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

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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: Tom Griesel Subject: Uke Construction Question: Chuck, I know you're a player not a builder. You have played alot of ukes so this is a question for your ear. You have said that you have a preference for the sound of 30's Martin style 1 sopranos and 30's Gibson tenors. What effect, if any, do you think longer fretboards have on sound & tone. Your favorites both have a shorter fretboard, meaning they end close to the body dege & don't go down to the soundhole (leaving more body exposed). Perhaps it's effect is much like the thickness of the wood used on the body and bracing? Second, spanish cedar has always been a traditional neck wood for classical/nylon string instruments (and still is), I heard Martin used it on their early ukes. Any thoughts or observations on the effect of the wood used in necks (koa, magohany, cedar) on sound/tone in ukes you've played? Regards, Tom Answer: Well, if nothing else I now know the definition of a long fingrboard. I think the only way I could correctly express my feelings is that a short fingerboard sounds like a peacock and a long fingerboard, more like a canary. The only experience I have with wood and the neck is the time I got a splinter from a too large wooden hat. Now for a serious moment. I wouldn't know the difference in sound if you put a gun to my head. A uke either makes me sound good ( thats a great uke) or it makes me sound bad ( a terrible uke)...I have never given one moments thought to the difference in sound vs. the length of the fingerboard. Remember, it has nothing to do with length. Tom, I know I have helped with this in depth answer., please write again....chuck - Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Question asked by: Jamyang Lodto Subject: Uke said it Question: This question isn't about vintage ukuleles but vintage ukulele music. I have been trying to find the sheet music for Roy Smeck's "Uke Said It" aka "Ukulele Bounce." Any ideas (perhaps Jim Beloff could help here)? Answer: jamy..this question belongs on the bulletin board. They keep track of all things music...they will know for sure....let me know if they don't and I will spank them all.....chuck - Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Conrad Brand Question: Hi Again Chuck. just a bit of information on the " Conrad" brand. In the 1960's it was a brand name used by the 'David Wexler Music inst. Distributors based in Chicago. the had companies produce various string instruments for them and label them as Conrad. Their only connection with Favilla was thet they were a major distributor of Favilla Baritone uke's in the mid -west. Tom Answer: Thaks tom.....as usual...and another possibility. I have heard , on the QT of course, that Conrad Hilton really made his fortune making ukes...Perhaps that is the answer......Chuck - Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Question asked by: GolfingLibrarian Subject: Favilla Bros. and Martin teamed up? Question: Chuck, There's a 1950 Favilla Bros Baritone currently listed on Ebay (item # 7336290284). The seller makes the following Claim "...I DID SOME RESEARCH ON THIS PARTICULAR UKE AND IT APPEARS THAT THE "MARTIN COMPANY" HAD A HAND OR INFLUENCE IN THIS PARTICULAR INSTRUMENT." Is there any truth to this statement? Were Favilla and Martin in bed with one another in 1950? (Figuratively speaking, of course!) Thanks for your time, effort, and this invaluable resource. Answer: I'd love to know the source of the research. What yutz found this information. We always hear that "someone"...kinda like the illusive "they"..said, but never know really who it is or where they got their information. I have read alot about the ukulele and never heard of a connection between Martin and Favilla, ...Why would they. They both made great instruments.....best, and again thanks tom for your always appreciated help...chuck - Wednesday, July 13, 2005

Question asked by: debbie Subject: kamaka ukulele Question: I have an older kamaka 4 string, the pegs resemble white ivory. It has a case that looks like it is covered in a snake skin paper material. Can you give me any info on when it might have been made and what it could be worth? Thanks Answer: Not from that description. I need pictures of the uke. I assume you are looking for a value of the uke. Kamaka made so many different models that is would impossible to value without seeing it. Send pic, I'll send you an answer....frets - Monday, July 11, 2005

