Thanks for the review. I have to soprano and love it as I can loan it to friends and let children play it without worries and yet it's a very good instrument that's easy to play and won't discourage new players. For myself, it's a great durable uke I can take anywhere.
Thanks for the comment and for watching the video. As I mentioned to Daniel (Circuits and Strings Channel) in this comments area, this has become my #1 ukulele to recommend to schools and new players. There are many other great ukuleles, some in the same price range, but this one checks all the boxes without breaking the bank, and is "cheap" enough (in terms of cost) to allow you to save up for that "next" ukulele. My sons have access to a Makala Dolphin and a Mahalo MK1 ukulele (The Mahalo's head stock actually broke but has been glued back together). If I were a parent, I'd have no problem buying a Flight TUS-35 (the soprano version) for a 2-6 year old to play around the house.
I haven't even noticed, so I took a look. On my TUSL35, the edge is flush with where my arm rests, so I think they made a minor change and improved it.
@@UkeStuff Cool I noticed you did mentioned in the review on the original it cut and I didn't get one due to that edge. They listened to player's response including the saddle also add strap button. Don't ask me why I am still up, stupid people doing fireworks in the middle of the night. T_T
Thanks very much for this review. Like you I purchased the Flight TU soprano. In a fit of pique I sent it back - floppy strings. However, I'm still drawn to it as a study travel ukulele. This model seems really good. All best.
I like the TUS and TUSL better with other strings--that I cannot deny. But I really do like both instruments, and they are great for schools AND travel!
Hello! After contemplating getting a Ukulele for years I'm now planning to get either this one or the TUS35. But what actually IS the difference between playing the two? How come you prefer the longer neck version? And how much of a difference is it size wise when you carry it? Because I would like it to be very compact in order to be as easy to travel with as possible. Thank you for your review! ☺️
The TUSL35 is just a little longer in the fretboard, making it a little easier for me to play chords. The TUS35 is perfectly fine, too...and is a bit longer than your average soprano (14 inches from nut to saddle). The most compact of these two will be the soprano. I happily recommend either. If you need SUPER compact, you might want to look at an Ohana Sopranissimo (I have reviewed one) or an Enya HPL soprano, as you can take the neck off and carry it it a suitcase. I'm guessing you don't need it that compact!
@@UkeStuff Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer! And no, as a beginner, a sturdy plastic one with a good sound that I can probably always keep using as a travel uke (and not have to disassemble it) seems like the way to go. :)
I'm more of a tenor and fingerpicking user, but your review really got me thinking, especially for travelling. Sounds good when finger picked. Great reviews as usual. Thanks!
Thank you! When you're traveling, is size an issue? If not, the Outdoor Ukulele tenor is a pretty good bet as well...and there will be an Enya Nova Tenor and Soprano...by April, I have been told. While I love this ukulele, and concert is my preferred scale (I own everything), if you're a tenor player, it might not be the best fit.
Nice review. What I find very helpful in your reviews are the specs, especially nut width and string spread at the nut. Did you review your Opio acacia tenor yet? I'd love to see/hear that.
I reviewed my KoAloha Spruce Concert. I have a KoAloha Opio Tenor made of Sapele, which they don't make any more (lots of cracking in the finish on those models), which is a shame because it is a fantastic ukulele. The only ukulele I own that sounds "better" is my full Koa KoAloha. If I ever see a use Concert Sapele Opio for sale (affordably), I'm buying it immediately (concert is my favorite/most comfortable scale to play). Here's a link to the Spruce/Acacia KoAloha Opio Concert... ua-cam.com/video/NkmdryWJwKE/v-deo.html
Also...I forgot to mention that I measure off the first fret because some ukuleles have some zig-zagging (slight) going on with a zero fret in addition to a nut. Once you reach that first fret, you have a pretty good idea of what is actually going on.
I very highly recommend it--although I do recommend other strings. Also, check the action at the 12th when it arrives. Some of the early models (which can still be in the supply chain) can have a saddle that is a little high--and the saddle can be removed and sanded down to make the action better, like a "proper" ukulele (the TUSL is "proper," but because of the plastic some people won't give it a chance.
