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 (5 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: 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: Allen Hopkins Subject: Dallas & Sons banjo ukulele Question: Regarding Kevin Crowell's question about dating his Dallas & Sons banjo uke, the British Banjo Makers website has a history of the company, and according to them, the J D Dallas Co. became J D Dallas & Sons in 1905- 06, and the company started labeling their instruments "Jedson" in the late 1920's. So that gives about a 20-25 year "window," say 1906 to 1930. I'll put in a link to the web page [link]http://www.whitetreeaz.com/vintage/br it1.htm[/link] Answer: Alalen...Thanks a lot. All help greatly appreciated. chuck - Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Question asked by: Vincent Subject: What is this? Question: Hello Chuck, thanks for having done so well with Uke Yak. My question is what is this uke and what is it made of (I'm guessing mahagony). I bought it from ebay and not sure what its even worth. It sounds nice but it need the 1st fret raised a bit. It's significantly lower than the others. All I know about it is that it was owned by a luthier who passed away in the 50's and it was in his shop for at least 20 years. Thanks in advance for your info, Vincent Photos:          Answer: No idea...If you stuck a gun my nose I would say regal...But if you stuck a gun up my nose, I probably come up with the dead luthier's name. Wish I could be of more help...c - Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Question asked by: Chuck Sullivan Subject: Favilla Ukuleles Question: Hello, Chuck-- I'm curious...all of the Favilla ukuleles that show up for sale nowadays seem to be either baritones or sopranos. Did Favilla ever make tenor ukuleles? Answer: Chuck, I'm sending this to Tom Favilla who, as I am sure you will figure out, has some connection with the brand name. Old friend and always there with the answers. Tom....let fly....chuck - Thursday, March 7, 2013

Question asked by: Kevin Crowell Subject: J.E. Dallas & Sons Banjo Ukulele Question: Me again... Is there a cure for UAS? (Ukuele Acquisition Syndrom). I certainly hope not! This is a J.E. Dallas & Son's banjo ukulele that I'm having trouble dating. Here's why. There is no builder's signature on the back resonator above where "Banjo Ukulele" is stamped, no maker's badge on the peg head, and no serial numbers anywhere. Research shows this is a Dallas Type B most likely made in London, UK. Later models were marketed under JEDSON while earlier models might have been labeled Keech but again, no branding appears on the instrument. The upper sound ring appears to be cast (aluminium?) and the inner sound ring behind the resonator might be stainless steel, though I'm not sure. Either way, this is one beautifully engineered banjo uke and sounds like those heard on the old 78rpm records- a bit wonky and funky but thoroughly enjoyable and LOUD! I did some minor work on it: replaced the head and some hardware and did a deep clean. Any ideas about when this was built? Photos:                      Answer: I love it....it's well made. Have seen hundreds that look like that and am not familiar with the original maker. There is no cure for UAS...if there was, I wouldn't have owned over 1000 at the peak of my obsession. Today I own about 50 but I also bought a house when I sold the ukes. I needed a place to display them so I sold the ukes and bought a house...only then did I realize I no longer had the ukes to display..catch2222 good hunting...chuck - Thursday, March 7, 2013

Question asked by: Kevin Crowell Subject: Lyon & Healy Camp Uke Question: I purchased this Lyon & Healy camp uke recently and did a bit of work on it to bring it back to life. My work included new violin-style friction pegs and cleating of some cracks. While the instrument has a definite wave in the top soundboard, it plays well. My question is this: How old is it? The soundhole is not the traditional oval you most often see. On the back of the tuning head it says "PAT. APLD FOR", and the numbers "8691" are stamped on the neck block. There is no "Lyon & Healy" stamp anywhere on the instrument but on the front of the tuning head it has "Camp Uke" pressed into the wood. I thought this might be a "Jr. Camp Uke" but no such designation appears. Otherwise, it's a standard soprano Camp Uke. Thanks! I always enjoy reading your responses!! Photos:          Answer: Kevin...probably made in the 40's...The 8691 is the model number...There is a horrible Lyon and Healy book out that has inferior pictures of the ukes and misinformation. It also falls apart about 2 minutes after you purchase it. I own one....I just moved and when I find the pieces of the book, I will see if I can find that uke and fill you in. They made about7 different designs of the camp uke..thanks...chuck - Thursday, March 7, 2013

Question asked by: Ron Subject: Royal Hawaiian Uke Question: Hi, I wanted to know what you think this Uke is worth before I go out and buy it. Guy is asking 325.00 for it. Hope to get a response soon. Thanks, Love your website...! Ron Photos:          Answer: buy it..then write back and let me know what you think...hurry....chuck - Thursday, March 7, 2013

