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

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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: Mario Subject: Olde Favilla Question: Dear Chuck, Two questions: How do You pronounce the family name: Faviya, or Favila? Or am I missing a 3rd possibility like ...Faynella. Sorry 2nd: I have this Favilla, with the name stamped on the back of the headstock: Favilla Bros, New York, NY, USA. So I assume it's pretty old, if they were on the same trend w/ Martin. Alas the top is missing both struts on the inside, which if we assume was built the same as later ones, were placed close to each side of the soundhole. There is a really thin 3rd strut still in place, just up from being even with the bridge. Not being willing to steam this beauty to glue new struts, what risk do I take to string it up, and possibly stress the top? Thanks Answer: Fa-Villa......Is the preferred way as told to me by Tom Favilla....I hear he is the authorty on how it is pronounced....and why not....chuck - Tuesday, September 6, 2005

Question asked by: Pono Subject: Summers Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I'm trying to get a better understanding of the Uke and your feedback would be very helpful! 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, Honululu and a seal which read Tabu Made In Hawaii. Any idea on how rare and the value on this? I understand it is probably from the 1930's. Thanks Photos:      Answer: It is a 40's maybe as late as 50's uke. Paul summers was not a uke maker, he was a teacher. But the ukes that bear his name ar quality ukews...It is not rare and the value would be about 300 bucks on a good day...thanks....chuck - Tuesday, September 6, 2005

Question asked by: rod water Subject: metal dixie banjo uke Question: looking for history mfg. dates made Answer: A little history. They all sound horrible. Made in the 50's. Interesting to look at, but I have never heard one that sounded like anything...try gut strings..original hawaiian gut strings. they can mute the sound some. Use no strings and it will sound great....thanks for writing in....chuck - Tuesday, September 6, 2005

Question asked by: Stephen B. Subject: Harmony Uke Question: Chuck: Here's the label from the Harmony i submitted a little while ago -- The uke is koa wood, I think, and very high gloss finish, lots of inlay...only identifying labels are this little one on the back of the headstock and the one inside that says "Standard Approved....etc" Photos:      Answer: and the question is??????? or was???? - Tuesday, September 6, 2005

Question asked by: Diesel Subject: Long time, no book Question: Ain't summer in your neck of the woods, but it is here - with a vengeance - and I need some good Summertime reading! Anything on the literary horizon? Answer: nice to hear from you...book still in the works, had to put on back burner as I had another book due first. Will let you know when it happens. Looking for a publisher...know of one.......chuck - Tuesday, September 6, 2005

Question asked by: ryan Subject: Kaholas Uke Question: I just scored an awsome deal. I picked up an old soprano Kaholas Uke for fifteen bucks from a thrift store. I was wondering what it might be worth. Or where i can find out more about Kaholas and co. thanks Ryan Answer: ryan..good score...mail me a picture and I will tell you what you got. decent uke....chuck - Wednesday, August 31, 2005

Question asked by: sandra sakowicz Subject: stewart ukulele Question: I understand Martin made ukuleles for Stewart. Were they all marked,"Martin?" I see no markings on this one. What can you tell me about this instrument? Thanks so much. Photos:      Answer: - Monday, August 29, 2005

Question asked by: Brian Sak Subject: Kamaka Pineapple Uke Question: Hi Chuck, thanks for answering so many questions. I love reading them. I just picked up what was labeled as a vintage 1970's Kamaka Pineapple Ukulele when I was out of town, so couldn't check pricing. It's made of Koa wood and it came with the case. It's got a beautiful tone and is much louder than the concert uke that was my first instrument. The shop I got if from in Annapolis, MD was a great place, filled with wonderful acoustic instruments of all types, and well worth supporting. I paid $400 for it with the case, an extra set of strings, and a felt pick included. I feel that it was completely worth it, but I'm wondering what true market value for this type of uke is. Also, can the date of manufacture be narrowed down anymore? Thanks! Photos:      Answer: great uke, great buy, great godfrey7....send it to me.....worth a couple of hundred more...enjoy it 70's is correct....chuck - Monday, August 29, 2005

