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

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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: Tom Alexander Subject: Leonard Youg Ukuleles Question: Hi Chuck, I have been thinking about getting a Leonard Young Uke. I've heard the Kiomo Hussey CD that he made playing one of these. Are you familiar with his ukes? What do you think? Answer: I have only played a leonard young ukulele twice in my life. Both times in Hawaii. As I remember, they had metal strings. At the time, I found them to be badly made, unfinished and didn't like the sound. I am willing to say, that I would allow for improvement before making a judgement today. I would love to hear from some of the yakkers about the Young Ukulele. Please write in and let me know. Thanks...chuck - Thursday, June 16, 2005

Question asked by: john brown Subject: stagg saprano uke Question: Hiya Chuck,i called into a friends music store here in the UK a few months back and he showed me a Stagg saprano . its a dead ringer for a Bushman Jennie and it plays a dream. i showed Ray shakeshaft and Rufus Yells of the UKuke society here in the uk . they liked it a lot and have taken orders on them they are so good and are about 120$ US money. My question is have you seen them in the US yet. Answer: John....Have not seen them yet. I live in Melbourne, nothing gets down here...I will post this and we will get some kind of an answer from the yakkers out there. TAhanks for writing in..Info is always appreciated.....chuck - Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Question asked by: george Gimarc Subject: Regal 1920s (Green) Question: From reading along I suppose that this is a 20s, perhaps '30s Uke. Regal made it, and it's got the nautical theme paint with wooden pegs. Super condition. So, is it worth posting on your pages, or just a low-ender that's headed for a new home via the eBay monster? Advice please. Best - George (Tiny Tim fan # 265,343) Photos:      Answer: I'm not sure what you are asking. It's a very nice ukulele and I have never seen one in this color..I have seen blue and brown. It's great. I'm not sure what posting on your pages means. If you mean the marketplace, I would definitly put it there, someone will want it......If I misunderstood, please write again and let me know...chuck - Tuesday, June 14, 2005

Question asked by: Don Flanders Subject: old Martin Taropatch Question: Hi Chuck, My wife has an old 8 string Taropatch in a canvas and leather case. The patch is in quite good condition but the case is hurting.We had it restrung the bridge reglued a few years ago. The only clues to it's age are an anotation on a copy of a 1920 catalog and the 'how to' manual with it was published in 1927. Is it valuable? Thanks, Don Answer: Yes it is worth money. But I need a picture of it to let you know how much. Martin made many styles and used two different kinds of wood. All of these differences affect the price. Please send me a picture and I can tell you in a second...frets - Sunday, June 12, 2005

Question asked by: Rebecca Subject: Kamaka Uke Question: Hello Chuck!! My Grandmother had this uke in her home, we don't know where she got it. And we're wondering what exactly it is... and then we can determine what will we do with it! ( Here's one photo, I can send others if it would help.. Thanks for your time!! Photos:      Answer: It is a Kamaka , l970's gold label ukulele. It is a very good ukulele and worth playing. It is not a toy, it is a serious instrument. It is one of my favorite companies and still in existence today. They have been making ukes since the teens. How else can I help you. Don't be bashful. Send it to me for my birthday. I won't tell anyone...frets - Sunday, June 12, 2005

Question asked by: SERGE POND Subject: FLYING VEE UKES Question: COULD YOU PLEASE TELL ME--WHERE CAN i ACQUIRE EITHER ACOUSTIC OR ELECTRIC FLYING UKES? WHO ARE CURRENT BUILDERS? THANK YOU VERY MUCH. Answer: Serge...I don't know, but I know of people who do. They read this column and will answer you. Please post this exact question on the bulletin board and you will get more information than you ever wanted. They know everything. Thanks for writing in...frets - Sunday, June 12, 2005

