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

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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: 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

Question asked by: Gabe Subject: Martin Uke Question: Chuck I wasn't sure if you received this or not. Still trying to figure out this computer thing. I was wondering if you had any info on this uke I received from my grandfather. I know it is any early Martin, but that is about it. I would like to have some work done on it, but not ruin the originality of it. Let me know your thoughts on it. Thanks. Photos:      Answer: It is a style O martin uke. What kind of work and for what reason????....If it doesn't need anything don't do it. frets - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: sean Subject: uke id help Question: hi chuck, can you help me id this uke? i bought it from a man who said he bought it in 1954 and it was already old then. it has no label, appears to be koa wood, arched back soprano, 17 frets (12 to body)rope binding with black thin purfling inside it on the soundboard, rope rosette with black on either side and light wood or gold inner and outer ring 1/8th inch separate from rope rosette inside and one outside. the rope binding looks like ebony and lighter wood and there is a butt joint piece or either rosewood or ebony 1/4" at top and 1/8" at back. i was told that it was a hawaiian made instrument. if you have any clue, i would appreciate your thoughts. also, i can take more pictures if that would be helpful. mahalo & aloha sean Photos:      Answer: Sean...Mainland made probably Regal..Made to look hawaiian but it is not. NIce uke...The headstock is typical Regal and Not Island. Best...frets - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: soybean Subject: Tahitian Question: Chuck, as you say, the Tahitian/ Maori "ukes" are really more of a percussion instrument. Is it possible they are not ukes at all but simply called ukes by the Tahitian tourist industry to dupe the uneducated traveller? Let's get a petition signed and start legal proceedings against these imposters! Something must be done! (tongue firmly planted in cheek.) Answer: Great Idea...everyone needs a cause...Nice to hear from you Dan...keep them comin" frets - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: Stan Subject: Antique Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I bought this on ebay (buy it now $49.95 I think I had a great buy).there is no label but it is beautifully made and sounds incredible. it measures 20 1/2 inches and has a centre rope binding down the middle of the back which is rounded. I believe it is very early 20th century. Have you any idea of the maker and the value Photos:      Answer: Great buy...No idea who made it...Looks like regal again. Hard to tell, many were made that look just like that. Sort of a Martin copy. Great score...start playing...frets..... - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: Andy Subject: roy smeck concert uke Question: Hi Chuck, Just wanted to know if $300 is a bit much to ask for a Roy Smeck concert uke. The uke in question looks exactly like the one pictured under the logo on the FleaMarket Music website (minus the extreme scratches). The local shop that is selling it typically prices it's stuff kind of high. Thanks Answer: Its an ok price, not great. Good instrument and good player...best and thanks for writing in...frets - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: adam bastien Subject: i just got my uke... Question: I just got my own uke to play and i bought it for 30$ original price 60$... the first day i got it i tryed tightening the top string and it broke... i put a small guitar string on it and i was wondering if that were ok? i also wanted to know if i should slowly let the string stretch or just look for a better string? Answer: Get a set of really good strings. It will make a great difference. bests to ya...frets - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: Jennifer Grimes Subject: Gibson Uke 1? Question: I was wondering if I might bother to ask you if you are familiar with something called a Gibson UKE 1? My grandmother gave me this ukelele in the original case (albeit it needs a little loving care down on the place where the strings hook in) and I'm just wondering what the story is? I wanted to put it in a shadow box (it was my great-grandmother's) and I'd like to have a notecard with some "story" to put in there. Thanks if you can help me! Photos:      Answer: made in the l950's-60's late model Gibson style 1 uke...Pur a pic of your Grandmother in a Shadow Box and Hang the uke on the wall next to it. Play the uke...Don't put it in a box. It was meant to be played, its not a picture. Enjoy...frts - Sunday, February 20, 2005

Question asked by: Timothy Subject: six string uke Question: I was wondering. How do you tune a six string tnor uke. Do you tune the four strings like a regular tenor and then tune the additional how? I have an eight string, would it by like that but minus two? THANKS! Answer: You can either tune the pairs the same or an octave apart. Its really up to you and the sound you want. I would try it all ways and see what you like. There is no set way. Let us know what you find out...I love the sound of a six string tenor. its so full..like after thankgiving turkey...which I don't know how to tune either...best....the mt idy turkey and tuning farm..... - Friday, February 18, 2005

Question asked by: Barbara Subject: uke Question: Could you give me a idea how much a old uke with a case is worth. what infor. would be helpful. Thanks Barbara Answer: Barbara...the truthful answer is ....anywhere between 1.00 and 30,000 dollars depending on which uke. I need just as tad more information...a pic, a detailed description, a name, conditon of the uke and case, size, shape, year, color, 4 string, 8 string, 6 string, 5 string, hawaiian, mainland, trim, soprano, tenor, concert, baritone, length, but most of all pictures front, back, sides, headstock, labels, decals, tuners.....with that information I will answer your question....thanks for writing in....frets - Thursday, February 17, 2005

