I think it’s a great beginner’s uke. If anyone is apprehensive on the quality, tone, etc., just point them to all the UA-cam videos by highly respected teachers/players who have reviewed the instrument and also use them in their lessons at times. Thanks for a thorough and informative review!
Oh boy, you bring up good questions! I have the TUS35 in dark blue and love it! It is my first ukulele purchase, and I bought it after much research. The reasons I chose it were good reviews (great action, keeps in tune, great customer service) and price. I had not entertained the thought that it might be "mistreated" or "mishandled" as a toy, but the ukulele--especially the soprano-- is already misconstrued by many (musicians and non-musicians, alike) as "not a real instrument." For reference: I first learned to play on two borrowed ukuleles--one a soprano, and the other a concert. Having played both, I already knew I would prefer a concert-sized instrument. Even so, I purchased the Flight Travel Ukulele over my wish for a concert size due to its price. The action is very low and much easier to play than the two ukuleles I had been borrowing causing me to practice even more, because playing this little beauty is so enjoyable! More practice = stronger fingers = ability to now play those borrowed ukuleles with more ease. If I had not purchased this ukulele, I might have stalled out my learning curve at barre chords and called it quits. Furthermore, I was gifted a high-gloss concert-size Fender ukulele at Christmas. It, too, has low action, holds its tuning, and is enjoyable to play but has to be treated with care. An incredible BONUS of owning the Flight Travel Uke is having less fear of leaving it out, carrying it around, or damaging it. I travel at least one week a month and now carry this instrument with me, because I love it! Would I recommend the Flight Travel Series as a beginner instrument? Absolutely, yes!
Thanks to my Flight, I'm so hooked on ukulele, I am now considering a tenor and am eye-balling an Outdoor Ukulele tenor over any for which I'd be hurt if it suffered damage.
I really appreciate your thoughtful comment! I also think I'd prefer a concert but as a beginner, do you think the small size causes cramping in the hands and the sound is warm enough?
@Kathleen T I’d still recommend this ukulele. The sound, while not that of pure tonewood is not plastic or toylike, either. It is loud enough to be heard if played in a jam with other players, and I did not experience hand cramps. As a matter-of-fact, the tighter spacing of the frets may be what launched my ability to play barre chords with few problems. A bonus of owning this ukulele is, even if you upgrade in the future, this travel ukulele will be valued as the go-to instrument for travel or outdoor use.
I think it would be a great beginner instrument. It may be plastic, but it does not come across at all as a "cheap plastic," and it doesn't come close to looking like a toy. And it sounds really nice.
I bought one last month. My first uke. I got the Sakura (Bernadette's design). Even with the cherry blossom design, it still doesn't look like a toy and certainly doesn't feel or sound like one. Actually kind of elegant looking. I'm really happy to have found a uke that's has a whimsical fun design but isn't a toy. And Ukuleles are all about fun so I'm kinda surprised that's not more common. I do agree that a plastic uke like the Outdoor or the Waterman would be a serious turnoff and (speculation) probably would feel more like a toy than an instrument. This feels like an instrument, and it's usually close at hand and I have a hard time leaving it alone for more than an hour. But it's an instrument that I would feel confident to put in my bicycle basket and peddle to the nature trail and play it in the woods. Yes I am an unapologetic dork. :) I just want to point out that discount codes CAN work for U.S. customers but I only got 10% off.
Thanks for your comment. I’m glad you found a uke that checks all the boxes for you. These are great little ukes, with a nice sound, and sturdy body. I love Bernadettes design and also think it was so smart for her to include a strap button. I hope you enjoy the journey and keep reaching out to the Ukulele community. We’re everywhere. 😊
Thanks for this review and the travel/plastic ukulele comparisons. I bought the TUS-50 for travel and various outdoor uses. I’m really enjoying it so far. Also note mine came with a strap button on the bottom and appears to have a replaceable saddle.