Question asked by: Rick Cultice Subject: Conrad ukulele? Question: Have you ever heard of a ukulele manufacturer named Conrad? Well, I have one and I'm trying to determine what type of uke it is. From the dimensions it falls in between a tenor and baritone. There is no serial number, but the model number is 73125. I hope you can help make "Conrad" sing again. Thanks Answer: Rick...I have seen the name conrad but have no idea who made it....hope one of the yakkers out there will...thanks....chuck - Monday, July 11, 2005

Question asked by: Tony Welch Subject: Resale Value/Custom Ukes Question: What is your take on the gain or loss in value, after the passage of time (10-30 years), of a custom uke made by the average skilled independent luthier? I'm referring to instruments priced at a grand and above. Assuming the condition is good to excellent, is there an active market for such instruments? I never see or hear of any for sale, and was wondering what "elephant graveyard" they go to... Answer: Tony...all ukes are different. We would have to take it on a uke to uke basis... Show me a 30 year old 1000 uke and I can tell you if it has held its value. There are 30 year old 1000 ukes that are of no value and there are 30 year old 100 dollar ukes that are worth 1000 dollars. I wouldn't worry about an average skilled independent luthier....I want a great skilled luthier. better chance. - Sunday, July 10, 2005

Question asked by: Mark Subject: Martin style 1 Question: Hi Chuck, your friends at Benunzios have a '20's style 1 with a buffed finish. I wonder if you could advise me to whether this would have any effect on the tone or any other aspect apart from just cosmetic. I'm interested in buying it for playing not investment/collecting etc. Thanks Mark. Answer: Great uke...the buffing would have no effect on the uke's tone...At least not one I would notice. I don't ever want to get to the stage that I could tell. I just like playing them.....get it...chuck - Sunday, July 10, 2005

Question asked by: stephen b Subject: What Is This Uke? Question: Hey, Chuck: Another eBay find -- what the heck is this little guy? Haven't received it in the mail yet, but it looked cute. Seller said it is in an original Montgomery Ward box - figure its a Chicago made uke, maybe Regal or ??? What say you, Oh Guru of Uke? Photos:      Answer: My guess would be Fred Richter, who purchased blanks from Regal and with the help of Oscar Schmidt decals and a group of elves decorated the ukes. You might even find the name Richter on the uke somewhere...Nice uke, nice condition...let me know what you find out....chuck - Thursday, July 7, 2005

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Favilla Crest,1930's era Question: Hi Chuck, With regard to the question asked about May 5th about a uke possibly being a Favilla. The attached photo shows the rare label and it's even rarer placement, low on the headstock. This occured breifly around 1939. Tom Favilla Photos:      Answer: Tom...thanks again as usual...Always learn something new from you...will file this away so next time I look smart. Thanks for all your help...chuck...Is that the entire label.....???? - Thursday, July 7, 2005

Question asked by: Phil Laub Subject: Ko'olau Ukes Question: Chuck: I wonder if you have any experience with ukuleles made by Ko'olau? They appear to be high quality and well made. Any thoughts on this particular maker? Answer: I have heard good things and have not played one myself. My suggestion would be to post this question on the Bulletin Board on this site. There are many members who have the uke and will be glad to answer your question. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Thursday, July 7, 2005

Question asked by: Ed Subject: Marvin tenor Question: Hi Chuck, Any thoughts on the value and condition of the Marvin Tenor Ebay Item#7333067737 ? Answer: Ed, you'd think if someone were trying to sell a ukulele they would at least send in pics that could be seen. Since you can't hear it, the next best thing would be a pic. I would write the yutz and ask him to send in pics that might help. I wouldn't bid a penny on it the way it is. You need to see the uke in detail. things like scratches, missing parts, condition, all those minor things. If it were perfect with a hard case I might bid 400 to see if I could steal it. Other than that, I would wait for one to come around that the seller didn't try to hide behind crappy pictures....chuck - Tuesday, July 5, 2005

Question asked by: Alex Subject: Tabu Price Question: Hi, I was just curious as to what was a fair price to pay for a uke stamped "Tabu" and only tabu, no label or anything. Are Ukuleles with the tabu stamp worth less than a uke with the stamp plus a label or known maker. Thanks, Alex Answer: Love to see a pic. It could be worth 50 bucks to 5000 depending on who made it. Lots of companies used the stamp and maybe if you send me a pic I could help...Flying blind and guessing...frets - Tuesday, July 5, 2005

