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

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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: 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: Sheryl Katz Subject: Manuel Nunes and Sons Question: I have come across a Manuel Nunes and sons uke with the Southern California Music label. I don't have a picture.It has numerous cracks and the bridge is decaying. The frets feel quite rough along the neck. It has one string. All the original tuning pegs are there. Visually it look pretty good, all the wood is there. The neck appears straight. I think it is repairable but have no idea what it would cost.It is a plain model - no rope binding. I can't tell what kind of wood it is. Might be Koa. It is owned by an elderly woman; it belonged to her mother. I'd like to make her a fair offer, but I am also taking a risk on the repair and don't know what it would cost to fix it. Can you give me any help? Answer: Sheryl, I really need a pic. Manuel Nunes made many styles...All are not the same price. Do what you can...chuck - Monday, February 4, 2013

Question asked by: Mick Subject: Backround of my Kumalae Question: Hello Chuck, I hope you can help me to fill some blanks with this little Ukulele on the Pictures. I got it this Christmas from my Mother, who claims it was my Grandfathers, but has no Idea where it is from or what Time it was bought. Can you help me a little with this? I'd love to know more about this piece. Any Information would be greatly appreciated. (age, type, value, wood type...) Kind Regards and many Thanks in advance, Mick Photos:                          Answer: Mick...its Koa wood, made in the 20's by the first maker to mass produce ukes. Hawaiian, ...The vintage market is down, however condition counts and it looks like yours is all original and in good condition. Its worth about 300 bucks. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Friday, February 1, 2013

Question asked by: Jamey Gibson Subject: C. F. Martin Ukulele Question: trying to figure out what year, type and worth of this old Ukulele. Inside the hole it appears to say in writing R.L. Jack 577 or maybe 587 hard to read. Also hard to read says w. 1898 maybe and Cleveland maybe. It is a CF Martin. My 85 year old Grandpa had it forever. Photos:                          Answer: Jamey...its an early style 0 Martin ukulele. I have no idea what the stuff in the inside. As you can see on the back of the headstock, it says Nazareth Penn. thats where it was made. It was made sometime in the early 20th cent...1925-Its worth in a depressed vintage market...400 bucks. It was always older than your grandpa..nice keepsake..play it.chuck - Friday, February 1, 2013

Question asked by: Julie Subject: Appraisal of Ukelele Question: Hello. I'm wondering the year this was made and the price of it now. Thank you! The serial number is 705153. Photos:                  Answer: I'm turning this over to a good friend. Tom, What's it worth.. I'm back, in case your were worried and I'm better than ever. I'm normal, what ever that is. As usual Mr. Favilla, its always nice to know I have you around to help...best to ya...chuck - Friday, February 1, 2013

Question asked by: Ryk Wilkinson Subject: Hualalia Uke Question: Hi.. Found this Hualalia Uke at a flea market. Needs lots of repair. Wondering if you have any info. Looks like mainland work. I've never seen one with a Faux Koa like this. I love the tri-color binding and Foa-Koa. Is it worth repairing, or just a wall hanger? Thanks, Ryk Photos:                  Answer: Ryk....I'd restore it...Never seen one like it. It is mainland made as evidenced by the heel cap..Hawaiian would be part of the back..Its really strange..Hope this finally gets to you..I'm been floating around for a while...chuck - Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Question asked by: Jim D'Ville Subject: Identify this Uke Question: Hey Chuck, Could you identify this uke in the photo. No label or peghead markings. Also, a ballpark of the value. Thanks. Photos:      Answer: It looks like a 1930's Chicago Regal ukulele. Somebody, for some unknown reason has put a crappy tail piece on it. Get rid of it at once and put a real ukulele bridge in its place. Hard to put value, but 200 would be good if it sounded good..Also, get a safe case, the one you have is very dangerous..thanks for writing in...chuck - Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Question asked by: Dick Galland Subject: Early Kamaka Pineapple Question: Chuck, this uke came to me from a charity auction. No cracks or dings or repairs. Finish appears completely original. Very little sign of play. Any info/insight appreciated. Age and value in particular. Thanks in advance. Dick Photos:                          Answer: Dick...C1930, value 350 + Have seen this wood before, maybe Mahogany...Play it, you won't find many in this condition. If you look back at some of my Kamaka entries, you will find, on may occasions,I said this was my favorite playing uke...It is...Thanks...chuck - Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Question asked by: Kathy Subject: Rolando banjo uke Question: Hi, I'd like to know about what this Rolando is worth... My daughter is very interested in learning to play it. She's 19 and responsible, but I'm not sure if it should be sent with her to college or not! Lol Any info is much appreciated. Thanks! Photos:                  Answer: Kathy...If your daughter is 19 and responsible enough to go to college, I have little doubt the Rolando Banjo uke is in any danger. It is worth, if that is your worry, about 250 dollars. Much less than one of your daughters books. Odd question...chuck - Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Question asked by: Bill Hanlon Subject: OLDIE BUT A GOODIE Question: Hi Chuck! Here's an old uke I've had my eye on for some time. Finally picked it up this morning. It's 20.5 inches long and 6 inches wide. Noticed that you can see the flaming koa through the sound hole. Don't know if I've seen that before? This uke came in an old canvas hard (sort of) case that opened on the end. A leather strap was on the end that opens and you carry it like a purse headstock down. The case looks as old as a dinosaur. I look forward to your comments as usual. Maybe this will turn out to be my oldest uke yet! All the best, Bill Photos:                          Answer: Bill..have seen many of these ukes through the years. Don't know the maker. It is definitely mainland made. That little extended finger board is the dead give-away. I have always been fascinated by the look and the quality of the Koa. I would ditch the strings with the metal button. They will only destroy the bridge. Also, that type of opened ended case is not called a suicide case for nothing. It is responsible for more ukes falling to their untimely death. Never carry the uke in it especially head down. Ditch it with the strings. Pretty uke, how is the sound...thanks...chuck - Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Question asked by: Luke Thomas Subject: Royal Hawaiian Uke Question: I picked up this uke and would like to more know about it. I've been trying to find info on the date and manufacturer as well as the approximate value. I believe it's from the thirties and made of Koa, but not positive. Would appreciate any help! Thanks!!! Luke lukethom@gmail.com Photos:                          Answer: Luke..it is Hawaiian made and of Koa. It was made probably in the 50's and rumor has it was sold in the Royal Hawaiian Hotel...Kumalae was the suspected maker...Value 300 or so...thanks for writing in...chuck - Sunday, January 27, 2013

