I found one on eBay for USD 58, shipping included and could not resist it, based on your review. This is the 4th uke I have bought based on your reviews, and I have not been disappointed yet!
I am currently on holiday abroad (normally based in the UK) and was planning to buy a uke tomorrow. After watching this amazing video I might buy this Flight one. By the way, Barry, your channel is terrific and your reviews breath honesty and passion. It's really a pleasure to get educated on this beautiful instrument this way. Keep up the great work.
Great review - got the last one in the shop on the basis of your review Barry, and I do love it! So that's 3 ukes in a month. I need to stop watching your channel :-)
You see the trouble is you're not wrong! I blummin' love this one. And unfortunately I've just seen the review for the Kiwaya KSU 1L. Why, Barry, why? :-) Mind you, it does seem like you can get several good quality ukes for the price of a fairly bog-standard electric guitar, so it would be rude not to.
Bought this ukulele six months ago and I love it! I do recommend, because is just a great quality beginner (and it sound great) ukulele. I hope my next purchase will be at least as good.
I GOT ONE!!!!! I didn't want my good ukes to get smashed by cops, so I got the Grafitti design, and I LOVE IT! It just came today! Got it just cos of you and GirlMeetsUke, you two are so wonderful!
Thanks for this review! I was looking for a uke for my little one. Initially I was looking at one of those $20 colorful ones and figured I could replace it if need be. This one isn't a whole lot more, sounds great and looks pretty rugged. I'm thinking it might just fit the bill, and it'll be something I can play too, (don't have a soprano yet).
@@GotAUkulele You were so right, this Flight travel uke sounds great! Much better than the "entry level" uke I purchased a couple years back. Because of its build, I'm not afraid to let my 3 year old play with it. And I leave it out versus in a case, so I find I'm playing more. Thanks!
I had to watch this video again. I especially love the finger styling part here. That is just beautiful. And I just caught you said this sounds like a Flea. Really? Because I really like those a lot in how they sound, but I do get my mind bent a bit on the price, given they are largely plastic. I've wanted to start with a concert size, but this model has me reconsidering that. At least I'd be able to take this one along with me wherever I go and not worry about it. That might be nice. Thanks for making so many wonderful review videos. They're so helpful and I appreciate your honesty. Because of it, I believe you when you say you like ukes, or aspects of them because I've heard you say it when you haven't.
@@GotAUkulele Wow. Thank you for the confirmation. I like the flea sound very much. Amazing that something so similar can be gotten for far lower of a price. Thank you again!
When I saw the term 'travel', I wondered, as I have never understood the way that some sopranos are marketed as that, when any soprano is easy enough to travel with. (I have travelled with several ukes of different sizes, and never found that a problem.) But you talking about the construction, it does make sense here. Now, if I can only use that as an argument to override my wife's 1-in, 1-out policy... ;)
Just received mine in the post this afternoon; oredered as soon as they were back in stock with the discount code you have on your review! Sounds nice so far, strings stills settling in. Only problem I'm having is the headstock seems sharp where my hand needs to reach over when playing certain chords (ie between index finger & thumb) - hopefully I'll be able to work round that after playing it a little more. Thanks a lot for the review. Jeanette
This review has put this on my wishlist for my upcoming birthday, except the TUS32 model - same set up just the top looks different - it's very pretty and fun looking. So excited to get it after how happy I am with my concert I got after watching your review of it 😁.
I just got this one for 30 £, brand new! It arrives tomorrow, can't wait. I've only just started playing with a Populele 2 ukulele, but since my daughter wants to play that one so often I wanted a durable and affordable smaller one for her to play together with me. I think this fits the ticket perfectly. :-)
Just bought a soprano Flea yesterday. I like it overall but hate the D'Adario Nyletek strings. They are big, fat and feel like slick plastic. The E string sounds dead. Very disappointed. I will be changing them to Aquila Sugar Strings ASAP and will also upgrade the cheap and stiff tuners.
Really love all your informative and down-to-earth videos. Was wondering since you posted this review of the Flight Travel ukulele back in 2018, have you experienced any issues with the bridge such as cracks developing caused by the strings? I've read some other reviews where this has occured. I'm so wanting to purchase this travel uke but wonder about any bridge problems. Many thanks!!! 😁👍
I watched a recent review that you recorded, for a Amazon ‘Special’, that was as expensive as this little gem. I’D buy this one for myself but what a first ukulele for a child!? I love this little bugger! 🤷♂️ The grandson will be getting one of these, for his birthday...after I break it in for him of course...😜
I was just about to order a Dolphin for my "rucksack" / "cycle touring " uke. Now im thinking this is maybe a better option. How was the action on this one? I presume its not really adjustable so thats a plus for the dolphin. Nice Review Baz!
