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

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Question asked by: Mike Sullivan Subject: New (Old) Ukulele Questions Question: Hello Chuck! My wife plays guitar, but had a hankering to play the ukulele. We found this one in an antique shop for what seemed to be a reasonable price. Says Beltone, but I'm thinking they did not make it. Looks like solid (one piece) wood front and back. Would you have any thoughts as to maker and age? Thanks and best regards! - Kathy & Mike Photos:                  Answer: A modern made Beltone, but looks good. How is the sound?...Thats the most important consideration. Hope its a good one...chuck - Monday, October 3, 2011

Question asked by: Cass Subject: Supertone Style 451 Ukulele Question: I bought this vintage uke at a thrift store for 10 bucks. The neck is in excellent condition and the wood seems superior. Any knowledge you could shed on this find? Thanks. -Cass Photos:              Answer: Some were sold in Sears and Roebuck. How does it sound? Stick strings on it a strum away. Anything for 10 bucks is great. chuck...Bridge looks crooked may have to be reset...take it to a luthier and find out. - Monday, October 3, 2011

Question asked by: Susan Taylor Subject: 1970's Kamaka Uke Question: Hi! I am so confused! This was bought in Hawaii by my parents for me in the 70's. I took lessons for a month and it has been stored since and I just found it again after my parents passing. What is a ballpark value for it? I was dog cussed on craigslist for asking 500 or best offer! Thanks! Photos:                  Answer: Standard entry level Kamaka UKulele. Who cares what the people on Craigs list said. Stick it on our Marketplace on this Site where it will be appreciated. It is worth about 350+.500 May have scared some people, but It is Kamaka...a 100 year old factory that still makes quality instruments. Its a fine uke and deserves to be played. Good luck chuc - Monday, October 3, 2011

Question asked by: Michael Kemp Subject: Vega baritone uke Question: The serial number is 5743. I know it was made in the 1950's. Can you help me with the exact year it was made. Thanks, Chuck. Photos:                      Answer: Michael...I have no idea the exact year. I agree the 50's. If the Vega company kept records of the exact production, they might have them of know where you can locate them...thanks...chuck - Monday, June 20, 2011

Question asked by: Kelly Subject: My Texas Ukulele Question: Hello Jim, I picked this up a couple of weeks ago in an a antique store in Grapevine Texas, and I noticed it had a label inside with the makers name: Teodoro Navarro and underneath the name it reads "EVANISTA" and then it says in espanol that they hand make and repair fine stringed instruments and at the bottom of the label it reads 730 W.Commerce St San Antonio, the ukulele also has a label on the frets with all the notes(so maybe it was a learning tool back in the day) it looks extremely old, I just want to find out as much as I can on it, so far I have had no luck. Thanks Kelly Photos:                  Answer: I think you still may be out of luck..I am hoping by putting this on the yak, someone out there will know about your ukulele. I will do some research and let you know what I find. Adios..Carlos - Monday, June 20, 2011

Question asked by: Sally Subject: Grandma's uke Question: Hi Chuck, I have an old Martin ukulele that belonged to my grandma. I think it is a 1932 concert Style 1 from what I can gather. It has the stamp CF Martin & Co est. 1833 on the front handle. It also has a stamp in the soundhole that reads CF Martin&Co Nazareth, Pa. It has a small scratch on the side from being repaired after a fall a long time ago. Barely noticeable. I think it is mahogany with rosewood fingerboard. It measures 23 inches in length. I feel very sentimental about this uke even though I have not inherited her music talents. Looking to maybe sell it though because of the economy woes. Your expertise would be greatly appreciated. I would like to see it have a good home, have it contribute to the value of people's quality of life. Photos:                      Answer: Sally...your pictures, although artistically taken are not as informative as I would like them to be. I need close up pics of the entire front, back, bridge, nut, tuners and back of the headstock. I need dimensions. Total length would be a starter. Thanks..Send me the pics and I will be able to help... chuck - Monday, June 20, 2011

Question asked by: Donnie Kelly Subject: Martin Uke,value, style, year Question: I have enjoyed reading the post, quite educational. The Uke has no serial #, As you can see, there is a small hair line crack on the side. Other than minor scratches, it is a nice piece. The case needs some re-stiching and looks aged. I was told it may be late 30's or early 40's and is maybe a style 2 (not from a professional). I would like to sell it. Your help is appreciated, Donnie Photos:                          Answer: Donnie the pics come up too small. please send larger ones and a full front shot of the uke...thanks...chuck - Thursday, June 2, 2011

Question asked by: Mark Swarthout Subject: Washburn 702 Uke Question: Bridge is off but intact with not apparent damage. Is it worth getting repaired? Insurance value? Belonged to the mother of an uncle, so appears to match the time frame. Look very nice, but won't know the sounds until it is restrung. Photos:                      Answer: Mark...it is definitely worth getting repaired...made by Lyon and Healy in the 20's-30's. Near top of the line with the gold leaf decal work. The decal work is the best I've seen in a long time. Worth? 500-750 and perhaps a bit more from a collector who does not have one. Very nice uke...thanks for writing in....chuck - Thursday, June 2, 2011

Question asked by: Lillian Subject: Martin Baritone Question: I've had this Uke for a few months now. The seller (McKenzie River Music, Eugene Oregon) informed me the tuners are not original, but were unable to tell me any more about the tuners other than they were worm style gears. It is a wonderful Martin probably from the 70's, but I bought it because of the tuners. Can you tell me anything about them? Photos:                      Answer: Lillian, I can't tell you what they are but I can tell you what they are not. They are not Ukulele tuners. I hope someone out there in uke land will recognize what they are thanks and enjoy your instrument....chuck - Thursday, June 2, 2011

