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

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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

Question asked by: Darrell Subject: Tony's Favilla Teardrop Question: Hi Chuck, I noticed the post by Tony about his Favilla Teardrop uke - I believe there's an image of Hoagy Carmichael playing one. It's posted in a Mandolincafe.net thread about early mandoin music assiciated with Charlie Chaplin: http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html /uploads/post-6-83471-hoagy.jpg At least it looks like Tony's Favilla! Darrell Answer: Thanks Darrell......always glad to get new stuff...chuck - Monday, September 19, 2005

Question asked by: Ed Hosafros Subject: Harmony ukulele Question: Chuck, Could you help me identify the age of this uku? The serial number is either 372Hb95 or 372H695. I have been told it was made in the 1950's and would like to verify this. Thanks, Ed Photos:      Answer: consider it verified...nice uke....chuck - Sunday, September 18, 2005

Question asked by: paul Subject: buying a uke Question: Hi, I recently decided to learn to play the uke and so went to a shop for some advice. The salesman didn't seem to know much about them at all, but convinced me to buy one for £12.50, saying it would be ideal to learn on. I've played it a couple of times, obviously the sound quility is very poor (I expected this), but it's almost impossible to keep in tune for more than half a song. However, I really enjoyed playing it and know that I want to continue. Could you suggest a good quality uke thats availible in England that would be good for me to progress to. I want to pay between £40-£60. Thanks Paul Answer: look at the on line store on this site and see what you think of the flea and the fluke..They are both great for the money . A real good way to get started. Also all the books and cd's you'll ever need to have...thaks for writingin...let me know how it goes...chuck - Sunday, September 18, 2005

Question asked by: matt Subject: bushman jenny and vineyard ukes Question: I'm looking for a great sounding and inexpensive concert or tenor uke. Both Bushman Jenny and Vineyard ukes appear to be very well built (what with thier all- solid wood construction and such) and fit nicely into my limited price range, though I have never had the chance to play either. My question, then, is do either of these ukes SOUND great as well as look pretty. If you are unfamiliar with either, might you recommend a great sounding uke in the $150-300 price range, if any such uke exists. I would greatly appreciate teh bennefit of your knowledge. Answer: Matt...my sugestion , since I live in Australia and have not had a chance to play either, would be to put this question to the folk at the bulletin board on this site. Alot of stuff about these two ukes have been discussed there and they will be glad to help you. I don't get a chance to play alot of the new ukes.....they just don't exist over here. You can also look up on the bulletin board past discussions. Just go to the side and follow the directions. thanks for writing in...chuck - Friday, September 16, 2005

Question asked by: Tony Subject: Favilla Teardrop Question: Hi, Chuck. I just purchased this Favilla in a shop for $125. Might you have an idea of the general period these teardrop ukes were produced? Photos:      Answer: 1940'50 and maybe late 30's...really nice buy......they are not seen alot and they play beautifully..thanks for sharing....best.....chuck - Friday, September 16, 2005

Question asked by: Tim Hanson Subject: Kamaka Pineapple Restoration Question: I recently bought an old Kamaka Pineapple Uke fom the '20-30's that is in rough shape. Cracks on the top and back, missing fret ect. Still it is a beaty- roped edge pinting in good shape. Any suggestions for luthier on the east coast that could restore this instrument? I guess i could send it to kamaka in hawaii but wondered if there were any other options. Thanks for any help on this. Answer: Tim...call John Bernunzio at Bernunzio vintage instruments in Rochester N Y and tell him I told yoiu to call. Ask him that question..He will be sure to know. Thanks for writing in....worth restoring...chuck - Thursday, September 15, 2005

Question asked by: PickerPete Subject: New tuners on an old Gretsch uke Question: I recently got my hands on an old Gretsch uke. Sadly, the old tuners are broken and need to be replaced. I noticed the old tuners are smaller in diameter than the modern ones. Whats the best way to make the replacement? Are there any newer friction tuners that are of the older diameter or does anyone sell old uke parts? Does it just need to be drilled out? Is there a safe way to do that?.... By the way to the extent that I can tell the uke sounds great. Answer: Pete, take it to a good luthier and ask him his opinion...Without seeing the uke I would say that you'd be ok drilling out the holes and putting in new tuners. Unless it is a spectacular Gretsch that I have never seen, You won't hurt the value much...You can also go on the market place on this site and put up your wants. an old set of tuners...You never know...you might just get them...stick up a pic of what an old one looks like and someone will write....thanks for writing in and good luck....chuck - Thursday, September 15, 2005

Question asked by: michael Subject: Painted Uke values Question: I have the silvertone "lADY PLAYING UKE" pictured in Jim Beloffs book pg 98 and the forest Carson Robinson Uke with the man on horse pictured on pg 122 in the same book along with its original montgomery ward shipping box from 1940. What do you think that they are worth today? The condition is a bout the same as those pictures. Answer: In good condition a couple hundred each. There are collectors for these ukes. If you are going to sell them, stick them up on marketplace, on this site..they will sell..thanks for yakkin....chuck - Thursday, September 15, 2005

