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

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Question asked by: Barb Subject: 8 string mele Question: I have searched your discussion topics on this uke and have not seen anything here. What can tell me about The Mele, vintage 1930's, with 8 strings? Thanks so much! Photos:      Answer: It's technically not a ukulele, not as we know them..>It is a taropatch. It is still as four string instrument just pairs instead of single strings. How else can I help you, please let me know....chuck...does it say Mele somewhere on the taropatch...thanks... - Tuesday, March 8, 2005

Question asked by: TJR Subject: Australian movie, The Tracker Question: I've just seen an Aussie movie, The Tracker (2002), that featured an ukulele. Seeing that you're down under, have you seen it and can you identify the make of the uke? Answer: I have not seen the movie, but will rent and get back to you....thanks for the alert...frets - Monday, March 7, 2005

Question asked by: Russ Subject: Banjo uke or banjo mandolin? Question: Question....this is available on e-bay at the moment and he claims it is an SS Stewart, Acme Professional 8 String Banjo Ukulele...I'm thinking it is a mandolin. Either way I'm interested...any thoughts about it? Thanks...I'm, learning a lot from your column. Russ Photos:      Answer: You are correct. It is a banjo mandolin. They use steel strings. They are loud and more a rhythm instrument than a melody instrument. I have used gut strings and tuned them like a ukulele and got sort of a banjo taropatch. Didn't sound horrible, but didn't sound good either. Your other option is to use only four strings and then you almost have a banjo uke. Sure is pretty. I'd own it and I don't like banjo mandolins. hope I've helped, I have no idea what the question was. write again when you can....frets - Monday, March 7, 2005

Question asked by: Joe Martin Subject: Kamaka Uke-Worth? Question: Good Day Jim, this was given to me as a gift in the 70's or possibly late 60's. It was purchased in Hawaii. Would you please be so kind to check out this link and let me know what you think the true value of this beauty is? thanks much here is the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dl l? ViewItem&item=7304899919&ssPageName =ADME:B:EOAS:US:3 Photos:      Answer: Joe....thanks for writing in....275-300 depending on if it has a case. No case 275....see ya....chuck - Sunday, March 6, 2005

Question asked by: Milan Subject: Recent posts Question: Chuck, In response to some recent posts I took a photo of three Martin Sopranos. From left to right is a 60's Style "1"(the price I paid shall go nameless),a late 20's Ditson Style "2" that was owned by Tiny Tim and a pristine early 20's Style "1" with wooden pegs. You can see the different fret dot sizes and locations. But I do have a question. If all things were the same would a Martin 5 Mahogany be worth more than a 5 Koa seeing as they were made for only two years? Thanks for your time and expertise. Photos:      Answer: To answer your question, I have only seen one 5m martin and that was only a picture. I have never seen one in person and don't know of anyone who has one. They would be very rare. Almost as rare as the Koa 5 with the abalone trim on the sides. thanks for the pic Milan and best...frets - Thursday, March 3, 2005

Question asked by: Tom Subject: '50s Silvertone Bari Uke needs tuning peg Question: Aloha Chuck, I'm still in need of one tuner for my '50s Silvertone Bari. No word back from John Bernunzio, so I thought I'd try again before throwing in the towel and buying a new set. Any advice? Mahalo, Tom Photos:      Answer: Tom...I will run this again in the hopes someone will have the tuner you want. I would also, if I were you, place your wants on the marketplace with a pic of the tuner...Someone out there will have one. I wish I did...Thanks for writing in and good luck....chuck - Thursday, March 3, 2005

Question asked by: Arch Subject: Old Martin tuning pegs Question: Hi again, Chuck. Thanks for your reply to my question regarding the 9th fret marker on the Style 1. By "early" would you say 1916 - 26? It does have the Martin stamp on the back of the headstock and inside the body. Alas, no wooden peg tuners, though. Would you happen to know where I can obtain a set of these; either originals or a reasonable facsimilie of? Best wishes to you and all the folks at Mt. Idy from Arch in beautiful downtown Footscray. Answer: I would say it is from tshe 1916-26 era, closer to 1916...nice piece...call me in Melbourne....98869438 or 0418 573745.....Will let you know about tuners. Ahhhhh.,.footscray....lovely this time of year...were having snow here in Mt Idy Melbourne.....slippin and slidin...frets - Wednesday, March 2, 2005