I got one cuz of your review! Thank you!!! And it came with Aquilla sugars! So they listened to you and it is brilliant. I have a bazzilion ukes ( a lot) ...and this one is out on my only Uke stand!!! Haha
I’m the same way...my TUS, TUSL, Enya Nova, and Outdoor Ukuleles are the ones I leave out all the time. Which model came with Sugar strings? The only one that I know is the Elise Ecklund model. Let me know!
Hello, This is my very first uke, I'm learning songs on it and for few weeks passed on it, Im really pleased to have this.♫ Positives : -The price. -The sound, really deep and powerful. -The size of frets, more confortable. -The weight, its so light ! -It stay tuned for long periods. -The choice between 3 color models (black, blue, wood). (Minor) Negatives : -The side fret point markers disapeared after few days. I'll have to DIY redo 'em. -The painted chromium frets markers quickly wear at some strings junctions. -The wood top feels fragile, as a travel uke, it worries me a little. -As an European buyer, it was more easier for me to buy it online from an official Flight European retailer. (...but shipping cost was almost included !) -Where is the color range of the smaller TUS ukes ? Totally agree with you, great uke and good review ! :D
Hey there. I really like your reviews and videos. I just bought a black long neck soprano Flight, and I like the feel and sound for the most part. I’m having some string buzzing issues, and I’m not sure if it’s me not pressing down enough on the strings, or if it’s the action or the frets. The frets do seem lower than my other ukuleles. I have other ukuleles and I have been playing for a while, so I know how much pressure it takes to press down on the frets. I know there’s the zero fret, so I’m not sure why the strings buzz. I want to really like this uke so that I can play out in the backyard while my kids play. I am going to change the strings to the D’Addario clear nylon strings once I get them to clam down the volume and mellow out the sound. That could stop the strings buzzing at the frets. Any thoughts? Thanks for any feedback.
Thanks for watching and leaving a comment. Buzzes are tricky...the easiest solution may be to trade it in for another one, if you can. If you want to keep it, you are going to have to isolate where the buzz is and what the cause is. It isn’t going to be an uneven fret, so that’s good. And it won’t be a broken brace or anything on the inside of the ukulele. I would loosen the strings and make sure the saddle is fully seated; and I would check to make sure the hardware is all tight on the tuners (every screw) and see if any of the tuners have “play” and are rattling. Tap each tuner peg (on the face plate) to see if you hear a rattle. The little “barrel” in which the tuner goes through might be rattling; too. Then the next thing to do is to check the action of the ukulele..what is the action at the 1st fret and the 12th fret? If it is too low at the 12th fret) you might need a taller saddle. And then the final piece is to check each string for where the buzz is happening. Go up each string and play...listening for the buzz (if it happens) and then playing each fret up the neck until it disappears. Keep track of where it disappears. And then the other possibility is that a string might even be buzzing in the nut slot! Ultimately, buzzing can be from any number of things. If it isn’t a faulty tuner (a reason to return it) or if the action is too low (you’ll need a taller saddle which Flight could send) you should probably send it back anyway. Let me know what you find out and what you decide to do. Quality control can miss a ukulele here and there.
Hello. Thanks for your quick reply. I’ve played on the ukulele again today. It seems that it buzzes if I’m not applying enough pressure on the frets or if my finger is not close enough to the fret and therefore not in the correct posture. Seems like I have to focus more on how my fingers are playing on the fretboard more with this uke. I have 5 other ukuleles and don’t have trouble with my fingers on the fretboard on them like this. The buzzing is not coming from the tuners for sure. Could it be that there are Aquila strings on it (which I really don’t like)? Aquila strings are thicker so maybe they are sometimes touching a fret higher than the one I’m playing. Also they are harder to press down, so maybe that’s my problem as well. I’ve ordered Martin 600’s for it, which of course are thinner and I might not have the problem of the strings touching a fret higher up on the ukulele. I’m not sure what the action is yet. I’ve ordered a ruler because I need to have one anyway for my uke collection I have going now. I can measure that tomorrow. In what range should the action be? I’m going to play on it for a couple more days. I’ll change the strings if I think it’ll help and also see what you think. I’ll return it if I’m not 100% happy with it. I paid $48.75 on Amazon. The long neck soprano was on sell, which I was excited about. I had tried the Enya Nova U, which is twice as much in price, and I sent it right back because of a constant buzzing in the headstock that’ did not go away after checking the screws. Thank you for your time, and I’ll let you know the action once I measure it.
