Gear article

Flight Aurora Solid Top Baritone Electro Ukulele

The Flight Aurora is a baritone-sized electro-acoustic ukulele designed to blend traditional aesthetics with contemporary performance capabilities. It features a solid spruce top combined with rosewood back and sides, integrated with a discrete Double C1U pickup system for amplified use.

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Overview and Construction

The Flight Aurora Solid Top Baritone Electro Ukulele represents a high-specification entry in the baritone ukulele market. The instrument is built using a combination of a solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides, a pairing frequently found in premium acoustic instruments. This construction choice aims to provide a balance between structural stability and acoustic resonance.

The neck is crafted from African mahogany, a wood selected for its inherent stability and contribution to the instrument's overall sustain. As a baritone model, the Aurora offers a larger body and longer scale length than soprano or concert ukuleles, typically resulting in a deeper, more guitar-like register.

Electronics and Hardware

A primary feature of the Aurora is its integrated electronics. It utilises a Double C1U pickup system, which is an active preamp designed to translate the acoustic vibrations of the ukulele for amplification.

To preserve the traditional appearance of the instrument, the controls and components are mounted discretely underneath the soundhole. This design choice avoids the need for large plastic control panels cut into the side of the instrument, maintaining the structural integrity and aesthetic flow of the tonewoods while ensuring the instrument is stage-ready for venues of varying sizes.

Tonal Characteristics

The combination of materials used in the Aurora results in a specific harmonic profile:

  • Solid Spruce Top: Provides a bright, clear, and articulate sound with strong projection.
  • Rosewood Body: Adds smoothness and complexity to the tone, balancing the brightness of the spruce.
  • African Mahogany Neck: Contributes warmth to the mid-range and provides a 'crisp' attack to the notes.

Overall, the instrument is designed to produce a natural acoustic sound that resonates clearly whether played unplugged or through the internal pickup system.

Market Position and Comparisons

The Flight Aurora sits in a competitive mid-range price bracket, typically retailing around £298. Within the Flight catalogue, it offers a more traditional and performance-oriented alternative to the brand's entry-level models like the TUS-65 Travel series or the decorative NUS350DC Soprano.

Compared to concert-sized alternatives such as the Ferndale UC-W or the Kala Surfboard series, the Aurora Baritone offers a larger scale and a different tuning experience, catering to players who prefer the deeper resonance and increased fingerboard space of the baritone format.

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Frequently asked questions

What body size is the Flight Aurora?
The Flight Aurora is a baritone-sized ukulele, which is the largest standard ukulele size, providing a deeper tone and longer scale length.
What woods are used for the body of the Flight Aurora?
The instrument features a solid spruce top for projection and rosewood back and sides for a smooth, rich tonal character.
Does the Flight Aurora have a pickup system?
Yes, it is equipped with a Double C1U pickup system, allowing the instrument to be plugged into an amplifier or PA system.
Where is the pickup volume control located?
The pickup is mounted underneath the soundhole, keeping the controls hidden to maintain the instrument's traditional appearance.
What material is the neck made from?
The neck is constructed from African mahogany, chosen for its stability, warmth, and crisp note attack.
Is the top of the Flight Aurora solid or laminate?
The Flight Aurora features a solid spruce top, which generally offers better resonance and tonal development over time compared to laminate tops.
What kind of sound can I expect from this ukulele?
You can expect a bright, smooth, and natural sound with beautiful harmonics, resulting from the combination of spruce, rosewood, and mahogany.
Is this ukulele suitable for live performances?
Yes, the onboard Double C1U pickup makes it ready for performances in venues of all sizes by providing a reliable amplified signal.
How does the Flight Aurora compare to a soprano ukulele?
It is significantly larger than a soprano, such as the Flight DUS320, offering a deeper voice and more room on the fretboard for the player.
What is the typical price for a Flight Aurora Baritone?
The typical retail price for this model is approximately £298, placing it in the mid-range category of performance ukuleles.
What aesthetic style does the Flight Aurora follow?
It follows a traditional style, avoiding modern cosmetic distractions on the body while hiding its electronic components within the soundhole.
Can I play the Flight Aurora acoustically?
Absolutely. It is designed to resonate naturally as an acoustic instrument, with the electronics being an optional feature for when amplification is needed.