Flight Ukulele - Nighthawk Tenor vs Fireball

Come have a look at the Flight Fireball vs it's emo goth cousin, the Flight Nighthawk Tenor.
Ukuleles in the video:
Flight Fireball
thmn.to/thoprod/502470?offid=...
Flight Nighthawk Tenor
thmn.to/thoprod/541365?offid=...
00:00 - Intro talk
00:34 - The Flight Fireball
01:36 - The Flight Nighthawk
03:22 - Fingerstyle piece (high register)
04:59 - Strumming piece
06:06 - Fingerstyle piece (low register)
06:52 - Strumming with nails
07:46 - Picking
08:11 - Harmonics
08:52 - Strummed chords
09:34- Range test (low and high notes)
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[@4stringboy]

Ukuleles used in the video: Flight Fireball: thmn.to/thoprod/502470?offid=1&affid=1399 Flight Nighthawk: thmn.to/thoprod/541365?offid=1&affid=1399

[@kithg]

I like the mellower and fuller sound of the Fireball, between the two. Really what I’m hearing is the difference in wood tones. This is a first class comparison video, outstanding! Thanks.

[@4stringboy]

Thank you! I really enjoy making these kinds of videos, just trying to sandwich more of them in my schedule 😳🥲

[@MustDote]

Thanks for sharing that! To me, the Nighthawk sounded cleaner, brighter and refreshing but I preferred the sweetness of the Fireball harmonics when you did that bit. Lovely playing!

[@4stringboy]

Thanks mate! Yes the Nighthawk is still super bright and loud, the Fireball has the character 😇

[@Ukulelelovers]

Great comparison mate! I really like the goth one!

[@4stringboy]

Thank you V! It’s a real babe, right?

[@martyrea79]

Fantastic comparison video, im a singer songwriter, i mostly write on the uke, though sometimes guitar also. I absolutely love the Nighthawk. Thanks for helping me decide on my next songwriting tool lol. Great playing, just subscribed 👍

[@4stringboy]

Thanks Marty, Nighthawk is still one of my fav ukes 💙

[@grahamnorris8347]

Nighthawk gets my vote. Love the bright, clean sound.

[@rawfood4life]

Loved hearing your interview on Brad Bordessa's LIVE'Ukulele Podcast talking about your 'ukulele journey and looking forward to seeing you at the Los Angeles International 'Ukulele Festival coming up this year.

[@4stringboy]

Thank you Bob, can’t wait for LA!

[@mcmerly1355]

They sound both fantastic. I would prefer the nighthawk for accompanying vocals, and the fireball for fingerstyle. The nighthawk has more of a straight forward, projecting sound, that would fit beautifully to vocals, and the Fireball is more sprinkly, yet mellow (if that makes any sense)

[@4stringboy]

Makes perfect sense and I very much agree, although as I'm not a vocal person both ukes do a great job of handling solo fingerstyle on their own 😇

[@donnaukes]

Sammy!!!! This is so well done and also… have I told you that you are ridiculously amazing with harmonics?!?! Teach me!!! 😆 😆 😆 Please! Like… it is magical!!! 🙏🙏🙏🥰🥰🥰

[@4stringboy]

Ah Donna you absolute sweetheart! It has been said that I’m a sparkly sparkly bitch full of harmonics 😅

[@donnaukes]

@@4stringboy you really are! ✨ ✨ ✨ 🫰

[@marimaeabreu]

Great review Sammy! You're right about Nighthawk was loud - that first strumming piece I reacted with a 'whoah' 🤣 Equally both sound wonderful, just depends if you prefer loud protection from the nighthawk because of the spruce or you're more laid back and like the sweet mellower sound of Mango.

[@4stringboy]

Thanks Marimae, and exactly, I think they actually compliment each other very well 👌

[@rawfood4life]

Cheers mate, two absolutely gorgeous ‘ukuleles from Flight. Sound quality on both is excellent, so my choice is purely based on esthetics. I love the grain patterns of natural wood instruments, so I prefer the Fireball for that aspect alone. And your playing is masterful.

[@4stringboy]

Thanks Bob, the mango on the Fireball is easy to look at all day!