Question asked by: simon Subject: slingerland banjolele Question: Did slingerland make a may bell banjo uke with a 9 inch head? Is there a banjo uke company (or are there just several) who used a star in the head for identification? It's the only mark I can find. Answer: Simon...Vega used a star in the head. Can you send me a pic, I can tell you what it is...Its possible its more than you think...Thanks....frets - Wednesday, March 2, 2005

Question asked by: Arch Subject: Martin Style 1 - marker at 9th fret Question: Hello, Frets! My brother recently purchased a Martin Style 1 which will be delivered shortly. I noticed in the seller's picture that the markers on the fretboard are at 5, 7 and 9 (please see photo). I understand this is one of the older Style 1s but can you perhaps narrow down the year of manufacture from the unusual marker placement? I've said it before and I'll say it again; I love Uke Yak and I love Chuck "Frets" Fayne! Kind regards, Arch. Photos:      Answer: Thanks for the kind words. It is an older style one...I can tell by the size of the fret markers. The tiny ones are from the older ukes. It should have martin & co on the back of the headstock and inside. Ideally, it will have wooden friction tuners also. That is not unusual placement for the early Martins, ...the last dot moved down to 10 with the later ones...always a mystery..I have also seen some of the really early ditson martins with the bottom dot at 10...frets - Wednesday, March 2, 2005

Question asked by: Tim Subject: gut strings Question: Hi Chuck, You asked for it and here's a source for gut uke strings: http://bernunzio.com/cgi- bin/bernunzio/showimg2000? img=QR1372 Regards and keep smiling/strumming. Photos:      Answer: Thanks...John Bernunzio is a good friend of mine and I'm glad you wrote in...thanks again...chuck - Wednesday, March 2, 2005

Question asked by: Michael Subject: A quizzical thought Question: Chuck we're all a bit lonely so I'll share this idea. The uke I just purchased came with one string only, but it was a real gut. I played this string for a few days and got a feel for it and then put full set of Nylagut strings on. Yes there was less room on the fretboard but it is sure nice to play chords. My brain remembers the feel of the gut and the bite it had on the finger. Has anyone out there tried using violin resin on strings to approximate the feel of gut strings? I may get bold and try this or better...just resin up my strumming hand? Ukuhappy Answer: let us know what happens. Gut strings are being made today and I'm sure someone will write in with the maker. Let us know how the violin string experiment works out....frets - Tuesday, March 1, 2005

Question asked by: Rajah Subject: Lyon& healy Question: Hello Mr. Chuck, How rare, if at all, are Lyon & Healy Style 5-ish soprano ukes? Rajah Answer: Ever hear of hens teeth.....rarer.....frets - Tuesday, March 1, 2005

Question asked by: michael Subject: vita uke Question: Chuck thanks for tip on strings for uke. Aquila Nlygut sound incredibly warm on my Vita. I feel like I've saved this singing demon and can't stop playing it. Driving everyone nuts and it's great. Harmony had a golden age with this model. A bit sharp on fret edges but they'll file out. Oh yeah c-tuning with low G. Glad I found this site before I was misled into Martin strings. Answer: thanks for the update...glad we could help...keep us posted and write often, were lonely.....best...frets - Monday, February 28, 2005

Question asked by: Robert Kaiser Subject: Napoo'la Question: Frets, Here are the pics you asked for. Photos:      Answer: the pic you send it of a holiday resort. Did I ask for that...I must be mad.....freeeeeeeets - Monday, February 28, 2005

Question asked by: Jim. Subject: Open D tuning Question: Hi, Could i tune my concert uke to an open D (A D F# D) or ( D F# A D) I,m not sure which is write. It is now tuned A D F# B. So if i wound the bottom string up to D someone said it would break, do you no other strings i could use for this. Thanks for any info Jim. Answer: Go to a muusic store and tell them you want to put a low a string on your uke. They will fit an appropriate string and then you can tune that one up..If you try to tune a high d up, it is likely that it will break....best...frets If you are going to do that, try first with the high a...the worst that will happen is that you break the string. Be careful as you tune it up, keep pressing down on the strings and make sure you can touch the frets with them..... - Monday, February 28, 2005

