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

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Question asked by: Ryan Subject: Unknown Vintage Uke Question: Hi Chuck, Just picked up this little uke and I wonder if you can give me any guidance as to who might have made it,and how old it might be? The back and sides appear to me to be Koa and the heel cap is part of the back of the uke. The back has a slight bow to it. The tuners are of course new (by the previous owner). The fretboard is a very thin piece of hardwood. Any of your expertise would be great! Thanks friend! Photos:              Answer: Ryan...hard to know...who....Early Hawaiian...the cloud inlay was used by a few..can you measure the dimensions top to bottom...bouts, waist and I will send them to a friend who has many early hawaiian ukes...Lets see if he can match it up..thanks...chuck any chance there is a remnant or indication that there was ever a label... - Sunday, January 9, 2011

Question asked by: Ken Dale Subject: Regal Ukulele questions Question: I just picked this up at an estate sale. The inside lable is 95% gone, so I hope you can help answer some questions I have. It is 21" long, has a spruce top and mahogany back and sides. It came with a 1927 instruction book. Is the uke that old? Is there a name or model # attached to it? Is the plastic on the fretboard original or an add on? I am going to list it on Ebay. What is a fair buy it now price? Thanks a lot for any assistance. Ken Photos:              Answer: All original..about 1950...fair price 150-200...thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Question asked by: Don Kirby Subject: A very old Ukulele Question: I encouraged a friend to " dig out" her old uke she said was ancient. Then she brought THIS to me! No label or anything but it looks like it was at least built in the Nunes style... to my uneducated eyes. Any idea what it is??? The tuners do not appear to be original but look like the are made from bone or ivory. It sounds beautiful. Thank You. Photos:                          Answer: Don...no idea without some mark. Does appear to be hawaiian about l920..so many made like that then, it could be anyone. Sound is everything...so play it....thanks for letting us see it....chuck - Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Question asked by: Ryan Subject: A couple more questions. Question: Hey Chuck, Many thanks for your thoughts about my uke. I hope you don't mind a couple more questions. I didn't know there were other builders at the time this was made (besides Santo, Dias, and Nunes). The inlay at the bottom of the soundboard is exactly like that which I have seen on some Nunes uke's and the shape, inlay, and headstock are all similar to Nunes but have you ever seen any ukes he made that have a Spruce top like this one, or only Koa? Do you think others would have used that inlay as well? What sort of value would you give this uke? Do you know any sources for these as I have looked and looked on the web but only find violin tuners that are similar but none for uke's. Thanks for your help Chuck! Answer: Early Nunes were made with spruce..hold over from the old country.I like it alot, It is of the right vintage....1900-1920...Be very careful and look for what might have been a label, if only a shadow. The shadow knows...It bears some research, I will send the pics along to a friend who has many early hawaiian ukes and see what he has to say...love a challenge....keep in touch...If you can send me apic of the close up inside the sound hole,....don'r hurt yourself getting in the uke..please do..None of the early ukes had any other mark except a label. If you have a policeman who is a friend, please have him put a blacklight on it and see what comes up..I will let you know this is on uke yak...thanks..chuck - Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Question asked by: Chuck Sullivan Subject: Ukulele Picks Question: Hi, Chuck. Do you have a source for good ukulele picks? Not the hard junk that they sell today, but flexible felt picks. I have a few from the '60s when I started playing, and some were included when I bought vintage ukes, but no one seems to make decent picks these days. Any ideas? Answer: None...but the yakkers out there will see this and answer. I would also ask the question on the bulletin board. they know everything....chuck - Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Favilla 6 string tenor ? Question: On Sept 26th David raised the question about a Favilla six string Tenor ukulele. It is mis- identified. The instrument is a UH- 6 Uke Harp. The second and fourth strings are doubled. Only about 12 or 24 were built in the mid 1960's. Best, Tom Favilla Answer: How neat. I have never heard of a harp uke. Do you have a picture of it. I'd love to see it. As usual...Your tops....thanks for the help Tom....best from all of us...chuck - Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Question asked by: Steve Pepper Subject: Lyrics Question: Chuck Lyrics for Steve as requested Steve Lloyd Price Personality Lyrics: O-o-over an' over, I tried to prove my love to you. Over an' over, What more can I do? Over an' over, My friend says I'm a fool. But, o-o-over an' over, I'll be a fool for you. 'Cause you've got (personality). Walk (with personality). Talk (with personality). Smile (with personality). Charm (with personality). Love (with personality). An' plus you got a great big heart. So over, (Over an' over.) An' over, (Over an' over.) Woh, I'll be, (Over an' over.) A fool for you. (Over an' over.) Now, over, (Over an' over.) An' over, (Over an' over.) What more can I do? 'Cause you've got (personality). Walk (with personality). Talk (with personality). Smile (with personality). Charm (with personality). Love (with personality). An' plus you've got a great big heart. So over, (Over an' over.) An' over, (Over an' over.) Woh, I'll be, (Over an' over.) A fool for you. (Over an' over.) Now, over, (Over an' over.) An' over, (Over an' over.) What more can I do? [ Find more Lyrics on http://mp3lyrics.org/F3ZH ] Wo-wo-wo-wo-wo-over an' over, I said that I loved you. Over an' over, Honey, love, it's the truth. Over an' over, They still says I'm a fool. But o-o-over an' over, I'll be a fool for you. 'Cause you've got (personality). Walk (with personality). Talk (with personality). Smile (with personality). Charm (with personality). Love (with personality). An' plus you've got a great big heart. So over, (Over an' over.) An' over, (Over an' over.) Woh, I'll be, (Over an' over.) A fool for you. (Over an' over.) Now, over, (Over an' over.) An' over, (Over an' over.) What more can I do? Written by: Harold Logan & Lloyd Price-1959 Performed by: Lloyd Price -1959 Answer: Steve...what can I say???you typed more in one answer that I have in 12 years. thanks from all of us.....could you please send all of the lyrics for "Amazing Grace"...only kiddin....thanks...chuck - Friday, October 1, 2010

