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

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Question asked by: lori Subject: nunes uke? Question: Hi, I was wondering a couple things. First, what can you tell me about this ukulele, and second, in its condition, how would I sell it, and for how much. Due to have 5th child soon and needing the money. Thank you. Photos:              Answer: Ion....it has condition issues,I cannot tell how bad. It was made by Leonardo Nunes ..son of Manual ...Made in Los Angeles. In that condition about 300 dollars...5 kids...perhaps you should keep the uke and play it more...thanks...chuck - Saturday, December 10, 2011

Question asked by: James Edwards Subject: Is this a Nunes? Question: Hey Chuck! Can you ID this uke for me? It's been in my parents' house all my life, and I understand that it belonged to my grandmother who bought it sometime in the '30s, I believe. thanks! Photos:                      Answer: It is not a nunes. It is not Hawaiian made. The back and heel cap are not one. I have no idea who made it. It looks like so many ukes of the time..It has a Regal headstock but not the regal trim..Wish I could nail it, but I can't...chuck - Saturday, December 10, 2011

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Dalles C uke banjo Question: Chuck here's a pic of my humble collection of Dallas ukes. The Dallas C is in the middle surrounded by the a on the left and the B on the right of it. The D is on the extreme left and the E on the extreme right. Not a brilliant photo but just shows roughly what they look like. These are the Formby signature uke sold from the forties, although how they got the metal at theta time is anyone's guess. It may be that Dallas also produced ukes called "C" in a different style but this is what the form by versions were. The ABC were fairly plain but the D had Birdseye maple resonator and the E in Walnit. The E was also made gold plated. mine is Chrome.. Photos:      Answer: Best collection of Dallas ukes. So nice to see them diplayed. Thank you so much for sending in the picture, I will download it and keep for my file. I don't suppose you would give them to me. Just a thought..best and continued gret hunting... - Saturday, December 10, 2011

Question asked by: Tim Gillespie Subject: Paul Summers Guitar Question: Aloha Chuck, I am interested determining the name of the Maker of this Paul F. Summers Guitar (photos attached). I have a PF Summers uke, made by Sam Chang, but don't think Sam did this guitar. (These photos were sent to me, so I do not have the benefit of "hands on", at present). Thank You, Tim G. Photos:                  Answer: Tom..I wish I knew. There has always been speculation as to who made the Summers Bros ukes...Were they only distributors or did they make some themselves. It has the classic summers bridge and the wood is beautiful. I have no idea, as crazy as it sounds there has always been a question as to the possibility that Martin had something to do with them..Mike Longworth had thoughts bout the headstock. Regardless, it is a lovely guitar and I wish I could be more specific....chuck - Saturday, December 10, 2011

Question asked by: Uke Inheritance Subject: Old Uke (repair or replace) Question: Hi Chuck, I got this ukulele after my folks passed away. My kids played with it some, no a string is broke and a tuning peg is broke (ugh). In searching for replacement pegs, I realized from your notes that this is likely from the 1920's. So, my question is this. I can't find wood pegs online. Should I modify it for newer friction pegs, or try to sell it to a collector "as is" and buy a newer model with the money? Is it easy to find a buyer who is not just a bargain hunter? Thanks for your help! Photos:                      Answer: It looks to be Hawaiian made and I would be tempted to find a peg or have one made, and fix it up. I doubt if you would get a lot of money for its and it seems perfectly fine. It won't cost much to get a peg and fix up..let me know how it comes out...chuck - Saturday, December 10, 2011

