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

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Question asked by: Fred Valentin Subject: Tuner gears for an openback early 70's 8 string Kamaka Liliu Question: Chuck, Can you or any of the readers direct me to a source(s) of original gears for an early 70's Kamaka 8 string tenor uke. I called Kamaka Hawaii the other day and the best they could do was an offer to replace the tuning assemblies with new ones that they are currently using on their procuction 8 string tenor ukes. I like the look of the chrome open backs that were the standard at the time. The person I got the uke from told me that the gear that is currently on it right now was a replacement that was put on by a previous owner. It works but it sits higher than the others on the adjacent tuners and may be a bit off, as I can see substantial wear on the brass gears of this replacement. malama pono chuck Answer: I wish I could help, but I don't know where to get them..I would put your wants on the masrketplace and see what they come up with..look to left on black menu and you will see market place...its where I do all my shopping....frets - Monday, May 2, 2005

Question asked by: Milan Subject: Martin Taropatch Question: Chuck, could you please take a look at eBay #7316091848. It is a late 20's/early 30's Style 2. My question is if you take a look at the bridge it only has four slots with the strings being doubled up, is this the way it was made? I thought Toropatch's would have eight string slots cut into the bridges. Thanks again. Answer: Milan...thats the way it should be. there are only four slots for strings but each hole gets two strings. There are 8 notches in the saddle and the nut...but only 4 holes in the bridge. If you look in the mike longworth book...Martin Guitars...a history, you will see it pictured there. best to ya and thanks for writing in..frets - Friday, April 22, 2005

Question asked by: grouch Subject: enrico returns! Question: Chuck, finally got my homie to take a couple of pics..as you can see there are no markings inside..the uke was sold to me as new..my sister has a 1973 tenor bought at A.G. Schirmer (sp) in New York City..it also has the two- piece back and no inside markings..????..all the best..Vern Photos:      Answer: vern...how can I help. I have no idea what that uke is..I would like to see a pic of the whole uke, I think it would be easier. best to ya and keep writing in...chuck - Friday, April 22, 2005

Question asked by: Stephen B. Subject: Name That Uke? Question: G'Day Chuck -- How about some help identifying this uke? I'm no good at identifying wood yet -- is this koa or mahogany? Can you guess at the maker (there's no label or marks on this one). Would it be wrong to change out the wooden tuning pegs with older mechanical ones? Nice tone on this one, actually. I suspect early Hawaiian made, maybe a Nunes imitation -- or maybe a Nunes? Thanks millions, Oh Uke Guru! Photos:      Answer: Its hard to tell what the wood is. I can tell you its not a nunes and I don't think its island made. I think its mainland. It wouldn't hurt to change the tuners. Just save the old ones. The way you can easily tell a hawaiian from a mainland uke is the heel cap. It should be part of the back if it is hawaiian and not if it is mainland. Thats not always surfire, but its usually that way....thanks for the question...write again..and send a pic of the back..I will tell you for sure...frets - Friday, April 22, 2005

Question asked by: Howard Zazove Subject: Vintage Ukulele Question: I came across a vintage ukulele, and the labels name inside is "Kuntz Taylor Ukulele of Los Angeles". Have you ever heard of this brand ?, and if the condition is excellent what it might be worth. Thanks, Howard Answer: Howard, please send a pic of the ukulele. Sounds like a store distributor and not a maker. I may be able to determine the maker if I can see it....frets - Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Question asked by: John Subject: Kamaka 6 string Lili'u tuning Question: Greetings, What are your recommendations with regard to tuning a Kamaka Lili's Uke 6 string (high G) doubled strings set 1 and 3? As I understand the first set the second string of the set is an A that is one octave lower whereas the second string in the thirds set is a C that is one octave higher. I was trying to find a .wav file online to clue me into the correct range for these secondary string without luck. My first time restringing the instrument and I dont want to blow it :-) JohnF Answer: John. I tune the double set the same unless the string gauges are different in the box. I don't like the octave apart sound. I like the fuller sound of a uk ukulele. If you want to know what Kamaka recommends, you can find them on line and ask them. I wouldn't try to tune a double string up an octave if the string wasn't designed for it. You could pull the bridge off...Let me know what kamaka says and what you do...frets - Wednesday, April 20, 2005

