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

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Question asked by: Shirley Rayne Subject: Singing Treholipee Question: Please give me some information about the Singing Treholipee. What is the history of this instrument? Do they have any financial worth? Thank you Answer: Shirley...go to opening page of uke yak and go to the search and type in treholipee. You will have more information than you ever wanted. thanks for writing in..If you don't find what you want...it doesn't exist....and be sure to write me again...frets - Monday, April 11, 2005

Question asked by: grouch Subject: What style is my Martin tenor? Question: Chuck--the question from JC Whitelaw about his Martin prompts me to ask about "Enrico"..I bought him new in 1958..12 frets to the body..18 in all..1 round white in- laid marker at the 5th fret, 2 at the 7th, and 1 at the 10th..three small ones on the edge..top and back binding are dark brown plastic (?) with some lighter threads that are the same color as the wood..the top has a very narrow white line around the edge, none on the back..the sound hole has a narrow white-black-white rosette..rosewood finger-board and bridge..saddle is an off-white, nut is black..Martin decal on the front of the head..nothing inside the body..no "Made in USA" stamp..I don't have a pic, (and wouldn't know how to upload it), but I hope this rambling description will be enough for you to answer my question..mahalo nui, and all the best!..Vernon Ickes Answer: dear grouch..I feel like I am writing my x-wife a letter. I need to know what you mean by nothing on the inside. no cf martin??????let me know and I will answer your question. So far it sounds like the early version of the Martin tenor.....Nothing out of the ordinary except for the nothing inside.....frets - Saturday, April 9, 2005

Question asked by: Stephen B Subject: SS Stewart Uke Question: Thanks Chuck -- here's the headstock of the S S Stewart Uke -- Think it is a Martin? Any hints on the serial numbers on Stewarts? Photos:      Answer: Not a Martin for sure. I just know....No hints on the serial numbers, hope someone out there does.....frets - Saturday, April 9, 2005

Question asked by: bob rainey Subject: where you gonna be? Question: you comin' to the uke-fest in fremont the endish of april? ol' mean smelly salad-days bob Answer: No...but from what I hear, I will be able to smell you from here...Thats almost like being there....isn't it? Thanks for the quetion..nice to be remembered. frets - Thursday, April 7, 2005

Question asked by: M. Peeks Subject: Capitol Ukes Question: I'm looking for information on Capitol ukuleles. Supposedly, they were made by Harmony. The pictured one is all mahogany, I did find a patent reference for Capitol in 1933. Have you ever heard of a Capitol uke? Photos:      Answer: harmony did make them..you can tell my the plastic fingrboard. not a bad uke..no idea of the year, my guess would be 50's...thanks for writing in...frets - Sunday, April 3, 2005

Question asked by: al Subject: ukeyak Question: Hi. My father gave me his martin uke, and the date he gave me when he bought it is 1979. It is in perfect condition, having been in its case for the past 25 years or so. Were there any particular years in which martin made the best uke?...how would i go about getting this appraised? thanks Answer: al...send me a picture and all will be revealed.....chuck - Saturday, April 2, 2005

Question asked by: jc whitelaw Subject: Martin UKE Question: Hi Fretts, (let me try this again) Maybe you can help me. My late uncle left me his Martin and I'm trying to date and appraise it. While searching through this site I'm thinking it might be from the fiftys? (See Photos)The instrument is in perfect condition no Scratches or Flaws at all. the case has a slight tare. Any information would be helpful. thank you for your time. jc whitelaw jc@primeauproductions.com Photos:      Answer: jc...I can see it is from the 50's...decal on headstock. It does not have the original tuners, it seems in good condition. I cannot tell if it is a style o or 1...a style o has only 3 dots on the fingerboard and a style 1 has four and is trimmed in faux tortoise shell. That should bive you what you want. If it is in perfect condition the uke is worth around 500 either way...frets - Saturday, April 2, 2005

Question asked by: Paul Kraus Subject: heel cap questions Question: Chuck, I've read alot of references to identifying Hawaiian ukes by the continuous back/heel cap feature, but do you know why they all used this style of building? I hope this helps...The early luthiers from Maderia, who came to Hawaii in 1879, built their instruments using the traditional European method of cutting the sides into the neck block first, then attaching the top and back, so that the back overlapped the sides/neck joint. This is also called a 'Spanish neck'. All the early Hawaiian makers learned this method and built their ukes that way. This is still an excellent technique, but is more time consuming, so few use this today. Photo is a cavaquinho I built using this traditional style. Photos:      Answer: thanks paul...interesting to me and i'm sure interesting to all the yakkers..keep writing...frets - Saturday, April 2, 2005

