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 (9 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: 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: 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: Michael Crownhart Subject: Martin soprano Question: 2 cracks and a stress fracture above the bridge and has binding front and back. It belongs to a friend of mine and used to belong to his grandmother. He is looking to sell it, how much is it worth? Photos:          Answer: If the cracks are easily repaired as a player it is worth about 300 dollars. Less than a perfect one would be. I can tell it is the later model by the size fo the fret markers. I love the instrument and would own it as a player...thanks.hope this helps...chuck - Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Question asked by: Geoff Cline Subject: mystery mahogany uke? Question: Any idea what this little beauty is? The earlier botched repairs are fixable...and it is very well made. Thanks in advance! Mahalo. geoff Photos:                          Answer: Geoff...not sure it is mahogany..Hard ot tell from the pics...Maker?? could be any of a dozen making the same style uke in the early teens and twenties. It is worth fixing...They had a lightness to them and a sound that is most pleasing. I wish I did have idea.....It most resembles an early Kumalae. Good luck...chuck - Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Question asked by: wendy Subject: uke Question: i have a uke marveltone # 1248 kinda wondering how old it is and where is came from. My dad traveled a great deal so i have no clue. would like to know Answer: Wendy..please send pic...doesn't sound familiar...hope the pic will tell the story..chuck - Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Question asked by: savvas Subject: a Rare Kumalae Ukelele Question: Hi, the guys over at Ukelele underground recommended you as a person who can really help me get some perspective regarding this Kumalae Ukelele that recently came into my possession. It's in fairly good keep for a piece of wood that is extremely old. Could you shed some light on this Uke and what it may even be worth to a serious buyer? Photos:                          Answer: Sawas. I wish I could agree with you that it is a rare ukulele. It is very common. It was made in the 20's. A serious buyer would either not be interested or already have an example. It is not of collector quality, however I could guess, as others I have had, it will be a very good player and appeal to someone looking for instrument to play rather than collect. It is worth about 250 in today's market. thanks for writing in..chuck - Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Question asked by: George Flink Subject: Shellard Banjo Uke Question: Appearently, Shellard was an English fiddle maker who was approached by some members of the Formby Society to make some banjo ukes in the 70's. I was told that this uke was part of Tsumura's collection. I believe he is now disceased. Answer: George thanks so much for the help..I will add your info my collection of stuff..Always appreciated...chuck - Sunday, April 8, 2012

Question asked by: Bob Caldwell Subject: Martin C-1 Ukelele Question: I have sent my question twice. Are you not getting it? Or don't think it's interesting enough? Answer: Some information takes a little longer which makes it a little more interesting 50's - Sunday, April 8, 2012

Question asked by: Kent Bull Subject: Antique Hawaiian Ukulele?? Question: Hi mate! I stubbled across this at a market. I’ve got no idea of its age, brand, type of wood (some have said koa others mahogany, but it is solid). Would you be able to help me with that? Also, do you think it would be worth restoring? Thanks! Photos:                      Answer: Kent...I cannot tell the exact type without a mark of some kind. The decal was used by many of the early dealers and is still used today. It was made in the 20s30s and is certainly worth restoring. It is in good original condition and the cracks will go back easily. It could have been made by any one of 6 makers. It should be a very good player. thanks...chuck - Thursday, April 5, 2012

Question asked by: Stacey Subject: Martin Style 0 Uke Question: Hi Chuck, I recently received this Martin Style 0 as a gift with what they told me is the original case. It does not have "Made in the USA" underneath the Martin stamp inside. Is this uke from the 1950s? Photos:              Answer: It could be and it could also be earlier. Most likely 50 would be a very good guess. nice gift.....chuck - Thursday, April 5, 2012

Question asked by: David Stuart Subject: Johaan Kea Uke model Question: Hello Chuck. I bought an old Ukulele from an Auction in Wellington New Zealand a few years back. It is a Johaan Kea Laguna Model. I have noticed a number of people asking about these Ukes on the net and for some reason they are often from New Zealand. Can you tell me anything about the make and model I have? It plays well and is in very nice condition. I can send a photo if you like. Best regards, David Stuart. Answer: David...I can't yet give you info, however I am close in Australia and I will hunt...will let you know what I find...chuck - Thursday, April 5, 2012

Question asked by: Frank Brown Subject: Kohler and Chase Ukelele Question: I have an old (I think) Kohler and Chase Ukelele. Can't find out anything about it and found your website. Hopefully you can tell me something about it. thanks Frank Answer: Any one out there know....Help...chuck - Thursday, April 5, 2012