I'm wondering what the action is. There have been a few TUSL models that have shipped with a rather tall saddle. This makes it harder to press down on the strings to make the chords. I'm guessing that might be the problem. The space between the bottom of the string and the 12th fret should be no greater than 3mm, and that is at the high end. The saddle can be removed and sanded down, too (that's what I did). I also very much like my TUS models with a fluorocarbon string instead of the stock Aquila strings. I'm all for Aquila, but prefer the sugar strings if I am going to use them (although I LOVE the colored KIDS strings for teaching).
Hi. I checked the action on the Flight travel uke, and I do believe it is high. I think it’s at least 3mm at the 12th fret if not a little more. I’m going to try to adjust the saddle with the current Aquila strings to see how it plays then before I go through the work of changing the strings to the Martin 600’s.
This is my #1 recommendation for schools and new players right now. Sounds good, plays great, and it's tough. That's not to take anything away from the other inexpensive yet good ukuleles...but this is a killer combination.
Uke arrived, looks very Johnny Cash in black. It's from their latest production run. Very solid feel, and sounds loud - but not as loud as my flea. Action at the 12th fret needs to be lowered a touch (~3mm). Can confirm this batch still comes with standard Aquilla Super Nylgut strings, not Aquilla sugar strings as some have reported (perhaps these were of a signature edition travel model?). Now also sporting compensated saddles.
You can definitely give it some time to settle under tension...and then see what happens. I replaced strings with incorrectly packaged tenor strings (not my fault) leading to more tension than should have been on the ukulele, and the action went crazy. I realized what happened (measured string thickness with a caliper) and replaced them with some Enya E6 strings that I had, and sanded down the saddle at the same time. Now it's even better than before. Just a note about the strings. I've been writing a bit for Flight, and I've become very familiar with the whole line. There are only 2 travel ukuleles that come with other strings: Elise Ecklund and Sakuralele. The Ecklund has Sugar strings and the Sakuralele had Carbon Black strings, both also by Aquila. The problem is that Aquila stopped making the Carbon Black strings (I know from Ukulele Underground that Aquila now sells them only to Martin to be sold as their "Premium" strings). Flight wanted to replace them with another premium string, and went with the Sugar Strings. The Sugar Strings are AWESOME, but they have one downfall...they squeak a bit until they settle. A lot of people don't give them a chance. Aquila has a new formula for the Sugars to reduce that initial squeak...but it's another formula. The Sugars, when settled, are wonderful (I have them on my Outdoor Tenor Ukulele).
@@UkeStuff Thanks for the info on the sugar strings. I'll definitely have to give them a go down the line, but the standard Nylgut ones sound pretty good though. Also, I'm not sure if this applied to previous batches, but this one includes a spare saddle, which is pretty neat.
Flight has you covered! Literally! I'm reviewing one of their straps soon (I have an unboxing coming soon), but the Flight straps cost around $10, and connect to the headstock with a cool headstock extender. I also show how I put a top button on my Flight TUSL-35 in this video: ua-cam.com/video/j7W1mnM4TDc/v-deo.html (About 10 minutes in).
Thanks for the review. I have been waiting for this ukulele.
You are welcome! I love it!
Thank you! Very helpful review. This made my mind up after considering a few different options, this looks perfect and you can't beat the value.
It is a great ukulele-outstanding at the price-and I think you’ll be happy with it!
Thanks for the review. I have to soprano and love it as I can loan it to friends and let children play it without worries and yet it's a very good instrument that's easy to play and won't discourage new players. For myself, it's a great durable uke I can take anywhere.