Question asked by: Dale Collmer Subject: Where to get tuners Question: I inherited this mid-1950s Gibson soprano uke from my dad. It needs some work, but I'm mainly interested in replacing the tuning pegs. Went to a local luthier - he didn't have anything with that small of a bore, .91". There is a box of tuning peg remains in the case that says "Elton Ukulele Pegs No. 451". Know where I can find pegs to replace the old ones without drilling out the headstock? Thanks Photos:                  Answer: dale, go on the marketplace on this site and you will probably find some..Also he bulletin board would be a good guess. They are around but It won't be easy..Find the originals before you drill. Thanks for writing in...chuck - Sunday, January 27, 2013

Question asked by: Del Sonnenberg Subject: Gibson ukulele Question: Hello, Chuck...glad to see you back. What is the value of this uke. It has 1682 stamped in side. I think that is a factory order number,so I assume it is circa 1960...it has some dust inside, is that a problem? If so, how do I clean it up? Thanks. Photos:          Answer: Del...you are correct it is a 60's uke. The Gibson ukes made in 1682 are really easy to spot, they look really old. The dust inside is not a problem unless you stick your nose inside the instrument, a practice reserved for the ancients. If your vacuum cleaner will not fit in the uke, I would suggest any brand of rag...thanks...chuck - Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Question asked by: Del Sonnenberg Subject: Gibson ukulele Question: Hello..glad to see you back, Frets...have been waiting patiently. I think this uke is circa 1960..not sure. It has a number 1682 inside which I think is a Factory Order Number. Also has TU stamped inside, so I assume it is a tenor. Has a few scratches, but otherwise is good condition.I would like an appraisal of its value and your recommendation on how to clean it up. It has some dust inside. How do I clean that out? Thanks, I trust your judgement and advice. Photos:          Answer: - Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Question asked by: brian Subject: aprox. value? Question: hello..hope the file attachment worked. these are both TBC Sterling instruments that have been in my posession since my grandfather gave them to me as a boy...that was 40 years ago. i was just looking for a general idea of their value and if i should look into getting them restored by a pro or leave as is. thanks. Photos:      Answer: Brian..I like the way the ukes look as they are. Unless they need major work..ie cracks, splits, or anything that would hurt the sound, I would leave them alone..The uke about 250.00 same for the banjo uke. Watch for interior dust...c - Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Question asked by: Bob Subject: Hollywood Banjo Uke Question: Saw this when I was a kid, mid-50's. Just found it again while moving. Nylon strings, bridge moves, missing 1 adjusting clamp (like for a drum). Can anyone tell me anything about it? Worth? Thanks, Bob Photos:              Answer: Bob the Hollywood banjo uke is fairly rare. Not the quality of the ukes made by the same company. The value to a Hollywood collector would be about 300+..They were made about the time you first saw it..Keep it dust free on the inside...c - Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Question asked by: Curt Subject: 1949 Arthur Godfrey Question: Hi , My aunt has this ukulele and was wondering if it has any value ? She got it in 1949 and has all original paperwork, case , chord maker . Photos:                  Answer: Curt..Hi back...to a novelty uke collector, in that wonderful condition with all the bells and whistles..it is worth about 350.oo Really...I love it...c - Wednesday, January 23, 2013

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