Got A Ukulele Reviews - Flight Maia EQ-A Steel Strung Baritone

[@4Motion54]

Hello Barry, thanks for this helpful review of this really nice Steelstring Bari - hope I will get one here in Germany. Made a Donation over Paypal to give a little Support! All the Best!!!! Kind regards from Germany, Bettina

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks Bettina!!

[@stevesstrings5243]

I love how it looks. I prefer the tone of nylon strings. It’s definitely its own thing. Thanks for the review.

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks for watching!

[@sadie771]

Looks like a lovely uke! I haven’t ventured into baritones yet but maybe in the future. It’s great how Flight always seems to be coming out with something innovative.

[@GotAUkulele]

Yeah - great brand for that!

[@mikek4708]

Dare I say I have a flight target on my back. I think this does sound lovely and different with the steel strings and a lovely tone. Thanks Baz for a fascinating review and another item to consider, my Christmas list is growing. Have a great week.

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks Mike!

[@BaritoneUkeBeast4Life]

Hi Barry, thank you for this excellent and very enjoyable review. The Baritone Ukulele is my musical instrument of choice and this new steel string Flight Maia looks and sounds like a winner. I bought the Flight Aurora Baritone after your review of that one and absolutely love it and prefer it over my 3 Kala Baritones. If I didn’t just pick up my new Klos Baritone Ukulele I would get one of these babies from Fight right now.

[@GotAUkulele]

Glad it was helpful!

[@MariUSukulele]

Is the KLOS strung w\ steel-strings?

[@GotAUkulele]

Thought they were fluoro

[@BaritoneUkeBeast4Life]

@@MariUSukulele No definitely not. They use regular Nylon, Fluorocarbon, or Nylgut.

[@BaritoneUkeBeast4Life]

@@GotAUkulele Yes that’s what I use, but I believe it came stock with Aquilla Nylgut,which I like on my Wooden Baritones, but the Fluorocarbon sound so much better and sweeter on the Klos Carbon Fiber Baritone and Tenor

[@richbow42cdo]

Been playing ukulele for a few years now and I just, last week, picked up my first guitar based partly on your really helpful 'not a ukulele' reviews 👍. Really enjoying the difference between ukulele and guitar. I think guitar manufacturers are also recognising the new market for a bridge between guitar and ukulele and making more parlour guitars and smaller gigging type guitars. Personally I'm glad I went for a small guitar rather than a large uke as want to at least master the basics on a guitar, but can see why people would want to go with something like this instead. Great price and looks fantastic! Oh and I'm still team ukulele!

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks!

[@annajones1426]

it was your review of small guitars that lured me from ukuleles into the world of guitars last year. My poor little ukuleles are now sitting rather sadly abandoned in the corner. I know I’ll go back to them as they are so much fun but I’m a bit besotted with my guitar

[@GotAUkulele]

Making music is all good - the instrument is just the tool!

[@GaiasGreenGirls]

I’m one of those Uke players who requires smaller bodied guitars … I’m a newbie on guitar … I truly LOVE this one! 💚

[@RandomlyAndrogynousFox]

I adore the tone of this uke!

[@GotAUkulele]

Yeah, they are terrific

[@richardsnow7299]

Love that tone. Really loud. Thanks Barry very nice. Looks like you had fun playing

[@GotAUkulele]

You bet

[@StevenDoyleLuke]

Such a fan of steel string baritones, this one is beauty, very unique tone

[@GotAUkulele]

I love it

[@dh2602]

Bari’s Bari’s Bari’s i just cant get enough Bari’s. One day the Flight Fireball Mango Pineapple Baritone (4, 6 or 8 string) with MiSi pickup, side markers, strap buttons (separate from the jack input) no sharp edges, perfect intonation and action, is just going to magically appear on this site and its gonna be ❤ at first site - I mean sight. Flight can thank you for my first experience with a uke that I finally fell in love with. Im perfectly willing to wait. Sounds of steel strings not for me but this is beautiful and would never even consider another uke before coming to your site first.

