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

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Question asked by: Mitch Keirsey Subject: harptone uke Question: I have a Harp tone uke made in chicago. On the inside label it says "Gauranteed workmanship and materials for one year" then hand written " Tested for tone Nov. 2 1919. It has one small crack on the side of the upper bout. What would be it's ballpark value and where might i find some tuning keys. thanks sincerely, Mitch Keirsey Photos:      Answer: 250.00 and if I were you , I would put my wants up on the bulletin board. Someone out there will have a set of tuners...You can also take it to a violin shop and they will have tuners that will work. If you are really lucky, you might find a set of brown tuners. Thanks for writing in...frets - Saturday, February 26, 2005

Question asked by: royal robinson Subject: uke Question: Aloha, We have an old Uke made in the USA Herk Favilla b-2 barritone# 907544 what is a good ballpark value?ASAP please.Mahalo,Royal Answer: about 400 if the wind is right and if it is in great condition....thanks for writing in...frets - Friday, February 25, 2005

Question asked by: Steve Pepper Subject: Steel Strings Question: Ref the last post on steel strings I have just had delivered a Style 2 De Vekey with steel strings on and bidding for a Style 3 on the net, which have been fitted with them. Rest Assured Nylon ones will be fitted ASAP Steve Answer: thanks for the update...I like De Vekey ukes...best Britain had to offer....frets - Friday, February 25, 2005

Question asked by: troyrah the showponytailboy Subject: cLAW SENt OfF-TrOyRAH PlayS ON reGARDleSs Question: Hello Chuck, I bought this uke on ebay a while ago . . . 'cause it was only $19 and it looked like something out of the flintstones. But after I cleaned it up it looked quite a bit nicer. Could you tell me anything at all about it? eg, if it's Koa or something else, Hawaiian or mainland, how old you think it might be . . . ? The frets are tinny looking brass. The 12th fret is gone. (I took the back off it to replace the missing braces and there were 3 enormous but defunckt mud wasps nests inside!!!!!!) there was a hand written calculation inside: 830 832 832 832 ----- 3306 Photos:      Answer: First...Is troyrah the showponytailboy your given name???? If so, your folks had a sense of humor or hated you. To answer you question, It is hard to tell what you have. Its possible that it is hawaiian and Koa and it is also possible that it is mainland and made of maple. A pic of the back where the heel cap is, and a pic of the neck from the side where it joins the body, will tell the story. Thasnks for writing in and it sure is worth the 19.00. Frets the LEADEROFTHEMTIDYFLUTEANDJEWSHARPMARCHING BANDANDHEADMASTEROFTHEPAIRSDANCINGSCHOOL And, that is my given name. Its Lithuanian and American Indian. Thanks for the question.... - Friday, February 25, 2005