[@KingWilly31]

I❤my Nighthawk sooo much but the Fireball is also a very nice looking Uke by far. Sounds i cant distinguish, my Ears are too old maybe 😅 thx for this beautiful Comparison 🙏🏻 At the very first glance, I fell in love with the look of the Nighthawk, no chance to resist ❤

[@Joel-UkeAlot]

I love both and struggled which to get. I’ve ended up buying the fireball. For me the fireball is the better tone wood and I personally prefer the looks. But I’d be equally as happy to own the nighthawk. Great comparison and playing.

[@4stringboy]

Thank you mate! Yes, the Fireball will always be the winner to me too, nothing is beating that mango!

[@robertmichael6644]

I really like the Nighthawk. I should have the 4sb early this week. I used to look at ukuleles and pretty much shrug them off. Didn't realize I was missing so much about them. UAS wants to set in! Thanks Sammy

[@4stringboy]

Hahahah UAS is a real threat! That's an exciting week, congrats to you :)

[@chriscarothers6622]

Hey Sammy, just came across this video. Great demo. I have the fireball based on watching you play. Love it! Can you post tab for some of the examples in your members area? Hope you're feeling better.

[@4stringboy]

Thanks Chris, feeling much better now! I’ll have to have a look at what the examples are 😅 and then I’m sure I can sort some tab out 👌

[@chriscarothers6622]

@@4stringboyAwesome, Thank you so much. I love your channel and the depth of your lessons.

[@4stringboy]

@chriscarothers6622 thank you Chris 🧡

[@fzelders]

⁠@@4stringboydid you manage to create/post the tabs @chriscarothers6622 asked for?

[@thomasn1069]

I love the sound of both. I give the edge to the fireball even though I just bought the nighthawk (still haven’t received yet) The fireball has a more mello sound, and you can almost hear a small echo on some of the strings. I’m guessing from the port hole? It sounds good but is definitely unique. Might not be for everyone, then the nighthawk just seems straight forward sounding, loud and clear. Also brand new to this so this is a very outsider perspective! The fireball just has that unique sound almost like a bit of a thud after some strings, think it’s because the unique design and/or the sound hole. Am I crazy?

[@4stringboy]

I agree with you on the description of the Nighthawk - it is very straight forward! Not sure about the Fireball echo sound, might just be my bad room 🥲

[@rubenandreasdahl1509]

Hi, i am on 5year playing ukulele, i was wondering if you onley coud pick 1 witch whoud you get? And bonus question, if you onley coud pick 1 ukulele fore the rest of your life what woud that be?

[@reneeaubuchon6683]

The Nighthawk just arrived at my house yesterday. I like the crisper sound of the Nighthawk better. Maybe the very traditional spruce top has something to do with producing that kind of sound. I think I like the looks of the Fireball better. Although the Nighthawk is certainly unique! I wonder how much the addition of a sound hole on the side is impacting the sound/volume of the Fireball? Thank you very much for this comparison!

[@4stringboy]

Pleasure, congrats on ukulele day 😊

[@jesuseissa]

Great review. I was trying to on decide which of the two to go for. They both have a distinctive sound - and I still can't decide which is better. Probably the Nighthawk would go great with chords and vocals while the Fireball has a softer and warmer sound that would be great for finger style. I might end up going for both!

[@4stringboy]

That’s the only sensible option you can take 😂 the Nighthawk has grown on me way more since then, it’s a fantastic uke.

[@jesuseissa]

@@4stringboy So I just received my Nighthawk yesterday and I'm loving it! It all came down to your review and sound testing. It's really difficult ordering an instrument without actually trying it, but you were defiantly right about it. Thanks again.

[@4stringboy]

@@jesuseissa happy new uke day! That’s awesome mate, glad it helped 😊

[@garyhaynes9282]

Two very different sounding Ukuleles but both sound Great!

[@audreypaulus3571]

I've just ordered the fireball...😊

[@4stringboy]

Happy new uke day! It’ll make a wonderful family member 😇

[@intoitreviews]

I just got a Flight Mustang Tenor, and have ALREADY been thinking about the concert version of the Nighthawk. Although I might get a Spruce Topped Makai instead. I wish the Nighthawk had the side sound-hole that the Mustang and the Fireball have... bummer it doesn't- that and I don't like that the center circle isn't blue like the rest, and the tuning pegs should also be blue instead of red; triggers my OCD tendencies ;) I also know the Fireball is all the rage, and I get why people like it, but it just sounds a bit muddy (or more melodic if you want to be kind) imho; not to mention the lack of volume in comparison.

