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

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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: grouch Subject: apology Question: Chuck, not a question..a while ago we were talking about a Martin tenor I have..I emphatically stated it DIDN'T have the Martin stamp inside..it does!..it's down almost under the bridge, and you have to hold the uke just the right way to see it..so--my apologies!..and please add me to that book list....Grouch Answer: No apologies necessary.....and consider your name on list......thanks for writing in...its always nice to open the mail and see the grouchy one has written....best frets - Monday, July 25, 2005

Question asked by: Don in San Diego Subject: Favilla crests,yet again. Question: Hi. Just another example of crest placement on the older Favilla ukes. I have a theory that these were placed when the ukes were upright on the production line. The taller folks could reach to the top, while the shorter ones couldn't. Photos:      Answer: thanks don...always appreciatd...chuck - Monday, July 25, 2005

Question asked by: stephen b Subject: Harmony made by who? Question: Hi, Chuck: Can you tell me who the real maker might be for this uke? It has a small gold Harmony decal "The Harmony Company Chicago USA on the back side of the headstock; inside is a label that I've seen before that says: "Standard Approved by the National Association of Musical Instrument & Accessories Mfrs. USA." The lacquer finish on this one is very, very shiny. Did Harmony's own factory make these, or were they possibly made by others for Harmony, maybe L. Nunes in L.A.? Photos:      Answer: Stephen..I have seen this uke in many varieties, however never with a harmony stamp. The inside decal is the standard red and blue decal used by harmony. Its a mystery. Please send me a pic of the decal on the back. I would be most interested...thanks for writing in....chuck Nunes did not make for harmony.,..Harmony made for everyone. They were like regal. This is a rare departure for them. Nice uke....send pics...chuck - Monday, July 25, 2005

Question asked by: Colin McCubbin Subject: Greenfield Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck. I just added a page on Greenfield instruments, to my notecannons site. Please take a look at: http://www.notecannons.com/Greenfi eldguitars/ Although the site is mainly about their Hawaiian Guitars, you will see in the first picture a ukulele at WA Greenfield's feet. I am assuming that he made this but can find no record of these anywhere, so might I ask you if you have any information? Thank you, & Aloha! Colin McC Answer: Colin. I have the same information you have and the same book. I have always wondered about that uke also. I don't know if they made it, I would imagine they did, I have not seen another like it. They did not have a large production so anything is possible. Ben Elder in Los Angeles knows alot about the Greenfield brothers. I will see if I can get his email for you...Thanks for writing in , I wish I could be of more help.,...chuck - Monday, July 25, 2005

Question asked by: Chuck D. Subject: Northern Doane Ukes Question: Chuck F. Will you please share with me your opinion on the Northern (Doane) ukuleles. Are they really "just student ukes"; and if not, did they ever make any high quality ukes in any significant numbers? Thanks for you time and can I please get on the waiting list for your book? Chuck D. Answer: I thought all of their ukes were high quality. Just because they were used as student ukes does not mean they were inferior. Just the opposite. I found them delightful to play, wonderful to look at and had a beautiful tone. They are used in the school system here in Australia and not only are they quality they hold up. Some of these ukes have been used for over 20 years and still have it. If you can ever get your hands on the Doane system of learning the uke..do...its great. I will add you to my book list and thanks for asking. best to ya..if you get a chance to get a doane...get it...you won't be sorry....chuck - Saturday, July 23, 2005

Question asked by: Jimbo Subject: cole clark ukes Question: G'day Chuck You mentioned that you have a Cole Clark Uk-a-Lady,could you give me an opinion on them as I'd like to buy one, but I can't seem to find one in my area to have a squizz at. Cheers Jimbo Answer: Where are you??????? chuck - Saturday, July 23, 2005

Question asked by: Kathy Teague Subject: Conrad Uke Question: I see you've had several "Conrad" inquiries - add me to the list. Bought what I was told was a baritone uke hand made. Inside signed American Luthier William E.Conrad Cincinnati, O, USA. The seller was related and said Conrad used to design guitars for companies. If anyone knows more, please tell me. Answer: Kathy.have no idea who that is. But if the seller was related, just have him write the family, they should be able to put you in touch with the relative, unless they are like my disfunctional Jewish Family. 4.670 members and nobody talks to any one else. They get together once a year for a family picnic where nobody eats. I of course am the rebel, I go to the picnic..eat and talk to everybody...nobody talks to me....best chuck - Saturday, July 23, 2005

Question asked by: Bob K Subject: Favilla Decal (again...) Question: Hi Chuck - I've been away from the computer for a while and am now catching up on Uke Yak. I noticed a post asking about the green and white Favilla decal. Just wanted to send you a picture of mine for reference, since the previous example had some decal missing. Cheers, Bob K Photos:      Answer: Thaks bob...look back at Tom Favilla's last posting...its fascinating. thanks for your contribution, its always appreciated. best from the Mt Idy Decal Festival. Thats where we all get naked, wet and stick ourselves to glass doors. best.....frets - Saturday, July 23, 2005