Question asked by: Karen Hammond Subject: Hollywood Ukulele Question: My father left me this ukulele many years ago. Made of Brazilian rosewood, and with an ivory bridge, it has an amazing sound. I know as a novice in musical instruments that it is very sweet. However, none of the local experts can put a date or value on it. Can you help me? Photos:                          Answer: I was made by the Schierson musical instrument in the 1930-1950. The one you have is the top of the line and very rarely seen. I have had this ukulele in the soprano size and the concert. They made five models from the very plane, to the koa, to the one you have. You have a very desirable ukulele and it is worth very good money. I have seen this model in very good shape sell for 1750.00...Your father had good taste. congrats...chuck - Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Question asked by: Chris Subject: Johnny Marvin Question: Hi Chuck, thanks to your great work and this lovely Marketplace I found a Johnny Marvin tenor I was looking for! A nice fellow from Canada (Thanx Marc!)offered me one and finally I bought dit. Have you ever seen a serial no. (if it is one!) in these Johnny Marvin Ukes? Kind regards, Chris Photos:      Answer: Chris...I have no idea what that mark is. I don't know of serial numbers in those ukes. Thanks for the kind words and congrats on finding a great instrument...chuck - Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Question asked by: Steve Nissle Subject: chords and lyrics Question: Do you have the chords and lyrics to the song "personality" by Lloyd Price? Answer: I don't...sorrry...perhaps one of the yakkers out there will have it. good luck...com'on yakkers, cough up "Personality" thanks...chuck - Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Question asked by: Ben Subject: JMG Instruments Western Australia Question: Hi Chuck, I have noticed you supplied some information regarding a JMG Instruments Uke made in western australia and was wondering if you knew any more about the brand. I have recently aquired a very old JMG intruments acoustic guitar and can find no information about them at all. Any help is appreciated. Kind Regard's, Ben Answer: From the research I did, I discovered that the company attempted to make a chamber that ran around the inside of the instrument that amplified the sound. It did just the opposite. It muffled the sound. It kind of looked like a violin. Pleae send me a picture of the guitar, I have never seen one. The ukes look like someone sucked the air out of a cello. Hope I've helped. By the way, I found a patent number in the uke and by researching that number, I was sent the plans for the original instrument. Look over yours and see if you have the number, write me and I will tell you what to do...chuck - Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Question asked by: david Subject: favilla 6-string tenor Question: Hi Chuck, I've learned so much from your column. This is a Favilla 6-string tenor on sale at Mandolin Brothers. Have you ever played one? Must be rare. Any thoughts appreciated. Photos:      Answer: I have seen one and they are not common. I will leave the rest up to Tom Favilla who will know it all. TOM HELP......your needy pal....chuck - Sunday, September 26, 2010

