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 (122 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: 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: 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

Question asked by: Bob Sullivan Subject: Martin ukulele Question: I have this Martin Ukulele with an unusual decal on it - not the usual C F Martin decal. It is a soprano uke, I think type 5. Is there anything else you can tell me about it? Thanks. Bob Sullivan Photos:      Answer: Bob it is a late model style 3. pretty. I have seen that decal before, but it is not a martin authorized decal. Put on after market. best and thankc...chuck - Saturday, August 27, 2005

Question asked by: Jim Hite Subject: Bobby Henshaw Question: A search of uke yak shows it's been a few years since the last Bobby Henshaw question. I bought a Henshaw Baritone, and it sounds great, plays great and looks like it's gonna fall apart any second. Have you made any headway into who he was and who made the ukes with his name on 'em? Answer: nope...chuck - Saturday, August 27, 2005

Question asked by: Michael Hansen Subject: 8 String Ukulele (Island?) Question: Chuck, Just picked this fella up at an antique store for a few clams. It looked interesting and wel made, but there are some major cracks that need to be repaired as well as some structural issues. It looks like an Island made uke (or whatever yu call it). Just wondering if it looks familar. Also do you know anyone I could send it to to fix the cracks and structural problems. I don't know any good luthiers and I'm always on the road. (Note: I will send another picture of the peg head. If these pictures are no help I will try to send others.) Photos:      Answer: The pic I received could be anything. I thoght it was a building at first. I think you may need a little help in getting the pic and then making it the right size. will be glad to help when I can see it. - Saturday, August 27, 2005

Question asked by: wolf poll, montreal.canada Subject: koa ukulele in montreal Question: .......hi....read most of the site & i have one book of jumpin jim's but i still have a question: woul you be able to give me a ball park figure on the worth of my recently acquired uke, an all koa leonardo nunes with "cord"trim in the front rim & around the soundhle--with a very narrow waist- -----professionally resttored--no blemishes--incredible sound.....i want to play it after looking for one for a dozen years------ i came across it in an iniquitous den of hillbillies who called it a little black guitar it was so dirty....but it sprang back with a prismatic orange figured shhen that reverses with 90 deg rotation....the label inside resembles the one shown on your website...(with workmanship .materialsAND tone guaranteed!!).....thanking you with best wish & anticipation ,your sincerely canadian friend,wolf Answer: Wolf. need a pic...nunes made many styles and designs....Could be worth anything. Please send me a picture and I will be glad to help....chuck - Saturday, August 27, 2005

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Favilla ukes without Crest Question: Well Chuck we live and learn. I was talking to my 89 year old aunt Mary this afternoon (Herks sister, now residing in Las Vegas) and I mentioned about the Favilla ukes with no decal. Boy did I get an education. It seems the blue and silver decals of the crest that were used were lacquer transfers and were supposed to be applied BEFORE the last coat of finish. However on some occassons in the rush to completion, they were not applied until after the uke was finished (sometimes a day or two later) when this happened, the decal sometimes did not adhere too well and they noticed after a few months the decal would start to flake off. We live and learn to respect our elders. Best to you and all in Mt.Idy Tom Answer: Thanks as usual......chuck - Thursday, August 25, 2005

Question asked by: Selwyn Subject: Harmony Ukelele Identification Question: Hello Chuck.I have a solid mahogany Soprano uke with the number 4131 stamped inside.It has bakerlite black tuner pegs and on the very top front of the headstick is the Harmony,USA decal.The location of this intrigues me as all other Harmony ukes I have seen have it placed between the 4x tuners on the front.I am told that this uke is old and has been here in New Zealand for many years.I also have two books that came in the old case with it. They are " The 5 Minute uke course 1927 " and the " Kamiki uke method 1922 ".Are you able to tell me the age of the uke please? Thankyou. Selwyn. Answer: Without seeing it Its hard to tell. Could be as old as the 30's and up to the 60's..send pic..will help...chuck - Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Question asked by: Frank Posey Subject: uni &co. Honolulu T.H. Question: I found a nice suprano uke mahogony with hand carved pegs and a trap door case in really good condition and wondered what it was worth?Looks old maybe 20,s or 30,s.Says UNI & CO. Honolulu,T.H. on the sound hole sticker. Answer: I think you'll find it says unis. good uke if tht is the case. Send pic and I will tell you...many companies made for unis, could be great. chuck - Wednesday, August 24, 2005

Question asked by: Mouskie Subject: Rope bindings Question: My luthier tells me that he is unable to purchase rope binding for a uke he's about to build for me -- that it's his understanding that what binding is seen on high- end ukeleles on the internet is hand-crafted by the luthiers doing the work -- and therefore quit costly to create -- and inlay. With so many fancy curly-Q bindings around, what is it about rope binding that makes it impossible to mass produce? Answer: Tell your luthier that if you hunt the ukulele sites you will find pre cut binding in strips as many varieties as you want. I would imagine that some purest makers would want to make their own binding, but not many. Know another Luthier??? you need a second opinion...frets - Sunday, August 21, 2005

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