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 (7 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: 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: 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: Mark Subject: Early Koa Ukulele Archback Question: Hi please can you offer any insights into the age/maker of this Ukulele. I know very little of the history of the ukulele, but the information I have gleamed from the internet seems to point at this being an early ukulele. construction and materials; Scale Length 327.5mm Nut to bridge length 333.5 Head Birds Eye Koa, V joint neck to head Neck Birds Eye koa, heal 2 part, Spanish heal joint to body Back Quilted Koa Arch Back (Formed like a violin, not simply domed) Sides Koa Top Koa (but could be cedar or stained spruce) 3.3mm Linings Solid without kerfling Bracing 1 under top, between sound hole and bridge Pegs Ebony Bridge Ebony 58 x 14 x 8(H)mm Fret board Ebony 3.5mm thick Frets x16 Brass bar frets approx 1x 2 mm Saddle Ebony Nut Ebony Strings Gut Glue Hot Hide Glue Finish French polish Upper bout 135mm Lower bout 172mm Body length 260mm Total length 544mm Sound hole dia 52mm Thickness at Neck 50mm Thickness at Tail 58mm No Label or indication of maker present. There are however letters scratched onto the top. 1) is it a ukulele? it could be a machete made in Hawaii as its in koa? 2) The V joint head to neck construction is interesting because I've read that this method was only used by either martin untill 1915, or by Hauser in Classical guitar construction from 1875. so its inclusion in construction would point towards a maker versed in guitar construction. 3) the bridge seems perculiar in its design, but appears original. There are two ebony pegs which pass through the bridge and top, locating and securing it in place. These pins are slightly turned on their top faces, the turned end on the upper pin is worn off showing (along with the wear around the sound hole) that the instrument was well played. I'd be very interested to recieve your thoughts on age, possible maker and value? many thanks for your help, kindest regards mark Photos:                          Answer: Mark..its an odd one. I'm not sure its koa..top looks like spruce and back looks like birdseye maple or some other hard wood. It seems to have been made by a violin maker and not a guitar maker due to the trim around the top.....The neck is guitar like but I will have to study it a little more to decide if I can identify it.The back with its one piece heel cap is an early form. Ihanks for sending in the pics..its nice what ever it is...could you get me a closer photo of the front, top, headstock...please...thanks again...chuck - Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Question asked by: John Sargent Subject: Mystery Uke Question: The person that is describing it is a well known and respected local luthier . He is helping out the family of the violin shops owner "There is also a tiny 20's no name ukulele with brazilian rosewood sides and back and a spruce top that sounds amazing. Its got a bit of marquetry" My questions are: What is it? What is the approximate value? Photos:                          Answer: John....I don't know is the answer to both your questions. It sure is a nicely made instrument. It is definitely mainland made, as the heel cap is separate from the back. The shape is that of a regal, the tuners are similar if not the same as the Gibson tuners the trim on the back looks Martinesque, however it is none of these. This ukulele will fall into the category of don't know...Without a strong clue, which I cannot see, I would not even hazard a guess. If I owned it, I would not take less than 500.00 for it based on its looks and construction...thanks...stumped twice, but still punching...chuck - Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Question asked by: Nancy Zuniga Subject: Vintage Kamaka uke Question: Hi Chuck, Today I purchased an old Kamaka ukulele at an antique show in Fresno, CA. Just not sure what I have here. The seller told me it was from an estate sale and he didn't know anything of its age or history. I'm guessing that it's pre-1928 since the label says "Patent Pending" and I learned in my online search that Sam Kamaka patented this shape in 1928. I haven't been able to find anything online about this particular model, so anything you can tell me about it would be greatly appreciated. Photos:                          Answer: Nancy...What you have there is a wonderful example of a style 2 Kamaka Pineapple Ukulele. Of all the ukes I have owned and played, it is my favorite. The company is still in business and you can write them and ask more about it. It is very unusual in that I cannot see any cracks. For a Kamaka Ukulele that usually means that it hasn't been used much. I am really envious. Please keep it and play it, you won't find another like it. If you went to buy one like that today 750 would not be too much..Thanks...I finally got a question I can answer..chuck - Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Question asked by: Mario Quiros Subject: she just won't keep her bridges on Question: My favorite Martin. Pre-war style O, I think she endured a fraternity hazing, judging by all the initials carved into her back. But the current problem is the bridge: she just will not keep it on for more than a year. I've gone through all of the Titebond products, starting with their hide glue (that lasted 3 days in Costa Rica), and last time with their waterproof III. What's a parent to do? Photos:                          Answer: Take your offspring to a violin luthier and explain the problem Then duck...They have stuff that will mend a car bumper...good luck..chuck - Friday, August 17, 2012