Thank you very much for the review, you convinced me on this as my first ukulele! Just onequestion, do you think it is possible to change the tuning pegs from this geared to friction ones? (i like them better from an aesthetic point of view but if it isn't possible or useless i will keep the geared ones). Thank you again.
Nicola Vajente I suspect it might be possible but fraught with issues. The headstock is plastic so you will immediately face issues if you need to widen peg holes
Actually I like it. I like Flight ever since you did the other review of Amara model. I prefer a concert though. How wide is the nut? Happy Easter Barry! Another great review.
Hi... Is it really a durable travel uke, considering the top is made out of Linden wood...? Coz maybe then it's not water resistant like the other full plastic uke... What's your thought...? I like the new motive they just released...
Like a Flea it’s more durable than most ukes but not as durable as a full plastic uke. But it sounds leagues better than any full plastic I’ve ever played
Thanks for review!!! You have reviewed the enya nova as well in the past. Do you think the sound of this flight travel uke has less of a harmonica sound than the enya nova?
I am comparing a flight duc-323 with a kala ka-cg concert ukulele. I really want to know what you think which one I should get. I am a beginner by the way and own a donner dus-3 soprano currently. Really want to upgrade to a good quality, nice tone concert. I love your reviews and really respect your thoughts! Thanks in advance!
I probably will go with kala because I really like the gloss finish. But it was nice to know you like them both, meaning I can't go wrong either way :) Thanks!
I bought one of the coloured ones (red) as this one wasn't available when I ordered mine.I like it but I do find that the strings are spaced slightly more widely apart than the strings on my Makala Dolphin and Octopus which results in the G and A strings being closer to the edge of the fretboard .I find this makes it slightly more difficult to play certain chords but this might just be a question of adjusting to a slightly different instrument.Same goes for the more rounded back too.I find the sound of my one is not as thin as the Octopus and brighter than the Dolphin, it's just not as easy or comfortable to play for me but this is just a personal observation and I hope that with perseverance I can overcome it.
Alan Moore re the back - this is an issue that people find with the flea - it is slippery - people find success taping Velcro or non slip pads to the back. Re the string spacing a lot of people count that as a positive - I certainly do as I have big hands!
I shall try that tip with the velcro, thanks. I have large hands too.I took it into work today to show a colleague who wants to buy a new ukulele and he loved it and said he found it much easier to play than the Octopus that I had lent him .Just shows that these things are often just a question of personal taste. I'm going to show him the Dolphin tomorrow but I think the Flight will take some beating in his eyes.I still love the sound so don't regret buying it.
Postscript: A month or so on and I've decided to part company with mine. I was not able to adapt to the round back or the sharp edge that dug into my forearm when playing it or the G and A strings being too close to the edge of the fretboard for my liking .I still think it's sounds great.The moral of the story is try before you buy I suppose. I was unable to because my local music shops don't stock them but as it was so cheap I thought it was worth a punt. The new owner loves it though so it might just be me that it doesn't suit.
Barry - I know that you don't like to recommend strings - I really do. But specifically because you said you don't think Aquila's are suitable, what do you think you would put? Your favorite fluorocarbon?
No I don’t and I can’t here. All fluoro is essentially the same stuff just in different gauges. If you like light gauges, get something like Worth lights. Like heavier, get Worth mediums. I swear the differences between most of them are in people’s heads!
@@GotAUkulele That's too bad. I really like it as a travel uke because it has no wood, a cleaner sound, and quieter than the flight. Supposedly made of stronger materials than the Kala Waterman. Action is lower too.
I've been around ukes long enough to remember when the choice was absolutely minimal. Either a Hawaiian K Brand (which you needed to get imported from the USA to us over here), a couple of Kalas, Ohanas, the Bushman.. and then a raft of utter junk.
@@GotAUkulele That's very true. I remember saving for a Kala baritone years ago and in all honesty it still wasn't that good. Much better than some of the tat that was about though. I think that the advent of brands like Makala really made half decent ukes affordable. IMO.
I'd agree with that. The launch of the Dolphin in particular marked a turning point I think. You still get a lot of junk, but the market really expanded on the affordable yet not awful side of things.
Hi Barry , Great Video Just Wondering If I Could Ask You , Is It Possible To Fit This Flight Travel Soprano Ukulele In A Small Carry On Bag Or Backpack ?
It’s about the size of a Flea so will easily go in backpacks. If you mean carry on for air travel - depends entirely on the carrier. Most Uk carriers now have restrictions where even regular sopranos are too big
Common that this can happen as a uke settles if it came with low action - try a shim of paper under the saddle and re-string. It's what I do all that time with even high end instruments.
Hi! What ukulele would you recomend for a long time guitar player with big hands/arms and I'm gonna use a ukulele for long travels on my motorcycle. It's so much to choose from and as I am not a ukulele player (yet) I dont know what to look for.. Thanks for answers!
