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

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Question asked by: Dan Marek Subject: Old Martin? and Kamaka tiples. Question: Hi Chuck: I have these two tiples I would like some information on. The first I believe is a Martin but it has no markings besides the number that reads something blotted then 11 the 705, the second is made by Samuel Kamaka in 1971 and is number 1. I was wondering the date of the Martin and if any more were made by Samuel or the Kamaka company. I would also like to know any value. Dan Photos:                          Answer: Dan...The first tiple is definitely not a martin for many reasons. Martin did not make instruments, unless they were employee made instruments, without identification. Decal, impression of headstock back or label. The kamaka is quite nice. The first tiple has some value...400 in today's soft market. The kamaa is worth 1200+. A quite nice example of an early Tiple. - Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Question asked by: Holly Subject: any idea? Question: Hi Chuck, Any idea what this guy is? no name or markings anywhere.. Thanks a bunch! Photos:                  Answer: Holly..no ideal..how does it sound...Plastic fingerboard suggests its a cheapy..body suggests its better. mystery at best...chuck - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: Scott Subject: Hi chuck was wondering if you could tell me any thing about what type of banjo uke this is? Question: Hi chuck , I've no idea what make this instrument is . You have any ideas Kind regards Photos:      Answer: Scott, if someone put a gun to my head, Id say it was English..If someone put a gun to my head, I'd say it was a Helicopter if that was what they wanted to hear. Nice looking instrument, hope it plays well..Interesting...chuck - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Favilla Tenor ukes Question: Hi Chuck, On March 7th. A reader asked about Favilla Tenor ukuleles. They are very very rare. A few were built in the 1920's and 1930's. No production figures. I have only seen two or three over the years. Tom Favilla Answer: As usual, I cant thank you enough. I could if you would come to Australia for a visit...Dinner, drinks, on me. Thanks. Your knowledge is Golden...chuck - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: Troy Subject: Gibson TU Question: I inherited this Gibson TU from my mother, she inherited it from her stepdad who died in 1974. I don't think she knew how old it was, and I've been unable to find anything online. The serial number is stamped on the inside, 4697. Do you have any idea roughly when this was made and possibly what the market value would be? Also, is it best to repair the strings and tuning knobs before selling or leaving as-is? Thank you so much! Photos:                          Answer: Nice example of a Gibson late model Tenor. 1940-50. I would fix what needs to be fixed. Make sure about the tuners. the original are very desirable. Fix ist up, people want to get the instrument red to play. 500+ good price in today's soft market...thanks...chuck - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: Chris Subject: regal ukulele info Question: Hi there. I came across this "unmarked" uke on ebay reasonably cheap and grabbed it. I'm just assuming Regal, as I've only seen Regals with this tri-color inlay, and have seen a few on the fancier side (fancy pants, redhead) but this one looks older. Looks like koa? I've only found one reference to this online that dates it circa 1919, with no other info. Any info or idea of value? Thanks! Photos:                  Answer: Chris... I agree...Regal....Looks like Mahogany to me. Hard to tell from the pic...300 dollars would be if in good condition. Thanks...chuck - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: Danny Spencer Subject: Leonardo Nunes Question: Was wondering if you could tell me about this and maybe a value. I have no use for it and would like to get it to someone that would appreciate it. Photos:                          Answer: Danny Put is on our marketplace on fleamarketmusic site. It is a very nice uke and with the case...Its hard to tell price in this soft market. Perhaps 1200, perhaps more....I'd love to own it myself. Check past postings for birthday..Most desirable chuck It is a Leonardo Nunes Radio Tenor....The best of all the Nunes models in my opinion. - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: Sharon Peterson Subject: Mystery (ChicAgo?) -- Better Pics Question: Thanks for the reply, Chuck ... sorry about the tiny pics. Hope these are better, and I added one of the heel. To me, it looks like a one-piece heel and neck; a separate piece from the body. If it's Hawaiian, the "Made in USA" stamp probably dates it to 1959 or later, right? (I'm no uke expert, but I grew up in Hawaii.) Many thanks for any wisdom you can provide! Photos:                          Answer: Sorry Sharon From the pics it looks mainland made. I have no idea of price without knowing the maker. Perhaps 200-300 if it is in good condition and plays well..thanks..chuck - Saturday, July 6, 2013