Question asked by: D. Dawson Subject: Gretsch Ukes Question: I'm a real fan of vintage Gretsch ukes and own a few sopranos. I have seen (but never rich enough to buy) a concert-sized Gretsch uke, but rarely see tenor or baritone Gretsch uke - was not even sure they made them? This week I acquired a Gretsch baritone (see photo) which needs a little minor repair, but plays like a dream. Do you know (or know of where?) I could get more info on this and other Gretsch ukes and perhaps venture a guess at the age present-day value of this baritone? (The Gretsch guitar site has scant info at best on ukes.) Your experience, knowledge and helpful advice is, as always, most appreciated. aloha, - D Photos:      Answer: It is a beautiful uke...Looks well made and I like the pin bridge very much. The tuners are top quality and the workmanship looks very good. I wish I had alot of information on the Gretsch ukuleles, but there is not alot available. The Gretsch company has not been easy to deal with when I have written them with questions. They play it very close to the chest. I will go back thru my stuff and see what I can find. It is also the first Gretsch Baritone I have ever seen. Nice score. frets...I just looked at the pics again and would like you to send me the measurement of the overall length. It resembles more a tenor guitar than a baritone uke. Not a big difference, but would like to knos...frets - Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Question asked by: Jim De Fazio Subject: Another one off? Question: Hey Chuck, Any chance you can ID this Ebay special I just picked up? See the weird Asian-looking logo/inscription inside. Also you can't tell from the pics, but it has an arched back. Old style pegs, I need to put a nut on it. Otherwise in good shape. I'll send the other pics in a separate email. Thanks, Jim Photos:      Answer: Jim..got all the pics and still don't know what it is...looks a little like a harmony shape, but no way of telling. please send me a close up of the tuners, perhaps that will help. Not hawaiian, mainland for sure. thanks, sorry I couldn't help, but the logo is not familiar. frets - Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Question asked by: mappee Subject: Strings for Vita Question: Started my uke career with this new purchase. I payed alot..600.00 but I know it's a good investment. My question is what guage strings to put on this sweetheart. I will use C tuning and lean towards a thick string on bottom (G). High G would confuse me as I think guitarwise. Any help on this or any other thoughts are welcome. Photos:      Answer: Go to a good luthier and ask the question. I would just use a set of really good nylagut strings available in the on-line-store...on this site. They are great strings..Kamaka black are also great strings. Great uke...enjoy...You did not overpay in that condition...frets - Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Question asked by: arch Subject: Heavy Gretsch critique - your opinion, please. Question: Greetings from sunny Footscray! Chuck, I love reading Uke Yak and would like your opinion, please, of the following article. http://tinyurl.com/6uqs9 Y'see, I'm about to take delivery of a Gretsch soprano, in great condition, I am told and can only assume that the damaged bridge shown at this site and in the attached pic is due to the use of wire strings. Would you agree? I know you have a soft spot for Gretsch sopranos so what do you think about the author's comments, particularly the following: "...I am suggesting that when a maker of ukuleles makes design decisions to reduce the cost of construction, as it would appear that Gretch did over the years, it is unlikely that a superior instrument is their goal". Keep up the excellent work on Uke Yak. Kind regards, Arch. Photos:      Answer: I have no idea what he is talking about. I never thought that gretsch made design decisions that cut cost. They are and were a quality instrument. I am not sure what pitted the bridge, however steel strings could do it. I can't imagine anyone putting metal strings on a wooden ukulele. But then, Pia Zadora was a hit on Broadway...so stranger things have happened. best and thanks for writing in and the kind words.....chuck - Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Question asked by: Blaine Ivy Subject: unknown uke Question: Hi Chuck , I am looking for any info; on this uke , it's dimentions are 50cm or 19 3/4" long , the neck is 10 5/8" long , the body is 5 1/2", 3 1/4" , 4 3/4" The front and back are quarter sawn Koa I believe . I could only send one photo but have other close-ups if you would like to see them. It looks early to me but I am not familiar with the early makers. thank you in advance for you help , Blaine Photos:      Answer: Blaine....A strange instrument for sure. It is obviously island made. The one piece back and heelcover is island work. I am not sure what the wood is. If it is Koa, its the strangest koa I've seen. It might be stained monkey pod. Not sure. Odd headstock and typical portugese spacing of the holes for the pegs. Odd piece, don't know really what to say. I have a feeling it is all hand made and is probably a one off. Perhaps what is known in the island as a Jailhouse ukulele. It was very popular to make ukes while spending time in the joint. This might be one of those. I have never seen a known maker make anything like it. I like the uke...I like all one off ukes. Thanks very much for sharing it with us and if anyone would like to see the other pictures you sent me, please email me and I will forward them to you. With your O.K. Blaine. Perhaps someone out there in uke land will know more..Hope so...Thanks again...frets - Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Question asked by: FranSpain Subject: spanish ukelele Question: I've crazy for ukes a short time ago. No uke tradition in Spain and impossible to find old ukes in markets or shops... Do you know any spanish or portuguese luthier? Imposible to get a new gibson uke (and imposible to buy an old one here)... Who could build a good "gibson tenor copy"? (Excuse my poor english) Answer: I do not know any spanish or portugese luthiers. Strange, because the ukulele came from Portugal. I would contact KP Ukuleles or Black Bear Guitars and ask them what they would charge to make a gibson tenor copy. Both great luthiers. I wish I knew someone there but I don't..Thanks for writing from so far away. frets in Mt Idy...the Madiera of the Mountains of Melbourne... - Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Question asked by: Larry Bachman Subject: Gibson Tenor Uke Question: I have a Gobson Tenor Uke in excellent overall condition. There is some minor damage near the tuning pegs and the back side of the neck, but that is all. It is in a soft shell Gibson case which is in fair condition. The Uke shows no signs of wear or repaired damage anywhere. Can you tell me what the "ball-park" value of this instrument is? Answer: Larry, send me one pic of the whole front of the uke and I can tell you what you want to know about your Gobson (gibson) uke. They made many different tenors and it could be worth 250 to 2500 and more depending on the style. thanks for writing in...frets - Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Question asked by: Angela Tolomeo Subject: taropatch ukulele Question: I've come across a Taropatch ukulele which looks like a Leonardo Nunes. This one actually has holes for a strap and has a rope strap on it. It looks like these holes are original. The guitar itself has roping around the hole and rope binding. Can you supply any info. on this guitar? Thanks, Angela Answer: Angela...I need pictures. There were so many taropatches made, I can't tell without seeing it. Looking forward to the pics...frets - Wednesday, February 23, 2005

