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

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page

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: 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: michael aratani Subject: Bridge gled crooked and wrong length Question: Have an old nunes in great condition but the natique store owner reglued the bridge back crooked and in the wrong distance fron nut. Tried heat and gooof off with then a razore blade careful of the grain. Solvent seems to go thru under bridge but having no luck getting it to budge. Any suggestions. I'm a professional furniture maker and this one got me......Really dont want to sand down the whole top and refinish if possible. otherwise in great condition. Answer: michael..put the uke in the sink so that the water can drop on the top of the bridge where it meets the body...make the water warm and just a drip. let it drip so it flows under the bridge. I hope you understand this. the butt of the uke is down and the uke is on an angle in the sink...in a while the warm water will loosen the glue and you will be able to stick a putty knife or something very thin under it and slowely begin to work it up. it won't come off all at one, but unless they have used eroldyte it will come off..let me know...easy does it ...slowely slowely catch ye monkey...chuck - Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Question asked by: Joseph Subject: J.Chalmers Doane by Northern Question: This isn't a question but a comment on the wonderful instrument developed by J. Chalmers Doane. I have two in my collection, A JCD-1 And a JCD-3. The JCD-1 is a soprano length mahogany ply Uke with a moulded plastic fret board. The JCD-3 Is a concert length mohagany ply body with spruce ply top, a rose wood fret board, and black binding. James Hill recorded his first album with a JCD-3, the flamebroiler http://www.ukulelejames.com/ukes.h tm A friend of mine has a JCD-2 which is a concert length mohagany ply body with mahogany top and a rosewood ply fretboard. I have seen a JCD-5 for sale which was made of Koa and had mother of pearl inlay and binding. there may be a JCD-4 or he may have imitated Martin and excluded it. I really like the JCD's, and i live here in Halifax Nova scotia, I often go to hear J. Chalmers Doane play, (tuesdays and thursdays at the Soho kitchen) and if you get there early he will usually come to say introduce himself and say hello, or at set break, and if you mention a attraction to the uke he will play sets filled with uke songs, although he personally plays a Kamaka. If you come to halifax you can also check out a house that he built on Edward Street. He pressed a JCD into the cement sidewalk leading up to the house. Happy hunting! Answer: joseph....thanks for the info..always apreciated....chuck - Wednesday, June 29, 2005

Question asked by: santosha Subject: The Talsma Question: Back side.... Photos:      Answer: Dave, thanks for the beautiful uke. You are an artist of the first order. I only wish I could be the owner of that uke. Its the work or a master.......chuck - Monday, June 27, 2005

Question asked by: santosha Subject: The Talsma Question: Chuck just wanted to show you "The Talsma" Dave made this Bell concert. As a Gibson fan the quilted mahogany has a nice sunburst. if you don't mind I will post the back side also. It is...in a word...Perfect to look at and play! Photos:      Answer: Santosha...always nice to hear form you...Its just as I would expect Dave to make. Its quality all the way. Like Duane Heilman , Dave is destined to be the sought after collectable of the future. He is already. but He will take his place with the Gibson beauties. I wish It were mine. Lyon and Healy would really be jelous. Thanks for send it in and I will post the other picture next. frets - Monday, June 27, 2005

Question asked by: Tom Subject: your humor Question: Thanks. I appreciate your humor or what ever you call it. Thanks for the willingness to help. Tom Answer: Tom, I call it Humour or what ever I call it. Always glad to be of assistance. keep in touch and let us know if you find out who made it. chuck - Saturday, June 25, 2005

Question asked by: Tom Subject: Uke ID Question: Thanks Chuck. I tried to send this picture before. Sorry if I am being pesty. Any help? Tom Photos:      Answer: Your not being pesty tom..I like getting 4 pics of the same headstock. It makes me feel wanted......frets ( to the fourh power).....I especially like this one because it is the size of my head.... - Saturday, June 25, 2005

Question asked by: deanna paiva-swinford Subject: ukulele's Question: Which brand ukulele do you consider to have the best sound? Answer: Deanna, I wish I knew How two answer that. I have always thought the best ukulele is the one that makes me sound better than I know I am. Heres a small and biased list. 30's gibson tenor 30's martin style 1 kamaka 1928 pineapple K P extended neck tenor ( modern ) Black Mountain Ukulele ( duane Heilman)( modern) Cole Clark Uk-a-lady ( australian made) modern The sonny D of the 60's __________________________________________ Travis Harrelson's style 3 with the hole in it, but thats not for sale. It matches the hole in his head... thanks for writing in and let us know what you decide....chuck I hope this has helped and that I have not pissed off too many makers by not including them. - Saturday, June 25, 2005

