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

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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: peter Fletcher Subject: Mystery Uke Question: Last night I found an old baritone uke at a friend of mine's apartment and demanded he give it to me. It's cracked and needs a new nut but I'm going to fix it. However I can't find any info on the company that made it. The at the top of ther head there is a label that reads: PENN-Los Angeles California. Any thoughts? Answer: Peter..I have seen the name Penn before, but don[t hae a clue who made it...any chance for a picture...I might be able to tell if I can see it. Thanks for writing in...frets - Monday, May 30, 2005

Question asked by: Joe Subject: favilla uke with decal Question: Hey Chuck, A friend has what I believe to be a favilla, but wanted to know the approximate date it was made. It looks very similar to my favilla, but lacks the gold stamped logo. Instead it has a decal, with just enough left to clearly see the crown. The decal is located in the area bordered by the tuners. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Joe Answer: Joe, can you send a pic of the uke and the decal. Its possible that the crown is not a favilly. Many companies used the crown on the headstock...thanks....chuck - Sunday, May 15, 2005

Question asked by: Lee Baucum Subject: Rare Knutsen Question: How would one go about placing a price on an extremely rare Knutsen Harp Taro-Patch? Taro- Patch is what Gregg Miner calls these strange beasts. It has four courses of paired strings, tuned like a uke. Gregg has a picture of mine on his web site. Let me know if you need the url or do a search for "Knutsen Harp Taro Patch". Thanks Answer: Lee, I wouldn't price it because its one of those things that the price is whatever you ask. Where are you going to get another? We have no track record on Knutsen Harp Taropatches.....Ask away, somebody will buy it....chuck - Sunday, May 15, 2005

Question asked by: Jim Kern Subject: Follow up question on Martin tenor Question: I have an appraisal letter from George Gruhn (Gruhn Guitars - Nashville)that says the instrument I sent the picture of is "a Martin style #1 tenor made during the late 1930's". Based on your last answer, you dated it about 1950 based on the decal on the headstock. Could George Gruhn be incorrect? Was Martin not using decals in the late 30's? The potential ten year difference doesn't make a lot of difference to me, other than I'm sure I paid a little more because of the 1930's date. And I'd like to know if I got mislead a little bit. Thanks, Jim Answer: Could George Gruhn be wrong?....does a bear?...Of course he can be wrong. If you look in the Martin book written by Mike Longworth ( I sure miss him) you will see a pic of a 30's martin 12 fret tenor. It has no decal. I would bet this is what George is thinking of. Yours has , if I remember correctly, larger fret markers and larger frets. Making it in the 50's at least. That, coupled with the decal, unless I am mistaken, makes this for sure not a 30's uke...It makes no difference to anyone anyway, It is a stunning uke and a great player...Now go play...chuck - Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Question asked by: don Subject: a recent answer re martin pin bridge Question: Martin also used pin bridges on their bari's,in addition to their tenors. Answer: You are absolutly right....congrats...you win the grand prize......thanks for the info and writing in ..always nice to hear from you...frets p.s When I said that Martin only used pin bridges on tenors, I did not mean they did not use them on other models ( ie baritones)..I meant they did not use other types of bridges on Tenors. Thanks again...I could have explained it a little more clearly...But the effects of age and the lost 60's have taken their toll... - Wednesday, May 11, 2005

Question asked by: Jim Kern Subject: Types of bridges on Martin tenors Question: Chuck, I bought the Martin tenor in the picture I sent and I think it's a great instrument. I have a question regarding the style of bridge (help me out with the correct terminology to use) and whether the bridge type can be used to verify age of the instrument. As you can see from the picture the strings on this instrument are held in place by the use of pins. Other Martin ukes I've seen have a type of bridge where it looks like knots are tied in the ends of the strings and that is what keeps them in place. Did Martin go from one type of bridge to the other at some point in time or can you find examples of both types of bridges on all ages of ukes? I'm trying to determine if this can be used as an indicator of age. I was told this uke is from the late 1930's. Does the picture support that claim? Thanks. Photos:      Answer: The design only helps on the soprano uke..the piece of maple as the saddle tells us ist is an early soprano. That you have is an early tenor. Not by the bridge by the number of frets. It is a 12 fret tenor made about l950..that is because of the decal on the headstok...early models had the impression "c f martin on the back of the headstok...Martin only used a pin bridge on tenors. You were never offered a choice as to bridges..NIce instrument You probably will never find a tenor with a standard slot bridge. They didn't make them..Not a good bridge for a larger instrument...best..chuck - Sunday, May 8, 2005