Thanks for the comment and for watching the video. As I mentioned to Daniel (Circuits and Strings Channel) in this comments area, this has become my #1 ukulele to recommend to schools and new players. There are many other great ukuleles, some in the same price range, but this one checks all the boxes without breaking the bank, and is "cheap" enough (in terms of cost) to allow you to save up for that "next" ukulele.
My sons have access to a Makala Dolphin and a Mahalo MK1 ukulele (The Mahalo's head stock actually broke but has been glued back together). If I were a parent, I'd have no problem buying a Flight TUS-35 (the soprano version) for a 2-6 year old to play around the house.
Thanks for the review. Does the edge of the body still cut into the strumming holding arm?
I haven't even noticed, so I took a look. On my TUSL35, the edge is flush with where my arm rests, so I think they made a minor change and improved it.
@@UkeStuff Cool I noticed you did mentioned in the review on the original it cut and I didn't get one due to that edge. They listened to player's response including the saddle also add strap button.
Don't ask me why I am still up, stupid people doing fireworks in the middle of the night. T_T
Thanks very much for this review. Like you I purchased the Flight TU soprano. In a fit of pique I sent it back - floppy strings. However, I'm still drawn to it as a study travel ukulele. This model seems really good. All best.
I like the TUS and TUSL better with other strings--that I cannot deny. But I really do like both instruments, and they are great for schools AND travel!
Hello! After contemplating getting a Ukulele for years I'm now planning to get either this one or the TUS35. But what actually IS the difference between playing the two? How come you prefer the longer neck version? And how much of a difference is it size wise when you carry it? Because I would like it to be very compact in order to be as easy to travel with as possible.
Thank you for your review! ☺️
The TUSL35 is just a little longer in the fretboard, making it a little easier for me to play chords. The TUS35 is perfectly fine, too...and is a bit longer than your average soprano (14 inches from nut to saddle).
The most compact of these two will be the soprano. I happily recommend either.
If you need SUPER compact, you might want to look at an Ohana Sopranissimo (I have reviewed one) or an Enya HPL soprano, as you can take the neck off and carry it it a suitcase. I'm guessing you don't need it that compact!
@@UkeStuff Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to answer! And no, as a beginner, a sturdy plastic one with a good sound that I can probably always keep using as a travel uke (and not have to disassemble it) seems like the way to go. :)
I'm more of a tenor and fingerpicking user, but your review really got me thinking, especially for travelling. Sounds good when finger picked. Great reviews as usual. Thanks!
Thank you! When you're traveling, is size an issue? If not, the Outdoor Ukulele tenor is a pretty good bet as well...and there will be an Enya Nova Tenor and Soprano...by April, I have been told. While I love this ukulele, and concert is my preferred scale (I own everything), if you're a tenor player, it might not be the best fit.
Nice review. What I find very helpful in your reviews are the specs, especially nut width and string spread at the nut. Did you review your Opio acacia tenor yet? I'd love to see/hear that.
I reviewed my KoAloha Spruce Concert. I have a KoAloha Opio Tenor made of Sapele, which they don't make any more (lots of cracking in the finish on those models), which is a shame because it is a fantastic ukulele. The only ukulele I own that sounds "better" is my full Koa KoAloha. If I ever see a use Concert Sapele Opio for sale (affordably), I'm buying it immediately (concert is my favorite/most comfortable scale to play).
Here's a link to the Spruce/Acacia KoAloha Opio Concert...
ua-cam.com/video/NkmdryWJwKE/v-deo.html
Also...I forgot to mention that I measure off the first fret because some ukuleles have some zig-zagging (slight) going on with a zero fret in addition to a nut. Once you reach that first fret, you have a pretty good idea of what is actually going on.
Thank you for this review, buying this one!
I very highly recommend it--although I do recommend other strings. Also, check the action at the 12th when it arrives. Some of the early models (which can still be in the supply chain) can have a saddle that is a little high--and the saddle can be removed and sanded down to make the action better, like a "proper" ukulele (the TUSL is "proper," but because of the plastic some people won't give it a chance.