[@GotAUkulele]

More baritones coming on the site soon - watch this space!

[@bobbates797]

I love Baritones and this is stunning. Flight seem to make some very good ukuleles at competitive prices. Nice review Baz 👍

[@GotAUkulele]

They do!

[@PetrHosek]

Just discovered the existence of Maia and it's very tempting. I think Flight made a lot of really smart decisions here, keeping it very attractive (body and bridge design) but also affordable (ditching the pretty but unnecessary hollow headstock, decoration of the bridge etc.), as most people would be buying it out of curiosity and not as their primary "player" uke, for which it is more difficult to justify a higher price.. Damn, just when I thought I'm done with buying more ukes...

[@GotAUkulele]

I loved it!

[@paul_mitchener_ukulele]

Thanks Baz. I think I’m within the target audience. A new sound and feel, which I can play the same way as a baritone, which I play already. So a lazy man’s way of having a new instrument. A steel string uke would rock as much as a resonator for blues. Also a good way for me to get used to steel strings and using a plectrum with an otherwise familiar instrument. I’m really glad it’s good - if it had been shonky, it could kill the concept at that price range not just the instrument.

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep - agreed

[@NemethImre91]

Started looking for baritones after latest twenty one pilots album release, as it has a lot of songs written on it. Unfortunatelly in Budapest these higher end ukes are near non existent. I asked a local flight dealer to get an Aurora and a Maia to try and choose between the two but it's been 1,5 months and still nothing. The waiting is frustrating

[@GotAUkulele]

To be honest, baritones in uk used to be much rarer too- but popularity boomed in last few years

[@NemethImre91]

@@GotAUkulele unfortunatelly it's not just baritones that are rare to find decent/good ones. But lets hope the retailer gets a taste of it and it will start blooming

[@markattardo]

Oooo, I really like that!!!

[@ckinstrumental]

I really like that baritone! It is now on my radar, thanks to you! The information I can't find though is, where would I get strings for it? These is a custom set, right? But some specialist shops that sell the instrument, don't sell that string set. Or I am not looking in the right places? Have you come across it?

[@GotAUkulele]

Yes it's a custom set - the gauges are in the written review - to be honest they are damn close to a range of custom lights with an 11 on the 1st string for acoustic guitar. If you get a set of 11 extra lights for guitar the first four will be near enough I think.

[@captflack6371]

Thanks as always Barry, this has a lovely sound to it. As someone with large hands I have thought about switching to baritone but this could be the way to go.

[@GotAUkulele]

Go for it!

[@richardboss3358]

Think I'll get one as I'm more interested in rhythm as opposed to finger style and find nylon strings a bit muddy when strummed. But I do love my Kala Baritone Ziricote. Not sure if I'll be able to bring myself to sell it.

[@GotAUkulele]

Certainly strums more like an acoustic guitar

[@richardboss3358]

@@GotAUkulele Thank you!

[@tommorrisey3999]

Of course, here in America, tenor guitars have been a thing for about a century; usually tuned C3-G3-D4-A4, although baritone uke tuning (which sounds muddy to longtime tenor guitar players) has become popular with crossover ukulele players. I think, if you want something that sounds like a guitar, the ever-so-slightly longer scale engages of a tenor guitar is the way to go. And if you want a pickup, there are many copies of the short-lived Tenor Telecaster out there now; I have one, made in Vietnam, that was $99 (shipped) and - after $40 worth of attention by my luthier - sounds great.

[@GotAUkulele]

Agreed - this is why I don't think any uke is comparable to a guitar - small or otherwise. The scale is so different. Yep - tenor guitar is the closer cousin. Don't see them that much in UK, though seem to be growing in popularity

[@13miette]

Sounds quite unique with steel strings! Thanks for the review. Curious if you may ever review a cuatro? They usually have a slightly different version of re-entrant D (Adf#B) that emphasizes more of the lower register. Not much info out there online about them, but seem like an interesting crossover from uke.