Question asked by: Wendell Guthrie Subject: Silvertone ukes Question: Chuck, Weren't the Silvertone ukes, at least in the baritone size, made by Harmony? I have a Harmony baritone the is a dead ringer for a Silvertone and I think you agreed in a question some months ago that it was the same as a Silvertone. What do you think? -Wendell Answer: I remember yours well and yes, it was made by harmony. But the one that I looked at the other day, had a regal, not a harmony headstock...I think this one might be a regal..They all made for each other...No telling.....I saw a Martin Guitar the other day that was made in part by Leonardo Nunes. Go figgure....Best to yas and thanks for writing in.. chuck - Saturday, May 7, 2005

Question asked by: Gregory Scott Subject: Martin Ukulele age/value Question: I am trying to date a Martin Ukulele. I think it is a style 2 soprano. The markings on the fretboard seem to be consistent with the 1940s, 12 frets with 1 dot between 4th & 5th frets, two dots between 6th & 7th frets and one dot between 9th and 10th fret. Martin & Co Est 1833 decal on headstock and C.F. Martin & Co - -- Nazarath, PA stamp inside the body. White-black-white binding around sound hole. White binding on sides with white-black-white on top. A few nicks and scratch and two, maybe three hairline cracks in the back. Is there a serial number somewhere on the instrument that might help? How/where can it get it appraised? Answer: Gregory...sounds like a style 2 to me around l950..You can get an appraisal from me if you send me a picture or two. If I can see it I can tell you about what its worth. If you then need a paper apprasial, go to your nearest luthier and tell him what I said and you need an appraisal...best....chuck - Friday, May 6, 2005

Question asked by: richard Subject: old uke Question: looking at old uke that has following lettering: "LH mal naea uka ainaika poho....'Appears to be Hawaiian but the above words sound like jibberish...Any idea about the instrument? Answer: I have a feeling they sound like jibberish because they are hawaiian words and not english...Most words in another language would sound like jibberish if you tried to pronounce them as english words. The phrase means" Watch that grass skirt sir, it will give you a rash" or jibberish to that effect. No idea on the ukulele. At last count there about 150 million ukes with that decal on the headstock. I would need a head start, and a picture would do it. Thanks for writing ..Hope I've Helped...chuck - Friday, May 6, 2005

Question asked by: Alex Subject: Silvertone Ukulele Question: I have found a vintage Silvertone ukulele that was my great-grandmother's. Can anyone possibly tell me the model of it? The only signs I have of ID is the sticker on the headstock saying it was made of quality mahogany, and the Silvertone label on the headstock. I was informed by someone else that it would probably go for $70-$100 on eBay, is this accurate? Also, I have absolutely no intentions of selling this. Here are some pictures: http://img235.echo.cx/img235/7205/img00012ml.jpg http://img235.echo.cx/img235/503/img00033fa.jpg http://img235.echo.cx/img235/8563/img00048dg.jpg Photos:      Answer: Alex...silvertone ukes did not have a model number. They are a relatively inexpensive little ukes probably made by the regal company to be sold in department stores. It is worth just what your friend told you...play it...your greatgrandmother will hear..frets - Friday, May 6, 2005

Question asked by: Christine Butt Subject: Bruno Ukulele Question: My uncle owns a Bruno Uke. Ventura Model V-1587. Serial #C36358. It is Mahogony with a Spruce top. Not sure how old it is. He wants to know what is worth, can you help? Answer: Yes, but I need a picture. So much goes into value...Bruno made about 20 different models of each. A pic would give me an idea. Then I can answer your question. Thanks for writing in and send as pic....chuck - Friday, May 6, 2005

Question asked by: Joe Cooper Subject: Mahalo U/LTD1 Soprano Uke Question: Hi Chuck, Thanks for the swift response, I will do as you suggest and get a luthier to check out the frets. I'll let you know the outcome. All the best, Joe PS Your airline tickets are in the post! Answer: Well Joe...you may have guess this already, but you are the first to send the tickets. I wont' leave my mail box. Write me..I need the mail...frets - Friday, May 6, 2005

Question asked by: Eddie Subject: Ron Yasuda Ukulele Question: I have a Ron Yasuda Ukulele and I would like to know it worth. > It's all Koa in mint condition and about 29in long. > There is no model number or date on the inside just a business card > size label that reads Hand crafted by Ron Yasuda Hawaii. > I don't know how old it is. It does not look vintage maybe 5-7 years old. > > Also how do you keep Koa wood nice and clean to keep from > cracking? (linseed oil)? > > Any URL's with more info out there on this Ukulele? > > Thanks. > Eddie. Answer: Eddie. please send a picture of the uke. They are really nice ukes...Sounds like you have a long tenor or a short baritone...Will be able to tell when I see it. Thanks for writing in...Looking forward to seeing your yasuda....That sounds wierd....frets - Friday, May 6, 2005