I got one cuz of your review! Thank you!!! And it came with Aquilla sugars! So they listened to you and it is brilliant. I have a bazzilion ukes ( a lot) ...and this one is out on my only Uke stand!!! Haha
I’m the same way...my TUS, TUSL, Enya Nova, and Outdoor Ukuleles are the ones I leave out all the time.
Which model came with Sugar strings? The only one that I know is the Elise Ecklund model. Let me know!
Hello,
This is my very first uke, I'm learning songs on it and for few weeks passed on it, Im really pleased to have this.♫
Positives :
-The price.
-The sound, really deep and powerful.
-The size of frets, more confortable.
-The weight, its so light !
-It stay tuned for long periods.
-The choice between 3 color models (black, blue, wood).
(Minor) Negatives :
-The side fret point markers disapeared after few days. I'll have to DIY redo 'em.
-The painted chromium frets markers quickly wear at some strings junctions.
-The wood top feels fragile, as a travel uke, it worries me a little.
-As an European buyer, it was more easier for me to buy it online from an official Flight European retailer. (...but shipping cost was almost included !)
-Where is the color range of the smaller TUS ukes ?
Totally agree with you, great uke and good review ! :D
Good summary. My frets still look great after quite a bit of playing. I’ll have to ask if they have any recommendations for re-coating the frets.
Hey there. I really like your reviews and videos. I just bought a black long neck soprano Flight, and I like the feel and sound for the most part. I’m having some string buzzing issues, and I’m not sure if it’s me not pressing down enough on the strings, or if it’s the action or the frets. The frets do seem lower than my other ukuleles. I have other ukuleles and I have been playing for a while, so I know how much pressure it takes to press down on the frets. I know there’s the zero fret, so I’m not sure why the strings buzz. I want to really like this uke so that I can play out in the backyard while my kids play. I am going to change the strings to the D’Addario clear nylon strings once I get them to clam down the volume and mellow out the sound. That could stop the strings buzzing at the frets. Any thoughts? Thanks for any feedback.
Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.
Buzzes are tricky...the easiest solution may be to trade it in for another one, if you can.
If you want to keep it, you are going to have to isolate where the buzz is and what the cause is.
It isn’t going to be an uneven fret, so that’s good. And it won’t be a broken brace or anything on the inside of the ukulele.
I would loosen the strings and make sure the saddle is fully seated; and I would check to make sure the hardware is all tight on the tuners (every screw) and see if any of the tuners have “play” and are rattling. Tap each tuner peg (on the face plate) to see if you hear a rattle. The little “barrel” in which the tuner goes through might be rattling; too.
Then the next thing to do is to check the action of the ukulele..what is the action at the 1st fret and the 12th fret? If it is too low at the 12th fret) you might need a taller saddle.
And then the final piece is to check each string for where the buzz is happening. Go up each string and play...listening for the buzz (if it happens) and then playing each fret up the neck until it disappears. Keep track of where it disappears.
And then the other possibility is that a string might even be buzzing in the nut slot!
Ultimately, buzzing can be from any number of things. If it isn’t a faulty tuner (a reason to return it) or if the action is too low (you’ll need a taller saddle which Flight could send) you should probably send it back anyway.
Let me know what you find out and what you decide to do. Quality control can miss a ukulele here and there.
Hello. Thanks for your quick reply. I’ve played on the ukulele again today. It seems that it buzzes if I’m not applying enough pressure on the frets or if my finger is not close enough to the fret and therefore not in the correct posture. Seems like I have to focus more on how my fingers are playing on the fretboard more with this uke. I have 5 other ukuleles and don’t have trouble with my fingers on the fretboard on them like this. The buzzing is not coming from the tuners for sure. Could it be that there are Aquila strings on it (which I really don’t like)? Aquila strings are thicker so maybe they are sometimes touching a fret higher than the one I’m playing. Also they are harder to press down, so maybe that’s my problem as well. I’ve ordered Martin 600’s for it, which of course are thinner and I might not have the problem of the strings touching a fret higher up on the ukulele. I’m not sure what the action is yet. I’ve ordered a ruler because I need to have one anyway for my uke collection I have going now. I can measure that tomorrow. In what range should the action be? I’m going to play on it for a couple more days. I’ll change the strings if I think it’ll help and also see what you think. I’ll return it if I’m not 100% happy with it. I paid $48.75 on Amazon. The long neck soprano was on sell, which I was excited about. I had tried the Enya Nova U, which is twice as much in price, and I sent it right back because of a constant buzzing in the headstock that’ did not go away after checking the screws. Thank you for your time, and I’ll let you know the action once I measure it.
