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

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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: John F. Scribner Subject: Hanalei Banjuke Question: Hello! I inherited this sweet little instrument from my Grandad but unfortunately it was damaged so badly as to be unplayable. I am restoring it, and it is looking beautiful! Can you tell me what strings would be appropriate for it? From what I gather, it would be soprano uke strings? Thanks! John Scribner Photos:                          Answer: John you gather correctly..If you want to have any fingers left...soprano strings are the answer. Stay away from metal strings.....good job...chuck - Friday, August 3, 2012

Question asked by: Steve Subject: Jason's John Grey Banjo Uke Question: Chuck With reference to Jason's Banjo Uke John Grey Banjo ukes were very popular in the 1920s and 1930s. there is a little of it's history on this linkhttp://www.whitetreeaz.com/vintage/brit2. htm Value wise even one in poor condition will fetch around £120 and one of the better quality ones well over £200. in the uk the Springer sisters often have them on their sales pages. Jason's looks like one of the entry level ones and could do with a little tlc. I've had one or two of them in my time and the better ones usually can be set up to play well (and loud). The ukulele banjo or Banjolele was invented in the UK by a couple of Americans Alvin D Keech and his brother I believe at the beginning of the 20th century. The late Dennis Taylor of the GFS uploaded loads of instruments on their Uke webpage but unfortunately John Grey Banjo Ukes are not there http://www.georgeformby.co.uk/dennis_taylor /site/index_2.htm Take care Steve Answer: Steve,thanks much...appreciated as always...The other brother was Kelvin Keech....I can remember that obscure fact but I cant find my car keys...go figure...chuck - Friday, August 3, 2012

Question asked by: Carol Subject: Weymann baritone uke Question: Chuck,Would you know if Weymann ever made a Baritone uke? I have anopportunity to buy one but I'mnot sure it's the real deal. Thedecal is on the front and thereis no serial number anywhere. Thanks for your help. Answer: carol...need a pic...not aware Weymann ever made a Baritone uke...keep me posted..I'm interested...chuck - Friday, August 3, 2012

