What size ukulele should I buy?

Flight offers great ukuleles in all four main sizes:

• Soprano: The smallest and the most portable size in the ukulele family. Consisting of 12-15 frets, they are often called “standard” in the Hawaiian motherland. 

 

• Concert: 10% larger than sopranos, concert ukuleles are louder, warmer in tone, and easier to play if you have large hands. Consisting of 15-18 frets, concert ukuleles are able to reach higher notes than sopranos.

 

• Tenor: Larger in size and volume compared to the concert size. Consisting upto 19 frets which are more widely spread-out, the  tenor ukuleles are especially well-suited for trying alternative tunings, making them especially attractive for solo playing.

 

• Baritone: The largest members of the ukulele family, baritones are usually tuned like the four top strings of a guitar, making them perfect for guitar players who wish to step into the ukulele world without having to relearn all the chords. Due to its size (74 cm), baris have a very warm sound that reminds you of a classical guitar.

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How do I tune the ukulele?

The most popular tuning for the soprano and concert ukuleles is gCEA, known as “reentrant C tuning” because the G string is tuned one octave higher than what you would expect.

Another tuning is the “Low G” tuning (also called “linear C”) with the G string pitched below the C, because of the extended range you get, especially when playing longer-necked ukes such as concerts, tenors, and baritones.

Speaking of baritones, they are usually tuned to DGBE, exactly like the four top strings of a guitar.

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Some alternative tunings: Hawaiian slack key (GCEG), viola (CGDA), open G (GBDG), or pipa (ADEA).
 

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What is the difference between acoustic & electro-acoustic ukulele and which one is right for me?

The main difference is that the electro-acoustic ukuleles have a pick-up microphone installed in them. The acoustic ukuleles have limited volume, whereas the electro-acoustic models can be plugged-in for amplification. Therefore, they are a great option if you are performing on stage or recording. 

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The electro-acoustic ukulele can also be played without connecting it to an amplifier. So, it is completely based upon your needs. 

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Can Flight ukuleles be set up for left-handed players?

Yes, with one caveat. In many cases, you can reverse the order of the strings, and things will be just fine. However, the C string is larger than the E string, and the grooves in the nut reflect the thickness of the strings. It is possible that the nut may need modification to be slightly wider for the new position of the C string, and it is possible - especially if the action on the ukulele has been lowered-that the E string could buzz in its new location. If either of these things occur with you and you are not comfortable with diagnosing the problem- visit a luthier in your area that can help you out. 

 

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What is nut width? 

Nut width is the width of the nut on the top of your ukulele, which determines the spacing of the strings as they go down the fretboard. While nut width is important, string spacing is just as important. Many ukuleles have a 35mm nut. Ukuleles can have nuts up to 38mm (1.5 inches). Players with large hands often appreciate a wider nut. And yes, an increase of 3mm can make a big difference.
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