Not being difficult but its impossible to answer. All my reviews tell you my views only on those I reviewed (read the full written reviews, dont rely on the videos, they are just support) - and look for those score 8 or more. reason why it's hard to be precise when you say 'big hands' etc - is that varies massively - best advice is to go to local music shop and try some sizes out. Whilst many will tell you if you are a guitar player that a tenor will be a good match, i'm a guitar player and mainly play soprano - it's not that simple you see!
Sorry - never recommend strings - it's too personal a choice - we all hear sound differently and play differently. I only recommend people buy a few distinct sets and test them - then trust their own judgement
@@GotAUkulele Fair enough. I meant the coarse direction. E.g. try Flourcarbon. I own this uke for my and my daughter. I sometimes find the sound sort of droney. I have some new Flourcarbon strings lying around. So if they would give a less droney sound.. I would try them out.
@@JohannesHeld That's part of the problem with string recommendations - some like fluoro, some like nylon, some like Nylgut - Different strokes for different folks!
Isn't it the mahilele? In Italy you can buy it at mercatinodellukulele.it and they look really similar. By the way I have a red mahilele, that's why I've noticed. The bridge is the same, the headstock is the same the freatboard too, etc... www.mahimahiukulele.it/712-2/
Yes, as I say in the video - same production line, but these were made for Flight. Only Flight offer the walnut top version. Headstocks are actually different too, plus you get a decent bag with the Flight making it better value.
Hi, Barry! What do you think, are these plastic frets resistant enough (like in the flea)? Instrument looks attractive, plastic construction is just perfect to take it to scouts' camp (it would be a gift for my son that almost killed his waterman after 2 years of playing), but the frets- I'm afraid it can be a lottery... Thanks for another good review!
Hi I’ve been playing the ukulele for about four years now and I figured I needed an upgrade some time and I wanted to get a tenor. Any suggestions ?? I wanted to get a grestch g9120 but I’m not sure as of now.
I don’t give out individual recommendations. Not only are there too many, but tastes vary on styles and budgets. I’d rather my reviews spoke for themselves. This is the full list and all those with scores of 8 out of 10 or more are recommended. www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
Sorry - have a policy of never recommending strings. It's just totally subjective. What we all hear and how we play differs, so what one person likes another may not. The best thing is to get 2 or 3 contrasting sets and try them all out - then trust what sounds best to you
@@GotAUkulele Did you ever do the video where you showed this use with changed strings? I think you mentioned in the initial review video of it that you were going to switch them out for a different brand and let us hear that. Thanks.
Herr Berg it’s a good place to start. Then buy some sets and trust your ears. There are no bad strings, but you will like some more than others. Which ones i can’t tell you!
@@GotAUkulele That sounds like good advice. As playing the ukulele is a new (and exciting) hobby for me, it would probably take a while to even hear the difference.
Not played the 35 but I’m told they are identical. The tops differ in colour and outer veneer but they are all laminate so don’t carry tonal signatures.
@@GotAUkulele Thanks for that feedback. I've been holding off getting one of these because I've very much wanted to begin with a concert size. I wish Flight would make these in concert size, but I've been thinking more about starting with one of these anyway because I'm not able to purchase a concert size I really like just yet, but I could snatch one of these up and just get going (I still don't have my first use!)
I don't think the consumer units come with bags. Mine and Alan's, who commented on the blog, didn't while at no point is it mentioned on the Flight website.
In years to come, all Flight travel ukuleles will be rounded up and destroyed for the good of humanity. Why? Because, three months ago, whilst looking for a present for the son of a friend, I came across a TUS35 (the coloured top version of the travel uke). I realised that, if I got one I'd have to teach him how to play, so I got one for myself at the same time so that we could learn together. From that moment on, I've been hooked. If it wasn't for the Flight travel ukulele, I would probably never have started playing. As my existence as a ukulele player is so closely bound to this instrument, anyone who hears me playing now, or in the future, would gladly throw their travel uke onto the pyre so that, for the sake of ukulele playing and musicality in general, no one will ever again be able to tread the path that has inflicted my musicality upon the world. Seriously though, although I have now moved on to a laminate concert uke (Flight DUC325 - similar to the spruce / zebrawood all laminate soprano that you reviewed). The TU35 is a fantastic instrument for the money (or a great instrument full stop) and, because of the uniformity of construction, they'd be a pretty safe bet for an online purchase. I got mine in a shop and, when I tried it, even though I was / am / always will be relatively clueless, it clearly sounded and felt so much better than the "sub" entry level ukes in that price bracket. Only later did I realise that I'd stumbled upon a little gem. Had I known about the natural top and fancy versions (which retail for about £5 more than the coloured versions), I would definitely have sought out one of those instead. I can confirm your prediction that the paint on the frets would wear off pretty quickly (mine looks fretless up to about the 5th fret and the paint under the E and A strings has pretty much gone altogether) but, it's only cosmetic and I tend to think that genuine wear adds character to any instrument (or, if it's Fender custom shop, "wear" it adds at least £1,000 to the price :-) ) plus, if you're buying this for a child, at least you'll know instantly whether or not they've been practising. :-) This would be a good starter uke for a child because of its size, playability and durability. Initially, I felt that it was a bit cramped for me although, as I've (allegedly) improved, I find that, despite the smaller scale, I can manage to play most of the stuff that I can play on a larger scale instrument. Although, ultimately, I'm likely to focus around concert and tenor sized instruments (My laminate concert uke should do me for a while - even though it was only about £20 more than the starting point for beginner instruments, I seem to have got a lot for the extra money). If I move into solid top territory, or beyond , it'll probably be with tenors in mind. I'm unlikely to get, want, or need another soprano, although, I can't see it ever falling out of use completely and, if I was going away for a day or two where I knew I'd be at a loose end, I'd definitely have my TU35S with me.