Aloha! GMUke...I purchased one since I had seen very good reviews and its a great Uke! I do have 2 Concert and 1 Tenor Ukes but this Soprano Flight Use really catch my attention and now I spend more time playing it! The dot's frets on mine came they way that it supposed to be. Besides I do like the sound when I play it. Thank you for taking the time and revew it.
I think it would be a good beginner instrument for several reasons, good sound, the zero fret nut and it appears to have wider fret board therefore should be easier to play. Also, don’t have to much worrying about damaging it like a wood ukulele.
So great! You shared so many great points! I just ordered the TUS-40 today to try out as my 2nd uke, based on another vlogger's reviews, plus your comparison with other travel ukes, and some things I have read, and I am so stoked to try it! Excited, too, because a local store ordered for me to try with no obligation to buy if I don't like it, as it is so inexpensive they can surely sell...but my thought is, I am hoping it exposes them to something they did not previously carry and will now. They are really intrigued with it, so we'll see. Thanks for all you do!
I like the looks of the wood front. Very much love the pattern as a lizard owner. I would worry about the wood durability "in the wild". As for a first uku I think a travel is fine. With kids probable a plus! I agree on the wrong color neck for that uku.
Great review, Jodi! It's funny that I actually liked the lighter neck! LOL! The one thing I really liked about it, is that it seemed like the width at the nut was a bit larger than a normal soprano which made it easier for someone with bigger hands. You are most welcome, Jodi, and enjoy it in good health!!!
Thank you for this informative review. I'm really shopping around for the right instrument for camping. (I can't wait to go camping!!) I'm seriously thinking about the Flight TUS35. I'm eager to try one with that rounded back. On another note, I really love your sweater!!
The Intro-Song: I thought You'd really play "Atlantis" from Donavan... (way down, below the ocean... *sing*) This beautiful Flight TUS50 with walnut top will probably be my first soprano Ukulele. (the other Soprano in my choice is the small Version of the Tenor-Uke I own: it's the Casha with solid spruce top. Beautiful Instrument) Anyway, thanks for this nice Review.
Just wondering if you changed the strings and how you liked it. I just started ukulele and bought a nice Ohana. But want something like this to travel with!!
Nice video! People in the US can get the Flight Travel Ukulele from Uke Republic. Plus Uke Republic is a great business to work with. FYI, I have no affiliation with them. I have asked product questions in emails and have always gotten courteous well thought out answers. I definitely will get something from them when I find that right "something". Also I think a Flight Soprano would be a nice beginner ukulele for a person wanting to learn on a soprano. The wood sound board definitely helps give it a more full tone then a typical all plastic ukulele. I do know my wife's first ukulele, the Kala LTP-S and other similar priced laminate soprano ukuleles do have a much richer tone and overall better sound quality that would likely be more pleasing to a beginner. I personally would try to get prospective new players to try a concert size before committing to a soprano for learning. I think a concert ukulele would be easier to learn on for a larger number of people and ages then a soprano.
Thanks for mentioning Uke Republic. I have not bought from them, but do know people who did. Mike seems like a super nice guy and I know he sets up all the instruments before shipping them. Also, I agree that concert would be a great size to start on for most people.
Hi Jodi! I just found this video of yours and I completely agree with your review. I recently bought this same ukulele and I love it! It’s so fun and easy to play. My question is regarding your comment about possibly changing the strings. Have you changed them yet, and if so, with what kind and how did it go? I was thinking to do the same thing, but I haven’t been brave enough! 😊
No, I have not changed them yet, but I will do this one next. I’d like to mellow it out a little since it is so loud and punchy. Be watching in the next week or so for my video regarding this. Thanks for your comment.