Question asked by: Tom Subject: Uke ID #3 Question: Here is the last picture for the ID help. Thanks. Tom Photos:      Answer: Tom...thanks for the additional pictures but I still have no idea who made it. sorry..perhaps one of the readers will...chuck - Friday, June 24, 2005

Question asked by: Nancy Subject: Surf A-le le Question: Dear Chuck, Your suggestion worked. I posted the question re longer strings for a Surf A- lele on Marketplace. Six replies--all Worth strings. They come in double length size. Thanks, Nancy Answer: I told you they knew everything. I'm glad they are around, they save my butt alot. I just put a set of worth strings on a uke today and I like them alot. ..thanks for letting us know...keep in touch....chuck - Friday, June 24, 2005

Question asked by: Tom Subject: New uke Question: Hi Chuck, I just picked up this tenor from a local music store. I was told it was from Hawaii but I can't figure out what brand it is.It has no label. I like the way it sounds and plays. Can you tell me anything about it? Tom Photos:      Answer: Tom I hope it plays as nicely as it looks. It would be almost impossible to identify it without more to go on. If you want to send pics to me personally or the site, please do and I will see what I can do. It looks like a zillion other modern made ukes. If you got it at the right price it makes no difference who made it and especially if it sounds good. just have a good time. Perhaps one of the yakkers out there will recognize it and help out....thanks for writing in..chuck - Wednesday, June 22, 2005

Question asked by: gemmi_girl Subject: how is the ukelle built? Question: how is the ukelle built? Answer: First you get a tree. I think this qulestion is better asked of a ukulele builder. You will find many of them on websites. You will find links to them on this site. There are plans available but I do not know who offers them. If you will write this question on the bulletin board and ask where you can get plans, you will get many responses. I can put strings on them and write about them, but build one..I leave that to the elves at Mt Idy....best to ya and thanks for writing in.... Thanks for the new spelling of ukulele, ukelele, uke , euchaley, uku, ookolulu and now yours.... chuck - Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Question asked by: old smelly bob Subject: reso uke Question: duhhh, the question was *price*...so here ya go http://www.elderly.com/brand/180N_national.html that should wax yer skillet....;~) Answer: Stinky...how nice to smell you....To the gentleman who wrote about the National Ukulele value, here is one of our regulars...old smelly bob, with help...Thanks again bob as usual...keep in touch, always informative and great to hear from you...don't bathe...chuck - Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Question asked by: old smelly bob Subject: triolian uke Question: from the Brozman 'national history' book, the triolian ukes were made 1930-35, 'finished in the new, improved prismatic walnut'...1935 price $25 it was the bottom of the line... not unlike Ozzies, who are usually well below the line....equatorial, that is...best atcha... Answer: NATIONAL UKE NEWS....JUST A LITTLE MORE FROM BOB...FOR YOUR BOOKS.....CHUCK - Tuesday, June 21, 2005

Question asked by: Barbara Shaffer Subject: Your Upcoming Book Question: Hi Chuck, (It's me again -- I thought it best to write a separate inquiry about this subject -- separate from my lengthy Gibson Uke 3 questions.) I'm a latecomer to your column & have noticed remarks to the effect that you're WRITING A BOOK. Please let me know a bit about it -- can you refer me to a site or notice that describes it? And my best to you on this probject!!! I'm very excited about your site --find it both informative and entertaining -- a little like "Klick & Klack", a popular American Q & A radio show re. automobile problems. Only a MUCH more interesting subject -- to me. Chordially, Barbara. P.S. Have signed onto your mailng list and am exploring this great"fleamarket" site more thoroughly as time permits. Love it! Answer: thanks for your kind words. will add you to my mailing list for the book. Its a book about automotive repair and the art of knitting booties. Most people don't know that Mt. Idy is the bootie capitol of the world. All the people have childs sized feet. Hence the reason ballet is so popular. Now the truth. The book is going to be called." I have a brown ukulele, whats it worth?.....and other in depth questions from the archives of UKE YAK.... I had to stop writing it due to other projects, however I am going be at it full swing soon. Anyone else who is interested, please let me know...Keep reading uke yak..It will make you nutz....chuck - Monday, June 20, 2005

