What is the primary material used for the TUS-35E body?

The back and sides of the TUS-35E are made from ABS plastic, while the top is made from laminate linden wood.

Does this ukulele require a battery for the pickup?

No, it features a passive piezo pickup system which does not require an internal battery to operate.

What size is the Flight TUS-35E?

It is a soprano-sized ukulele, which is the traditional small size for these instruments.

Is the Flight TUS-35E resistant to weather changes?

Yes, the ABS plastic construction makes it highly resistant to warping caused by humidity and temperature fluctuations.

What accessories are included with the purchase?

The instrument comes with a bespoke Flight gig bag designed specifically for the travel soprano series.

Can I plug this ukulele into a guitar amplifier?

Yes, the integrated passive piezo pickup allows you to plug the instrument into an amplifier using a standard instrument cable.

What tonewood is used for the soundboard?

The soundboard, or top, is made from laminate linden, which provides a bright and melodic tone.

How does the sound of the plastic body compare to wood?

The ABS plastic back is arched to help project a punchy, clear sound that is often louder than traditional flat-backed wooden sopranos.

Is this instrument suitable for a total beginner?

Yes, its durable build and comfortable soprano size make it an excellent choice for those just starting to learn the ukulele.

What is the typical price range for this model?

The Flight TUS-35E typically retails for approximately GBP 53, making it an affordable entry-level electro-acoustic option.

How does the TUS-35E differ from the TUS-35?

The 'E' in the model name signifies that this version includes a pickup system for amplification, whereas the standard TUS-35 is purely acoustic.

What colour is the TUS-35E model described here?

This specific model features a sleek black finish on the top and body.

Gear article

Flight TUS-35E Travel Soprano Electro Ukulele Black

The Flight TUS-35E is a soprano-sized travel ukulele featuring a hybrid construction of a laminate linden top and an ABS plastic body. It is equipped with a passive piezo pickup system, allowing it to be used as both an acoustic and an electro-acoustic instrument.

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Overview

The Flight TUS-35E Travel Soprano is designed as a robust, portable instrument suited for musicians who require a reliable ukulele for outdoor use or travel. The 'E' designation in the model name signifies the inclusion of electronic components, specifically a passive piezo pickup, which distinguishes it from standard acoustic-only travel models in the Flight catalogue. Its sleek black aesthetic provides a professional appearance despite its accessible price point.

Construction and Materials

The instrument utilises a hybrid design intended to balance tone and durability. The soundboard is crafted from laminate linden, a tonewood known for producing a bright and balanced output. The back, sides, and neck are constructed from high-quality ABS plastic. This choice of material makes the ukulele exceptionally resistant to environmental factors such as humidity and temperature changes, which typically cause traditional wooden instruments to warp or crack. The arched back design of the plastic body is engineered to enhance sound projection.

Electronics and Sound Character

Equipped with a passive piezo pickup system, the TUS-35E can be connected directly to an amplifier or PA system. As a passive system, it does not require an internal battery, relying instead on the output of the amplifier to manage the signal. The resulting sound character is described as punchy and clear, with the linden top ensuring that individual notes remain melodic and distinct even when the instrument is played aggressively.

Target Audience

The TUS-35E is positioned as an ideal choice for beginners and experienced players alike. Its robust construction makes it particularly suitable for hikers, festival-goers, or students who need an instrument that can withstand frequent transport. The inclusion of the pickup system also makes it a viable entry-level option for performers who are beginning to play in live amplified settings.

Market Comparison

Within the Flight range, the TUS-35E sits alongside the TUS-65 Copper and the NUS350DC Dreamcatcher, offering a more utility-focused, weather-resistant alternative to traditional wood-bodied sopranos like the DUS320 Zebrawood. Compared to larger concert models like the Ferndale UC-W or the Kala Surfboard Dawn Patrol, the TUS-35E offers a smaller footprint and greater structural resilience, though it sacrifices the deeper resonance associated with larger, all-wood bodies.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary material used for the TUS-35E body?: The back and sides of the TUS-35E are made from ABS plastic, while the top is made from laminate linden wood.
Does this ukulele require a battery for the pickup?: No, it features a passive piezo pickup system which does not require an internal battery to operate.
What size is the Flight TUS-35E?: It is a soprano-sized ukulele, which is the traditional small size for these instruments.
Is the Flight TUS-35E resistant to weather changes?: Yes, the ABS plastic construction makes it highly resistant to warping caused by humidity and temperature fluctuations.
What accessories are included with the purchase?: The instrument comes with a bespoke Flight gig bag designed specifically for the travel soprano series.
Can I plug this ukulele into a guitar amplifier?: Yes, the integrated passive piezo pickup allows you to plug the instrument into an amplifier using a standard instrument cable.
What tonewood is used for the soundboard?: The soundboard, or top, is made from laminate linden, which provides a bright and melodic tone.
How does the sound of the plastic body compare to wood?: The ABS plastic back is arched to help project a punchy, clear sound that is often louder than traditional flat-backed wooden sopranos.
Is this instrument suitable for a total beginner?: Yes, its durable build and comfortable soprano size make it an excellent choice for those just starting to learn the ukulele.
What is the typical price range for this model?: The Flight TUS-35E typically retails for approximately GBP 53, making it an affordable entry-level electro-acoustic option.
How does the TUS-35E differ from the TUS-35?: The 'E' in the model name signifies that this version includes a pickup system for amplification, whereas the standard TUS-35 is purely acoustic.
What colour is the TUS-35E model described here?: This specific model features a sleek black finish on the top and body.