't get a decent one of the top three for 300.00. A favilla is a good working ukulele. It is well made and made to last. They must be good, there are alot of them. Go to the marketplace on this site and put your wants up there also. Perhaps someone will have what you are looking for. Also, take a look at the fluke ukulele on this site in the on=-line-store. Really made to last. If you can't find what you are looking for, write here and perhaps I can make other suggestions. Stay tyned......chuck Forget the pickup. Ukes are loud and unless you are going to play on stage, you probably won't need one. thanks for writing in - Saturday, October 8, 2005

Question asked by: Charles A Webb Subject: Weymann Uke Question: We have listed a Weymann uke for sale on ebay. I read that although Weymann was best known for tenor banjos, they also made a full line of soprano ukes. I do not know the vocabulary well - is this uke 'unbound'? What is unbound? Is this uke likely mahogany? What is the inlay material - some sort of plastic? Thanks, Chet Answer: - Saturday, October 8, 2005

Question asked by: Christine Subject: Lyra baritone uke Question: Bought this Lyra baritone uke at flea market. Got strings - sounds pretty good. Decal of Lyra on front and made in Japan on back. Any idea of when it was manufactured? Answer: 1950's.......as far as I know....perhaps into the 60's.....chuck - Saturday, October 8, 2005

Question asked by: Ginny Subject: Orlando uke Question: I have an Orlando Uke, made in Japan, probably 20 years ago, maybe more. Has a hard case with that green interior. Have you heard of this brand? Getting ready to sell it and want to ask a fair price. It's in ex shape and holds tuning, sounds nice. Hope u can help. Answer: Ginny,....not familiar with the Orlando uke., Perhaps one of the yakkers out there will know. If you would send a picture, it might be a little easier to give you a value. thanks for writing in....chuck - Saturday, October 8, 2005

Question asked by: MIchael Kuebler Subject: Tuner heads for Paul Summers Question: Chuck, I am buying an old Paul Summers ukulele. One of the tuning heads has been changed. I would like to get them to all match again. What do you suggest? I am a player...not a collector so although it would be nice to keep the heads all vintage, I am also interested in having it hold a tune. So you have any tuners that you can sell? A single one to match or a set that match? Thanks so much? Photos:      Answer: Michael..please send me a picture of the back of the uke or of the tuner you need, That way, I can ask around and see if I can find you one., Where do you live...Perhaps I can suggest someone in your area,.,,,thanks for writing in..... In case you ever need to replace the sound hole, don't send a pic...I will keep this one....best.....chuck - Friday, October 7, 2005

Question asked by: gail Subject: fin-der uke Question: i have a uke my mom gave my aunt in the 1930's.it's cream on top/brown on the bottom.appx 20- 24"long with a round logo..fin-der diamond head..hawaiian uke. it's been in a trunk all these years and i'd like to know something about.i think it's plastic and to the tourist trade type. thanks gail Answer: It is a tourist uke and a very good one. I love them...They came in all colors and different colored tuners...they are a hoot. There are many collectors of plastic ukes. They don't sound terrific, but they are plastic. They were made in the 40's and 50's. Play it...It can take it...thanks for the quest. chuck - Friday, October 7, 2005

Question asked by: Michael Subject: Akai ukulele Question: Aloha Chuck -- I'm interested in purchasing an Akai ukulele. Any leads or ideas? I just placed a posting on the Flea Market Bulletin Board, but I thought you or some other readers might have some insight (or a uke :-) Mahalo, Michael Answer: I see them from time to time. Its just something you will have to keep looking for. Go to the players list on the menu at your left and you will find the players in Hawaii,. Write a few of them...I like the Akai...long thin body and it seems always good wood. Usually has the Tabu Stamp. You have done the best by putting it on the marketplace. You will get a response. If not, write back..chuck - Friday, October 7, 2005

Question asked by: frank donnoli Subject: Safe strings for vintage Martin O Question: Hi Chuck, I have just put a set of Nylaguts on my Bruko soprano which seems to have improved the sound quite markedly. I also have a vintage Martin Style O which have a set of black Galli and sound quite "slappy" probabaly because they are quite lightweight. I am keen to get a better sound out of the Martin because it deserves better. Would it be safe to put the reportedly high tension Nylaguts on the Martin as well or should I err on the side of caution and use something else. What do you suggest? Love the Yak Frank Donnoli, Melbourne Answer: I am also in Melbourne. I would get a set of Kamaka Black or why not pick up a set of martin strings. They are stiff to start with, but do break in well. If you try the nylaguts, just go slowly and let the string stretch...Don't tune it up to pitch at once. They should be ok...let me know how it works out.....chuck - Friday, October 7, 2005

Question asked by: martypage Subject: Bobby Henshaw uke Question: Hi, my dad gave me his old Bobby Henshaw uke that he used to play when he was younger. I was thrilled because I have such fond memories of him playing songs when I was a kid. I had planned to let my 5 year old son play around with it( he is VERY careful) but someone mentioned that it could be too valuable for him to mess around on. Although the uke looks good at a glance, it has been repaired at the bottom. What do you think? Thanks, Marty Answer: I would, if I were you, get a really cheap little uke for your son to start on. The Henshaw in not a very valuable uke, but it is collectable. Not knowing your son, I leave it up to you. However after having two 5 year olds, I would think twice. If I had 3 five year olds, I would think three times....Good luck...chuck - Friday, October 7, 2005

Question asked by: Conrad Dean Subject: Hawaiian Melodies Book Question: Do you know where I could sell a book of music (148 pages) entitled King's Book of Hawaiian Melodies, copyright date 1923 in fairly good condition. Perhaps you know of a collector of older Hawaiian music for piano, uke and guitar. Answer: Put it up for sale on the Market Place on this site. Its the perfect item. The only people who read the site are uke nuts and that book is a good one. I would suggest all you yakkers out there look and see if Conrad did put it up. Grab it. They are great. Conrad, stick up a picture as well. Best....chuck - Friday, October 7, 2005

Question asked by: Mark McNeil Subject: Age of Kamaka H1 Question: I recently purchased a used Kamaka Soprano. A pamphlet that was included lists it as a model H1. Is there a way to know when it was made? mahalo Answer: Mark, If you want to know exactly, call or write Kamaka in Hawaii and they will tell you. You can go on line to their site and write c/o Fred Kamaka. Tell him I told you to write and say hello from me. Nice uke.....good score.....best....chuck - Friday, October 7, 2005

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