Question asked by: Juliana Subject: Ukelele Question: I have a Harmony uke Model #RB-3570 Could you tell me how old it is? Thank you very much Answer: Juliana, I have no idea. Since the early Harmony ukes had no numbers at all, I would think it is quite modern..Don't know who you can ask. If Harmony has a uke site, try that...thanks for writing in...chuck - Monday, September 20, 2010

Question asked by: Carol Subject: Johnny Marvin ukes Question: Hi Chuck, I was wondering if you could look at the pics of the Johnny Marvin uke and tell me if it's the Prince of Wales type. I'm not sure the pics uploaded. If not, please let me know and I'll try again. I have an opportunity to buy it for $600. Thanks. Carol Photos:          Answer: Sorry Carol, it is not the prince or wales...the prince has gold tuners and is made of solid koa. What you do have is a very fine instrument..thanks...chuck - Monday, September 20, 2010

Question asked by: Rusty Whitman Subject: Kamaka Pineapple Question: Here is a picture of the label. I also sent some pictures to Kamaka and they got back to me on it saying that they showed them to Fred Kamaka Sr who thought it was made in 1938/1939 by Samuel Kamaka. Photos:      Answer: Fred would know bettr than I would, howver, I don't think its that old. Try looking up Kamaka labels you might have some luck there....chuck - Monday, September 20, 2010

Question asked by: csrjupiter Subject: B&J Mele Ukulele Question: Hi Chuck, I recently picked up this B&J soprano "The Mele" ukulele. It appears to be solid wood, and has a nice rope design on the outer edge of the top and the rosette. Not sure what sort of wood. The label reads "The Mele" Hawaiian Ukulele, B&J New York. I understand that B&J stands for Buegeleisen & Jacobson. Can you discern what sort of wood it is made out of, and the uke's value? Thanks for all you do for us! --Best wishes, Cris Photos:                          Answer: It is made by the Mele company for G&J...Interestingly enough it is made in Hawaii of Mahogany...Odd....but not unheard of...value is about 350+...good luck..chuck - Monday, September 20, 2010

Question asked by: anita jones Subject: wanting to purchase Gibson UB2 Question: I am looking to purchase a Gibson UB 2 Deluxe Banjolele if possible. What would one in very good condition cost? Could you recommend another very good old brand to also look for. Answer: Call John Bernunzion in Rochester N Y ...Bernunzio vintage instruments...He is an old and trusted friend, perhaps hte can help you on both questions. He has the main pipeline to banjos and banjo ukes......best....chuck - Monday, September 20, 2010

Question asked by: Artista Subject: vintage LYRA Question: Im currently replacing the plastic nut which was glued onto the bridge. Id like to know if there is any definitive way of knowing the age of this baritone LYRA. I was told it is from the 40s.. 'Made in the USA' printed inside Thanks all Photos:          Answer: Artista....no way of telling, I would guess 50's Lyra was a name used by many companies...I think it just sounds good. Hope the uke sounds the same...chuck - Monday, September 20, 2010

Question asked by: Bruce Harvie Subject: Kamaka Pineapple Decals--Legit? Question: Hi Chuck... Here's pics of those decals.... I haven't seen anything quite like them, and I wanted to run it past you to see if they looked legit.... Thanks! Photos:          Answer: They look ok to me. Its hard to tell, Kamaka used so many variations, its easier to tell by the ukulele itself. Hope this helps....c - Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Question asked by: Tracy Subject: Old Uke Question: Hi Chuck, my grandmother gave this to me when I was just a kid. Any idea what it is or what it may be worth? I did some research on it and know that the company that made it was in Chicago. Any info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you! Photos:                      Answer: It clearly says on the label...Made in Japan...I think that is a dead giveaway, The distributor may have been in Chicago but the maker was Japanese. I have no idea what it is worth....Out of my expertise...thanks...chuck - Tuesday, September 14, 2010

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