@@GotAUkulele Thank you sir - for the record, let me worry about where I'm going, and you can do the worrying about where I might end up :-) :-) :-). Talking of "ending up", having got lucky with the travel uke, I quickly made the harsh discovery via a couple of ill starred online purchases on the way to getting my concert ukulele, that, when it comes to ukuleles, whilst, it's possible to end up with more than what you paid for, it's much easier to end up with less so your reviews, both here and on the website, have been greatly appreciated. In these few short months, I have come to think of you as the John Peel of ukulele reviews (I hope that accolade is appreciated) and, although I may commit the occasional heresy, with my purchases at least, thanks to your reviews, I'll have a good idea of what I'm letting myself in for.
I found one on eBay for USD 58, shipping included and could not resist it, based on your review. This is the 4th uke I have bought based on your reviews, and I have not been disappointed yet!
I dont know why but I trust you more than anyone else on my uke purchase
Thank you!
I am currently on holiday abroad (normally based in the UK) and was planning to buy a uke tomorrow. After watching this amazing video I might buy this Flight one. By the way, Barry, your channel is terrific and your reviews breath honesty and passion. It's really a pleasure to get educated on this beautiful instrument this way. Keep up the great work.
Thanks so much
Great review - got the last one in the shop on the basis of your review Barry, and I do love it! So that's 3 ukes in a month. I need to stop watching your channel :-)
Steve Button oops
You see the trouble is you're not wrong! I blummin' love this one. And unfortunately I've just seen the review for the
Kiwaya KSU 1L. Why, Barry, why? :-) Mind you, it does seem like you can get several good quality ukes for the price of a
fairly bog-standard electric guitar, so it would be rude not to.
Steve Button those Kiwaya ukes really are no brainers
Aaargh!
@@GotAUkulele I think my next one will have to be an electro though.
Bought this ukulele six months ago and I love it! I do recommend, because is just a great quality beginner (and it sound great) ukulele. I hope my next purchase will be at least as good.
Yes - it's a great beginner option!
Dear Barry , I ‘m a beginner from French Guiana and I like all your very
complete reviews , thank you!
My pleasure!
I GOT ONE!!!!! I didn't want my good ukes to get smashed by cops, so I got the Grafitti design, and I LOVE IT! It just came today! Got it just cos of you and GirlMeetsUke, you two are so wonderful!
Good choice!
Picked one up second hand with the Elise Ecklund print, it actually is lovely. Awesome little thing really.
Thanks for this review!
I was looking for a uke for my little one. Initially I was looking at one of those $20 colorful ones and figured I could replace it if need be.
This one isn't a whole lot more, sounds great and looks pretty rugged. I'm thinking it might just fit the bill, and it'll be something I can play too, (don't have a soprano yet).
sunriseshell oh this is MUCH better than those! Massively!
@@GotAUkulele You were so right,
this Flight travel uke sounds great!
Much better than the "entry level" uke I purchased a couple years back.
Because of its build, I'm not afraid to let my 3 year old play with it. And I leave it out versus in a case, so I find I'm playing more.
Thanks!
Such a cool uke! I like it a lot! Thanks, Barry!
I had to watch this video again. I especially love the finger styling part here. That is just beautiful. And I just caught you said this sounds like a Flea. Really? Because I really like those a lot in how they sound, but I do get my mind bent a bit on the price, given they are largely plastic. I've wanted to start with a concert size, but this model has me reconsidering that. At least I'd be able to take this one along with me wherever I go and not worry about it. That might be nice. Thanks for making so many wonderful review videos. They're so helpful and I appreciate your honesty. Because of it, I believe you when you say you like ukes, or aspects of them because I've heard you say it when you haven't.
It does sound VERY like the Flea!
