What is a 'Long Neck' soprano ukulele?

A long neck soprano ukulele features a soprano-sized body but is fitted with a longer concert-scale neck. This gives the player the compact feel of a soprano with the extra frets and spacing of a concert model.

Who is Elise Ecklund?

Elise Ecklund is a popular musician and social media personality known for her ukulele tutorials and content. This specific TUSL model is a signature instrument designed in collaboration with her.

What material is used for the back and sides?

The back and sides are made from ABS plastic. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to resist warping caused by changes in temperature or humidity.

Is the Flight TUSL suitable for travel?

Yes, it is specifically designed as a travel instrument. The combination of its plastic body and its compact soprano size makes it very robust for transport.

What finish does the top have?

The laminate linden top features a custom 'Sunset' finish. This artwork is intended to add an elegant and sublime aesthetic to the instrument.

Does this ukulele come with a case?

Yes, the Flight TUSL Elise Ecklund comes with a bespoke gig bag. This ensures the instrument is protected during transit.

How does the sound differ from an all-wood ukulele?

The ABS plastic back provides a punchy, bright sound that is often louder and more resilient than budget all-wood models. However, it may lack some of the complex overtones found in high-end solid wood instruments.

What is the typical price for this model?

The Flight TUSL Elise Ecklund typically retails for approximately GBP 65. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.

Can beginners use this ukulele?

This model is highly suitable for beginners due to its durable construction and easy-to-play long neck. It is designed to be accessible and fun for musicians of all skill levels.

Is the neck also made of plastic?

Yes, as part of the Flight Travel Series design, the neck is typically made of ABS plastic integrated with the body. This helps maintain tuning stability in different climates.

How does this compare to the Flight TUS-65?

While both are travel ukuleles with ABS bodies, the TUSL (Long Neck) has a concert-length neck, whereas the TUS-65 is a standard soprano scale instrument. The TUSL provides more room for fingerstyle playing.

Is the top made of solid wood?

No, the top is made of laminate linden wood. This choice balances cost-effectiveness with a vibrant look and a punchy sound signature.

Gear article

Flight TUSL Elise Ecklund Travel Long Neck Soprano Ukulele

The Flight TUSL Elise Ecklund is a long-neck soprano travel ukulele featuring a signature sunset-themed aesthetic and a durable hybrid construction. Designed in collaboration with musician Elise Ecklund, it combines a laminate linden top with an ABS plastic body for enhanced climate resistance and portability.

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Overview

The Flight TUSL Elise Ecklund Travel Long Neck Soprano Ukulele is a signature instrument within Flight's popular Travel Series. It is distinguished by its 'long neck' configuration, which pairs a soprano-sized body with a concert-scale neck. This design provides the compact resonance of a soprano ukulele while offering the increased fret space and playability associated with larger concert models.

Construction and Materials

The instrument utilizes a hybrid construction method aimed at durability and stability. The top is crafted from laminate linden wood, featuring a bespoke 'Sunset' finish designed by Elise Ecklund. The back, sides, and neck are constructed from high-grade ABS plastic. This material choice makes the instrument highly resistant to humidity changes and warping, rendering it suitable for outdoor use and travel. The rounded back design of the ABS body is intended to assist in sound projection.

Sound Character

The TUSL Elise Ecklund is described as having a punchy and bright sound profile. The combination of the linden top and the plastic body results in a crisp attack that allows chords to remain articulate. Despite its soprano body size, the instrument is designed to project clearly, ensuring that its tonal character remains vibrant in various playing environments.

Target Audience

This ukulele is specifically tailored for musicians who require a robust instrument for travelling. The ABS plastic body makes it an ideal choice for beginners or touring players who may encounter varying weather conditions. Additionally, the long neck design caters to players who find standard soprano fretboards too cramped but prefer the smaller body aesthetic. The inclusion of a bespoke gig bag reinforces its positioning as a complete portable package.

Market Comparisons

Within the Flight catalogue, the TUSL Elise Ecklund sits alongside other travel models like the TUS-65 Copper, though it offers a longer scale length than the standard TUS models. When compared to traditional wood ukuleles such as the Flight DUS320 Zebrawood or the NUS350DC Dreamcatcher, the TUSL prioritises durability over classic wood aesthetics. It competes with other lifestyle-oriented instruments like the Kala Surfboard Concert series, though the Flight model differentiates itself with its unique soprano-to-concert scale hybridity.

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Frequently asked questions

What is a 'Long Neck' soprano ukulele?: A long neck soprano ukulele features a soprano-sized body but is fitted with a longer concert-scale neck. This gives the player the compact feel of a soprano with the extra frets and spacing of a concert model.
Who is Elise Ecklund?: Elise Ecklund is a popular musician and social media personality known for her ukulele tutorials and content. This specific TUSL model is a signature instrument designed in collaboration with her.
What material is used for the back and sides?: The back and sides are made from ABS plastic. This material is chosen for its durability and its ability to resist warping caused by changes in temperature or humidity.
Is the Flight TUSL suitable for travel?: Yes, it is specifically designed as a travel instrument. The combination of its plastic body and its compact soprano size makes it very robust for transport.
What finish does the top have?: The laminate linden top features a custom 'Sunset' finish. This artwork is intended to add an elegant and sublime aesthetic to the instrument.
Does this ukulele come with a case?: Yes, the Flight TUSL Elise Ecklund comes with a bespoke gig bag. This ensures the instrument is protected during transit.
How does the sound differ from an all-wood ukulele?: The ABS plastic back provides a punchy, bright sound that is often louder and more resilient than budget all-wood models. However, it may lack some of the complex overtones found in high-end solid wood instruments.
What is the typical price for this model?: The Flight TUSL Elise Ecklund typically retails for approximately GBP 65. Prices may vary slightly depending on the retailer and current promotions.
Can beginners use this ukulele?: This model is highly suitable for beginners due to its durable construction and easy-to-play long neck. It is designed to be accessible and fun for musicians of all skill levels.
Is the neck also made of plastic?: Yes, as part of the Flight Travel Series design, the neck is typically made of ABS plastic integrated with the body. This helps maintain tuning stability in different climates.
How does this compare to the Flight TUS-65?: While both are travel ukuleles with ABS bodies, the TUSL (Long Neck) has a concert-length neck, whereas the TUS-65 is a standard soprano scale instrument. The TUSL provides more room for fingerstyle playing.
Is the top made of solid wood?: No, the top is made of laminate linden wood. This choice balances cost-effectiveness with a vibrant look and a punchy sound signature.