Question asked by: Tom Alexander Subject: Banjo ukueles Question: Thanks for the answer to my previous question. Here's something else I should have asked. Is a banjo uke tuned like a standard uke? Answer: Yes..they are tuned exactly the same. frets - Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Question asked by: Lucas Bernstein Subject: Electric Ukes Question: Hiya, Chuck! I've been looking to expand my ukulele collection and I'm really interested in purchasing an electric one. Would you happen to know of any brands that you would suggest purchasing within a $200- $400 price range? Thanks so much for your time, Chuck. I really appreciate it. - Lucas P.S. - A WHILE back, you had asked me to tell you how my experience was if I were to purchase a Lanikai tenor uke. For $230, I have to say it's a really great instrument! The sound is VERY rich. She never seems to go out of tune also! Anyway, thanks again and take care! -L Answer: lucas.....thanks for the update...I don't know of any electric ukes off hand. I will check and see what I come up with...if you will post this question on the bulletin board on this site, I am sure you will get a response..In the meantime I will check...thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, April 19, 2005

Question asked by: Timothy Simpson Subject: Question: Hey -- How's it going?! I've been meesing around with a friend trying to figure out a way to sink up a uke and guitar on the famous, or infamous, Dueling Banjos song. Wondering if you have any pointers or know of some tab somewhere I could reference for guidance! I've almost got the main riff. THANKS SO MUCH! Answer: Timothy, couldn't be further from my area of knowledge. I think where you want to be is on the bulletin board on this site. Ask the same question, those nutz know everything. They are a great bunch and happy to help. frets - Monday, April 18, 2005

Question asked by: Tom Alexander Subject: banjo uke Question: What's the deal with banjo ukes? I know they exist but do they have much of a different sound than a more conventional uke? Like maybe sounding like a small banjo? Answer: Tom, they have a much different sound than a conventional uke, they definitly sound like a small banjo...Were always here to help....frets...Mt Idy Front Dest and Past President of the Mt Idy Researchers...This years reunion will be held in the Library to look at the new book... - Monday, April 18, 2005

Question asked by: Janice Subject: Tenor Tuning Question: I just bought a Lanika tenor cutaway with pickup w/shadow EQ - tuned to standard GCEA but it doesn't sound anywhere near as good as my little concert Schmidt..what could be wrong? Does it need a different tuning? Cords sound out of tune even tho I double checked the tuning... Answer: janice..have a luthier check the frets. You can tune it all you want, but if you have a high fret tuning will not correct the problem...When you press the string it will change the tone more than it should...thats probably your problem...frets - Monday, April 18, 2005

Question asked by: Steve Pepper Subject: Mahalo Ukes Question: Chuck I have several very cheap Mahalo ukes (suitably set up) to take in my various classic cars and to go camping with. I find they are the best uke available for around £11.50 inc nylon case and I wouldn't worry if someone accidentally put it on the BBQ by mistake! I have now seen some better quality Cedar top and Koa backed models inc case for about £70 inc post see ebay below http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI .dll? ViewItem&category=16224&item=73140 97048&rd=1&tc=photo#ShippingPaymen t Do you reckon they would be worth a look.? I am not worried about the set up but would they be a future classic? or play any better? I am told there are only 400-500 on this limited edition. Steve Answer: I haven't got a clue about these ukes. But I would personally like to have a higher priced uke to tote around in my classic cars ( if I had classic cars)...as far as them becomming a classic, I think their only chance is if you buy them all and burn all but one. It will then be a classic. Thats all I know about classic cars and classic ukes. Tip. Buy one 3k Martin l918 model and move it from car to car. frets - Monday, April 18, 2005

Question asked by: Fred Valentin Subject: string spacing Question: Chuck, If had a Kamaka 8 string tenor and strung it with only 6 strings like a 6 string Kamaka tenor, would the spacings between the strings on the 8 sring Kamaka tenor body be the same as a standard 6 string Kamaka tenor? What if I strung the 8 string tenor with only 4 strings like a Kamaka 4 string tuner. Would the spacing between the 4 strings on the 8 string Kamaka tenor body be the same as on a 4 string Kamaka tenor? Its like if I could only have one uke would the 8 string body be the most versatile? Answer: Fred...I lost you in the lurch. I will take a little time to try to figure out what you asked and then figure out what to answer. I think the answer will be...an 8 string is only an 8 string, 6 only a 6 and 4 only four....its like trying to tune a baritone up to tenor. It wasn't meant to work. If you could have only one uke, find a martin style 1 l920 version. Thats what I'd do.......best and I hope I've helped. Your question made my list.....frets - Saturday, April 16, 2005