@@GotAUkulele Wow. Thank you for the confirmation. I like the flea sound very much. Amazing that something so similar can be gotten for far lower of a price. Thank you again!
When I saw the term 'travel', I wondered, as I have never understood the way that some sopranos are marketed as that, when any soprano is easy enough to travel with. (I have travelled with several ukes of different sizes, and never found that a problem.) But you talking about the construction, it does make sense here. Now, if I can only use that as an argument to override my wife's 1-in, 1-out policy... ;)
Just received mine in the post this afternoon; oredered as soon as they were back in stock with the discount code you have on your review! Sounds nice so far, strings stills settling in. Only problem I'm having is the headstock seems sharp where my hand needs to reach over when playing certain chords (ie between index finger & thumb) - hopefully I'll be able to work round that after playing it a little more. Thanks a lot for the review. Jeanette
This review has put this on my wishlist for my upcoming birthday, except the TUS32 model - same set up just the top looks different - it's very pretty and fun looking. So excited to get it after how happy I am with my concert I got after watching your review of it 😁.
Yeah - the different tops on these are purely visual differences. They all sound the same. Good lttle ukes
Ordered on your recommendation, can't wait for it to arrive :)
I think you will enjoy it!
It's great fun, thanks for your excellent reviews.
2nd uke I've bought in two days on your recommendation!
Good choice
I just got this one for 30 £, brand new! It arrives tomorrow, can't wait. I've only just started playing with a Populele 2 ukulele, but since my daughter wants to play that one so often I wanted a durable and affordable smaller one for her to play together with me. I think this fits the ticket perfectly. :-)
They are great - enjoy it!
Just bought a soprano Flea yesterday. I like it overall but hate the D'Adario Nyletek strings. They are big, fat and feel like slick plastic. The E string sounds dead. Very disappointed. I will be changing them to Aquila Sugar Strings ASAP and will also upgrade the cheap and stiff tuners.
Really love all your informative and down-to-earth videos. Was wondering since you posted this review of the Flight Travel ukulele back in 2018, have you experienced any issues with the bridge such as cracks developing caused by the strings? I've read some other reviews where this has occured. I'm so wanting to purchase this travel uke but wonder about any bridge problems.
Many thanks!!! 😁👍
no - none at all - they have, however changed the bridge now I think. It now has a separate saddle piece. Much better.
i just bought one...thanks to Flight and Barry for discount and review ;-)
I watched a recent review that you recorded, for a Amazon ‘Special’, that was as expensive as this little gem. I’D buy this one for myself but what a first ukulele for a child!? I love this little bugger! 🤷♂️ The grandson will be getting one of these, for his birthday...after I break it in for him of course...😜
I gave this to a 6 year old daughter of a family friend - she loves it. Tough as old boots too
What strings would you recommend for this one Barry?
Will be personal choice only - what I like others may not, but I put worth browns on my Flea
Thanks. I haven`t tried the Worth brand yet. Cheers.
Aaaaanaand it's gone (and the colored versions are selling out too)! Hahaha! Obviously, everyone bought one immediately. Amazing review as usual, Baz!
Oops! Still on Amazon I think? No discount there, but still cheap anyway
GotAUkulele True! Thank you, Baz!!!!!
Always enjoy your reviews!
Glad to hear it! Thank you!
I was just about to order a Dolphin for my "rucksack" / "cycle touring " uke. Now im thinking this is maybe a better option. How was the action on this one? I presume its not really adjustable so thats a plus for the dolphin. Nice Review Baz!
Not adjustable but fine. Due to the way it's made - they will all be identical
Are you going to review any of the Lohanus? I am debating if I should buy one and I really appreciate your views on ukes in general.
I’ll review one if they send me one on loan. Have asked but had no response. That’s really the only way they get featured
Thank you very much for the review, you convinced me on this as my first ukulele! Just onequestion, do you think it is possible to change the tuning pegs from this geared to friction ones? (i like them better from an aesthetic point of view but if it isn't possible or useless i will keep the geared ones). Thank you again.
Nicola Vajente I suspect it might be possible but fraught with issues. The headstock is plastic so you will immediately face issues if you need to widen peg holes
That was my fear, nevermind i'll keep the geared pegs. thank you for the really fast reply.
Nice Uke. I think if I ever need a outdoor Uke, this will be it!
Perfect for that I think
Actually I like it. I like Flight ever since you did the other review of Amara model. I prefer a concert though. How wide is the nut? Happy Easter Barry! Another great review.
Bob - good point - I forgot to put that in the written review - it's 35mm and I just edited it into the review!
That is a good size nut. A very good price (better deal than the flea) for a great sounding uke. Thanks again.
Hi... Is it really a durable travel uke, considering the top is made out of Linden wood...? Coz maybe then it's not water resistant like the other full plastic uke... What's your thought...? I like the new motive they just released...