Question asked by: back from the dead (dyuob) Subject: ukuleles Question: Dear Chuck:I find that more and more, all I want to do is hang out and play the uke. The wife and kids are cool with this, but I keep getting a nagging feeling that I should be doing something more constructive like balancing checkbooks or some such thing.I've even gone as far as to tell the wife I'm going outside to change the oil in car, and, instead, just laying under the car and practicing "8 days a week".Is this normal? Should I buy another ukulele? What is the meaning of life?Thanks. Answer: Dear Dyuob.....Buy another car.....Then you can change the scenery when you play. I see nothing wrong in what your doing, but then again I am not your wife...Although, I long to be. Please send more roses....chuck - Friday, May 6, 2005

Question asked by: Joe Cooper Subject: Mahalo U/LTD1 Question: Hi Chuck, Greetings from Seville, Spain. Recently bitten by the uke bug (or should that be flea), I bought a Mahalo U/LTD1 in London, England, a couple of months ago. It looked well made with a solid top (cedar, I think) and Martin strings and it came in a white leatherette- covered fitted case with a pale blue plush lining. However, When I got it home to Seville and tuned it up properly, the intonation was well out. Tuned to GCEA the lower frets are noticeably sharp which makes playing chords impossible. I contacted the shop and they suggested changing the strings, but this had made no difference. I have been told that the nut can sometimes cause intonation problems. What do you think? All the best Joe Cooper Answer: I think the guy that suggested changing the strings was a yo yo....I would take it to as luthier and have him check the frets. They are probably not installed with the greatest care. It is the most common reason for bad intonation. Its nice to hear from someone in spain..If this is your first time on the site, let me explain the rules. You must fly me and my family down to meet you in person. We make all the visitors to the site do this. Ask anyone. I will be sitting at the post box awaiting the tickets. Please write again and let me know how my adivse worked. The nut can cause intonation problems but I would guess that is not the problem Thanks for writing in and keep in touch...we care...chuck - Wednesday, May 4, 2005

Question asked by: old smelly bob Subject: Fav il a Question: i have a friend who was given a fa vi la bari. it was barely together. light was visible through the bout, and the top was smashed in at the soundhole. i got it back together, lowered the action, and it looks a bit rough, but the sound is perfect. they are real workhorses, unlike a certain OZZIE....we all luv. Answer: Why Bob....you love me.....?????? Watch for roses...Thanks for the info...I feel the same way...great instrument...Have had one for over 30 years...Still play it..thanks.....chuck - Wednesday, May 4, 2005

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Fa-VIL-ah Question: Hi Chuck, Easy answer on the Favilla name. It is pronounced, Fa-VIL-ah, by the family. Hope all goes well in the uke world. Tom (Fa-VIL-ah) Answer: Tom..Ch-u-ck here...thanks...I knew you would know the answer. Always nice to hear from you. My friend here in australia... arch, as you know, got that really old marcus aquilla fa-vil-ah and he couldn't be happier. It is quite an instrument and I haven't heard it yet, but I hear it sounds fantastic. Best to you and yours..Please keep in touch...Its always good to have you near for the answers I don't have....chuck - Wednesday, May 4, 2005

Question asked by: Jim King Subject: Question: Looked to buy ANY soprano uke at the only music store in town that carries ukes...they only carry Lanakais in various price ranges...Compared the half steps of the first 5 frets to a guitar and NOT ONE came close to duplicating the sound on one string or another. Is this just bad fretwork or is it inherant in ukes? I brought one home initially but tuning and playing became a chore because nothing was true. The highest priced uke they had was $250 and it did the same thing. Help a novice please. I would never now buy one sight unseen for fear that I might get a bad apple!!! Answer: Its the make not the norm for ukuleles. My advise to you is to stick to brands that are known for quality...martin, gibson, kamaka, ....if you hunt around you will be able to find one near your price range. Place your wants on the marketplace on this site and also the bulletin board. Those people are very helpful and someone will have something that will be for you. You can also have the confidence in buying from ukulele people and they will sell you somehting that is not going out of tune. With a better instrument, you also have the ability to have it adjusted when needed, although you probably won't need it. take a look at the on line store on this site and look at the fluke and the flea ukes. One of them might do the job. best to ya frets.... - Tuesday, May 3, 2005

Question asked by: Ana Subject: question re: Baritone Ukes Question: Hi! I am looking for a good quality baritone uke, my mother had a 1950's or '60's Gibson (which is long gone). Would you have any suggestions?? Are old Harmony's any good??, Bushman Jenny, or Kamaka's??? These are just names to me & no one around me has any baritone's available to test...all of it's on-line. Thanks in advance. ~Ana Answer: In order of best down.. tied for first is martin or gibson kamaka favilla harmony that should give you a start....thanks for writing in.... - Tuesday, May 3, 2005

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