Question asked by: Jason Subject: John Grey & Sons Banjo Question: Good day, I have had this banjo/uke for some time now that I inherited from my great grandfather and I am trying to find out some info about it such as it's age. The metal tags on the head and the back are "John Grey & Sons London". Thanks Jason Photos:              Answer: Jason...they were made around the turn of the 19-20 cent. Made in England. Thats about all I know about John Grey. I'm not sure if they were the makers or the distributors. I have seen many instruments with John Grey labels on them. Thanks for writing in, I wish I had more....chuck - Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Question asked by: Terry Dennis Subject: Cuban Mahogany & Martin ukuleles Question: Chuck, There is an ongoing discussion on a banjo forum about "Cuban mahogany", used for musical instruments. A statement has been posted that Martin had a stock of this wood & used it on all of their pre-war ukuleles. This variety of wood is presently touted as a special exotic, & high quality wood by boutique luthiers. I've never heard this claim made by experts & sellers of vintage Martins. neither is it mentioned in any of the Martin books. What do you know about this ? Answer: Terry...unfortunatly for you, I know nothing about woods. I know a lot about ukuleles but woods are not my speciality. If I suddenly wake up and realize I know something, I will write immediately. I would write the Martin company and pose the same question. Perhaps they can answer. thanks....chuck - Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Question asked by: Nancy Subject: Hanalei Banjuke Question: Looking for info on my sweet Banjuke: where was it made, who made it, how old, value; any help appreciated! Photos:              Answer: Nancy...that is a sweet banjo uke...Extended long fingerboard and made around the 1920's. 300-400 bucks..don't sell it....if you do don't let it go cheap...it was made in Hawaii. String it up and play it...it deserves to be played. Nice to hear from you...chuck - Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Question asked by: Michael Spieles Subject: My grandfather's Gibson Question: Less than a month ago I bought myself a Kala KA-TEM and started strumming away, but shortly after I got it a family member mentioned that my grandfather had an ukulele at some point, so I asked him about it and the other day he came over with this little guy. He has two slipping tuners, old terrible strings, and two thin cracks on the back of the body. I'm 99% sure this is a Gibson Uke-1 from between 1928 and 1934. I'm curious as to the value, but it'll be staying in the family for certain. Do you have any additional info or advice on this ukulele? Photos:                          Answer: Michael...get it fixed. Its value is affected by the cracks, however it, when fixed up, will be worth 400-500 bucks. It is, as you already know a style 1 gibson but this one has the extended fingerboard. Gibson made many variations. Nice uke and when fixed up should be a great player...keep me posted...chuck - Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Question asked by: Mitchell Frieder Subject: Kamaka Pineapple Question: Hi Chuck, I bought this Kamaka at a thrift store for $10. I'm assuming that it was built between 1954 and 1969. Can you tell me any more about it? Thanks for being there for us, Mitchell Frieder Photos:                          Answer: Go back to the thrift store. Obviously, they know nothing about ukes. It is worth 350-400 bucks and is a sensational player. I still have mine, exactly like yours. I love it. Your information about the age is correct. They still make that same uke. Good strummin....chuck - Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Question asked by: John Bianchi Subject: Wanting to sell Banjo uke Question: Chuck - also answering this one for Peter Daratsos Question asked by: Peter Daratsos Subject: Wish to sell banjo ukulele What Peter bought there is not a ukulele at all, which no doubt you've already sussed out. He's got a Slingerland Maybell tenor banjo, the hardware and dowel indicate its one from the late 20's. Hard to tell condition of neck, etc., but these can go for between $400 and $700, depending on condition. Answer: Thanks for the help. I need all I can get. I will retain the information for the next person who writes in. I will answer it as if I am smart. I will never let on you helped. only kidding...thanks...chuck - Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Question asked by: Naomi Maturino Subject: what is it worth and where do i sell it? Question: i found this at a yard sale ,and my 2 year old loves playing with it but is it worth any thing ?its in nice condition ,almost no scratches Photos:                          Answer: Naomi...first, get your 2 year old a toy, this is not one. This is a collectible ukulele. I'm not sure when I last saw one for sale, but my guess it is worth a few hundred dollars for sure. I will have to do some research to find out exactly who made it, I have had a couple of ukes with the same label. Wait about 10 years and let your child have another go...chuck - Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Question asked by: Brandon Subject: Nobility Tiple Question: Hi, i have a Nobility tiple and i have not been able to find any information on it. The one thing i did find was something about Nobility being associated with Harmony. Any information about when it was made or how much it could be worth would be a great help. Thanks! Photos:              Answer: As the name might suggest, It was made for Royalty only. If you are not at least a Knight, I wouldn't let anyone know you own it, the nobility police will take it away...enough nonsense. It was made by or for Harmony..don't remember the last time I ever saw one, perhaps because I have never seen one. A curiosity..Only a guess, but at least 300 bucks for a value. It was probably made in the 50's, again just a guess. Well, your royal highness, thanks for writing in....prince charles - Tuesday, July 24, 2012

Question asked by: shelley Subject: martin tenor uke Question: Picked up Martin and Co. uke from yard sale, thinking it was a toy guitar. Was in what I assume is original case; handle from case is pulled off case on one side. From Martin web site, figured it to be a tenor from the dimentions. Mahogany wood in gorgeous condition front and back. "made in USA", so after 1962. Dots on fretboard from sound hole are 1-2-1-1-1 which is different than any I could find pics of. Tourtoise shell bindings. I don't know how to put pics on net, so can't send pic. What else do you need to help ID it and put a price on it? I do want to sell it. I figured it was not a kids' toy when I found the boxed pitch pipe in the case! Answer: please send pic...i can tell alot. - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Question asked by: Mark Reddy Subject: Unusual Headstock Question: Hello Chuck, No label, no tabu stamp, no markings whatsoever I'm afraid. Body size, bridge style and rope binding are the same as a couple of Manuel Nunes' that I own. That headstock is another matter... It feels like an honest instrument..it hasn't been messed with at all. The only other comparable headstock seems to be one on the Hall of Fame's site. Lovely arched back, great wood on the neck..a fine, old instrument but a bit of a puzzle..by the way, just recieved a copy of John King and Jim Tranquada's book..I wish there were accompanying pictures. Mark. Answer: speaking of accompanying pictures...please send one - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Question asked by: Jesus Duarte Subject: Favilla Baritone Uke Question: I am doing some research for a friend from California whois is looking to part with several instruments. He is 91 and wants to finance a nice vacation with his wife. The uke has 'Made in the USA' stamped on it and has serial number 907163. Just looking for an idea of what it might be worth. He says it is in good shape but I have never seen it. If it like his guitars I would guess it is. Thnxz in advance. Answer: Tom...any ideas...i'm stumped...best to you and yours...chuck - Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Question asked by: Mark Reddy Subject: Unusual headstock. Question: Hello again Chuck. Tell me about this one. The headstock looks like a top of the line Aloha Akai to me but the body shape seems a little broader than I've seen before. The neck has a pronounced V profile too. It's a lovely early instrument anyway. A rare find in the UK. Thank you, Mark. Photos:                      Answer: Got me...does it have any other labels, carvings, stamps...anything....strange headsstock,almost looks like it didn't start life that way....write me....chuck - Saturday, June 2, 2012