Question asked by: Jim Norris Subject: Ukelele Question: Chuck, Do you have a value for this instrument. it belonged to my grandfather and was used circa 1915-1920. I als have an A2 Gibson mandolin from the same era. Do you price these. i am trying to estate sell these items. Jim Photos:              Answer: look on ebay for the a2 mandolin you will get an idea. Id love to help on the uke but what is it....chuck Jim..I just got an update from a yakker. Thanks alot to you for that. It is a Favilla soprano ukulele and worth about 300 dollars. Sorry, that is the first mistake I ever made...chuck the liar - Friday, August 17, 2012

Question asked by: John Scribner Subject: My restored Banjo-uke (Hanalei) Question: I just wanted to update you on my restoration of my Grandad's Hanalei Banjo-uke! It plays great with Di'Addario Titanium strings, but my fat fingers have led me to buy a concert sized ukelele to really get serious with. I am strumming and learning chords on Grandad's old machine until my new uke arrives! Thanks! John Photos:          Answer: put your fingers on a diet..Thanks for the update...What a coincidence...I am attempting to restore my Grandad..Will let you know how he progresses....chuck - Friday, August 17, 2012

Question asked by: wayne schaffer Subject: maybell baby uke Question: this uke has been sitting out in shed for over 25 years and i just came accross it. looks to be a 1928 slingerland maybell but has disneyland stamped on inside..can you tell me anything at all about this uke. why disneyland, approx worth,etc.? case is very old and worn..straps are broke but hasps are working thank you Photos:                          Answer: Wayne...uke is worth 150...no idea about the Disney stamp. Thanks for writing in...curious...chuck - Friday, August 17, 2012

Question asked by: Nancy Zuniga Subject: Vintage Kamaka uke Question: Hi Chuck, Today I purchased an old Kamaka ukulele at an antique show in Fresno, CA. Just not sure what I have here. The seller told me it was from an estate sale and he didn't know anything of its age or history. I'm guessing that it's pre-1928 since the label says "Patent Pending" and I learned in my online search that Sam Kamaka patented this shape in 1928. I haven't been able to find anything online about this particular model, so anything you can tell me about it would be greatly appreciated. Photos:                          Answer: Judging from the fancy wood, it would be a special order or some kind. I would write the Kamaka factory and ask them They are very interested in their history. It is one of my 5 favourite instruments. You won't find many of Kamaka's special order pieces listed anywhere. It is very collectible. thanks for sharing...chuck - Friday, August 17, 2012

Question asked by: Mark Reddy Subject: More La Foley stuff! Question: More info on George La Foley. A taropatch, a fine lap guitar and his price list. George Abbott always said that La Foley was the finest instrument maker in London. Photos:              Answer: Great stuff...Love the lap guitar. Thanks so much for the info..I will put it in my file at once. Keep em coming..chuck - Friday, August 17, 2012

Question asked by: Mark Reddy Subject: George La Foley Question: Hello Chuck, George La Foley was a respected uke maker in the 20s-30s in London. He made fine instruments,guitars,mandolins,ukuleles and even the occassional taropatch.(The ukulele Man has one for sale at the moment for around £1,000).They are always finely made not unlike Wiessenborns in construction and sound. They are on the diminutive side rather reminiscent of early machetes.but surprisingly loud. George Formby played one.I've included a picture of his.They all seem to be made from mahogany and rosewood. I would expect to pay at least £250 for a La Foley in reasonable condition. Great instruments. Strong and barky! Mark. Photos:      Answer: Again Mark...thanks...beautiful instrument...can just taste the quality from the picture alone. Send me one..nobody gives me presents any more...Start a trend....chuck - Friday, August 17, 2012

Question asked by: Geoff Subject: La Foley valuation Question: Hi Chuck, i am a guitar man and am looking to get into Ukeleles, do not know much about them but realy want an older type Uke. I am looking at buying this UKE privatley online , can you give me an idea of what i should be paying for it at all - Thanks Photos:              Answer: Geoff...thats a new one on me..never heard of it. Why did you pick this uke. Go on our marketplace where you will find only ukes.....Let me know what you want and what you want to spend and I will help you.....chuck - Friday, August 3, 2012

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