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

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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: Tom B. Subject: Early Hawaiian Ukulele Sizes Question: Aloha, Chuck. I have a question regarding ukulele sizes. EBay auction 7310724199 is for what is billed as a "very rare concert" Makini ukulele. But the uke in question is only 21 inches long. Knowing that the seller is a dealer in ukuleles, I asked her what made her think that this uke was a concert uke. I further asked her to confirm the scale length. Her reply was that early Hawaiian sopranos were 20.5 inches long, and that the concerts were 21 inches. (As for the scale length, I guess she had different concept of scale: she said it was seven inches.) But my question is: Is there any truth to the idea that early Hawaiian ukes that are 21 inches long are considered concert-size? Answer: No. a soprano is 20-21 inches long and a concert is around 23-24 inches. She is mistaken. You are right. frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

Question asked by: walter Subject: standard approved lable Question: Frets: I have aquired a uke;looks about 1950's vintage. It has a paper label inside that reads; "Standard Approved by the National Association of Musical Instrument and Accessories Mfrs. USA". The lable is on white paper with purple background and orange lettering. Does this tell you anything about this uke? It is otherwise unmarked. Thanks, Walter Answer: usually ukes with that label are harmonys...thanks for writing in...frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

Question asked by: Tequilla Jack Subject: Unusual Uke Question: Hi Frets! Thanks for your answer about using monofilament fishing line for Ukulele strings awhile back. Believe me, being able to show this to my friend was worth far more than you'll ever know! Also, thanks to Christie for giving me more information about mono strings than even my techno-nerd friend needed! It's just great being able to bask in the warmth of a sunshine-laden "I told you so" without having to say a word. Now I have another question: Just minutes ago (literally) I bought a ukulele at an antique mall for $24 that has a traditional Hawaiian seal decal on the head - but the words underneath it are all screwed up. What is written is: LM MAL NAFA OKA AINAIKA POHO - which makes no sense at all. The tuning pegs and size are both identical to a Harmony uke that I already have so I think this is a Harmony. Do you or any of your readers have any idea to the ID of this little uke? I don't have a digitial camera but will take a 35mm photo of it and have that put on a disc, then send you a photo sometime in the future. The wood is dark - like Koa - but that could be a clever Chicago trick to imitate a dark mahogany. It's the shape of the instrument and the tuning pegs that make me think this is a Harmony. Any help from these clues? Thanks for your help. I know, I don't know much about classic ukes but I'm trying to learn from you guys and I appreciate your help - no matter how much humiliation I have to suffer. Happy Easter! Answer: doesn't sound hawaiin to me, but will have to wait for the pic. Heel cap part of the back of part of the neck. Part of the back is Hawaiian , part of the back is mainland. Sounds like mainland to me.....frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

Question asked by: Pat Subject: distinguishing 50s vs 30s Question: Chuck I'm trying to determine the age of a mahogony style 0. It has white tuning pegs and decal on the front of the head stock. All the older models I have seen have the dark tuning pegs. But I'm a novice. Is there any good way to determine the age. It's not my instrument. Thanks Pat Answer: With the decal on the headstock, it is definitly not 30's.....late 40's-50's...color of tuning pegs dont matter, they used what they had. I have had them both as well as white, black and rosewood push pegs. thanks for writing in....frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

Question asked by: Linda Seaver Subject: Giannini Baritone Ukulele Question: I have a Giannini Baritone Ukulele from Sao Paulo Brazil, Serial no. I-1822. Sold by Merson Musical in the U.S. Can you tell me anything about it? I came across it at a garage sale and put it away for several years. It resurfaced this week. Is it anything worth keeping? Answer: I have never thought much of them, but that is only a personal opinion. The best way to answer you own question is to tune it up and see if you like the way it sounds. If it sounds good then its worth keeping and playing..hope this has helped....frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

Question asked by: Jerry Subject: Northern JCD-3 Ukulele Question: Do you have any idea how much one can expect to pay for a like-new original J Chalmers Doane Northern Triangular JCD-3 ukulele including the original case? Answer: Not alot. They are interesting and fun to look at and I don't think they have a terrific sound. I have come across ones that sound great but for the most part they were ukes made for use in schools to teach the ukulele. 150 bucks tops....frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

Question asked by: smartcat Subject: old ukulele Question: Chuck; I recently got an old uke. It was gotten in the 1920/1930s. It is a beautiful sounding uke. It was purchased with a gum wrapper promotion. I dont know what gum co. On the head stock I can make out WEIS stamped under the stain. It has an arched back. It is a soprano measuring 21in. upperboutis 43/4X 21/4 upper bout is 61/2X23/4. Very lightweight,and wonderful to play. What have I got thanks smartcat. Photos:      Answer: A harmony ukulele decorated by the Fred Richter with a white plastic fingerboard. Nice score for gum.....I like it....frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

Question asked by: SEF Subject: repairing a collectible Question: Chuck, The question is....if you have a "collectible" uke (Harold Teen), do you get it repaired or does that actually end up devaluing it? The immediately obvious repairs seem simple enough....heat split down the back, small "unglued" separations at the shoulder. Do you fix it or put it on the wall? Thanks for any insight! Answer: You fix it and put it on the wall. Then you take it down and play it and then you put it back on the wall. Hope this has helped...frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