I'm wondering what the action is. There have been a few TUSL models that have shipped with a rather tall saddle. This makes it harder to press down on the strings to make the chords. I'm guessing that might be the problem. The space between the bottom of the string and the 12th fret should be no greater than 3mm, and that is at the high end. The saddle can be removed and sanded down, too (that's what I did). I also very much like my TUS models with a fluorocarbon string instead of the stock Aquila strings. I'm all for Aquila, but prefer the sugar strings if I am going to use them (although I LOVE the colored KIDS strings for teaching).
Hi. I checked the action on the Flight travel uke, and I do believe it is high. I think it’s at least 3mm at the 12th fret if not a little more. I’m going to try to adjust the saddle with the current Aquila strings to see how it plays then before I go through the work of changing the strings to the Martin 600’s.
Any update?
Would this be suitable for someone to learn on? I've never played anything before but this seems quite fun during lockdown
Absolutely!
This sounds like a great ukulele that I can suggest to people.
This is my #1 recommendation for schools and new players right now. Sounds good, plays great, and it's tough. That's not to take anything away from the other inexpensive yet good ukuleles...but this is a killer combination.
It's a winner. Getting one in black.
Definite winner. Check the action at the 12th fret when you get it; some have been a bit high and the saddle can come out to be adjusted.
@@UkeStuff Will do, cheers!
Uke arrived, looks very Johnny Cash in black. It's from their latest production run. Very solid feel, and sounds loud - but not as loud as my flea. Action at the 12th fret needs to be lowered a touch (~3mm). Can confirm this batch still comes with standard Aquilla Super Nylgut strings, not Aquilla sugar strings as some have reported (perhaps these were of a signature edition travel model?). Now also sporting compensated saddles.
You can definitely give it some time to settle under tension...and then see what happens. I replaced strings with incorrectly packaged tenor strings (not my fault) leading to more tension than should have been on the ukulele, and the action went crazy. I realized what happened (measured string thickness with a caliper) and replaced them with some Enya E6 strings that I had, and sanded down the saddle at the same time. Now it's even better than before.
Just a note about the strings. I've been writing a bit for Flight, and I've become very familiar with the whole line. There are only 2 travel ukuleles that come with other strings: Elise Ecklund and Sakuralele. The Ecklund has Sugar strings and the Sakuralele had Carbon Black strings, both also by Aquila. The problem is that Aquila stopped making the Carbon Black strings (I know from Ukulele Underground that Aquila now sells them only to Martin to be sold as their "Premium" strings). Flight wanted to replace them with another premium string, and went with the Sugar Strings.
The Sugar Strings are AWESOME, but they have one downfall...they squeak a bit until they settle. A lot of people don't give them a chance. Aquila has a new formula for the Sugars to reduce that initial squeak...but it's another formula. The Sugars, when settled, are wonderful (I have them on my Outdoor Tenor Ukulele).
@@UkeStuff Thanks for the info on the sugar strings. I'll definitely have to give them a go down the line, but the standard Nylgut ones sound pretty good though.
Also, I'm not sure if this applied to previous batches, but this one includes a spare saddle, which is pretty neat.
how can I make use of the strap button if it only has the bottom one?
Flight has you covered! Literally! I'm reviewing one of their straps soon (I have an unboxing coming soon), but the Flight straps cost around $10, and connect to the headstock with a cool headstock extender. I also show how I put a top button on my Flight TUSL-35 in this video: ua-cam.com/video/j7W1mnM4TDc/v-deo.html (About 10 minutes in).