Question asked by: Howard Shiroma Subject: K. Yasuma Tiple Question: I recently purchased a K. Yasuma Tiple and I love the sound. It is difficult to keep in tune and I knew this before I purchased it. The Tiple is in good condition and the tuning heads appear to be original. Q1: Is there anyway to adjust the tuning heads so they will stay in tune longer i.e. longer than one song? (I don't want to tighten the screws on the side for fear of messing the heads up unless tightening them will keep the strings in tune longer). Q2: I it possible to purchase replacement tuning heads (And I am aware that the K. Yasuma Co. is no longer around). Any recommendations as to who might make replacement tuning heads? (I've seen websites for screwmac, Grover, Schaller, etc. who may make tuning heads for Tiples but wonder if the replacements would cure the problem of the strings going out of tune?) Any thoughts, advice would be appreciated. I just don't want to do anything before I know what may work as I don't want to break the Tiple. Thanks. Answer: Howard, if the screws you refer to are the ones on the end of the tuners, they are designed to tighten the string setting. If that doesn't work, then I would contact Martin and Company as their Tiple sets are identical. Good luck...I love the Yasuma instrument...real workmanship...chuck - Thursday, April 5, 2012

Question asked by: Paul Subject: Help identifying this banjolele Question: Hi! Awesome site. I bought this banjo-uke at a thrift store over the weekend for a steal. I don't really care what it's worth because I don't plan on selling it. It's too awesome for that. It's in great shape and plays really well. I'd just like some help identifying its make and approximate year if possible. It doesn't have any markings on it, but it did have two uke books from the 60s in its beat up old case with it. That doesn't help much I'm sure, but I've just been assuming that's when it was made. If you or anyone knows based on just the look that would be awesome. Thanks! Photos:          Answer: Very nice banjo uke. I would open the back, take the pot off, and look at the dowel stick. The maker may be on the underside of the stick, a dental mirror and a flash-light will help a lot. I would place the year of manufacture earlier, in the 30's or 40's. I hope it sounds as good as it looks. Looks like it is strung with metal strings, if so, I would suggest trying a good set (South Coast Heavy} strings. Its a great sound and saves having to replace your fingers. Let us know what you decide. Good score - Thursday, April 5, 2012

Question asked by: Rusty Subject: Martin tuners Question: Hi I have a Martin Baritone, early sixties. The tuners are hard to operate, and one knob is split. Should I replace? Do new tuners adversely effect the value? What tuner would fit correctly? geared or one to one? Thank You Rusty Photos:                  Answer: If you order them from Martin and Co.it will not effect the value. Thanks for the question...chuck - Thursday, April 5, 2012

Question asked by: Tom Favilla Subject: Some Favilla uke answers Question: Chuck, We got to stop meeting like this. hi hi. Got answers for two questions just raised. Rob Pacitti scored a great buy on a teardrop uke (I'll offer him double for it). To answer his question as to a replacement tuning machine, contact The Stewart McDonald company (stewmac.com) and order their # 0176 ukulele friction peg. Bari Boland wrote asking about the Marca Aquila label in his uke. It is genuine. There were about three slight variations that were used (1895-1915) and some sporadically until 1920. The photo's one of my father Herk with his favorite banjo. The other, of Jimmy D'Aquisto and John D'Angelico Best as alway Chuck. Tom Favilla Photos:          Answer: Your a Gem As long as we are both breathing, I assume we will keep meeting this way. One of the joys of life. Thanks as usual, You need to write the History of Favilla ....You have all the knowledge...My best to you and yours and your knowledge. Thanks friend....chuck - Thursday, April 5, 2012

Question asked by: George Flink Subject: Shellard Banjo Uke Question: Hi Chuck, Thought you might enjoy some pictures of a Shellard banjo uke I recently bought on ebay. george Photos:                          Answer: George thanks, its not often I see something I want for myself, Ok that is a lie. This certainly qualifies. It is beautiful and I was not familiar with the make. Any more info would be appreciated. Thanks for sharing, you made my day...chuck - Thursday, April 5, 2012

Question asked by: Steve Subject: DeVekey Question: Chuck If Ashley had the missing pieces repaired and is in otherwise good condition it could be worth anything up to around £1000. The cases on all De Vekey's are usually bad but worth trying a minor restore with some suitable glue. The Style 4 is the rarest. I was originally told there were only 6 made but I know where a dozen or more of these are. George Harrison used to own one that he swapped a Gibson banjo uke with past president of the GFS Bernard Delfont. It took me 10 years to track one that was for sale. They're a lovely sweet tone but not to everyone's taste. Keep up the good work Steve Answer: Steve, thanks for the info always appreciated. I, as usual, will use your information adn give you no credit. That way, people will think I am smart. Just kidding steve, You da man....chuck - Thursday, April 5, 2012

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