Question asked by: roger Subject: Clara Kelly Uke Question: Hi Chuck- I came across a soprano uke in an antique store (sorry, no photo since I didn't buy it)and the inside mfg. label - said Clara Kelly since 1964...and there was a bit more but Clara Kelly of CK was the brand. It had friction tuners and may have been solid mahogany. It had a pretty good sound, Any idea who made it or it's worth? Thanks! Answer: Roger...not a clue...wish I could help, but a uke I've never heard of and a picture I cannot see...if anyone out there knows this one...there is a prize for you......chuck - Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Question asked by: Paul Scott Williamso Subject: hekp IDing a uke please Question: this is a baritone, only marks " Made in Western-Germany " if its worth it ill get it restored if not i want. would like all the info on it i can get .Thank you so much for your time Photos:                  Answer: What does it say in the subject line? I have no idea what that uke is..I am not up on many of the West German Ukes. thanks for the question. - Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Question asked by: Heinrich James Subject: Firefly strings Question: Hi, Chuck-- I am loving my new Firefly banjo uke. Can you tell me how I can get replacement strings? They don't seem to be standard uke strings: the "C" string is metallic, while all the other strings are nylon, so not sure how to replace them. Thanks, Heinrich. Answer: Heinrich....your on the site that manufacturers them, please write flea market music. I'm sure they know. chuck - Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Question asked by: Mary Englund Subject: Value of my Gibson Uke Question: Chuck, I already sent in the photo and you answered that you needed the dimensions (on Oct 28th, I think). I since wrote back that it is 24.5" long and 9" at the widest part. How do I get my answer? I keep looking, but don't see it. Thanks! Mary Answer: It is a Gibson style two tenor uke. In that condition it is worth about 350...It needs a little TLC...Very nice ukulele. - Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Question asked by: Mike Subject: Uke Question: Hi Chuck, Here's the photos you requested from your response to my question on 10/17. Appears the fret board is all one in with the neck. I found some photos to suggest that this might be a 1920-1930's Harmony. Still would appreciate your opinion on make, history, value with bridge replaced. Thanks again! Mike Photos:          Answer: Mike..if someone had a gun at my head...awfully radical for a ukulele question...I'd say regal...If they shot me....Harmony....chuck Value 150.. - Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Question asked by: Lynne Subject: Barclay ukulele Question: I just found this in my Grandmother's attic. Can you tell me what it is worth and where I could sell it? It does seem in good working order. Thanks so much! Lynne Photos:                      Answer: Lynne...It is an inexpensive ukulele. A good beginner uke. I would try on this site, hopefully someone would be looking to start. I would ask 150 bucks and be happy ...thanks...chuck - Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Dallas C Question: Chuck Roberta's uke banjo is definitely not a Dallas C. But unfortunately I don't know what it is Steve Answer: Thanks Steve...all help needed...keep in touch....chuck - Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Question asked by: Daniele Russo Subject: Unknown Vintage Uke Question: I've bought this uke on ebay.It has no stickers into the soundhole.It is very light (0,52 lbs),has an arched back,kerfed lining on the inside and a red,cream and black binding on the soundboard.Tiger stripes are painted,but to my inexpert eyes it seems it is made with solid mahogany.It came with three umatched tuners,but it has tapered holes so originally there were wooden pegs.Please,could you tell me the brand,the age and the extimated value??Thanks a lot and greets from Italy Answer: Daniele...I'm good but I broke my crystal ball. Please either send a replacement ball or if all else fails....a series of pictures...thanks...chuck - Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Question asked by: Howard Kolodny Subject: Roberta Pearce Question Question: Hi, Chuck: This is in response to Roberta Pearce's recent question about the Dallas ukes. Though I'm not the real expert, the Dallas ukulele line was, in part, among the instruments played and endorsed by George Formby. Accoding to John Croft (theukuleleman@hotmail.com) of England, Formby played the Dallas banjo uke models C, D and E. The manufacturer was the firm of George Houghton & Son of Birmingham, England Which model is which can be found on the back of the peghead, which has the letter, a slash and the serial number (e.g., "D/1227"). Dallas banjo ukes occasionally turn up on the Flea Market site as well as that of Elderly Instruments. They are nice instruments. Answer: Thanks Howard...always nice to hear from you. I