Question asked by: J.C. Whitelaw Subject: Martin Uke Question: This is a very informative site. Maybe you can help me. My late uncle left me his Martin and I'm trying to date and appraise it. Any information would be helpful. thank you for your time. jc whitelaw jc@primeauproductions.com Answer: Too much information..need a pic of all sides , front back inside tuners size overall measurment condition case just to name a few...add anything else you think might help. Since Martin made about 30 different styles its tough to do sometimes when I can see it, it is impossible when all I know is that it is a Martin. A picture of Martin Van Buren is worth about 1000 dollars. They only made one of him...easy...frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

Question asked by: Dasher Subject: Question: Hi Chuck: I think you said your thick Kumalae was golden Koa. I forgot to mention that only the neck of mine is gold koa the rest is regular koa. Answer: Whats the question. Dash?????? frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

Question asked by: Jim McGee Subject: Uke strings Question: Hi Chuck, My ukulele instructor in Hawaii has the philosophy that classical guitar strings should be used on concert & tenor ukuleles. His reasoning is that much of the world still does not take the ukulele as a serious instrument and that all the research & development goes into making good quality guitar strings. He specifically states that black strings are no good and that only clear strings should be used. The result is the bottom three are clear nylon and the top G is the wound nylon. Do you have any opinion on this? I now have classical guitar strings on my ukes but I don't know at this point if it sounds any better or worse. I'd appreciate any comments you might have on this. Thanks, Jim Answer: Your teacher needs to learn about the ukulele. He is whistling thru his ear. My advise....get another teacher, one who is familiar with the ukulele and is popularity today. Call Kamaka and ask their opinion of your teachers comment about black strings. I still think the Kamaka black are some of the best strings made. Please show him my answer and tell him if he wants to really learn about the ukulele instead of guessing and being wrong, to write me...I would be glad to be his teacher....frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

Question asked by: Dasher Subject: Question: Hi Chuck: As requested, I'm reporting back on this 3" deep Kumalae that I bought on eBay for $200.38 (but who's counting?) It's in excellent condition for 65 plus years. After I put on new strings, it sings like a bird and, as you promised, it's really LOUD, even louder than my Kamaka Pineapple. For some reason, it has a more "hawaiian" sound than my Model 5 Kumalae. It came with a very wild wooden case that is not uke shaped in itself but was obviously custom fitted in black velvet for this uke on the inside. It is all black with a bright red-orange painted top. No where near as good condition as the uke but it's old and wild. Photos:      Answer: Beautiful ukulele. You did better than good. Its the steal of the day. Good luck and keep us posted...best...frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

Question asked by: mike Subject: uke lessons Question: Hi Chuck I'm wondering if there is one book that stands above all in teaching uke technique. I'm a huge fan of moving chords and melody such as early 20's players incorporated. 5'2" C E7 A7 D7 G7 can be interesting or ordinary. Looking for ladder to next level? Thanks Mike PS for lard guy...use lemon oil instead. Best of all play uke alot as finger oil is natural. Answer: P.S. for you...Dont use anything on the strings...Why?.don't you think your fingers have enough oil to keep them in shape??? stop screwing around and fretting about stuff that doesn't matter. Play, Play, Play and enjoy. Look at the On-Line-store on this site. You will find evry book you ever needed to learn to go to the next level. Use lemon oil on your furniture...and lard will stop your heart. best...dr.frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

Question asked by: g.ginny Subject: heel cap Question: What is 'the heel cap'? I read a previous email answer where you said it wasnt part of the back, so the uke wasnt made in Hawaii. Curious Grandmaginny Answer: Turn you uke over and look at the back. The little piece that covers the end of the neck where it joins the uke is the heel cap. If you look closely at the back of a hawaiian uke you will notice that that little piece is part of the back. If it is not, chances are it is not a hawaiian ukulele. If this doesn't help, please let me know and I will draw you a picture. Ready for framing....frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

Question asked by: karen stogsdill Subject: tiple Question: I bought this instrument 26 years ago at an estate sale for son. It has ten strings, manufactured by the Stradlmair Co., Inc. and is signed and endorsed by Ukulele Hughey. I was wondering if it holds any value? It some scratches on it and needs strings and cleaning up. thanks for your help. Photos:      Answer: Its worth about 250 bucks and it is a tiple. It is made by a very good maker. Take it to a luthier to have it strung . It is nothing more than a ukulele with ten strings...They are still only four notes. I love the sound of a tiple. I hate tuning them....best....frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

Question asked by: dustin parker Subject: blue comet uke Question: Hi Chuck, I've just started playing ukulele and I picked up Blue Comet uke..what can you tell me about it's origins. it is from the 40's or 50's I believe. Thanks so much dusparker@comcast.net Answer: Never heard of a blue comet uke. Perhaps one of the ukers out there has and if they write in, I will publish it for you to see. Sounds more like dishwashing detergent.....Hope it sounds good....keep in touch and thanks for writing in...frets - Sunday, March 27, 2005

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