Question asked by: Erin Subject: estimated value? Question: Hello Chuck- I came across this recently at a local resale shop and thought it might have some value. Label reads Leonardo Nunes for Geo. J. Birkel Co. Los Angeles Cal. Seems to be in pretty great shape (dusty however)with no visible cracks or blemishes. Maybe the pictures will reveal something significant? Much Thanks- Erin Photos:                  Answer: Erin...a fine uke by a fine maker. Leonardo, son of Manuel Nunes, made Your ukuleles both in Hawaii and Los Angeles. Nice sweet sounding ukulele. probably made in the 20's-30's/ Hope I've Helped...chuck - Thursday, June 2, 2011

Question asked by: Rick Beets Subject: Ukulele reair in Australia Question: Chuck, sent a uke to: Brisbane Queensland 4051, buyer discovered some minor damage to the interior fan brace, can you recommend a nearby luthier or trustworthy shop to give him an estimate for repair? (High end custom, possible transport damage) Thanks. BTW: glad to see you sold the Gretsch tiple for a for amount. Answer: Rick...will get back to you with a name. I don't offhand know of one. However give ma a few days....chuck - Thursday, June 2, 2011

Question asked by: Dennis McKenna Subject: Headstocks Question: Aloha Chuck, I posted on the Bulletin Board this same question, but you are probably the one to ask. Have you seen either of these headstock designs before at http://www.goldstarukes.com Mahalo, Dennis Answer: A pic would help. I could guess but my chances of being correct are slim...chuck - Thursday, June 2, 2011

Question asked by: Randy Holsapple Subject: 1926 Gibson Tenor Ukulele Question: Hey Chuck - I found this old 1926 Gibson Tenor Uke. It was in poor shape. It had 5 missing bridge pins and the tuner buttons and screws are mismatched. I had Duane Heilman repair some cracks and he fashioned some crude bridge pins out of bone, but I was wondering where I might find 4 tuner screws and 5 bridge pins that would fit this uke. I know you have a sunburst 1926 just like this one. Please advise. Photos:                  Answer: Randy, your best shot is John Bernunzio at Bernunzio vintage instruments in Rochester New York. He's and old and dear friend and tell him you know me. Let me know what happens....chuck - Thursday, June 2, 2011

Question asked by: Rob Miller Subject: Other Question: cool site Answer: Thanks....easiest question I have had to answer in years. Keep looking....cool chuck - Thursday, June 2, 2011

Question asked by: Dave Phelan Subject: Kamaka Uke Question: Chuck: My 1996 Kamaka soprano uke has a dark area in the grain on the side, and it appears a crack is forming there. Is there anything I can do to stabilize it? There are a number of crazing lines in the top but this looks and feels like it might be a crack in the wood. Many thanks for your thoughts! Answer: DAve...I would have a good luthier take a look at it...It may be only a dark spot in the grain...Bur worth looking at. thanks and let me know what happens...chuck+ - Thursday, June 2, 2011

Question asked by: Jill Jung Subject: age/serial number Question: I know the pictures aren't great but I want to figure out how to date my Favilla B2 Barione uke. It's in absolutely beautiful shape and it was a gift. The serial number is 100262. can you help me? Photos:              Answer: Tom Favilla can ;you help me...Thanks again as usual. your pal...chuck - Thursday, June 2, 2011

Question asked by: Hal Matthews Subject: baritone ukulele Question: Aloha ahiahi,What is and where can I find the best sounding baritone ukulele?Mahalo, Hal Answer: I wish I knew. I think playing as many as you can will give you the answer. Martin, Kamaka, Favilla, just to name a few...let me know how you go...thanks for asking...chuck - Thursday, June 2, 2011

Question asked by: Gary Subject: Hollywood ukulele Question: Can you provide any information about my Hollywood ukulele? (approximate age, information on the maker, where this model fit into their line, and ballpark value) It was purchased new by my grandmother and would love to know a bit more about it. Thanks! Photos:                          Answer: Gary...if memory serves me correctly, third down from the top. Beautiful uke great condition. Made in the 30's and a ballpark value would 500-600+...I love it...thanks...chuck - Thursday, June 2, 2011

Question asked by: EM Lingham Subject: Harold Teen Ukulele Question: Problems uploading my pictures, hope this works. Harold Teen Ukulele. My Aunt Grace, who died several years ago at age 98, left me this, Green Harold Teen Ukulele. I believe it is from the 1930’s. It was in an olds a violin case, I believe. It appears to be in very good condition, with no cracks. All the figures appear to be in tact. Carl Ed’s name is on the bottom right. I’ve added strings to it. I want to know what it may be worth. If I sold it, who would want to buy it from me? Answer: Very Collectible. There are a lot of people who would be interested in it. The uke came in colours...red, green and yellow. Made in the 30's. Value 300-500 and put it on our marketplace..it will get it's best exposure that way. thanks...chuck - Thursday, June 2, 2011

Question asked by: claude bernier Subject: gibson ukulele Question: Hi I just bought this vintage gibson ukulele with 46-c write inside. Could you give me an idea of its fabrication period. Many thanks Claude Photos:              Answer: The logo is from the 40-50's. very good uke...thanks...chuck p.s. please send dimensions top to bottom...an trying to find out what 46c means...thanks - Thursday, June 2, 2011

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