[@4stringboy]

I’ve never actually played the Mustang, which on paper should be very similar to these two! I agree with all your points about the Nighthawk, and I think the fact that is a considerably lower price gets away with that - and bridge pins are replaceable 😉 I now have some nice blue ones on instead.

[@intoitreviews]

@@4stringboy what about the Voyager? Probably going to default to it or the Nighthawk at this point... Any 💡?

[@4stringboy]

@@intoitreviews always fancied a Voyager but again never played one, they sound great!

[@fbales]

I liked them both. I would choose the mango because it’s beautiful. Don’t really care for the black & blue. To be honest, though, I did like the sound on the black one over the mango one on a few of the samples. I could see owning them both (without the blue trim).

[@nickcuffe4068]

Great review. Really like the Nighthawk 'Goth'. Was thinking with a low G. Would prefer blue string pins. What do you think?🎸🎼👍

[@4stringboy]

I have done both of those things! I’m not a big fan of low G, but if check my interstellar cover you will hear it with a low G 😊 and yes, blue pins do look better!

[@btipton72]

I had trouble figuring out one from the other.

[@WysteriaGuitar]

Hard to get here in the states at the moment...

[@willoweezie1]

I like Goth... what kind of thumb pick do you use? Is it my or does it have a felt pick incorporated? I prefer felt but i'd like to try a thumbpick

[@4stringboy]

🖤🖤🖤 it’s a custom/home made thing, yes it has a felt pick attached to it 😅

[@advanbever4245]

First of all, this is an ace review. You compared both ukes with a large variety of styles. To me, the Nighthawk is the overall winner.

[@4stringboy]

Thank you mate 😊

[@yvesb3426]

How would you compare them to the cocobolo? Does the cocobolo have the same body size or slightly bigger?

[@4stringboy]

The Cocobolo feels like a bigger body, I think it’s got a bigger bottom 😅 the Cocobolo is a very big step up, much bolder, deeper, and clearer.

[@Weizendeath]

Hi Sammy, what thumb pic do you use ? thanks for Info and greets from Bavaria !

[@4stringboy]

Hello there! It is a Frankenstein creation I made I’m afraid - a mix of a Dunlop guitar thumb pick and a felt pick!

[@iokarii]

I already liked the sound of Fireball (in baritone), so I buyed this one. I am starting, but, now, surprisingly appear, that on baritone is significantly less courses, schools, everything... Can you give me advice please - could I put tenor strings on baritone? Could it damage my baritone uke? I have red somewhere, that Tenor has smaller tension than baritone. Also, Tenor string should be shorter, due to possible limited elasticity (due to different types of strings), string could break? many thanks for video and if possible, hint...

[@4stringboy]

Hello mate! GCEA strings for baritone do exist, but you have to make sure that’s the specific set you’re buying - you can’t just use any GCEA strings. Here’s an example of some: www.southernukulelestore.co.uk/d-addario-baritone-low-g-gcea-baritone-ukulele-strings-custom-set-for-sus

[@iokarii]

@@4stringboy thank you for advice, this info help me a lot! 👍

[@AmySoleil]

you can't use tenor strings on a baritone, but you can put 'baritone gcea' strings on a baritone. this means that the strings are the right size for the instrument, but tuned to 'gcea' r(srandard ukulele) rather than 'dgbe' (standard baritone). it's a nice sound, give it a try!

[@jaketown7]

The Mango sounds better. Put some Pepe Romero UBB Baritone Ukulele Strings For Tenor Ukulele (D-G-B-E Tuning) - Baby Baritone Strings on it, plug it into a nice Bass amp, and do things nobody has ever done.

[@BaritoneUkeBeast4Life]

Funny you said that. I just ordered the Nighthawk today from an online uke store and I am having them do a full setup for me and swapping out the strings for the Pepe Romero UBB Baby Baritone strings. I should get it this Friday. I play mostly Baritone ukes but have 2 tenors and put the Pepe Romeo baby baritone strings on an Enya Nova U Pro. It sounds very hollow and a bit tinny so I wanted to hear the strings on a full solid body tenor uke. I bought the Nighthawk specifically to play in baritone tuning as a travel baritone!

[@pedigit]

I wonder, can one use any kind of strings with these bridge pins?