Question asked by: CLIVE HUGHES Subject: MELE Question: HI CHUCK WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT A MELE EIGHT STRINGER, ARE THEY WORTH A LOT. REGARDS CLIVE. Answer: Not alot.....they were pretty common. not a mad player but not very colectable. chuck - Tuesday, July 5, 2005

Question asked by: Bruce Anderson Subject: old ukulele Question: I have come by this old ukulele and would like to find out more about it. The rope binding looks like a picture of a Nunes ukelele. the is no label and the headstock looks a little different. Can you help me? thanks Photos:      Answer: It is a mainland made cheapie about l940. They extended fingerboard is the dead giveaway. They were usually made of inferior wood and didn't sound really good. I have seen them that say Columbia on the headstock...No telling who made them. You'll know a Nunes you have one in your hand. Sorry...I wish the news was better. chuck - Tuesday, July 5, 2005

Question asked by: Russell (Portland Uke) Subject: What is this? Question: Hi Chuck, It has been a while.... I am writing because somebody is selling a uke (see the attached picture) as a Martin on Ebay that is obviously not a Martin (I am guessing a Regal). I tried to tell him it is not a Martin and not worth the $300 starting bid he is asking. He basically told me to bug off by saying, "i have asked two antique dealer and they told me it was worth at lease 500.00. And it is in excellent condition and it is very old. So i think i will go with the antique dealers." Whatever... Just for the record, what do you make of this uke? Thanks, Russ Photos:      Answer: It is to a Martin uke what a anchovy is to a good hunk of Gefilte Fish. It proves once again that antique dealers should have the common decency and good sense to tell the person who brings in a uke that they know nothing. If they have a difficult time deciding the worth of an antique, you can imagine what problems they have with a uke. For the most part, I use antique dealers for information when I am lost trying to find another store in the same area. Ssometimes they know. Why would anyone bring a musical instrument into an antique store when thre are music stores available, who might know the answer. I don't see anyone schlepping a chippendale chair and table set into a violin shop for an evaluation,.,,,People are nuts...starting with me. I have to run, I'm listing my car for sale in the paper in the section called " Garden Tools. Expecting lots of response. chuck - Tuesday, July 5, 2005

Question asked by: Micaheal arataani Subject: painted pineapple kamaka ukes Question: do you know if those original painted pine ukes had a finish applied over the paint desgn? If so, maybe also what was it? shellac Varnish laquer????? Thanks for your vast knowledge of ukes. Michael Answer: No idea. sorry...chuck...Write Kamaka, they are still in business and will help you....chuck - Tuesday, July 5, 2005

Question asked by: Paul Jones Subject: William J. Smith taropatch manpolin Question: Aloha chuck,I am looking at a old mandolin well built with label William J. Smith Music & company Tango Banjo Tarapatch what can you tell me about this manufacturer.Mahalo for your help. P. Jones Big Island Hawaii Answer: William Smith is responsible for getting Martin to make the Tiple. Not a bad company..What I know about mandolins is how to spell them . I would write someone on the Mandolin site and ask them. You might find someone who knows. Keep writing in, were having " write in with any product day" Soon in Mt Idy . Watch for our special. My feature is " hundreds of things I don't know anything about" a must read.....chuck - Tuesday, July 5, 2005

Question asked by: mark nelson Subject: bar frets v t frets Question: Hey Chuck, firstly, thanks for all the great info and advice in the archived posts. I know you are a fan of the Martin style 1 with bar frets. I wondered if bar frets are harder to play than T frets? Also, would a Martin style 0 of the same vintage be comparable to the 1? Many Thanks Mark. Answer: Its really a matter of what you get used to and how fast you can adapt. I could not tell bar from t frets by just feel alone. The style o for me has never had the sound of a 1...I wish I knew why, but that is the truth...thanks for writing. A style 1 is worth searching for. chuck - Wednesday, June 29, 2005

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