Like the finger picking , sounds nice . I might look into the different colored ones also . I think you have sold me on this one for my travel ukulele . My husband an I have recently retired and want to travel more . Thank you 😊
Thank you so very much , I am going to use this ukulele for my granddaughters kindergarten classroom. She teaches about an hour away from where I live so I may keep this sweet little ukulele there to live . So I can a couple times a week play for her students . Also she has quite a challenging class this year with behavioral issues. So she can use for positive teaching , to gather students to come to the carpet for morning circle and other activities. Again Thank You so much
I agree with you about a beginners first uke being wood. Either a laminate or solid. I have been thinking about this uke as a travel uke I currently use my Kala which is a laminate concert
Thank you so much for the review! It convinced me to buy my first travel uke. :) One question - I'm a fairly new player, and more than anything I want to find a fun Hawaiian strum that doesn't require me to sing. Singing isn't my thing. What chords do you play for your awesome Hawaiian strum around the 8:00 mark? Did you learn it from a book? I'd love to play that strum!
I love playing that little run of chords. It’s for a song in the key of G and it goes like this: C Gdim7 G E7 A7 D7 G. (Gdim7 is these frets from top to bottom 0101)
Great review! I think of travel ukuleles that you have reviewed, I would be most drawn to this one. Question...I am looking for an affordable, yet playable tenor ukulele, what do you like? Reasonably priced since Ive had a problem buying gear lately.
Hi Michael. I used ta Lohanu tenor and I loved it. (www.amazon.com/Bundle-Lohanu-LU-T-Installed-Purchase/dp/B01CQ01YSS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1547763660&sr=8-3&keywords=lohanu+tenor+ukulele) I see the Kala LTP-T is about the same price. I haven't played it, but do trust the Kala name. A little bit cheaper is the enya KUT-MA (www.amazon.com/Mohogany-Ukulele-KUT-MA-Beginner-KUTMA/dp/B06WGXSKDF/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1547763826&sr=8-3&keywords=tenor+ukulele+enya) Again, I haven't played it, but it does have good reviews. Let me know what you end up with!
@@girlmeetsuke2980 I ordered a Gretsch G9120 www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UKEG9120TO--gretsch-g9120-tenor-standard-ukulele-vintage-mahogany-stain It will be here Thursday! I can't wait!
I just ordered a TUS-50, as I wanted a soprano to keep in my car! :) I got the Granada pattern - thought the funky pattern would be fun. :) Did you end up swapping out the strings yet? I'm not a fan of Aquila, so I'm deciding on which strings to try first on this.
Yay, Holly ! That’s exciting! No, I have one more sound comparison (with all 4 travel ukuleles) before switching out the strings. But I will probably try a fluorocarbon next.
Beginner uke? Sure, I think this would be great, as it should be very durable. Durability, sound quality, and action would be the most important things I would look for in a uke to recommend to someone starting out, and this ticks all of those boxes. :)
My two cents: I think a travel uke might be more suited as a first instrument for a younger person who might not be so careful with handling and storage. For an adult or a responsible child, I think wood is the way to go.
Looks like a nice ukulele, travel lite and play everywhere. Have you ever played in your car during a traffic jam? Never have, but I know people who have Lol...
Plastic definitely has a distinctive sound. I’ve used my laminate concert as a travel/camping uke many times without any problems. That’s one of the huge advantages of laminate in my opinion. 😊
I think it’s a great beginner’s uke. If anyone is apprehensive on the quality, tone, etc., just point them to all the UA-cam videos by highly respected teachers/players who have reviewed the instrument and also use them in their lessons at times. Thanks for a thorough and informative review!
Oh boy, you bring up good questions! I have the TUS35 in dark blue and love it! It is my first ukulele purchase, and I bought it after much research. The reasons I chose it were good reviews (great action, keeps in tune, great customer service) and price. I had not entertained the thought that it might be "mistreated" or "mishandled" as a toy, but the ukulele--especially the soprano-- is already misconstrued by many (musicians and non-musicians, alike) as "not a real instrument." For reference: I first learned to play on two borrowed ukuleles--one a soprano, and the other a concert. Having played both, I already knew I would prefer a concert-sized instrument. Even so, I purchased the Flight Travel Ukulele over my wish for a concert size due to its price. The action is very low and much easier to play than the two ukuleles I had been borrowing causing me to practice even more, because playing this little beauty is so enjoyable! More practice = stronger fingers = ability to now play those borrowed ukuleles with more ease. If I had not purchased this ukulele, I might have stalled out my learning curve at barre chords and called it quits. Furthermore, I was gifted a high-gloss concert-size Fender ukulele at Christmas. It, too, has low action, holds its tuning, and is enjoyable to play but has to be treated with care. An incredible BONUS of owning the Flight Travel Uke is having less fear of leaving it out, carrying it around, or damaging it. I travel at least one week a month and now carry this instrument with me, because I love it! Would I recommend the Flight Travel Series as a beginner instrument? Absolutely, yes!