Question asked by: Frank Donnoli Subject: Martin O Tuning Peg Washers Question: Hi Chuck, I have just taken delivery of a Martin O Style Uke (probably from the 60's). It has a lovely tone and a great action. However, the tuning pegs do not have a felt washer between the pegs and the back of the headstock. Do you know if Martin ever used washers and should I put some in for extra grip. Cheers Frank Answer: Never saw one with washers of any kind that I can remember. Leave it as it is and play the hell out of it...chuck - Thursday, September 15, 2005

Question asked by: Marc Subject: Kumalae repair Question: Hi Chuck, always a pleasure to read your informative answers. My Kumalae's bridge is starting to pull away from the top. I have been monitoring this for a while and have noticed the problem worsening. Can you recommend the right person for the job? I am based in London but i am willing to send it to wherever that right person may be. It has one mismatched peg which i would like to replace sometime. Any ideas where to source one like the others? I've included a picture. Many thanks Marc. Photos:      Answer: Marc...any guitar luthier or violin maker will have the tools to do the job..Its a simple one. The peg you have to hunt for. Go to the market place on this site and put up the pic and ask if anyone has a matching peg..I'm sure someone will help out...thanks for asking...cheerio....chuck - Thursday, September 15, 2005

Question asked by: Pono Subject: Paul Summers Uke Question: Hey Chuck, Thanks for responding to my earlier question on the Paul Summers Uke. I have some more details for you along with a photo. On the front of the uke is a seal which says Aloha Hawaii. The inside label reads as follows:Paul F. Summers, Famous Waikiki, Trade-Mark Reg. U.S. Pat. Office, Koa Ukeleles, Steel Guitars, Made In Hawaii. On the back is a label which reads Paul Summers, Honolulu and a seal which read Tabu Made In Hawaii. I understand it is from the 30's, but I want some idea on rarity and value if you could give me your 2 cents or 5. Tks- Pono Photos:      Answer: Any paul summers is worth a few hundred dollars. The numbr of few is condition and beauty..I would be surprised to see this uke sell for 350.......thanks for writing in...chuck - Thursday, September 15, 2005

Question asked by: Jim Wells Subject: info on Suzuki Violin uke Question: This was my late Mothers'... was wondering if you could shed any light on it? It has ser. # 5 inside. When made or value maybe? Thanks for any information! Regards, Jim Wells Photos:      Answer: Suzuki ukes have not much value....100 bucks maybe. It is a nice uke but not collected alot......If you are going to try to sell it do it on our site called market place. I'd keep it if I were you....thanks...frets - Thursday, September 15, 2005

Question asked by: Jimbo Subject: Cole Clark Ukes Question: Hi Chuck, Just replying to your question as to my location. I live in Sydney NSW, in the Sutherland shire Regards Jim Answer: thanks...set a table for one more..I'm on my way for dinner....chuck - Thursday, September 15, 2005

Question asked by: jeanette Subject: possibly a Martin 2K? Question: OK... I don't have the means of shooting a picture of this thing yet, BUT after cleaning what I thought was a Martin 2M soprano...the wood is looking for all the world like it's "soul" (closet) mateMartin 018K 'cept... there isn't a lot of flaming (fingering ripples whathaveyou) to the Uke body... but there IS incredible dept and very subtle flarings. Did Martin make Koa body's from not so dramatic koa woods? This style 2 is pre 1930 as the stamp is on the back, and the Hawaiian 018K is 1928). The neck of the uke and guitar match perfectly...so whatever the Uke body is, it is NOT the same as the mahog. neck wood I was going to sell the guitar...then heard a bluesman play it and fell in love with it. The Uke and guitar have been together since 1928... so I guess that I am about to learn how to play it as well as the slide guitar as the thought of splitting them up (after all the time they spent together in my Dad's closet) is unthinkable to me! ~jeanette Answer: jeanette, please send pics I can tell in a heartbeat.....chuck - Thursday, September 15, 2005

Question asked by: Jim Subject: Ka-Lae Question: Chuck, I know you've said earlier that Kamaka made the Ka-Lae's also. Can you elaborate a bit on that as to: same level of quality? Why the different name? (were they made by a black-sheep brother-in- law? Or maybe just by a black sheep himslef? No, I guess then it would be "Ba-Lae...") Anyhow, anything more on this brand? Thanks. Answer: Sorry I overlooked your question....John Lai and Sam Kamaka made ukes together for a short period of time...They were pineapples..look exactly like the 1938 kamaka. Lai also made ukes on his own. They weigh about 30 pounds apiece and are not very good sounding. Hope this helps..sorry it took so long....chuck - Thursday, September 15, 2005

Question asked by: Rusty Subject: Deacled Uke Question: Hi Chuck, Here is a Uke I have not seen before. Looks 1940's era. The remnants of the label inside, is gray with a white border and red lettering. All I can make out is what was perhaps part of the word Standard. Also it has stamped or written inside the sound hole 88%. I rather like the decals, though slightly cheesy. Not particularly high end, but it has a nice tone. Would you know the brand & era? Thank you! -Rusty Photos:      Answer: I'm not sure who made it. The standard lable is seen in most harmony ukuleles. This might be a harmony or a Fred richter. Nice looking uke, I know why you like it. If it is a Richter, it was made by Regal. Thanks for writing in.....chuck - Wednesday, September 14, 2005

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