Question asked by: Italuke Subject: Question: Hey Chuck, Having just been diagnosed with UAS and starting a meager collection of vintage ukes, I was wondering, what's the "lifespan" of the tonal qualities of ukes? I know that guitars for example do tend to "peak out" in terms of their tone at some point (30, 40, 50 years, depending on who ya talk to). What's the scoop on old ukes? Is there a point, say 50, 60, 70 or more years, where even the best uke's tone will start to deteriorate? Any and all comments on this topic welcome. Thanks, Jim Answer: FORVER IF YOU DON'T SIT ON THEM...Never heard of a uke losing its tonal qualities. intresting questions today.....frets - Thursday, February 17, 2005

Question asked by: Tom B. Subject: Gibson TU-3 Question: Hi again, Chuck. I submitted this question a while ago, but it must have gotten lost in the digital ether. Or perhaps I wore out my welcome with my incessant Wimbrola rantings;-) I have in my possession a Gibson TU-3 in very nice condition. I have been told that only about 200 of these were ever made. Is that true? Can you tell me anything else about this fine tenor uke? Thanks, Chuck! Photos:      Answer: It is my understanding that less than 200 of them exist. I doubt this. I think it is alot more. I have seen a couple dozen myself and if you look closely at the pic of me when you push collectors uke yak, you will see I am playing one. Made in the 50's60's they have a fabulous sound as do most Gibson products. Thanks for sharing...frets - Thursday, February 17, 2005

Question asked by: Keith Lundblad Subject: old harmony uke Question: This one is up for auction.. Based on what I see, couldn't hurt to bid on it... However, I would humbly submit for your opinion. Thanks Keith Photos:      Answer: My opinion is don't bid too much...Its still a harmony.....frets - Thursday, February 17, 2005

Question asked by: Yuka Subject: Martin style 1s Question: Chuck, Could you looke at the two Martin style 1's at www.pohakuukulele.com? I'm wondering if they are fairly priced given the repairs/cosmetic appearance. (They can be seen under "Used.") Thanks! Answer: The second one is a definite no-no...really in ratty shape. The first one is close. I don't like the closure of the side crack and the missing wood. If I were you and wanting a style 1, I would wait till something better came along, and it will. 500 is top dollar and not a bargain...for that money it should be near perfect and a case. Its a style 1...best ...frets...I'm really surprised at the 500 price tag for the second one. Its a mess.....see ya..... - Thursday, February 17, 2005

Question asked by: Rajah Subject: Style 5 Question: Hello Mr. Chuck" I recently came across two Martin Style 5 ukes. Both are made of Koa. One is a Soprano size with pearl inlay on the sides as well as the top, and the other is a Style 5 Concert size. Nowhere in Mike Longworth's book does he mention a Style 5 concert size instrument being produced. Could this be genuine or some tomfoolery? My own feelings are that it fits so well in the case that it is definately a Martin made instrument. I'm not sure if the inlay was with it when it left the factory.I will be traveling to Chicago later this month to have another look. How much cash sould I bring? Thanks Rajah Answer: ALL YOU HAVE.......let us know what happens and please send pics of the concert style 5...does it have all the inlays and does it say martin on the uke????....curious.....frets - Thursday, February 17, 2005

Question asked by: Sparrow Subject: Ka-Lai pineapple Question: hi.. i have seen a ka-lae pineapple uke for sale.the back of the headstock reads"Ka Lae monkey pod made in hawaii" it is said to be from 1948.do you think this uke was made by Kamaka? what would be a fair price? thanks for your help, sparrow. Answer: Yes, it was made by kamaka...hence the ka....I can't tell you its value, because they made different models and I'd have to see a pic of it and then I can tell...please send one to Mt Idy Uke Information Bureau and Chocolate flower factory....Best and back to the festival of the cheese cutting. Last years winner is expected to win again. He has eaten nothing but blue cheese for the entire year. Seems like a shoe in....frets - Thursday, February 17, 2005

Question asked by: Steve Pepper Subject: Treholippe Question: Chuck there is one of these on ebay at the moment do you know what a fair price would be for one of these? Are they rare? and finally are they any good from a playability point of view. Steve Answer: They are not rare. They are playable, not great but playable. They are a novelty. As an instrument , I think you would be disappointed, as a wallhanger, your friends will think your wierd...frets - Thursday, February 17, 2005

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