Thanks to my Flight, I'm so hooked on ukulele, I am now considering a tenor and am eye-balling an Outdoor Ukulele tenor over any for which I'd be hurt if it suffered damage.
I really appreciate your thoughtful comment! I also think I'd prefer a concert but as a beginner, do you think the small size causes cramping in the hands and the sound is warm enough?
@Kathleen T I’d still recommend this ukulele. The sound, while not that of pure tonewood is not plastic or toylike, either. It is loud enough to be heard if played in a jam with other players, and I did not experience hand cramps. As a matter-of-fact, the tighter spacing of the frets may be what launched my ability to play barre chords with few problems. A bonus of owning this ukulele is, even if you upgrade in the future, this travel ukulele will be valued as the go-to instrument for travel or outdoor use.
@@cherrytang1946 Thank you!
I think it would be a great beginner instrument. It may be plastic, but it does not come across at all as a "cheap plastic," and it doesn't come close to looking like a toy. And it sounds really nice.
I think its even better for beginners because as a beginner we don't know how to take care of it very well
I bought one last month. My first uke. I got the Sakura (Bernadette's design). Even with the cherry blossom design, it still doesn't look like a toy and certainly doesn't feel or sound like one. Actually kind of elegant looking. I'm really happy to have found a uke that's has a whimsical fun design but isn't a toy. And Ukuleles are all about fun so I'm kinda surprised that's not more common. I do agree that a plastic uke like the Outdoor or the Waterman would be a serious turnoff and (speculation) probably would feel more like a toy than an instrument. This feels like an instrument, and it's usually close at hand and I have a hard time leaving it alone for more than an hour. But it's an instrument that I would feel confident to put in my bicycle basket and peddle to the nature trail and play it in the woods. Yes I am an unapologetic dork. :)
I just want to point out that discount codes CAN work for U.S. customers but I only got 10% off.
Thanks for your comment. I’m glad you found a uke that checks all the boxes for you. These are great little ukes, with a nice sound, and sturdy body. I love Bernadettes design and also think it was so smart for her to include a strap button. I hope you enjoy the journey and keep reaching out to the Ukulele community. We’re everywhere. 😊
I love the pattern and the overall quality of this beautiful instrument
Thanks for this review and the travel/plastic ukulele comparisons. I bought the TUS-50 for travel and various outdoor uses. I’m really enjoying it so far. Also note mine came with a strap button on the bottom and appears to have a replaceable saddle.
Aloha! GMUke...I purchased one since I had seen very good reviews and its a great Uke! I do have 2 Concert and 1 Tenor Ukes but this Soprano Flight Use really catch my attention and now I spend more time playing it! The dot's frets on mine came they way that it supposed to be. Besides I do like the sound when I play it. Thank you for taking the time and revew it.
I think it would be a good beginner instrument for several reasons, good sound, the zero fret nut and it appears to have wider fret board therefore should be easier to play. Also, don’t have to much worrying about damaging it like a wood ukulele.
I agree it would make a good beginner ukulele! Especially the durability! Plus it's very pretty!
So great! You shared so many great points! I just ordered the TUS-40 today to try out as my 2nd uke, based on another vlogger's reviews, plus your comparison with other travel ukes, and some things I have read, and I am so stoked to try it! Excited, too, because a local store ordered for me to try with no obligation to buy if I don't like it, as it is so inexpensive they can surely sell...but my thought is, I am hoping it exposes them to something they did not previously carry and will now. They are really intrigued with it, so we'll see. Thanks for all you do!
