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 (119 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: 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: 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: tony jeffries Subject: ukelele values Question: I just sent a long email about my ukes, but can't see it in my "sent items" Did you get it ? Thanks Tony Jeffries Answer: If you go to the answer section of collectors uke yak, you will find your question and my answer down about ten questions. You can also type in the search feature, your name and the question and answer will come up....see ya....chuck - Friday, October 7, 2005

Question asked by: surfin' bird Subject: silvertone soprano needs tuners Question: Hi Frets, I was recently given an old Silvertone mahogany soprano with the rounded headstock and some multi-colored detail around the soundhole. I tried tightening the screws on the black tuning pegs without much success. I tried removing them and noticed the pegs seem slightly smaller in diameter than some of the new ones. Is there a new brand of friction tuner you recommend? It would great if I could find ones that would fit in the existing holes and I prefer white pegs. Do recommend getting the higher end locking tuners? It would be nice to have a playable soprano. thanks sb Answer: If there is a good music store in your area with a decent luthier, take it in there. They might have a set of vintage tuners lying around that you can purchase. If not, its better to have a uke you can play. You might have to make the holes a little larger to get the tuners you want., Let a pro do it. I find they always do it better tha I do....chuck - Friday, October 7, 2005

Question asked by: BOB REID Subject: ANTIQUE BANJO UKE Question: WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFO. ON A BANJO UKE? I HAVE A MAXITONE THAT I GOT FROM MY FAMILY ABOUT 1942 AND IT WAS QUITE OLD THEN. IT IS IN VERY GOOD SHAPE AND I PLAY IT REGULARLY. Answer: Bob....go to the bulletin board and ask the question. There are a couple of guys over there who collect banjo ukes. Also go to Google and type in Banjo UKe and you will have quite a few sites to choose from. These guys are far more familiar with banjo ukes than I am. I can tell you that you have a good uke and hang on to it. I have one and love it.....chuck - Friday, October 7, 2005

Question asked by: michael Subject: kamaka factory tour Question: Hi Chuck, I stumbled on this page which is a pretty neat tour of the Kamaka factory in Honolulu. Just thought I'd share it http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Fea tures/Kamaka/kamaka.html Answer: Michael, thanks very much...This kind of info is always appreciated by all. Keep in touch. I hope you didn't hurt yourself when you stumbled. My uncle broke a hip stumbling on a Kamaka page. careful....best...chuck - Friday, October 7, 2005

Question asked by: Don Wiseman Subject: Chinese necks Question: More of a warning. Chinese inlaid uke necks are now appearing on e- bay. Beware. I also play tenor banjo and have found from those who've tried them that they warp badly. Beware of anything like that from China. There are scams and $1 items that ship for over $100. Answer: Thanks for the info.....Always glad to get good stuff......write often.....chuck - Monday, October 3, 2005

Question asked by: tony jeffries Subject: Ukes Question: I need to photo and value my instruments (mainly vintage banjos and some nice guitars) for insurance purposes. I have a couple of ukeleles that I've had for years and would not have a clue as to value - can you help ? One is a Martin 3M, with the triple line inlay down the fingerboard to the arrow point. The name is impressed on the back - no name on the peghead itself The other is a koa wood with a very slight bowled back that says KUMALAE Gold Award PPIE 1915, and then a crest with Hawaii below on the peghead. I would be very grateful if you could give me some idea of their market value so I know I have adequate cover - I know the market may be different in USA, but with banjos it seems that the dollar valuation is usually about the same number of dollars but in English pounds sterling. Your advice will be appreciated - thanks Tony Jeffries Answer: Tony..I will be glad to help you but I need to see photos of the instruments. There are so many variations and condition issues that I really need to see them...thanks.....chuck - Monday, October 3, 2005

Question asked by: merlin Subject: baitone uke book Question: I am looking for another copy of "The Baritone Ukelele" Book 2 by Herk Favilla. My original copy is falling apart and this is the most useful book I have ever used. Any ideas where I might find one? Photos:      Answer: Stick this questio exactly as it is on the Bulletin Board on this site..someone will help...frets - Monday, October 3, 2005

Question asked by: Earl Subject: tab for James Hill - Little Wing Question: I'm trying to locate any tabulature of the song Litte Wing as performed by James Hill. Any ideas. Answer: put this question to the members of the bulletin board on this site...someone is bound to know....thanks....frets - Saturday, October 1, 2005

Question asked by: Shark Subject: Lyon& Healy Uke Question: Hello Chuck Did Lyon&Healy ever build any koa wood style 5 tenor size ukuleles? The present owner claims so, Looks too new to be made by L&H. Thanks for your thoughts Shark Answer: I'd need a [pic to let you know for sure. I know they made one in soprano and concert size...have ever heard of on in tenor size. thanks for writing in.,...chuck - Monday, September 26, 2005

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Tony's Teardrop Favilla Question: Hi Chuck, Tony's teardrop uke is a later model, probably built in the late 1930's. Teardrops were built in the 1920's and 30's. With the fingerboard extending onto the top, definately very late 20's or 30's Tom Answer: thanks as usual tom...How are you and yours......write often...chuck - Sunday, September 25, 2005

Question asked by: Kuni Subject: Aloha Hawaii Question: Hi!, This is the head image of "AKLOHA HAWAII" Thank You. Photos:      Answer: Kuni...I'm sorry I don't have the answes to what this is.,.I will publish it with the pics and hope someone kows...thaks...chuck sure is nice... - Sunday, September 25, 2005

Question asked by: Timothy Ryan Subject: Harold Teen Uke Question: I just found this UKe that belonged to my Mother. It is a Green Harold Teen Uke made by Harmony with images by Carl Ed. I am wondering where I might find a tuning knob that it is missing. I also am curious about its ball park value. I understand you are not offering an accurate appraisal. Thanks Tim Ryan Answer: 3-5 hundred depending on condition and who is rading the copy.....Put your wants on marketplace on this site, you will be surprised how many people responsd. just list that you need a tuner....thanks for writing and keep in touch...chuck - Sunday, September 25, 2005

Question asked by: Selwyn Heatley Subject: Re: Harmony Uke (Part 1 of 2) Question: Hello Chuck, Thanks for returning a reply. I have enclosed this image as part 1 of 2 of my harmony ukelele regarding my earlier question (your reply August 24, 2005) of its age.As you can see the decal is at the top, and the serial number is 4131, which is inside the body and can be seen through the sound hole. I hope you are able to assist me. Many thanks, Selwyn Photos:      Answer: would you measure this and send the total length to me..this looks more like the headstock of a tenor guitar...chuck - Sunday, September 25, 2005

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Victoria - B & J New York Question: Just picked up a Uke and I am having trouble finding anything on it. I understand the B&J were the distributers. This has a silver bridge at the bottom. It looks old. Know anything about it ? thanks Answer: steve...very little by the description..please send pics...chuck - Sunday, September 25, 2005

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