Question asked by: John Musselwhite Subject: Wulschner Question: Hi Chuck! I have these two instruments, what I think might be a taropatch and a round-back mandolin. The mandolin as per the pics says "The Wulschner" inside and the two instruments look very similar. The "taropatch" appears from the nut cuts to be a steel string instrument. There are no serial numbers or labels in either. Any idea about who made them and when? And is this a taropatch? Hope you can help. Thanks! John Photos:                  Answer: John...The little g; guitar shaped instrument is a Mandolinetto...as far as the make, they were made by many companies and all look the same. If you can't find a label, were pretty much out of luck. The other is a Nelopolitan or Bowl backed Mandolin and probably made in Italy. If you look up both the instruments on the on Google, you will see lots of picures to compare them to. Thanks for writing in....chuck - Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Question asked by: Gavin Subject: Antique (pre-1920s) Banjolele friction tuner Question: Hello Chuck! I've heard you are the best person I might ask about a banjolele I picked up. I bought it from a woman who remembers stories about her great aunt playing this gem in speakeasies during prohibition. Unfortunately, it is missing one of the friction tuners, and of course needs a new bridge and strings. Of course, your input on which kind of bridge/strings I might choose would be great. But the mystery I am really itching to figure out is the tuners. Nobody seems to have ever seen pegs of this kind before, let alone be able to help find a new one/set to replace them. As you can imagine, I have been excited to get this thing playable! But the missing peg has been harder to solve than I imagined. Hope you can help! And thanks so much! Gavin Photos:                  Answer: Gavin...as advertised I am the Banjolele Guru in the Universe. Only kidding. I tune my banjo ukes with ukulele (soprano) strings and the bridge will be carried by any music store. I don't use the recommended metal string because I have become very attached to my fingers. As far as the tuner goes, I have seen them, however, I have no idea where you might find one. It will be hit and miss luck. I would write the major music dealers, Bernunzio, Mandolin bros, ...you will find them on line and hope that someone has them..If not, keep the three and get a modern set that will work...seeya...chuck - Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Question asked by: Clay D. Robinson Subject: uke Question: This uke has wooden pegs and wooden braid also has the following info in the hole. Hawaiian Ukulele, Manufactured by Kohala Co. Hawaii. Would be good to know the value and about how old it is. Is it a quality Uke? Any other info would be appreciated. Thanks, Clay 4 Attached files| 2.7MB Photos:                      Answer: Clay...it is a quality ukulele and quite beautiful. Love the color of the Koa wood. You already know the company and it was made in the 20's-30-s. Although the vintage uke market is soft, that uke should bring about 400 bucks. If you like it, don't sell it...you might never fine another example as nice. Hope this helps....chuck - Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Question asked by: quentin Subject: unknown banjo uke Question: HI folks I bought this banjo/uke back in the eighties - no one really knew what it was or by whom. In those days I had 3 luthier friends that liked challenges. One did say that the pearl finish was a very old example of pearl finishes. So now I'm on the search again. Ideally I'm thinking of selling/trading it for a tenor or baritone ukulele but I'd kinda like to know what it is and what it's worth is before I shoot myself in the foot. If anyone out in ukuleleland can point me in the right direction I would be most thankful. Quentin Photos:              Answer: It is really hard to tell because so many makers made identical ukuleles. Have you taken off the pot and looked under the wood piece running down the centre of the banjo. i If there is going to be a maker that is where it will be. If any of our uke yakkers know what it is, I would be pleased if you wrote me...thanks Quentin...chuck - Tuesday, May 1, 2012

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