I like the looks of the wood front. Very much love the pattern as a lizard owner. I would worry about the wood durability "in the wild". As for a first uku I think a travel is fine. With kids probable a plus! I agree on the wrong color neck for that uku.
Hello from a beginner in French Guiana, thank you for this review, I bought it yesterday on e bay.
Great review, Jodi! It's funny that I actually liked the lighter neck! LOL! The one thing I really liked about it, is that it seemed like the width at the nut was a bit larger than a normal soprano which made it easier for someone with bigger hands. You are most welcome, Jodi, and enjoy it in good health!!!
I teach elementary general music, and I’m thinking these would be a good beginner ukelele due to it being durable and easier to clean than all wood.
Having one with good action right out of the box is a huge plus...
Happy new ukulele!
Very good presentation good facts.
Thank you for this informative review. I'm really shopping around for the right instrument for camping. (I can't wait to go camping!!) I'm seriously thinking about the Flight TUS35. I'm eager to try one with that rounded back. On another note, I really love your sweater!!
Yes it would be great for beginners!
The Intro-Song: I thought You'd really play "Atlantis" from Donavan...
(way down, below the ocean... *sing*)
This beautiful Flight TUS50 with walnut top will probably be my first soprano Ukulele.
(the other Soprano in my choice is the small Version of the Tenor-Uke I own: it's the Casha with solid spruce top. Beautiful Instrument)
Anyway, thanks for this nice Review.
Just wondering if you changed the strings and how you liked it. I just started ukulele and bought a nice Ohana. But want something like this to travel with!!
I fine instrument and definitely not a toy, rather a joy! I have a concert size neck with a Soprano body model.
Nice video!
People in the US can get the Flight Travel Ukulele from Uke Republic.
Plus Uke Republic is a great business to work with. FYI, I have no affiliation with them. I have asked product questions in emails and have always gotten courteous well thought out answers. I definitely will get something from them when I find that right "something". Also I think a Flight Soprano would be a nice beginner ukulele for a person wanting to learn on a soprano. The wood sound board definitely helps give it a more full tone then a typical all plastic ukulele. I do know my wife's first ukulele, the Kala LTP-S and other similar priced laminate soprano ukuleles do have a much richer tone and overall better sound quality that would likely be more pleasing to a beginner. I personally would try to get prospective new players to try a concert size before committing to a soprano for learning. I think a concert ukulele would be easier to learn on for a larger number of people and ages then a soprano.
Thanks for mentioning Uke Republic. I have not bought from them, but do know people who did. Mike seems like a super nice guy and I know he sets up all the instruments before shipping them. Also, I agree that concert would be a great size to start on for most people.
More durable is always a plus with kids.
Hi Jodi! I just found this video of yours and I completely agree with your review. I recently bought this same ukulele and I love it! It’s so fun and easy to play. My question is regarding your comment about possibly changing the strings. Have you changed them yet, and if so, with what kind and how did it go? I was thinking to do the same thing, but I haven’t been brave enough! 😊
No, I have not changed them yet, but I will do this one next. I’d like to mellow it out a little since it is so loud and punchy. Be watching in the next week or so for my video regarding this. Thanks for your comment.
Thanks, Jodi! I’ll look forward to it! 😃
Been looking for a travel ukulele, this may be the one, I like the look . The sound is very nice.
Having a hard time finding any out there, maybe sold out because of holiday sales.
My granddaughter has a kindergarten class . I believe it would be a great ukulele for her classroom. Yes would be great first time user.😍
Like the finger picking , sounds nice . I might look into the different colored ones also . I think you have sold me on this one for my travel ukulele . My husband an I have recently retired and want to travel more . Thank you 😊
Your new enya would also work as a travel uke since it is laminate and small 😉
Thank you so very much , I am going to use this ukulele for my granddaughters kindergarten classroom. She teaches about an hour away from where I live so I may keep this sweet little ukulele there to live . So I can a couple times a week play for her students . Also she has quite a challenging class this year with behavioral issues. So she can use for positive teaching , to gather students to come to the carpet for morning circle and other activities. Again Thank You so much
I agree with you about a beginners first uke being wood. Either a laminate or solid. I have been thinking about this uke as a travel uke I currently use my Kala which is a laminate concert
Laminate instruments can also make great travel ukuleles. I mean aren’t ALL ukuleles extremely portable? Well, maybe not baritones...