Question asked by: Barbara Jane Shaffer Subject: more re. old Gibson Style 3 Question: Hi Chuck, Thanks so much for your answers to my two questions -- the second being a follow-up 'cause I didn't know where to look for your prompt response -- duh! Now I know and am avidly reading dozens of your Q's & A's -- fascinating. Your website is the Cat's Pajamas!!! I forgot to mention that my Gibson has replacement tuning keys, since the originals (ivory colored, as I remember) became worn and wouldn't hold the strings in tune. It now has black plastic (I think) tuning keys. Unfortunately, I didn't save the old keys -- the music store didn't suggest this & I was unaware that I should have (I guess). Your comments? Does this affect the approximate value of $1200 that you quoted to me? The uke was unplayable with the old slipping worn keys. As I mentioned, the uke is otherwise untouched by a repairman or luthier -- never had repairs or adjustments, and the neck is true to 12th fret and over, all 4 strings. I had sent a photo and you identified it as a Gibson Style 3. Thanks for your response, Chuck. Oh -- about your offer of your personal inspection if I sent you a ticket to Florida from Melbourne, Australia -- I almost went for it, but then reconsidered when I realized you'd probably also expect a RETURN ticket back to Australia! That got a little steep for me. But keep trying, someone will take you up on your kind offer some day!! Chordially, Barbara Answer: You didn't hurt the value much because you can , if you hunt, find the exact tuners you need. They are around. So don't fret.( Oh boy_)..I have been asking for a ticket to America for all sorts of reasons and oddly enough nobody has sent one as yet. I hope you play and if you don't do..You will find everything you need on this site if you look at the menu to your left. Go to the on-line-store and shop. You will find everything you ever wanted and a couple things you have no use for. Please keep in touch, we care. From the folks who brought you the UKE-BAG ( a combination of bag pipe and ukulele). Must run, its " ugly legs weekend in Mt Idy....chuck - Monday, June 20, 2005

Question asked by: Clive Hughes Subject: abbott Question: Hi Chuck, I have in my possesion a J A bbott wooden uke ,I say wooden because he was more famous for his uke banjos. If you have any info ,can you hazzard a guess at a price. Its in excellent condition. regrds C Hughes. Answer: Clive, I attempted to get your email address, but the one given does not work. I have no idea who J A bbott is. I have not heard of his banjo's either. I'm sorry but I don't know the banjo player either. Not much help. But I ran this so the yakkers out there can write in if They know who the maker is. If the name is really J Abbott, as I guess it is, it will make it easier. Thanks for writing in...chuck...I asked for a picture, that will help alot.... - Monday, June 20, 2005

Question asked by: Paul B Subject: National triolian soprano evaluation Question: I was hoping you could give me an idea of a fair value for this Triolian uke. The pictures aren't the greatest but basically, while the surface is somewhat worn, the remaining paint is solidly attached and the cone, bridge and everything is original except the for the nut. It sounds fantastic alongside a guitar. The finish on the back of the neck has a shallow scuff but isn't bent or cracked. The binding is solid, but over the years I think the neck might have shrunk in width a tiny bit and the fret-ends have pushed into the binding very slightly along one side. Anyhow,...I love your column and thank you in advance for your advice. Also, I'd love to know roughly how many of these were made by National. I know that the plated ones are rare and command high prices, but wondered if this style was more common (or less desirable to collectors)..the serial # is 462. Photos:      Answer: Paul, I am putting this up because I don't really know for sure what it is worth. Someone will answer you question. There are people out there who collect only metal bodied ukes and will know exactly. I will post the answer when it comes in. Thanks for writing...frets - Monday, June 20, 2005

Question asked by: george Gimarc Subject: Regal 1920s (Green) Question: Chuck - A little clarification for OFF LINE - not the boards. I was just trying to verify if this was a '30s vintage Regal, and was also looking for a ballpark price of what I should ask. That's all. You can certainly keep the picture for future reference if it's an oddball. reply to my email if possible. I know you're a busy guy. Answer: its a regal and its worth about 150 bucks to a comic uke collector. yest is 30's frets - Saturday, June 18, 2005

Previous Page

Jump to page:      of 296

Next Page