need friends like you to make me look good...chuck - Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Question asked by: George McMillan Subject: Gretsch Banjolele Question: A while back - Aug 22,2006, you offered to check your Tsumura book for any reference to my Gretsch Banjolele. Any update? Thanks and the best. Photos:      Answer: I didn't find what I wanted but I know enough to know its a top of the line banjo uke. Its the first one I have seen, but if it plays anything like it looke I would expect it to be worth 1000 bucks. I want it...can I have it...worth a shot...thanks...chuck - Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Question asked by: Tom from AZ Subject: Uke Question: HI Chuck, I just found your site and I like it a lot. Have put it in my favorites. I included pics of my uke which I bought used in a pawn shop in Washington DC in May of 1965. I broke the neck from the body (don't ask) in 72 or 73 and carried it from house to house ever since. Just had it fixed and it plays very well. Sounds quite good. Do you have any info on it or a value. It is a Kingston but no numbers. The wood is thicker than current ukes and sturdier. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks Photos:                          Answer: Tom from AZ Chuck from Oz...Ican't find any reference to a Kingston uke selling recently. I don't think its a very expensive uke and I hope someone on this site will know...thanks....we will wait on me legion of experts....chuck - Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Question asked by: Bob Subject: Uke values Question: The Koa Pineapple Uke has no ID at all and the bigger uke says Lyon & Healy American Conservatory 5050. Any information on these ukes and values would be appreciated. Thanks Photos:                          Answer: The Lyon and Healy is made of Nissa wood. I have not seen many of them. The Pineapple uke is Kamaka..Hard to tell the date from just those pictures. My guess would be 60's...Both worth about 300, perhaps a bit more to the right collector. The Kamaka is a fine player. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Question asked by: dustin Subject: vintage Martin Uke. Question: I have a 40's Martin c&f ukulele. I don't really have means of keeping It, so I was wondering what ukes from that era run? Thanks Dustin Answer: Please send picture. Martin made dozens of models all different prices..thanks...chuck - Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Question asked by: Tim Dekle Subject: Age and value of old Kamaka? Question: I have this old Soprano Kamaka Ukulele, Guessing 1920-1935? Trying to decide if I should get it restored and keep it or sell it as is. Several cracks as shown in the images. Tabu made in Hawaii on the back of the headstock, K.Kamaka sticker on butt of the instrument. No date or sticker on the inside or front of the headstock. One wooden tuning peg remaining. If I sell it, I'm not even sure what price would be fair to ask. Sure appreciate your help. Mahalo, Tim Photos:                      Answer: Tim...If I owned it I would definitely have it restored. Its a rare bird. Your probably pretty close on the date. 1920 is too early, but around 1930 for sure. Where do you live and do you know a good luthier. It is not in as bad shape as you think. Once you have it restored, then we can talk about value. It depends on how it looks but more important, how does it sound. Its an interesting project that will be worth the effort. Keep me posted. Be careful of the decal on the butt of the uke. That is its identification and quite rare. Its called a cigar band decal...good luck...chuck - Thursday, November 3, 2011

Question asked by: Scott Lippman Subject: My ukulele Question: I enharited this ukulele. I was referred to you by Alistair Wood. I am just trying to find out some information on it, how old, the wood and any other information you might find helpful. It is a Martin. Also and just purely out of curiousity, how much you might think it is worth. I would never ever sell it. I am just learning now how to play. So if it is worth a lot of money I am curious as to should I not play this one until I get better or is it okay to play. I did try to do some research on it and really could not find any. The only thing I did find was on ebay some of them go for a lot of money. Any information you can give me would be greatfull. Thanks so much for your time. Scott Photos:                          Answer: Scott..It is the last incarnation of the style 3 mahogany ukulele. It has a stamp inside that I can read that says "made in USA...there is some discussion as to when this first appeared but it was after 1950. The value is, depending on the condition, in this sagging market, about 1250-2000 depending on the day. It is a very high grade instrument and there is no reason for you to learn how to play the ukulele on anything else. I hope this helped and keep us informed....chuck - Thursday, November 3, 2011

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