Gear article
Flight Mustang All Solid Tenor Ukulele
The Flight Mustang is a professional-grade tenor ukulele constructed from all-solid acacia wood, designed to balance traditional acoustic performance with modern player-centric features. It features a side sound port, a scalloped cutaway, and a C1U active pickup system for versatile use in both acoustic and amplified settings.
See live pricesConstruction and Materials
The Flight Mustang is built with all-solid acacia, a wood species closely related to Hawaiian Koa. The use of solid wood throughout the instrument allows for better resonance and long-term tonal development compared to laminate alternatives. The aesthetics are marked by the rich grain of the acacia, which is often chosen for its striking visual patterns and durable nature.
The instrument includes several contemporary design elements intended to improve the playing experience. A side sound port is situated on the upper bout, acting as a personal monitor by directing a portion of the sound directly toward the player. Additionally, the body features a scalloped cutaway, which provides the player with unhindered access to the higher frets of the tenor scale.
Acoustic and Amplified Sound
Acoustically, the Mustang is characterised by a punchy and rich tonal profile. The tenor body size, combined with the all-solid construction, produces significant unplugged volume and a 'sweet jangle' synonymous with high-quality ukuleles.
For performance environments requiring more volume, the instrument is equipped with a C1U active pickup system. This electronics package is designed to provide a transparent recreation of the ukulele's natural acoustic voice through an amplifier or PA system, ensuring consistency across various performance volumes.
Key Features and Ergonomics
The Mustang is positioned as a 'player-friendly' instrument due to several specific hardware choices:
- Side Port: Enhances the player's ability to hear their own nuances and dynamics.
- Scalloped Cutaway: Facilitates technical play on the upper register of the fretboard.
- Active Electronics: Simplifies the process of connecting to external audio equipment.
- Portability: The instrument is supplied with a deluxe padded gig bag to protect the all-solid wood construction during transit.
Comparison and Suitability
The Flight Mustang sits at a professional price point (approximately £509), distinguishing itself from entry-level laminate models like the Flight NUS350DC or the TUS-65 Travel series. While smaller models like the Zebrawood DUC325 or the Mahalo MZK1 are suited for beginners or hobbyists, the Mustang's all-solid build is intended for serious students and performing musicians who require tonal depth and reliable hardware.
Compared to concert-sized alternatives such as the Ferndale UC-W or the Flight Orchid, the Mustang offers the larger tenor scale, which typically provides more sustain and a more comfortable fret spacing for players with larger hands or those transitioning from guitar.
Related gear
£52.50 ($67)Flight
Flight TUS-65 Travel Soprano Ukulele Copper
£19.99 ($25)Mahalo
Mahalo MZK1 Ukulele Essentials Accessory Pack
£68.00 ($86)Flight
Flight AUC33 Concert Ukulele Orchid
£75.00 ($95)Flight
Flight DUS320 Soprano Ukulele Zebrawood B&S
£104.99 ($133)Flight
Flight DUC325 Concert Ukulele Zebrawood B&S
£50.49 ($64)Flight
Flight NUS350DC Soprano Ukulele Dreamcatcher
£119.99 ($152)Kala
Kala Surfboard Concert Ukulele Dawn Patrol
£39.99 ($51)Ferndale
Ferndale UC-W Ukulele Concert Walnut
Frequently asked questions
- What wood is used for the Flight Mustang?
- The Flight Mustang is constructed using all-solid acacia for the top, back, and sides. This choice of wood provides a rich, punchy tone and a visual aesthetic similar to Hawaiian Koa.
- What size is the Flight Mustang?
- This model is a tenor-sized ukulele. The tenor size is larger than soprano and concert models, offering a deeper resonance and more room on the fretboard.
- Does the Flight Mustang have a pickup?
- Yes, it is equipped with a C1U active pickup system. This allows the ukulele to be plugged into an amplifier or sound system while maintaining a natural acoustic character.
- What is the purpose of the side sound port?
- The side sound port is located on the upper bout and acts as a personal monitor. It directs sound upward toward the player's ears so they can hear their performance more clearly.
- Is the Flight Mustang made of solid or laminate wood?
- The Mustang features all-solid construction. Unlike laminate instruments, solid wood vibrates more freely and tends to improve in tone as the wood ages.
- What is a scalloped cutaway?
- A scalloped cutaway is a specialized indentation in the body of the ukulele. It allows the player's hand to easily reach the highest frets for more versatile playing.
- Does it come with a case?
- Yes, the Flight Mustang includes a deluxe padded gig bag. This provides protection for the instrument's solid wood body during travel and storage.
- How does the price of the Mustang compare to other Flight models?
- At approximately £509, the Mustang is a professional-tier instrument. It is significantly more expensive than entry-level models like the TUS-65 or the DUS320 series.
- What kind of tone can I expect from the Mustang?
- The Mustang is known for a 'sweet jangle' with rich, punchy tones. The solid acacia wood provides plenty of unplugged volume and tonal depth.
- Who is the Flight Mustang best suited for?
- This ukulele is designed for professional musicians and serious enthusiasts. Its high-grade materials and built-in electronics make it ideal for both recording and live performance.
- How does the tenor size compare to a concert ukulele like the AUC33?
- The tenor Mustang has a larger body and longer scale length than a concert ukulele. This generally results in a louder, fuller sound and wider fret spacing.
- Is the C1U pickup active or passive?
- The C1U is an active pickup system. This means it requires a power source (typically a battery) to pre-amplify the signal before it reaches the output jack.