[@4stringboy]

You can, you just have to get used to tying a knot in the end which helps hold it in place in the bridge! It was a learning curve for me 😂

[@stephenmarshall6858]

The finger picking on the nighthawk sounded better, but the strumming on the fireball was 😍

[@4stringboy]

I very much agree 👏

[@annaloumaris]

Love the Nighthawk sounds great, looks great but there's just something about that Fireball that literally sets me on fire so I'm defo a Fireball bitch!! Outstanding comparisons great video 😊🧡

[@4stringboy]

Thanks Anna 🧡 yeah that Fireball is a magical kid 😍

[@alexbrown6624]

Considered both but unfortunately there was a waiting list for the fireball l bought the nighthawk after hearing and watching this l think l have got a great deal , waiting for delivery 📦 fingers crossed!

[@4stringboy]

Woohoo! You still waiting mate?

[@alexbrown6624]

No now happily playing it and glad l got this one , thinking of the Vanguard now ? 🤣🤣🤣

[@chariscarrollbrownlie4904]

Id say the fireball has more warmth whereas the nighthawk has more brightness. I’d happily own both as they each have their own attributes 😍ps I own the Peter Moss signature in tenor and love that as my go to fav atm

[@4stringboy]

The Peter Moss is a great alt for the Nighthawk, it’s a great uke 😊

[@chariscarrollbrownlie4904]

@@4stringboy I like a nice loud uke so that the others in my group don’t drown me out haha, the Pete Moss with the Worth browns fits the bill nicely. Always on the lookout for my next favourite uke though haha😂

[@rephrase1]

What’s that thumb pick?

[@4stringboy]

A guitar pick sanded and cut down to hold a felt pick 😅 very homemade!

[@KnightWingFZ1]

What plectrum are you using?

[@4stringboy]

It’s a felt pick, the thing that holds it all together is custom made by me 😅

[@KnightWingFZ1]

I just saw a short that you made showing how you made it. Thanks!@@4stringboy

[@maryfield6920]

Goth 💙

[@BaritoneUkeBeast4Life]

Great comparison video!!! I am in love with the Fireball as far as it's looks go, but like them both equally as far as the sound goes. The mango wood on the Fireball looks incredible and I really like the simple dot fret markers. The Nighthawk is very cool and I love the pearlized blue accents and binding, but I hate the weird fret markers on it. That said today I bought the Nighthawk from a reputable online uke store in the states, only because it is almost half the price of the Fireball. I am having a full setup done and having them swap out the strings for the Pepe Romero baby baritone strings. I am expecting delivery this Friday. This will be my second uke from Flight as I got the Aurora Baritone EQ-A last month. The sound on it is incredible.

[@ptrallan01]

It's not nice to talk about monkeys like that!!! Anyway thanks for the comparison. The night hawk is louder yes and the notes are "sharper", knife like. They are like the neck pickup of a Telecaster, "spikey". The fireball is quieter, richer, more "bell" like with smoother decay. Fireball wins for me.

[@JohannesHeld]

What's that built on stand?

[@4stringboy]

From a company here in Copenhagen: openhagen.com/

[@JohannesHeld]

@@4stringboy Oh my goodness! Quick, hide the credit card!

[@4stringboy]

If you use the code 4STRINGBOY you’ll get 15% off 😍

[@JohannesHeld]

@@4stringboy oh boy...

[@elvismemphisgs]

Nighthawk sound louder

[@Banjoleletinman]

I vote goth.

[@4stringboy]

Goth jazz!

[@ChrisGorman87]

In my opinion the nighthawk is the better sounding uke

[@Uke_in_Flight]

I agree. I also don't refer the side sound hole. I prefer the tone of the Nighthawk's Solid Spruce top and solid Mahogany back and sides (a very traditional combo as well) over the all Mango version of the Fireball. Finally, and this is pure eye appeal, I like the Nighthawks unique look which makes it stand apart in a good way from plain natural wood finishes.

[@Ukelele4U]

Hiii Sammy! That’s an awesome review you did there. I’m always a sucker for warmer tones. I think i love the fireball a bit better for that reason. But i like the looks of the nighthawk also very much. For me fireball is the winner. See ya (on insta 😂), Evelyn

[@4stringboy]

Thank you Evelyn! I would absolutely agree with you, but the Nighthawk and harmonics are a combo made in heaven 😍 so I have a soft spot for both 😊

[@Ukelele4U]

@@4stringboy From your point of view I totally understand. Mr Harmonics 😁🎶