Thank you so much for the review! It convinced me to buy my first travel uke. :) One question - I'm a fairly new player, and more than anything I want to find a fun Hawaiian strum that doesn't require me to sing. Singing isn't my thing. What chords do you play for your awesome Hawaiian strum around the 8:00 mark? Did you learn it from a book? I'd love to play that strum!
I love playing that little run of chords. It’s for a song in the key of G and it goes like this: C Gdim7 G E7 A7 D7 G. (Gdim7 is these frets from top to bottom 0101)
@@girlmeetsuke2980 Thank you!!!
it's a lot more affordable than the outdoor ukulele. I'm considering buying one!
Great review! I think of travel ukuleles that you have reviewed, I would be most drawn to this one.
Question...I am looking for an affordable, yet playable tenor ukulele, what do you like? Reasonably priced since Ive had a problem buying gear lately.
Hi Michael. I used ta Lohanu tenor and I loved it. (www.amazon.com/Bundle-Lohanu-LU-T-Installed-Purchase/dp/B01CQ01YSS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1547763660&sr=8-3&keywords=lohanu+tenor+ukulele) I see the Kala LTP-T is about the same price. I haven't played it, but do trust the Kala name. A little bit cheaper is the enya KUT-MA (www.amazon.com/Mohogany-Ukulele-KUT-MA-Beginner-KUTMA/dp/B06WGXSKDF/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1547763826&sr=8-3&keywords=tenor+ukulele+enya) Again, I haven't played it, but it does have good reviews. Let me know what you end up with!
@@girlmeetsuke2980 I ordered a Gretsch G9120 www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UKEG9120TO--gretsch-g9120-tenor-standard-ukulele-vintage-mahogany-stain It will be here Thursday! I can't wait!
Michael Popp Sweet! I love the vintage stain on that. Bet you can’t wait for it to arrive!!
@@girlmeetsuke2980 i know! i was excited for it to arrive tomorrow, then I realized that tomorrow is only Wednesday, not Thursday!
I just ordered a TUS-50, as I wanted a soprano to keep in my car! :) I got the Granada pattern - thought the funky pattern would be fun. :) Did you end up swapping out the strings yet? I'm not a fan of Aquila, so I'm deciding on which strings to try first on this.
Yay, Holly ! That’s exciting! No, I have one more sound comparison (with all 4 travel ukuleles) before switching out the strings. But I will probably try a fluorocarbon next.
Beginner uke? Sure, I think this would be great, as it should be very durable. Durability, sound quality, and action would be the most important things I would look for in a uke to recommend to someone starting out, and this ticks all of those boxes. :)
I think it will be good for beginners because it is durable since most of the materials used is plastic. :)
Flight TUS50 price update January 2020: $58.79 on Amazon.
You can find TUS ukes cheaper on ebay, and even at Walmart online! $46, $49, $55 depending on seller.
I what did you name it?
Herbie!
My two cents: I think a travel uke might be more suited as a first instrument for a younger person who might not be so careful with handling and storage. For an adult or a responsible child, I think wood is the way to go.
I agree with you!
Looks like a nice ukulele, travel lite and play everywhere. Have you ever played in your car during a traffic jam? Never have, but I know people who have Lol...
Yes, I have been known to play at red lights. 🤓
Have you considered a video of you busking ? I’ve seen you play in the park, but not on the street.....
Hmmm... that could be fun...
I like the look, but I don’t like the plastic sound. I travel with my Luna ukulele. I love the sound of wood even laminate.
Plastic definitely has a distinctive sound. I’ve used my laminate concert as a travel/camping uke many times without any problems. That’s one of the huge advantages of laminate in my opinion. 😊