Question asked by: Roebrta Subject: Old uke - slight damage Question: Hi CHuck Good to see you back again. Just wondering if you can date this uke & name it's maker? It looks pretty old - shame about the damage to the side tho! Would it be tricky to repair? Would it be worth repairing? Thanks Roberta Photos:                          Answer: Roberta...age, anywhere from 1930----Hard to date and harder to hame the maker. Many stores carried this uke. It is worth repairing, shouldn't be too costly.it is a standard tourist "take me home' ukulele. Should sound good..Koa wood....chuck - Thursday, March 7, 2013

Question asked by: KR Cunningham Subject: What's this uke worth Question: I would like to make an offer on this uke but don't know what would be fair. I am a little concerned that it has been refinished because in the picture the finish looks to thick and glossy. What is it and what is it worth? Photos:                  Answer: KR...if I can call you that...it is a style 1 Martin Ukulele with a Chinese restaurant table top finish. If it turns out to be a bad player, all is not lost. You have a mirrior in which to shave. I wouldn't offer much and if you are able to get a great deal, get a jackhammer and remove the finish. The uke in pristine condition would be worth about 400-500 bucks. Take it from there. see ya - Thursday, March 7, 2013

Question asked by: Randy Ruis Subject: Martin Soprano with Bergstrom Music label Question: This "was" my pristine Martin soprano. It was not supposed to be "out" at a party but... it got sat on by a Hawaiian at a birthday party. I had it professional repaired. It still sounds good but in its "pristine" state it used to "ring" like a bell. I think it is from the late 1940's (Bergstrom closed their doors in 1955). Any idea as to its value? mahalo Photos:                          Answer: Randy...sorry about your uke and more sorry about the 'Professional Repair" Neither of those words apply to what that person attempted to do. I realize its a nasty break, but I have 25 fingers and have done better jobs. The uke is worth about 300 in that condition. thanks for writing in..chuck - Thursday, March 7, 2013

Question asked by: Brian Biggs Subject: Gretsch Clarophone? Question: Hi I found this banjolele in Frenchtown NJ. I feel pretty sure it's a Gretsch Clarophone. It has a decal over where the Gretsch logo would be, but everything else seems to match. Any thoughts? It has a less-than-pleasant plunky sound, but it's fun to play alongside more traditional ukuleles. Thanks. Photos:                      Answer: Looks like a Gretsch...If it has steel strings, take them off before they remove your fingerprints. It won't be less plunky but easier to play. If you remove the head the back and leave the steel strings, it becomes a great cheese slicer. I was going to make a cut the cheese joke, but good taste forbids that...chuck - Thursday, March 7, 2013

Question asked by: Shawn Y. Subject: Nunes Guitar Question: Aloha Chuck, Thought you and those following the Uke Yak posts might enjoy these photos of a vintage Nunes guitar. Do you have an idea of the relative numbers of these available in the collectors community? Photos:                  Answer: No Idea how many exist. I had one and loved it. They are really sought after. Remember my birthday...sept 19th...chuck On behalf of all the drooling ukeyakkers....thanks. - Thursday, March 7, 2013

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Julie Woo's B-2 Uke Question: Hi Chuck, On Feb1,2013 Julie Woo asked about the age of her Favilla B-2 Baritone uke. It was built in 1973. It looks like it is in nice condition. Should have no problem fetching about $ 400.00 for it (adusting for condition). Good to see you back Chuck. Tom F. Answer: Good to be back Tom...and as usual, I couldn't do it without you. Well I could but your correct more often than I. Wonder why that is. Best and thanks for the kind words.....your pal...chuck - Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Question asked by: Tim Hostetler Subject: Mossman Question: Hello, I have inherited this uke and love it, but wonder if it is worth more than my love for it. Tim Hostetler 707-495-7000 Photos:                      Answer: Depends on your love is worth. The uke is worth about 400 bucks...I can only advise you this far......love ya....chuck - Tuesday, February 19, 2013

Question asked by: kathie landmann Subject: is this worth buying Question: Our local thrift shop is selling this banjo uke for $149. I am wondering if it is worth anything. There are no cracks or chips except for the bottom missing frets. The underside says Elizabeth Scanlan 257 and something else I can't decipher. It is heavy. What do you think? If I restore it with a bridge and strings, will it sound reasonable? Thanks so much! Photos:                          Answer: Kathie...yes it is worth rescuing. I would suggest that when its finished you string it with uke strings not metal strings. This assures the fact that you will progress in life with all your fingers. It seems to be a well made instrument with good tuners, very important. write back when its done and let me know....chuck - Thursday, February 14, 2013

Question asked by: Wolfman Chuck Subject: Uke case Question: I am looking for someone to make me a uke coffin case. Do you knoe any luthiers who can do it? Answer: Dear Wolf Sorry to hear about your loss. I don't think it would be profitable for a good luthier to make a case when he could make an instrument. Go to any Carpenter or the Ukulele funeral parlor in your area. R.I.P - Thursday, February 14, 2013

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