Like a Flea it’s more durable than most ukes but not as durable as a full plastic uke. But it sounds leagues better than any full plastic I’ve ever played
@@GotAUkulele thx for your answer...
LydiaZ top dhould be walnut on main flight site it is walnut
Lina Paulina this one is walnut. All the other travels are Linden. But whether Linden or Walnut they are laminates
GotAUkulele that is what I just said.. the only one out of these kind with a walnut top.
Thanks for review!!! You have reviewed the enya nova as well in the past. Do you think the sound of this flight travel uke has less of a harmonica sound than the enya nova?
I actually prefer this, but it's a very unfair comparison - they are built completely differently.
GotAUkulele piggy backing off that comment - how does the Lava U compare?
I am comparing a flight duc-323 with a kala ka-cg concert ukulele. I really want to know what you think which one I should get. I am a beginner by the way and own a donner dus-3 soprano currently. Really want to upgrade to a good quality, nice tone concert. I love your reviews and really respect your thoughts! Thanks in advance!
They are completely different things - hard to compare really. I like both.
I probably will go with kala because I really like the gloss finish. But it was nice to know you like them both, meaning I can't go wrong either way :) Thanks!
ordering today. thanks!!
Hope you like it!
@@GotAUkulele what do you think of the oscar schmidt ou2?
@@charisvaughnvocals Never played anything by OS - they are not sold in the UK. Sorry!
I bought one of the coloured ones (red) as this one wasn't available when I ordered mine.I like it but I do find that the strings are spaced slightly more widely apart than the strings on my Makala Dolphin and Octopus which results in the G and A strings being closer to the edge of the fretboard .I find this makes it slightly more difficult to play certain chords but this might just be a question of adjusting to a slightly different instrument.Same goes for the more rounded back too.I find the sound of my one is not as thin as the Octopus and brighter than the Dolphin, it's just not as easy or comfortable to play for me but this is just a personal observation and I hope that with perseverance I can overcome it.
Alan Moore re the back - this is an issue that people find with the flea - it is slippery - people find success taping Velcro or non slip pads to the back. Re the string spacing a lot of people count that as a positive - I certainly do as I have big hands!
I shall try that tip with the velcro, thanks. I have large hands too.I took it into work today to show a colleague who wants to buy a new ukulele and he loved it and said he found it much easier to play than the Octopus that I had lent him .Just shows that these things are often just a question of personal taste. I'm going to show him the Dolphin tomorrow but I think the Flight will take some beating in his eyes.I still love the sound so don't regret buying it.
Postscript: A month or so on and I've decided to part company with mine. I was not able to adapt to the round back or the sharp edge that dug into my forearm when playing it or the G and A strings being too close to the edge of the fretboard for my liking .I still think it's sounds great.The moral of the story is try before you buy I suppose. I was unable to because my local music shops don't stock them but as it was so cheap I thought it was worth a punt. The new owner loves it though so it might just be me that it doesn't suit.
Love your videos
Thank you!
It's like an Ovation guitar and a ukulele met and... ;) BTW, have you done any reviews on Leho ukes?
I haven’t I’m afraid. Don’t really see them much over here.
Barry - I know that you don't like to recommend strings - I really do. But specifically because you said you don't think Aquila's are suitable, what do you think you would put? Your favorite fluorocarbon?
No I don’t and I can’t here. All fluoro is essentially the same stuff just in different gauges. If you like light gauges, get something like Worth lights. Like heavier, get Worth mediums. I swear the differences between most of them are in people’s heads!
My favourite? I use Seaguar fishing line and adjust the gauges to suit
Hi. Thanks for the videos. Will you be reviewing anything by Brunswick?
Yes I have a concert model coming in a few weeks time
GotAUkulele great stuff!
Got this one, but I like the outdoor ukulele a bit better. Have you reviewed it?
Afraid not. They don’t seem to want to loan one to me for review
@@GotAUkulele That's too bad. I really like it as a travel uke because it has no wood, a cleaner sound, and quieter than the flight. Supposedly made of stronger materials than the Kala Waterman. Action is lower too.
I have the solid bamboo version of the Alic soprano. It's the best sounding soprano I've ever owned.
What strikes me about this is that it sounds, to my ears, at least as good as the Magic Fluke Flea - but costs about 1/7 of the price
@@GotAUkulele Agreed. There are some great budget instruments on the market now.
I've been around ukes long enough to remember when the choice was absolutely minimal. Either a Hawaiian K Brand (which you needed to get imported from the USA to us over here), a couple of Kalas, Ohanas, the Bushman.. and then a raft of utter junk.
@@GotAUkulele That's very true. I remember saving for a Kala baritone years ago and in all honesty it still wasn't that good. Much better than some of the tat that was about though. I think that the advent of brands like Makala really made half decent ukes affordable. IMO.