Question asked by: Tim Subject: what do I have? Question: Hi Chuck, I recently picked up this beauty!! Number 5 in my Koa collection. Tiger Koa body with black (wood) binding. Bound neck also but I am not sure of the wood. Original tuners it never had friction tuners. Nicely arched back and hand carved braces. Original case.1 very tight dry crack on back. Super well made but no markings! It sounds amazing with perfect intonation and great action. Looking at John Kings site and head stock design I get excited but it is not pre 1900. When did Espiritos sons stop building? Anything you can tell me about this baby would be appreciated. 4 strings for ever!! Tim Photos:      Answer: Tim, I have had many of these ukuleles. They are mainland made and probably by regal. It has a very regal headstock. I have always been fascinated by the quality of the wood. I have no idea what the wood of the fingerboard and headstock is, I always thought it was maple. I wish it was Hawaiian and from the time from Espirito Santo or Manuel Nunes, but sadly it is not. It is 30's American. But, still a fine ukulele and the ones I have had also have a great sound. If you would like to send me a couple additional pictures, the back and a better shot of the whole front, I will do my best to make sure I am correct. Also send pic of the tuners....best to ya and thanks for writing. chuck - Sunday, June 12, 2005

Question asked by: Tom Griesel Subject: Favilla Soprano Uke Question: This uke is in excellent condition plays great and the action has been professionally set up. It has no scratches and includes the case. What do you think the asking price should be? Thanks, Tom Photos:      Answer: Tom...It looks great. If I owned one in the condition with a super case, I would ask 400 for it. Its worth every penny. Nice uke....chuck - Sunday, June 12, 2005

Question asked by: brandon cassady Subject: manuel nunes uke Question: i sent you an email a couple of months ago on my m. nunes uke. here are some pics. the inside label has frank j hart southern california music company, and manuel nunes & sons with their address in hawaii. hope you can help me with a value. thanks, brandon Photos:      Answer: If the condition is very good and there are no major issues, the uke is worth 450-550 depending on the wind. Good luck., If you are planning to sell it, try the marketplace on this site. We have great success with the ukes listed. Thanks for writing in....chuck - Sunday, June 12, 2005

Question asked by: matt Subject: tenor uke w/ truss rod? Question: Hello--I have recently been introduced to the uke via a cheapo soprano given to me for my birthday, now I am addicted. Im looking for a new affordable tenor ukulele that is in tune throughout the entire length of the neck. Have you ever heard of a tenor uke, or any other for that matter, that has an adjustable neck like a guitar? If so, any info. would be greatly appreciated...thanks Answer: There a zillion companies that make tenor ukes. I do not know of one that has an adjustable neck. Ukes don't often have the problems of guitars. They are much simpler pieces of construction. I don't know your definition of affordable so I can't help you in that area. If you want to write me back, I will answer you off line and help direct you to a builder. Thanks and keep in touch.....chuck - Sunday, June 12, 2005

Question asked by: Tom B. Subject: Re: Serial /FON - but no name Question: Aloha Sir Chuck: Keith's unidentified uke looks a lot like a Washburn to me. I was thrown by the lack of the smiley bridge, but it you cruise over to Bernunzio's site right now, you'll see a Washburn koa uke with the same shape head, rosette and fingerboard. What do you think? Answer: I have a feeling this is not a washburn...many ukes tend to look like each other, but washburn ukes and lyon and healy have a distinctive quality that this uke does nbot have. There was a lot of copying of styles by all the companies in those days, making it hard to tell what a uke is without a scorecard. Thanks for your letter, its always nice to hear from you..chuck - Sunday, June 12, 2005

Question asked by: Ray Albretson Subject: Dating Kamaka Sopranos? Question: Hi Frets! Against all my instincts I somehow was hornswoggled into buying *two* soprano Kamaka's at a recent Uke- fest. They are both "gold label" sopranos--and we all now know how confusing is dating from labels-- but I've posted side-by-side pictures of them in hopes you can sweat a little insight into my sadly dried-out thinker. The one on the left has no separate fretboard, a simpler bridge, a narrower heelpiece, and originally had the same cheesy plastic friction tuners as the one on the right. Can you give me an age breakdown on these two ukes in terms of those characteristics? Thanks, buddy! And say hi for me to the old gang down at the Mt. Idy Volunteer Fire Dept & Car Wash. Photos:      Answer: The one on the right is the better uke...made in the 60's and all around better construction. The one on left is good player also but not the quality of the other one. It was made in the 70's..Just a rough estimate of the dates of both, kamaka is tough to tell because they used the labels they had. You can't go wrong with either one. They are Kamakas.....need I say more? chuck...sorry it took so long to answer, the carwas broke down with me in the car and I was in there for about 2 weeks before anyone found me. Thank God there was enough water and the Mexican Restaurant wasn't bad either. As far as I know, we are the only carwash with a Mexican Restaurant. Taco Ta.,..frets - Sunday, June 12, 2005