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Favilla & Martin ? Question: Hi Chuck, Here we go again. Like you I womdern where people get their "research" information. I'll lay the answer out here right now.The Favilla's were friendly with the Martins in the early 1960's. There was NO production connection between the Favilla and Martin companies. However for a 18 month period Martin salesmen also sold Favilla guitars. Models C-5 and F-5 and Baritone ukuleles. the relationship was mutually terminated about 1963 as memory serves me. The only other connection was my sister briefly dated Frank Martin jr. in 1964 (had nothing to do with the business). regarding the Green and gold Favilla crest. I have no figures on quantities but the time span of its use was roughly 1929 to 1933. shortly after that a blue and silver crest was used sporadically through the late 1930's to late 1940's intemingled with the familiar gold crest. Tom Favilla P.S. I like your answer on the Conrad "Hilton" uke better than the truth. Tom Answer: thanks tom.....I hope this clears it up once and for all. I think people need to stir the pot now and then. You would love some of the questions and facts that I have gotten thru the years. You will be able to see alot of the in the book. Thanks for always being there....It helps me alot. Frank Martin Jr. was a good dancer so the story is told. Best to you and yours...chuck - Friday, July 22, 2005

Question asked by: Dennis Edwards Subject: Wound Nylon Strings Question: Greetings... I'm a "newbie" to the Uke culture (I'm a drummer) and a friend told me about a company in Goleta that makes wound nylon string sets. Do you know the name of this company?? Or who might carry them in SoCal?? Many thanks! Dennis Answer: Dennis, take a look at the on line store on this site..you might find what you are looking for. why would you want to put would strings on a uke...they were originally made for gut. If you don't get any satisfaction, put your question to the folks on the bulleting board on this site..you will for sure get what you want and more....chuck - Thursday, July 21, 2005

Question asked by: Rick Subject: Conrad says Thanks! Question: Aloha Chuck and Yaker's I wanted to say thank's to you, Don and Tom for your help in my quest to give a voice to a long unused uke. As a side note...your information about Conrad Hilton would explain why I'm getting spammed by Hilton Resorts, Ha...Ha Keep the faith!! Answer: your welcome..-paris says HI - Thursday, July 21, 2005

Question asked by: Robert D Subject: Martin koa taropatch 1920s Question: I have a Maritn Koa Taropatch Ukulele on ebay until Sunday. I believe it is rather hard to find. Answer: interesting.....what's the question? When I have something that is difficult to find, I always look under the couch. It's there......If you have it listed as a 'maritn koa taropatch' as you have it in the question, I would imagine that had something to do with it...hope I've helped...chuck - Wednesday, July 20, 2005

Question asked by: steven Subject: grovensor? uke? Question: In a junkstore in maryland the other day, I saw this uke the other day for $40. It was a brand I never heard of "Grovensor" or a very similar variation of that name was the brand.(Im not a good speller!) The tag said it was mahogany but it seemed to be laminate with a heavy soundboard. Could you tell me anything about the brand? Should I buy it? Sorry for this terrible description! Answer: No....It doesn't sound promising...lchuck - Monday, July 18, 2005

Question asked by: allen hopkins Subject: Polk-a-lay-lee pegs Question: Trying to find one of the red paddle-shaped plastic pegs for a Polk-a-Lay-Lee (I moved my National Style O guitar in my car trunk, and broke a peg off the uke). If anyone's cannibalizing an unrepairable instrument, I'm in the market for one of its pegs... Answer: If your in the market...look in aisle 3...between sugar and toothpicks....frets - Monday, July 18, 2005

Question asked by: joe roth Subject: uke brand question Question: Hello, I have been wanting to purchase a uke for some time now and my cousin has a freind who wants to sell this one, but I can't find any information on the internet on R&J HAWAII uke's. Also it seems to have intonation issues. I think I will pass, but I just wanted to make sure I'm not missing anything. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thank you for your help. Joe Photos:      Answer: pass - Monday, July 18, 2005

Question asked by: traumamama Subject: Martin Uke Kits Question: Hi Chuck, Thanks so much for being there to always answer the uke questions of the world! You are awesome! I have a 10 year old daughter who is VERY interested in ukes and has turned into a real uke player. She has a Martin 0 and a Martin 1M that she really loves and and takes excellent care of ... only problem is that I promised her that we would build one together and now I'm worried I may have trouble delivering. I have a lot of woodworking tools, and have done some projects, but never anything uke-like. Any suggestions? I seem to remember that you had mentioned a kit that Martin used to sell. Any ideas on how to get one at this late date? If not, do you know of any other kits that would be of nice quality? Thanks again for all you do to promote ukes and uke collecting! Answer: Martin doesn't sell kits anymore...I would ask the guys on bulletin board on this site. I know there is a kit made today, I don't know who makes it....chuck - Monday, July 18, 2005

Question asked by: Joe Nelson Subject: favilla uke with decal logo Question: Hey Chuck, Just saw Tom's post of July 7th which I believe was referring to my previous query. Comparing Tom's photo to the one I posted on May 21st, the ukes appear to be similar. I was wondering if anyone had more info on this "rare" uke; years of production, value, sound, etc. Your help is most appreciated. Joe Nelson Savannah, GA Answer: Lts find out....chuck - Monday, July 18, 2005

Question asked by: Don Subject: CONRAD UKE. Question: According to "tikiking's" data base , the conrad is made in japan, from the 50's. Answer: thanks don...appreciate the news. will addit to my data base.....best..chuck - Wednesday, July 13, 2005

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