[@GotAUkulele]

Sorry no - never have. Played one years ago though

[@michaelprenez-isbell8672]

hmm probably going to pick up a baritone solid body electric at some point, but as you said, I'd just as soon have a tenor guitar or guitar.

[@GotAUkulele]

Fair enough!

[@stoneyrunva]

Interesting review. I typically play baritone. One of mine is currently strung with classical guitar strings (minus the two E strings). I like the look of mango and style of this one. Price seems reasonable. I think some of the warmth in sound is lost with the steel strings but you get more volume. Maybe even more with a pick? Nice to see flight is always offering options. I appreciate you took the time to look at this one and share your thoughts even though it's not exactly in your wheelhouse, so to speak. Thanks.

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks!

[@shirleymcbrinn]

I’ve been trying to learn the guitar recently. Wish I had seen this. Possibly a better option for me.

[@lsclair]

I am curious about this one. I've been waiting for the tenor guitar that Ohana was developing a few years ago. I got to try a prototype, but so far I have not seen a production model. I think I would prefer this one with a Spruce or Cedar top. Still, a beautiful instrument 🎸

[@uknavynige]

As I may have mentioned before us Bari players are starting to multiply ready for the revolution 😉 I have a few baritones obviously, including the fireball. I actually think i prefer the maia above it and I can't get over the amazing price compared to the mango fireball. I know it's all solid but this new Maia....😘

[@GotAUkulele]

Ha ha - if it doesn't sound too weird - you were in my mind making this review Nige - know you love the baritones and was intrigued what you thought of this.

[@TravelingWithADHD]

Hello, sorry for asking but do you recommend the flight nub310 baritone ukulele, it's the only baritone from flight in my city(and flight is the only respectable brand in my city for ukulele). thank you

[@GotAUkulele]

Not one i've played, but have played a lot of Flight ukes and would recommend them. What I would say though is - make sure you buy that brand from a reputable store that checks them over as they often need a bit of setup work

[@mikebell1980]

Hi Barry, sorry to gatecrash this revue. I’m sad to see that Brüko will cease the production of ukuleles at the end of this year. I bought mine as a result of your revues and it is a wonderful uke. A special order, it’s a thin boy maple with rounded back and walnut fret board and binding. I’ve bought and sold a number of ukes during the ten years I’ve owned it but never considered letting it go and it will one day be passed on to a grandchild. There’s nothing quite like the Brüko.

[@GotAUkulele]

Very sad to see that myself..

[@ROCKINGMAN]

Nice finish to this large ukulele, a Baritone style definately not a guitar. Has a place for players who would like this style with it's deeper tone. Personally it's getting away from traditional models which I prefer with their higher tone, such as Soprano or Concert sizes. Good review.

[@GotAUkulele]

If you saw how many requests I get for bari reviews - there's certainly a trend happening!

[@martifingers]

Agree that it's sui generis and some of your fingerpicking indicates, I think, that it could be great vehicle for certain pieces.

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep, agreed

[@joephillips4082]

What a lovely instrument. Although it sounded great as you played it, I too would like to hear it strummed with a pick. The pickguard recommendation is a good one . Quite an attractive price too. By the way, I believe the baritone player in the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain plays or has played a steel-string baritone. Good review.

[@GotAUkulele]

Many thanks!

[@annajones1426]

Thanks

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks so much Anna!

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

That’s pushing on the line….its almost a parlor tenor guitar!😊

[@GotAUkulele]

Nowhere near the scale

[@BlessYourHeart254]

My tenor guitar is actually tuned to DGBE (rather than the traditional CGDA) 😊 It’s called the Chicago Tuning, and you can get string sets for this from Strings By Mail or Just Strings. But yes, the body of the tenor guitar is bigger than the bari-uke.