I'd agree with that. The launch of the Dolphin in particular marked a turning point I think. You still get a lot of junk, but the market really expanded on the affordable yet not awful side of things.
Hi Barry , Great Video
Just Wondering If I Could Ask You , Is It Possible To Fit This Flight Travel Soprano Ukulele In A Small Carry On Bag Or Backpack ?
It’s about the size of a Flea so will easily go in backpacks. If you mean carry on for air travel - depends entirely on the carrier. Most Uk carriers now have restrictions where even regular sopranos are too big
Fantastic Video, Keep up the good work!
After three months my tus50 is buzzing i change strings but not change the bad sound.
Common that this can happen as a uke settles if it came with low action - try a shim of paper under the saddle and re-string. It's what I do all that time with even high end instruments.
Hi! What ukulele would you recomend for a long time guitar player with big hands/arms and I'm gonna use a ukulele for long travels on my motorcycle. It's so much to choose from and as I am not a ukulele player (yet) I dont know what to look for.. Thanks for answers!
Not being difficult but its impossible to answer. All my reviews tell you my views only on those I reviewed (read the full written reviews, dont rely on the videos, they are just support) - and look for those score 8 or more. reason why it's hard to be precise when you say 'big hands' etc - is that varies massively - best advice is to go to local music shop and try some sizes out. Whilst many will tell you if you are a guitar player that a tenor will be a good match, i'm a guitar player and mainly play soprano - it's not that simple you see!
What strings would you recommend instead of the prefitted Aquila strings?
Sorry - never recommend strings - it's too personal a choice - we all hear sound differently and play differently. I only recommend people buy a few distinct sets and test them - then trust their own judgement
@@GotAUkulele Fair enough. I meant the coarse direction. E.g. try Flourcarbon.
I own this uke for my and my daughter. I sometimes find the sound sort of droney.
I have some new Flourcarbon strings lying around. So if they would give a less droney sound.. I would try them out.
@@JohannesHeld That's part of the problem with string recommendations - some like fluoro, some like nylon, some like Nylgut - Different strokes for different folks!
Awesome content ! Really loved the images ! I wish I'll be able to get here one day
These are super affordable Tom
Do they make a concert size with all those characteristics?
Don’t believe so. But then with a 35mm nut on this, and 15 frets.. it doesn’t really feel like a soprano
Isn't it the mahilele? In Italy you can buy it at mercatinodellukulele.it and they look really similar. By the way I have a red mahilele, that's why I've noticed. The bridge is the same, the headstock is the same the freatboard too, etc...
www.mahimahiukulele.it/712-2/
Yes, as I say in the video - same production line, but these were made for Flight. Only Flight offer the walnut top version. Headstocks are actually different too, plus you get a decent bag with the Flight making it better value.
My gawd it's got some punch in there...thanks for showing us this ...
Certainly has!
Hi, Barry! What do you think, are these plastic frets resistant enough (like in the flea)? Instrument looks attractive, plastic construction is just perfect to take it to scouts' camp (it would be a gift for my son that almost killed his waterman after 2 years of playing), but the frets- I'm afraid it can be a lottery... Thanks for another good review!
I think they should last as long as a Flea - and people get different mileage out of those. But then this is only 40...
Thanks a lot! My son got crazy about this uke... We found it quite cheap here, in Poland and it's decided - we'll buy it :-) Best regards - Michał
Can you do a review on the flight Sophia tenor ukulele?
I don't have a Sophia planned, but do have another from the same series coming in the New Year...
Hi I’ve been playing the ukulele for about four years now and I figured I needed an upgrade some time and I wanted to get a tenor. Any suggestions ?? I wanted to get a grestch g9120 but I’m not sure as of now.
I don’t give out individual recommendations. Not only are there too many, but tastes vary on styles and budgets. I’d rather my reviews spoke for themselves. This is the full list and all those with scores of 8 out of 10 or more are recommended. www.gotaukulele.com/p/ukulele-reviews.html
Хороший обзор и играете Вы классно
Спасибо!
I ve got this one!
Súper i love it each day more!!
Glad you enjoy it!
Yeh, I thing I need buy this tiny beauty :)
Юлия Вас, they are a lot of fun!
What strings do you feel would sound better? Love your reviews! Thank you.
Sorry - have a policy of never recommending strings. It's just totally subjective. What we all hear and how we play differs, so what one person likes another may not. The best thing is to get 2 or 3 contrasting sets and try them all out - then trust what sounds best to you
@@GotAUkulele Did you ever do the video where you showed this use with changed strings? I think you mentioned in the initial review video of it that you were going to switch them out for a different brand and let us hear that. Thanks.
Creating Beauty I didn’t I’m afraid.
Which strings would you recommend?
Herr Berg I never recommend string brands. It’s just too personal and we all hear and play in different ways. What I like you may not.