Question asked by: Steve Subject: I haven't told her, she hasn't told me Question: Chuck It probably isn't a George Formby song as both Guy Lombardo and another (uke player) solo artist recorded this in about 1927/8. I managed to get a Mini Disc field recording from a friend/enthusiast at a recent car rally on his '78 HMV Portable. I also l know that besides Peter Sellars the famous UK Folkie Martin Carthy and Dave Swarbrick recorded a version in the 1960's Transcript below: I've got a clock that wakes me every morning for my train I've got a corn that gives me warning when it's going to rain. I've got a dream that's coming true, I've got a sweetie in view. I'm as happy as I can be and as bad in love with the girl, you see I haven't told her, and she hasn't told me, but we know it just the same. Saturday night on her settee, oh! what a time there's going to be I haven't told her, and she hasn't told me, but we know it just the same. She still calls me Mister, but she won't, I know she won't, after I've kissed her I've got a feeling soon there'll be one little, two little, possibly three I haven't told her, and she hasn't told me, but we know it just the same The version I heard on 78 had more verses though. Steve Answer: Thanks for all the info...I love stuff like that....chuck - Monday, August 29, 2005

Question asked by: scott cushman Subject: 5 strings? Question: I want to start playing ululele, but i live in spain, the home of flaminco and don't have many options to buy them here. However, i did come across a ukulele-sized instrument with 5 strings... what am i looking at? is it a uke or is this just spain messing with my head? paz y amor. Answer: Your looking at an instrument that is not a ukulele. There are many instruments made in spanin that are fourstringed and the size of a ukulele. Keep looking. I had a spanish ukulele ...I'm sure you can find one. If not , please write me again and I will see what I can do. four stringed instruments were in Spain centuries before they were in hawaii....best...chuck - Monday, August 29, 2005

Question asked by: Steve Pepper Subject: Baritone Uke Tuning Question: Chuck I'm sure a dozen other people will make this comment but the uke chords may be the same but will be in a different key i.e the C shape on a soprano will give a G chord on a Baritone. Keep up the good work. Steve Answer: Thanks steve....I'm sure your answer is clearer than mine. Thats why I have you guys out there so you can make me look good. best....chuck - Saturday, August 27, 2005

Question asked by: Alan Ferentz Subject: Gibson Question: This is a Gibson Tenor. The logo is "The Gibson". So far the best I can date it is 1927-1937, hoping you might be able to narrow the range. There are a few waves in the top, but the sound is incredible. Also what is the 5th pin on the bridge for. Thanks, Alan Photos:      Answer: The 5th pin is used when you loose the 4th one. The gibson tenor is the little brother or sister to the L-0..L-1 guitar. If you go to a music store, you will be able to take a look at the Gibson book. It will show you exactly the same instrument in a six string. Your right, they are wonderful sounding instruments. thanks for writing in.,.......chuck - Saturday, August 27, 2005

Question asked by: Phil Fairchild Subject: Which one is Best Question: Hi Chuck Just found this site today. Very interesting. I have a uke that I bought new about 40 years ago. It wasn't expensive (about $30). I played a lot then, and haven't messed around with it for almost 30 years. I would like to get back into it - at least "part time". I would love to have a C.F. Martin, but the use ones are very expensive. I have looked on the web (where I found this) at several brands and prices that range from $25 to $20,000. Can you recommend a couple of brands and sizes that you consider best buys for the money? As you can tell, I don't really know what I'm doing. Thanx pf Answer: Its a hard question because I don't know what you want to spend. If you ask me best buy for the money...tell me the money too and I will do the best I can...thanks for writing in..I'll help...chuck - Saturday, August 27, 2005

Question asked by: Pat Hogenauer Subject: Martin Tenor Uke Question: I would like to sell my Martin Tenor Uke purchased over 40 years ago. Condition & tone is great. Can you give me any info. on this model so I can place it on the web. What important points should I bring out about this Uke? Thanks for any help with this. Photos:      Answer: pat..they well for 750-1000...nothing much to say..its the 14 fret model not the 12 fret model and after saying that, the rest you already said..good condition, good sound. Now all you need is someone who needs a good uke...chuck offer this for sale on our marketplace. you will find it on this site..look at the black menu at the left. follow the instructions and put up a pic..its a nice uks and will sell....chuck p s the market place is free, only uke nuts visit but you have to sell. Its not an auction..... - Saturday, August 27, 2005

Question asked by: willythekid Subject: Radio Tenor uke Question: Hi Frets, I saw that Nunes Radio Tenor that went on Ebay and now I'm really interested in the version Ken Potts is offering. Can you give me your opinion and maybe a breakdown on the differences in materials, construction and tone, between the two? I'm really facinated by these uke's and would like to know some details about them. Thanks. Answer: Go to the uke yak section on this site. The already answered questions and you will see a pic of me. click on the little yellow oval below the pic and you will be taken to the site where the ukulele is made. Its a marvelous ukulele and destined to be the collectable of the future. thanks for writing in..chuck - Saturday, August 27, 2005

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