Question asked by: Christie Subject: fishing line strings Question: Hi Chuck, It's me again. Thanks for your help by phone. To the fellow asking about the fishing line strings--that's what all the Fijians use. I helped a Fijian change out his strings successfully. We just matched the diameter of the fishing line to the specs for a set of D'Addario strings. For example, in D tuning, the specs are: B .024 in. or .61 mm F# .032 in or .81 mm D .034 in or .86 mm A .028 in or .71 mm We didn't get exact matches but got close enough. Don't remember the pound tests, though. However, the fishing line was sold giving both diameter and pound test strength. Don't have any specs for C tuning. Maybe someone else out there does. Christie Answer: Christie, this only proves that there is always someone out there who can answer questions. I'm amazed that you know this. But, we all thank you. Its wonderful piece of information, that I will include in my book. I hope that is alright with you. I will give you credit. Write me on my email. This will revolutionize the fishing store business. Now they don't only service the fishing world, but the stringed instrument world as well. Thanks...GONE FISHING.....FRETS - Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Question asked by: Ben Abramson Subject: Beginniner questions Question: Hi, Chuck. I've been playing guitar for a while now and wanted to branch out with another stringed instrument, so I chose the uke. I haven't been able to find much information about the different kinds, so the general question I have is what is unique about each kind? (baritone, concert, tenor and soprano). Also, which kind is best to learn on? Thanks a lot for the help! Ben Answer: Ben, you need to go to the on line store on this site...look at the black menu at the left. You will find everything you need there, including the fluke and flea ukes...Either would be perfect for you. As far as the differences, the only difference between the ukes is the size...the soprano approx, 21 inches, the concert 23 in...the tenor 26-28 and the bari bigger...thanks for writing in and let us know what you do...frets - Tuesday, February 22, 2005

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Banjo-uke tailpiece Question: Hi Chuck, we meet again; In answer to Ray Alberktsons quest for a marching banjo uke tail piece;His photo looks like a part from Waverly Mfg. which produced thousands of music instrument parts up to about 1975 when they were bought out by a mid western Banjo company (Deering I think, but not 100% sure). Your local music store that has a good music distributors parts catalog could probably come up with a near match.One distributor worth trying is C. Bruno & Sons out of (Hartford area) Connecticutt. Tom Favilla Answer: Thanks as usual Tom...Always good to hear from you. I will post this and I am sure Ray will see it...I will also alert him on his eamil if I can...Thanks and best to you and yours...frets - Monday, February 21, 2005