@@GotAUkulele Thank you for the fast answer! It seems to be most practical to like the Aquila-strings it comes with, then. :)
Herr Berg it’s a good place to start. Then buy some sets and trust your ears. There are no bad strings, but you will like some more than others. Which ones i can’t tell you!
@@GotAUkulele That sounds like good advice. As playing the ukulele is a new (and exciting) hobby for me, it would probably take a while to even hear the difference.
How different do they sound to TUS 35
Not played the 35 but I’m told they are identical. The tops differ in colour and outer veneer but they are all laminate so don’t carry tonal signatures.
It sounds pretty good for $60 USD, which is about what it is as of today. I also think this one is pretty.
Yeah, I think these are one of the very best value ukuleles on the market today
@@GotAUkulele Thanks for that feedback. I've been holding off getting one of these because I've very much wanted to begin with a concert size. I wish Flight would make these in concert size, but I've been thinking more about starting with one of these anyway because I'm not able to purchase a concert size I really like just yet, but I could snatch one of these up and just get going (I still don't have my first use!)
Sounds good ... a little beauty innit? Happy Easter Barry mate! your pal, Slim
Thanks Slim!
Flight or Córdoba?
I much prefer Flight
Im stunned that its cheaper than the alic
Better made too!
And comes with a decent bag!
I don't think the consumer units come with bags. Mine and Alan's, who commented on the blog, didn't while at no point is it mentioned on the Flight website.
I contacted Flight on this. They confirmed you only get the bag of ordered from Flight and amended the written review to reflect that
In years to come, all Flight travel ukuleles will be rounded up and destroyed for the good of humanity. Why? Because, three months ago, whilst looking for a present for the son of a friend, I came across a TUS35 (the coloured top version of the travel uke). I realised that, if I got one I'd have to teach him how to play, so I got one for myself at the same time so that we could learn together. From that moment on, I've been hooked. If it wasn't for the Flight travel ukulele, I would probably never have started playing. As my existence as a ukulele player is so closely bound to this instrument, anyone who hears me playing now, or in the future, would gladly throw their travel uke onto the pyre so that, for the sake of ukulele playing and musicality in general, no one will ever again be able to tread the path that has inflicted my musicality upon the world.
Seriously though, although I have now moved on to a laminate concert uke (Flight DUC325 - similar to the spruce / zebrawood all laminate soprano that you reviewed). The TU35 is a fantastic instrument for the money (or a great instrument full stop) and, because of the uniformity of construction, they'd be a pretty safe bet for an online purchase. I got mine in a shop and, when I tried it, even though I was / am / always will be relatively clueless, it clearly sounded and felt so much better than the "sub" entry level ukes in that price bracket. Only later did I realise that I'd stumbled upon a little gem. Had I known about the natural top and fancy versions (which retail for about £5 more than the coloured versions), I would definitely have sought out one of those instead.
I can confirm your prediction that the paint on the frets would wear off pretty quickly (mine looks fretless up to about the 5th fret and the paint under the E and A strings has pretty much gone altogether) but, it's only cosmetic and I tend to think that genuine wear adds character to any instrument (or, if it's Fender custom shop, "wear" it adds at least £1,000 to the price :-) ) plus, if you're buying this for a child, at least you'll know instantly whether or not they've been practising. :-)
This would be a good starter uke for a child because of its size, playability and durability. Initially, I felt that it was a bit cramped for me although, as I've (allegedly) improved, I find that, despite the smaller scale, I can manage to play most of the stuff that I can play on a larger scale instrument. Although, ultimately, I'm likely to focus around concert and tenor sized instruments (My laminate concert uke should do me for a while - even though it was only about £20 more than the starting point for beginner instruments, I seem to have got a lot for the extra money). If I move into solid top territory, or beyond , it'll probably be with tenors in mind. I'm unlikely to get, want, or need another soprano, although, I can't see it ever falling out of use completely and, if I was going away for a day or two where I knew I'd be at a loose end, I'd definitely have my TU35S with me.
Steve Evans I wondered where you were going with that in the first few lines! Great post!
@@GotAUkulele Thank you sir - for the record, let me worry about where I'm going, and you can do the worrying about where I might end up :-) :-) :-).
Talking of "ending up", having got lucky with the travel uke, I quickly made the harsh discovery via a couple of ill starred online purchases on the way to getting my concert ukulele, that, when it comes to ukuleles, whilst, it's possible to end up with more than what you paid for, it's much easier to end up with less so your reviews, both here and on the website, have been greatly appreciated.
In these few short months, I have come to think of you as the John Peel of ukulele reviews (I hope that accolade is appreciated) and, although I may commit the occasional heresy, with my purchases at least, thanks to your reviews, I'll have a good idea of what I'm letting myself in for.
Steve Evans thanks!
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