What is the primary material of the Flight TUS-35?

The back and sides are made from ABS plastic, while the top is made from laminate linden wood.

Is the Flight TUS-35 waterproof?

While the ABS plastic body is highly resistant to moisture and warping, the linden wood top is not waterproof and should be kept dry.

What size is the Flight TUS-35?

It is a soprano ukulele, which is the smallest standard ukulele size, typically measuring around 21 inches in length.

Does it come with any accessories?

Yes, the Flight TUS-35 Travel Soprano comes with a bespoke gig bag included in the purchase price.

Why is the back of the ukulele curved?

The arched ABS plastic back is designed to project sound more effectively, giving the small soprano body a punchier and louder volume.

Is this ukulele suitable for beginners?

Yes, its durability, stable intonation, and affordable price point make it an excellent choice for those starting to learn the instrument.

How does linden wood affect the tone?

Linden is known for providing a bright and balanced tone, ensuring that individual notes pop with clarity during play.

Can the TUS-35 withstand temperature changes?

Yes, the ABS plastic construction makes the instrument resistant to warping and cracking caused by heat or cold.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Flight TUS-35 Travel Soprano in Purple typically retails for approximately £37.

How does it compare to the Flight TUS-65?

Both belong to the Travel series and share the same basic construction, but they differ in aesthetic finishes, such as the TUS-65 Copper's specific styling.

Does the plastic neck feel different from wood?

The ABS neck has a smooth, consistent texture and features molded frets, which provides a different tactile experience than traditional nickel-silver frets on wood.

Is this ukulele better for strumming or fingerpicking?

The punchy sound and clear linden top make it versatile enough for both bright chord strumming and clear melodic fingerstyle playing.

Gear article

Flight TUS-35 Travel Soprano Ukulele Purple

The Flight TUS-35 is a soprano-sized travel ukulele featuring a hybrid construction of a laminate linden wood top and an ABS plastic body. Designed for durability and portability, it offers a bright, punchy sound that remains resistant to environmental changes.

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Overview

The Flight TUS-35 is a member of Flight's Travel Series, specifically designed to address the vulnerabilities of traditional wooden instruments. By utilizing a plastic body, the instrument avoids common issues such as cracking or warping due to humidity and temperature fluctuations. The purple finish provides a distinct aesthetic for the soprano-scale instrument, which is traditionally the smallest standard size of ukulele.

Construction and Design

The core design feature of the TUS-35 is its arched ABS plastic back. This bowl-shaped design is intended to increase the internal volume of the sound chamber, resulting in a louder projection than many standard wood-bodied sopranos. The top is crafted from laminate linden, a tonewood chosen for its ability to provide clarity and a bright melodic response. The use of plastic extends to the neck and fretboard, ensuring that the intonation remains stable regardless of weather conditions.

Sound Profile

The TUS-35 is characterised by a 'punchy' sound profile. The combination of the stiff ABS body and the linden top allows chords to ring out with significant clarity. While it maintains the traditional 'plinky' and bright character associated with soprano ukuleles, the arched back helps to prevent the sound from becoming thin, giving it a larger sonic presence than its compact dimensions might suggest.

Target Audience

This instrument is primarily aimed at musicians who require a robust 'go-anywhere' instrument. Because it is resistant to warping, it is suitable for camping, festivals, or beach use. Its price point and durability also make it a viable option for beginners or students who need a reliable first instrument that is easy to maintain. The inclusion of a bespoke gig bag reinforces its role as a travel-ready tool.

Market Comparison

Within the Flight range, the TUS-35 serves as a foundational travel model. It differs from the TUS-65 Copper, which offers different aesthetic finishes, and more traditional models like the NUS350DC Dreamcatcher or the Zebrawood DUS320, which utilise full wood constructions. Compared to concert-sized alternatives like the Ferndale UC-W or the Kala Surfboard Dawn Patrol, the TUS-35 is smaller and more focused on extreme portability and environmental resistance.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material of the Flight TUS-35?: The back and sides are made from ABS plastic, while the top is made from laminate linden wood.
Is the Flight TUS-35 waterproof?: While the ABS plastic body is highly resistant to moisture and warping, the linden wood top is not waterproof and should be kept dry.
What size is the Flight TUS-35?: It is a soprano ukulele, which is the smallest standard ukulele size, typically measuring around 21 inches in length.
Does it come with any accessories?: Yes, the Flight TUS-35 Travel Soprano comes with a bespoke gig bag included in the purchase price.
Why is the back of the ukulele curved?: The arched ABS plastic back is designed to project sound more effectively, giving the small soprano body a punchier and louder volume.
Is this ukulele suitable for beginners?: Yes, its durability, stable intonation, and affordable price point make it an excellent choice for those starting to learn the instrument.
How does linden wood affect the tone?: Linden is known for providing a bright and balanced tone, ensuring that individual notes pop with clarity during play.
Can the TUS-35 withstand temperature changes?: Yes, the ABS plastic construction makes the instrument resistant to warping and cracking caused by heat or cold.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Flight TUS-35 Travel Soprano in Purple typically retails for approximately £37.
How does it compare to the Flight TUS-65?: Both belong to the Travel series and share the same basic construction, but they differ in aesthetic finishes, such as the TUS-65 Copper's specific styling.
Does the plastic neck feel different from wood?: The ABS neck has a smooth, consistent texture and features molded frets, which provides a different tactile experience than traditional nickel-silver frets on wood.
Is this ukulele better for strumming or fingerpicking?: The punchy sound and clear linden top make it versatile enough for both bright chord strumming and clear melodic fingerstyle playing.