Question asked by: Jimbob Subject: Barclay Baritone Question: I aquired a Barclay baritone uke a couple years ago on Ebay ( caveat Ebay). The person I bought it from said it was all original but it looks to me like it had been "refinished". The grain is raised up all over it. My question is would my sanding it down and re- refinishing it hurt what little value it may have? Answer: It doesn't have enough value to worry. I can only increase it. frets - Saturday, April 2, 2005

Question asked by: Fred Valentin Subject: Dating kamaka by tuner types Question: I am interested in both 6 and 8 string tenor ukes. I know the 6 string came out in 1959 or so and the 8 string in 1976. Would you happen to be able to give us a rough idea as to the tuner types used on both of these ukuleles and the corresponding years they were used on each? I am interested in an 8 string tenor uke tht has chrome open back tuners. Any info will be greatly appreciated. Answer: write kamaka and ask this question...They will know for sure. I am sure I don't know...frets - Saturday, April 2, 2005

Question asked by: Arch Larizza Subject: Maton ukulele Question: Howdy Chuck. I thought you and the Yakkers would like to see a couple of pics of a nice Maton uke I picked up recently. The seller had it hanging on a wall for the past few years and apparently, the previous owner used it as a "decoration" as well. The neck was separating from the body a little but I was able to fix that with a bit of white glue and a trick that a very wise and clever person taught me. I strung it up today and it sounds absolutely marvellous. Funny, I never really liked the sound or feel of any Maton guitar but this uke is, as we say, a little ripper! Cheers! Arch from Footscray. Photos:      Answer: Its a beaut. I am lucky enough to be close enough to Arch, both as a friend and geographically to have held the uke in my hands. First one I have ever seen that is that clean and virtually unplayed. Thanks for sharing it with us. Arch and his wife and son leonardo have just added a new addition to the family...Antonio..I think each us should send leonardo a Martin 3k ukulele. Its the least we can do. Best from uncle frets....By the way, the Maton Ukulele is one of the very rare ukes made in Australia. This is not the country of ukuleles. Thanks for writing in...call if you get work...frets - Saturday, April 2, 2005

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: Question: Aloha Chuck and Tom B., I just couldn't resist and went digging thru the old closet. Guess what I found? A "Very Rare", 21" Concert size George Mossman(a Style 2, no less) and a "Very Rare", 21" Concert size James Anahu. I am compelled to also report that the old Hawaiian Sopranos came in sizes 20.5" thru 21" as Chuck stated earlier. I also found a circa 1918 Paradise Ukulele at 20.75". I wonder what the hell they where thinking? For a lousy 1/4" more I would have had a "Concert" to sell using claims of "Rare". Answer: Thanks Kenny.....info always greatfully received. Your a walking encyclopedia and I am waiting to see a walking encyclopedia. best to you and yours...frets - Saturday, April 2, 2005

Question asked by: Kenneth G. Bailey Subject: Hawaiian Ukulele sizes Question: Aloha Chuck and Tom B., This is just a quick note to add my two cents, that the measurements used by early Hawaiian builders (let's use John King's dates of 1884- 1930) where the same as those used in the continental U.S. I am unaware of any other rule to this day. The seller of the Makini in question was incorrect in portraying the 'uke as a Concert in size. The seller was also incorrect in dating that same 'uke as being from the 1920- 1930 era. Kaneala Makini labeled 'ukuleles where produced no earlier then 1940-1950. I am alittle surprised at some of the smoke and mirrors used, as the Makini and several others listed on eBay recently, where quite collectable in their own right. The sales pitch used was unnecessary and insulting. Answer: Points well taken and thanks again as usual...frets - Saturday, April 2, 2005

Question asked by: Freddy Valentin Subject: Dating a Kamaka by y tuners Question: I know the 8 string Kamaka tenors were produced from 1976. Would you be able to tell me approximately what years were the chrome open back tuners used? The koa is more of a honey coloring and not hightly figured like the ones today. It would help me better identify whats in front of me. Answer: Since Kamaka is still in business and going strong, I would rather they answered the question. I would rather they answered the question for another reason...I don't know...frets - Saturday, April 2, 2005