Question asked by: Leo Subject: Martin Uke Question: Hi from Liverpool UK - I found this uke at a boot sale yesterday and the name made me buy it - can you give me an idea of model - year and value please - thanks in advance - great site - Leo Photos:      Answer: In great shape, it is worth 500+....I have seen them sell for 750 in superb condition. Nice score for a boot sale. I only find boots. If I can help further, pleae write in.....chuck - Sunday, June 12, 2005

Question asked by: Milan Subject: Gretsch Round Blue Uke Question: Chuck, Here's a photo of a Gretsch uke I got in last week. I'm into it for $120 which is a fair price and it sounds pretty good with a new set of Martin Strings. Seeing that it's Memorial Day weekend here in the States and that these were originally made for the fighting troops so that they could have a portable source of music, I thought that I'd let my fellow ukers see what a "mint" one of these with an original gigbag looks like. I do have a question for you though. Do you know how long after WW2 these were made? Thanx again. Photos:      Answer: Thanks for the photo...nice score. I'll give you a ten dollar profit if that is ok with you....They were made in the 30's-50's. Not exactly sure of the date. Thanks again and keep in touch..always nice to hear from you...chuck - Sunday, June 12, 2005

Question asked by: Nancy Subject: Surf A Le Le Question: Recently found a surf a lele at a flea market. How should it be strung? Soprano--baritone? I am learning soprano uke. Can it be strung this way? If so, who sells the longer strings? Thanks, Nancy Answer: A surf a le le can be tuned any way you want. The major problem is the length of the strings. My suggestion is to go to a music store and get the gauges of the strings. They will not have ones long enough, I don't think....good luck if they do. I would then head for the nearist fishing tackle store and buy some nylon fishing line about the same gauge. You will then be able to tune it. IF it sounds like crap, put four hooks on the ends and go fishing. You will also have a nice paddle to get back if the boat sinks. Just joking. Put this question up on market place on this site, those people are sharp and many of the have surf a le les. Somebody will know who makes strings to fit and what is the best tuning. best and thanks for writing in...chuck - Sunday, June 12, 2005

Question asked by: tyler Subject: harold teen uke Question: I recently acquired a yellow harold teen uke. It is in pretty good shape except the tuners could use a changing. I havent been able to find much info. on it. I was just wandering if it was worth anything. I havent the slightest idea what it would be worth. Any info on this instrument would be greatly appreciated. Thanks. Answer: It was made in 3 colors..red, green and yellow. Yellow is the rarest. They have collector value..In good condition and all the decals clear and complete about 500+ on a good day. I would't do anything to the tuners if you plan to sell it. Let the buyer do that. If you want to sell it and reach the largest audience of uke nuts...use the marketplace on this site. Thanks for writing in and I hope I've helped...chuck - Tuesday, June 7, 2005

Question asked by: Linda Shakespeare Subject: Marveltone Uke Question: This isn't as much a question as additional marvelous Marveltone information. Here is a photo of a label on a (early sixties-ish) bari uke that directly points to Targ and Dinner. I am going to bid on this one and fix it up for a friend. You are such a great source of information I thought I would pass this on, but it isn't anything new to you, just a good reference for readers of Collector's Uke Yak! Photos:      Answer: thanks for the kind words and thanks for the info...frets...p.s. love your writings, they were compulsary reading when I went to school...... - Monday, June 6, 2005

Question asked by: Barbara Shaffer Subject: Gibson soprano Question: Hello, Chuck -- I wrote you some 3 weeks ago with questions re. this beautiful little uke inherited from my mother. At that time I sent you a photo as well. Have received no reply to date. Did you receive my post?? Can't locate copy of this letter right now, but will retreive it tomorrow. Please write to me at my aol address above. Thank you!! Barbara Answer: Barbara, go back a couple pages on uke yak and you will find your question and answer. If you still have trouble, let me know and I will cut and paste it to you....thanks...chuck - Saturday, June 4, 2005

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