Question asked by: Robert Kaiser Subject: napo'la maker Question: Chuck, I found this tenor treasure in a pawn shop in Wailuku. I consider my self a very lucky man. However there is one thing I cannot find is the makers lable. There is a patina where it once was but the glue has dried and the lable is missing. It appears to be custom as the neck seems to be wider than usual. I took it to a luau on Maui and showed it to the uke player in the band and he nearly had apoplexy when I told what I had paid(185.00 US). Can you help me identify the maker and perhaps tell me if I can get a lable to put into it. Answer: Robert... I would love to help you. You can imagine how difficult it is to identify some ukuleles, even when I can hold them or see them...But without a picture, it is almost impossible. You can send me the pic at my home email...cfayne@swiftdsl.com.au...or to here...Here would be preferrable because then the yakkers look and help if I need it. Thanks very much for writing in, I can't wait to see the pic.,..Without seeing the pic it sure sounds like you made a great buy...Se ya...chuck - Sunday, February 27, 2005

Question asked by: Bill F Subject: Ohia Wood Question: Ohia (Metrosideros collina/var./polymorpha) Ohia is the most abundant of the remaining endemic species in Hawaii's forests. Ohia is found in forest locations from sea level to 9000'. There are numerous varieties, and they often establish themselves as pioneer growth over lava flows. In a noncompetitive environment they can grow into tall trees with long trunks, however their branches divide many times and in crowded competitive forest they can have a shrub like appearance. Ohia trees bear flowers which are named separately and are known as Lehua. The blossoms are usually red but occasionally range through orange to yellow. It is said that Lehua are the flowers of the fire Goddess, Pele, and that when they are picked the rain that follows is her tears. The flowers and the liko, the tender new shoots of the Ohia, are both highly prized in making haku (woven) leis. The wood has a greyish red hue with purple highlights and can develop a long and beautiful curl. It is very hard, but with only fair stability, it is not popular in complex joinery. When dry it tends to be very difficult to work. In early times it was used to carve tikis, for poi boards, gunwales of canoes and for enclosures around temples. Contemporary applications include railroad ties, posts, flooring and construction lumber. Answer: Bill...Thanks alot for the info...Would you please write back when you can go into detail.....The Mt Idy book club is assembling as we speak and will disscuss your offering. Will write back when we digest it. Look for mail in about a month. Seriously, Thank you very much...I have a feeling you know your business. Its refreshing. frets - Sunday, February 27, 2005

Question asked by: Mitch Keirsey Subject: harp tone uke corrected email address Question: Here is the corrected email address for my previous inquiry regarding the 1919 harptone uke. Thanks Mitch Keirsey Answer: Thanks Mitch...look forward to the pics.....best frets and stews... - Sunday, February 27, 2005

Question asked by: Rush McAllister Subject: Ohia wood Question: Dear Frets, When I asked my last question, two guys directed me to the Nalu site where there is a page from a music store describing Kumalae tuning pegs as made from ohia wood. What is that? I have a buddy that makes lutes (you think we're wierd) who was gonna turn some replica pegs for me from koa. Now we're stopped by this question. Any ideas what ohia wood is? Thanks for all your help. Rush Ps Thanks Rufus & Ross! Answer: I don't think your wierd because you know a guy who makes lutes. I know a guy who makes suits...and neither of us know what ohia wood is. It is probably a made up name for pine. who knows??? perhaps one of the yakkers would know...why don't you write the site and ask what it is?..if you do , let us know. I, for one, won't sleep until I know....best from all the gang and the Mt Idy garage, muffler repair and chocolate shop......wash your hands...chuck - Saturday, February 26, 2005

Question asked by: Loren Levy Subject: Martin Tiple Question: Hi Chuck...I recently bought a Martin T-15 tiple serial# 173466. Can you tell me what year it was made? Can you reccommend a brand of strings?..any other info? thanks for your help, Loren. Answer: 1959-1960.....You can go on line and order from Martin and Company a set of Martin Tiple Strings. I think that would be the easiest to do. Let me know when your fingers heal. They will toughen up eventually...don't despair. frets - Saturday, February 26, 2005

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