Question asked by: John Subject: Question asked by: Howard Kolodny Subject: Gibson UB Banjo Ukulele Question: Re: Howard's question about the UB's small extra hole near the tailpiece. The UB was Gibson's attempt to jump on the banjo ukulele craze before they could get their new models (UB-1, -2, -3, -4 &-5) built and on sale. The reason for the hole is that the UB is actually a modified version of the trapdoor banjo- mandolin. That instrument had/has TWO coordinator rods to help players adjust neck angle. But, with the neck modified on the UB- version - designed to take the lower tension of four gut strings - Gibson decided to save a few bucks and take out one of the coordinator rods. However - because the instrument was intended to be nothing more than a stop-gap for a year, Gibson didn't fill the holes on the Banjo- mandolin pots, they just left them there. That's the reason that a hole with no purpose appears on the bottom of all UB model pots. best, John B Question asked by: Howard Kolodny Subject: Gibson UB Banjo Ukulele Question: Though I'm not a serious expert on Gibson banjo ukes, I do have in my personal collection examples of the UB, the UB-1 and UB- 2. After looking at Frets Halligan's question about the proper tailpiece for the UB, I looked at my own UB. Believe it or not the tailpiece on my UB is identical to the picture Mr. Halligan sent to you. Not only that, but my UB had the same identical small hole below where the tailpiece is mounted. If you think about it, what are the odds that a Gibson model made for only two years (1924-25) would have the same model tailpiece and mysterious hole as another? My guess is that both tailpieces are original and Mr. Halligan need look no further. Hopefully, some one more knowledgeable than either of us can explain the reason for that hole. Answer: Thanks....very complete. lots of new knowledge for me...I am very pleased. Thanks so much ..I'm sure Howard will feel the same....chuck - Friday, April 19, 2013

Question asked by: John Bianchi Subject: Question asked by: Donnie Kelly Question: Re: the below question from Donnie Kelly. I"m sure I'm not the only tiresome pedant to point this out, but the uke in the photos is a Martin Style 1. best, John Question asked by: Donnie Kelly Subject: Uku identification and value Question: This Uku was a yard sale find many years ago. I would like to identify the style and year of manufacture. One of the pictures shows a hair line crack along the bottom edge of the side. I understand a collector would rather have the repairs made themselves. I would like to sale this uku. What do you think the value is? Where would I attempt to sale this? Thank you so much for your time, Donnie Kelly Answer: You are absolutely correct...Not a lack of knowledge, just bad aim. It seems that some fool put the #2 key right next to the #1 key...Thanks for pointing that out...... Ageing is a dirty trick...c - Friday, April 19, 2013