Question asked by: Belinda Atwell Subject: Uke made by M. Nunes & Sons Question: My mother just bought this ukulele at an auction, inside says "Made expressly for J.W. Jenkins & Sons Music Co., Kansas City, Missouri by M. Nunes & Sons inventor of the Ukulele and Taro Patch Fiddles in Honolulu in 1879 manafacturers of string instruments. Guaranteed Kapiolani Bldg., Alakea St., Honolulu T.H." Has name & crest imprinted on it at the top of the bridge. Do you have any info on this instrument? Photos:      Answer: You seem to have all the info in your question...The uke was made in the teens -20's by a very good luthier. His son Leonardo moved to Los Angeles and carried on his fathers talent for ukulele building. Its a collectible uke and hand on to it. As long as you are hanging on to it...play it.....frets - Saturday, April 2, 2005

Question asked by: Alan Subject: 6-string Uke tuning Question: Aloha Chuck, My son bought a 6-string uke in Hawaii w/o tuning instructions, and I ahve no ideas where the fleas on this dog are! Can you give me a clue? Mahalo, Alan Answer: need to see a pic to tell if it is a little 6 string guitar or a 6 string ukulele...the ukulele has only really four tones..just two of them are tuned alike. send me a pic and also a pic of your entire family for as far back as you can trace them....Frets, head of the geneology dept of the folks museum in Mt Idy...Where our slogan is." the weather is here, wish you were beautiful"..... - Saturday, April 2, 2005

Question asked by: Laura Leff Subject: Treholippe and Frankie Remley Question: A long time ago I asked about the Treholippe because I had gotten a bunch of pictures of Frankie Remley (guitar player in Phil Harris' orchestra) and Jack Benny playing them. I finally got around to scanning the one of Frankie and Jack (there are several smaller ones not including Jack, plus some with a Treholippe that probably measured about 8 feet tall), and here it is. Enjoy! --Laura Leff President, IJBFC www.jackbenny.org Photos:      Answer: laura...thanks..fabulous pic...will add it to my file....frets - Friday, April 1, 2005

Question asked by: Stephen B Subject: SS Stewart Uke w/serial # Question: G'Day, Chuck! Well, I went and bought another uke on eBay. Don't tell my wife. This one is an S S Stewart, looks like Martin made, and it has a serial number inside: 10710. Any chance of a way to date it with this number? By the way, it is quite pretty, and came with the original case and two not so moth eaten green felt picks. Photos:      Answer: Stephen..I need a pic of the headstock face on . I don't know if it martin made or not, but it sure is nice. will tell you more when I see it....frets - Friday, April 1, 2005

Question asked by: Bruce W. Subject: TOMBO ukulet Question: Frets: I have aquired a TOMBO ukulet that was made in Japan. It looks like a small electric guitar. Its overall length is 27 1/2 inches. It has 19 frets and is in good condition. It came with a case that folds out to become the amplifier. The previous person who played it died in 1981, so I know it's at least that old. Can you give me an idea as to the value and age of this instrument? Photos:      Answer: used to own one. brings back memories. Not a bad instrument. Really quirkey. They don't come along very often..To a elec collector they are worth about 500 bucks. So hang on. They were made in the 50's...thanks for sending it in...I really like it...frets - Friday, April 1, 2005

Question asked by: jeff wolf Subject: Heavenly Harmony Question: Chuck, Today I saw a beautiful vintage Harmony Uke. Soprano size, select all solid mahogany construction with that Vita Uke-Johnny Marvin flame on the back, bone nut and saddle white ivoroid soundhole ring. Rosewood fingerboard with large MOP position dots. The little "birds beak" shape on the end of the fingerboard that overlays the soundboard and "Harmony Deluxe" in gold script on the headstock. I've never before seen or even heard of a Harmony, outside of the Vita Uke and Johnny Marvins, of this quality before. This is defintely a prewar vintage uke. The asking price is very reasonable and , once again I am trying to convince Mrs. Wolf that I must have another uke. Have you ever seen one of these? Answer: It the inlay in the headstock abalone. I have seen them before and they are well made. Harmonys best offering. Mrs Wolf..let the big bad wolf have his toys. It will keep him out of more serious trouble. No man with a uke ever went astray....love...frets - Friday, April 1, 2005

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