[@GotAUkulele]

@@BlessYourHeart254 yep - bigger body and quite a bit longer on scale

[@nickiemcnichols5397]

I did say “almost”…….i will say I do like it, it sounds cool picked or strummed, most baris don’t sound good strummed. Although I can’t play steel strings…..I wish another member of my band would. Thanks Baz!

[@theodorehowe2262]

Flight has made some great ukuleles but for me steel strings don’t belong on ukuleles. Barry, I have a Makai tenor ukulele 2010’s in koa, have you ever done a review on that particular instrument? Thanks

[@GotAUkulele]

I'm easy on them. Several of the precursors to the ukulele had steel strings. Sorry - never reviewed a Makai - don't tend to see them in the UK much

[@miahconnell23]

It’s remarkably hard to find cavaquinhos for purchase inside the USA, so this thing her might fill a need… the neck and nut and size on this instrument are more spacious than a Brazilian cavaquinho, so perhaps this instrument could be good for people accustomed to playing guitar. This vid and its featured instrument definitely have my attention. I’d love to experiment with one of these. (Thank you for recording and posting ❤)

[@MariUSukulele]

THX, Baz ✌🏻 gOOd Sunday

[@GotAUkulele]

Thank you too

[@TheJvan234]

How does it compare to the Pono steel string baritones?

[@GotAUkulele]

Never played the Ponos - and I thought the Nui was nylon strung?

[@TheJvan234]

Pono UL4 is steel string

[@GotAUkulele]

@@TheJvan234 Much bigger scale though

[@Llanclox]

Thank you for another very interesting review... I want one. Is it a uke? I don't care, I like it whatever it is. I'll have to figure out how to sneak another uke(?) into the house. 😁

[@GotAUkulele]

I think uke is about scale rather than strings myself - so a uke for me!

[@Llanclox]

@@GotAUkulele Agreed. Thank you again. 😊

[@drpkmurphy]

It is a beautiful instrument. I like the choice they made by using steal strings. A Baritone is not for me but baritone players may like this one. I agree the headstock is a good choice. The price is right I believe. I do like the sound it is a little melodic or lower if you get me. Thanks as always my friend…DOC

[@GotAUkulele]

We agree!

[@croxleywickerman8801]

Please stop reviewing baritones! Had to go and purchase the Magic Fluke baritone after your review and I really can’t afford another one 😂 Great looking and sounding instrument but I think I’ll stick this time to my Fireball baritone.

[@GotAUkulele]

Oops - sorry - may have a couple more to come too!

[@marj1585]

That's probably the prettist mango I've ever seen!

[@GotAUkulele]

Yeah, nice example!

[@judynpeterjones3307]

Very nice, but I'll stick to my Bushman Jenny Baritone!!!

[@GotAUkulele]

Couldn't be more different, surely?

[@rehamkcirtap]

I don't hate it as a bridge for people or how it sounds. For me though? I'm with you and I'd just pick up my guitar. People will buy these I think

[@GotAUkulele]

Yep - i'm the wrong target - have parlours and mini guitars and regular too - so spoilt for choice. But I fell in love with the sound and playability on this one

[@BlessYourHeart254]

Price in US is $427-$499, but probably worth it 😊 It sounds wonderful-thanks for another amazing review!

[@GotAUkulele]

Thanks for watching!

[@johnchastain5657]

Dammit, you reviewed another great-sounding (& -looking) instrument in my price range! But you did reveal that you have tenor guitar(s), so I forgive you. Tenors are helpful for us clumsy mandolinists.

[@GotAUkulele]

Guitars - not tenor guitars. Been playing guitar far longer than ukes

[@johnchastain5657]

@@GotAUkulele Oh well, I still forgive you. NTW, we're flirting with 100°F here in Washington DC, too!

[@saulchapnick1566]

That is a lovely sounding instrument. Puts all non string ukes to shame. I’m talking personally, of course. 😢

[@GotAUkulele]

Non string ukes?

[@saulchapnick1566]

@@GotAUkulele oops. It should have read, “non steel string ukes.”