Question asked by: Tequilla Jack Subject: monofilament strings Question: Hi Frets, I recently mentioned to a friend that I thought monofilament fishing line could be used as uke strings and he said I was crazy. I think you talked about this some years ago. Do you recall? If so, can you help me out? If mono can be used, what pound test for each string? I will re-string one of mine this way just to prove it to him. It would just be ducky to plunk a tune for this guy with Shakespear's finest mono! Thanks, Jack Answer: You have to experiment....I don't know the pound to use. I just used to get what looked about right and fake it. It works.....frets - Monday, February 21, 2005

Question asked by: Yuka Subject: Washburn Question: Chuck, Thanks for your response. The store is asking $575 for this. Do you think that's a reasonable price? (They also have the type with the oakleaf stencil on the lower top with a "small repaired area in the back" for $875. That seems expensive...) Thanks! Photos:      Answer: I don't think either is a great bargain. The one for 575 is beautiful and I'm sure worth the money. I'd have to see the gold leaf one to let you know. seems top of the market to me..thanks for writing in...frets - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: Ray Albrektson Subject: Need banjo-uke tailpiece Question: Hi Frets! Any idea where I could get a tailpiece like this one? It's for a banjo-uke I got off ebay. I've tried the Bernunzio's . . . Thanks, -Ray Photos:      Answer: Ray...where do you live...I can send you to a luthier near you who might have it...write me...frets - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: Samantha Starr Subject: PPIE Uke Question: I am writing to you because my husband and I just watched Jim Beloff's DVD - The Joy of Uke. It was great! My husband, a Ukulele enthusiast, found it very informative. Those guys can really play! At the end of the DVD, where Jim Beloff describes his collection, he goes to some length to describe a Uke from the 1915 PPIE (Pan Pacific International Exposition) and shows it. As it turns out, we’ve got one of these. So, naturally, we’re very excited. A nice little old lady from church knew my husband (the choir director there) liked Ukes and gave it and another unmarked antique Uke to us. Her father is pictured in an antique photograph with one of the Ukes – (the other, unmarked one – it actually has better sound,) and he did indeed buy them both new. The PPIE Uke is in really good shape – and is exactly the same as the one that Mr. Beloff has. Both labels – inside and out - are crystal clear and it is nice and shiny. The back does have a little crack in it – but it doesn’t go all the way through the wood. So, we really would some idea of what value the Uke has – so that we may insure it. We’re not selling it, but it’s been just kicking around our piano without a case or anything. We thought maybe of making a custom shadowbox for it – but also don’t know if that’s a good way to store a piece such as this. I could send a picture of the other antique one - I've never seen one like it, so I have no idea even what it is. Opinions? Thanks!!! Answer: Its a Kumalae and worth anwhere from 250-350 depending on the model...I'd have to see a pic to tell. Dont' put it in a shadow box. Play it. Same advise I always give when someone wants to display instead of play...I love buying at Church functions, The guy upstairs has no idea about price. It just gets into the right hands. Best of luck...Frets..... - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: Mark J. Hulme Subject: Leonardo Nunes - Birkel Question: Hi - I inherited a koa uke with the following paper label " "Ukelele O Hawaii made by Leonardo Nunes especially and exclusively for Geo. J. Birkel Co. 446-448 S. Broadway Los Angeles. Cal. Copyright 1917 by L. Nunes". No Headstock decal, flat top & carved back. I have given it a once over with Lemon Oil, but some of the aged schmutz wont come clea. Any idea of value or suggestions for restoration? Thanks. Photos:      Answer: 350+ and dont do any more. Its only worth that if you leave it original If you try to get the dirt completely off, you might get into the finish...a no no...thanks for writing in...frets - Sunday, February 20, 2005

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