Question asked by: Jeffrey Subject: Third Wave Ukulele Question: Hey Chuck, I would like to purchase a "Third Wave" uke. The company was in San Luis Obispo, CA and has since closed. Do you ever see them come up for sale? Answer: Jeffrey...have not seen one lately..Ask on the bulletin board...someone there might know....chuck - Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Question asked by: Edith Moore Subject: The Gibson Ukehle Question: I do not know how to send picture. I inherited a uke from a relitive and my piano tuner told me it is very old and in good condition. Have no idea where to go to have it appraised. It is inscripted "the Gibson" which apparently tells something about its age. Can you advise? Answer: Edith...someone you know must know how to send a picture. Find a 12 year old kid, they know everything. Gibson made many varieties of ukes. "the gibson" is the oldest. Please find a photo=bug and send pic...will be glad to help...chuck Strange...I always go to a Piano tuner for uke info.... - Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Question asked by: Claire Subject: Baritone Uke Question: My amazing musician friend gave me a baritone ukele. I play guitar, pretty basically, but sing and play with group for open mics occasionally.... my question? Should I tune the baritone differently if I want to join an uke group here in SF? now it is same as last 4 strings of my guitar so I "fake it" and play guitar chords ~ want to really learn!! It is very extra special, as my friend will not be with us much longer ...many thanks, mahalo! Claire Answer: Claire...that is the way a uke is tuned. last four strings. On this site, you will find "Uke tuner" use this as a guide. A very nice friend you have.....chuck - Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Question asked by: Donnie Kelly Subject: Uku identification and value Question: This Uku was a yard sale find many years ago. I would like to identify the style and year of manufacture. One of the pictures shows a hair line crack along the bottom edge of the side. I understand a collector would rather have the repairs made themselves. I would like to sale this uku. What do you think the value is? Where would I attempt to sale this? Thank you so much for your time, Donnie Kelly Photos:                  Answer: It appears to be a style 2 Martin ukulele. I can tell this by looking in that hole in the front where it says Martin Ukulele. I would sell it as is and put it on the Marketplace on this site.It will need to be repaired, but it is an easy fix. The uke market is soft on vintage ukes, but this still worth, in the condition its in...500-700 dollars. good luck...fine uke..thanks for writing in....chuck - Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Question asked by: Andreas K. Odemer Subject: Unidentified Ukulele Question: I recently bought this Ukulele on ebay. It is currently being repaired by a local guitar repair guy. I haven't been able to find any information on the maker other than the name "Du Barry Hand Made" by the tuners. The name also doesn't show on the Tiki sites list of known makers...any information would be appreciated. Photos:                          Answer: Andreas....as happens now and then, when I think I have heard of all the uke...one pops up I have never heard of...I have no idea who made this, but I can tall you its 1920-30-s by the style of construction...It also has a very good set of tuners on it, either added or if used originally, someone thought alot of it...I will try to find out more and if I do I'll let you know...thanks...chuck - Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Question asked by: Kevin Ayling Subject: any thoughts on this Uke's heritage ?? Question: I recently bought my first Uke.. It seems oldish.. but I don't have any information from the previous owner. Thanks for any help you can provide.. Kind regards Kevin Photos:                          Answer: Kevin..odd...well made, old (1920's) seems the pegs are original, no shadow where mechanicals were used, hard to tell the wood, resembles spruce. Again, stumped but not ready yet to hang up my pick...thanks...chuck - Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Question asked by: Philip Thomas Subject: Gretsch Ukelele Question: http://theunofficialmartinguitarforum.yuku.com/topic/77930#.T39f_I6tjQx What year is thus Ukelele. I have one just like it. Don't want to sell it, but what it might be worth? Answer: its probably worth what they are asking. I have had a couple of these and yes,they are rare. They were Gretsch's top of the line uke...Always loved them....I have seen them for 2000+, but that was when the market was much stronger. thanks...chuck - Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Question asked by: Sharon Peterson Subject: Mystery (Chicsgo?) Question: I'm wondering if you can tell me, well, anything about this uke. Approximate age, or age range would be especially welcome. No labels, no sign of old labels. "Made in USA" is stamped into the right side of the heel block, in all caps (sorry, couldn't get a pic of that). Don't know if she's solid wood, but it looks a lot like the wood on one of my mahogany guitars. The rope inlays are worn in spots, but are definitely little chips of wood, placed by hand. Delightful. She's loud and sassy. I don't expect she's worth much money, but I'd love to know more about her ... if that's possible. Many thanks! Photos:                          Answer: Sharon...please send in pics that are larger. I would like a pic of the back where the neck meets the body...Looks Hawaiian to me from the pics you sent. thanks..chuck - Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Question asked by: Seattle Bea Subject: Guild Baritone Uke Value Question: Hi Chuck, I was referred to your website by several people in the Ukulele Underground Forum for your expert advise. I am helping a 92-year-old retired school teacher move into assisted living and would like to know the value of her Guild Baritone Ukulele. Would like to help her out as much as possible by selling for the right price. Have lots of sheet and book music too. Any other tips on how/where to sell? Photos:                          Answer: Baritones are hard to sell. Not a popular size. However, this is a nice example...You should list it on the marketplace on this site. I would ask 300-350...You should get that as this site is only visited by ukulele nuts and just plain nuts. thanks for visiting...Nutchuck - Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Question asked by: Connor Subject: Gold label Kamaka Question: Hi Chuck, I was hoping you could help date this gold label Kamaka. If you have any idea of the market value, I'd appreciate that as well. Thanks, Connor Photos:                          Answer: Connor, the condition is a little rough. It was made c80's +. Needing work it is worth about 250++...thanks...chuck - Wednesday, April 3, 2013

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