Question asked by: Markd Subject: Roy Smeck Concert Uke Question: Chuck Thanks for the note on my Roy Smeck Concert size uke - here is a photo of it that may help in the dating of it. Thanks again for any info or resources in finding what I can about when this uke was made. Mark Photos:      Answer: 1940-50's y harmony. Decent uke. Have had them and like them. thanks for writing in....frets - Friday, April 15, 2005

Question asked by: CHUCK FRETS FAYNE Subject: LOOKEY LOOKEY LOOKEY Question: TAKE A LOOK AT EBAY AND SEE BLACK BEAR ( DUANE HEILMAN'S) OFFERING OF A BANJO UKE. THIS MAN CONTINUES TO AMAZE ME WITH HIS ATTENTION TO DETAIL. I WISH I HAD THE MONEY TO BUY THEM ALL....NICE WORK DUANE... Answer: I WAS RIGHT WASN'T I.......WE HAVE A STATUE TO DUANE IN THE MT IDY TOWN SQUARE. - Friday, April 15, 2005

Question asked by: jethro Subject: 1st uke Question: I just purchased my 1st uke. It will need strings, what should i buy? Uke is called "pure Hawaiian Low A" What does that mean? Thanks for help Jethro out Photos:      Answer: I have never heard of that brand of uke..however, it means that you can tune the 4th string...the one closest to the body....to a low a instead of a high a. There are special strings made for a low tuning. Go to the on-line-store on this site and you will find a great selection of strings. If you need any help, you will find it there....thanks for writing in and good luck...frets - Friday, April 15, 2005

Question asked by: Mark Demaray Subject: Roy Smeck Concert Size Uke Question: ChuckI have a Harmony Roy Smeck concert size uke with sunburst finish and wondered if there is a way to date these. I am thinking perhaps these were made in the 40's and 50's but do not know for sure. Any ideas on how to date these for approx manufacture date or where info might be found ? Thanks for your time.Mark Answer: If you will send me a pic I will tell you when it was made. They made a couple models and I have to see a pic to know which one it is...send pic to this site....thanks...frets - Friday, April 15, 2005

Question asked by: kirk fuhrmeister Subject: banjo uke case Question: I have need of a hardshell banjo uke case that will accept a Maybell 7" diameter 21" long....and one for its bigger brother, the 8" Maybell. both are open back models( no resonators) Where might I find such an animal? Actually I could use several, for I collect these nisy little rascals! Thanks Answer: kirk...go to the marketplace and the bulletin board on this site amd place the same want list. I'm sure someone out there will know...thanks for writing in...frets - Thursday, April 14, 2005

Question asked by: Todd Subject: 6 or 8 string tenor uke Question: I'm interested in an 8 string Lanikai Uke, and since then I see they also make a 6 string. What are the pros and cons of each? Which is preferable and why? Answer: The pro is if you like the sound of one over the other...the con...well I guess thats the other side. Its such a personal choice. The major difference is the sound. The 8 string is fuller. I would head to a shop that has one of each and play them and see which appeals to you. Thanks for writing in...let us know what you got and why...frets - Wednesday, April 13, 2005

Question asked by: Tom B. Subject: Does re-fretting devalue an uke? Question: Hi Chuck. Does re-fretting a vintage ukulele take away from its value? I love the sound of my Gibson tenor, but I dislike the very low- profile fret wires that Gibson used. I was thinking of having them replaced with more- prominent wires. But this is a Style 3, and I don't want to do anything that will hurt its value. What do you suggest? Thanks, as always! Answer: To the ultra-purist , diehard collector, it makes a difference. To tha average nut it doesn't. It depends on many things. If you are looking to sell it down the line, don't replace the frets. If it is a player and you are going to keep it, replace the frets. I, personally, would replace them anyway. I like playing the uke not just hanging them on a wall. That period has past. I hope this has helped, tough quetion.....keep in touch...frets ( replaced) - Wednesday, April 13, 2005

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