tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post1181434150565901722..comments2024-03-17T09:56:58.379+00:00Comments on GOT A UKULELE - Ukulele reviews and beginners tips: Magic Fluke Firefly Banjo Ukulele - REVIEWBarry Mazhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-35239878824431608282017-08-12T10:56:04.440+01:002017-08-12T10:56:04.440+01:00I'm one of those that loves them and wouldn...I'm one of those that loves them and wouldn't have anything else on a ukulele. You need to learn how to use friction pegs. Then a small turn doesn't change pitch enormously at all.Barry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-46204700448053746992017-08-12T10:52:17.549+01:002017-08-12T10:52:17.549+01:00I am one of thoses that hate these tuners. The sma...I am one of thoses that hate these tuners. The smallest turn changes the pitch enormously.<br />I would strongly recommend checking this before buying.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-88967951019617920852016-10-29T09:56:02.622+01:002016-10-29T09:56:02.622+01:00I've never replaced one, but believe Magic Flu...I've never replaced one, but believe Magic Fluke will sell you a kit directBarry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-35084714445310279822016-10-29T03:41:44.814+01:002016-10-29T03:41:44.814+01:00If the skin did need to be replaced, how difficult...If the skin did need to be replaced, how difficult would it be and how much would it cost?The Thinkerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07563041736233119814noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-23217135191740185872015-09-28T03:29:28.589+01:002015-09-28T03:29:28.589+01:00After humming and hawing for some time now I'v...After humming and hawing for some time now I've decided to go for my Maple concert version of this ukulele after hearing your review. At $265 it's a big chunk of change but I think it will be worth it. Thanks for helping me make this decision. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-86392280725100005352014-07-27T07:57:46.298+01:002014-07-27T07:57:46.298+01:00I just got my firefly straight from the source and...I just got my firefly straight from the source and without shipping or a case they go a little over 150. Mine was 20 percent off due to a tiny notch in the back of the neck (these guys are crazy perfectionists when it comes to the look of the instrument) so it was closer to 120. a great buy considering that price, but I understand most people aren't going cross country for a banjo uke. <br />Note: mine has the classic fluke neck rather than the wooden and that bumps down the price quite a bitAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-85251471271682912832014-06-11T21:17:51.054+01:002014-06-11T21:17:51.054+01:00Hi Jan
I actually sold the firefly. NOT because I...Hi Jan<br /><br />I actually sold the firefly. NOT because I disliked it, just that I was playing more and more in our band and it wasn't suiting the music we played. It stood up well though and I now know that if the head slackens - Fluke to sell replacement heads and braidsBarry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-23205081476582585822014-06-11T20:49:08.754+01:002014-06-11T20:49:08.754+01:00Hi Barry, this rewiev is more than two years old n...Hi Barry, this rewiev is more than two years old now, and many comments expressed distrust in the heads ability to maintain tension.<br />As a follow-up on your objective and useful rewiev:<br />How is your Firefly Banjo Ukulele today? Waste, unchanged, did the sound change?<br />Jan, Denmark.<br />rahbek.jan@gmail.comJanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11373309003095048264noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-25440580571952745892014-03-25T21:02:43.137+00:002014-03-25T21:02:43.137+00:00Regarding comments on what to do if the head shoul...Regarding comments on what to do if the head should fail or be damaged, one could probably obtain an 8" drum online or contact the Fluke Co. for a replacement. I live in the area of their shop and have visited it a few times. They are very nice people.<br />I was impressed with the simplicity of this uke.florentineflatheadhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02423529417968432126noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-84416187001158044482014-02-22T13:44:20.468+00:002014-02-22T13:44:20.468+00:00I actually disagree with much of this. - The mater...I actually disagree with much of this. - The materials are only part of the story - the real cost in high end instruments is in the skill and time taken to put them together. For those - not much different to a guitar.Barry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-18999205067683871972014-02-20T22:40:15.527+00:002014-02-20T22:40:15.527+00:00Most playable ukuleles seem overpriced considering...Most playable ukuleles seem overpriced considering the small amount materials needed, vs say a Dreadnaught or Jumbo guitar. Lots of good ukes out there over $1,000 US even here in the USA. Fluke makes well made and durable products, though not my cup of tea. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-19907184240065199182014-02-12T15:33:27.521+00:002014-02-12T15:33:27.521+00:00Yeah it loosens it a little allowing it to move if...Yeah it loosens it a little allowing it to move if you change the height of the screwed and (adjusts action of neck)Barry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-37198942034788012172014-02-12T13:22:47.336+00:002014-02-12T13:22:47.336+00:00Yes that's what I was referring to, so if you ...Yes that's what I was referring to, so if you pull the little wedge out does the neck come loose? Assuming you unscrew the dowel rod at the tailpiece end? ThanksRuss Rentler, M.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00659833542780220795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-87359885242539423262014-02-12T07:34:06.197+00:002014-02-12T07:34:06.197+00:00not sure what you mean Russ - the thin piece of wo...not sure what you mean Russ - the thin piece of wood that is running through the rod? If so, that is a tapered piece that creates a tight grip between the rod and pot at that point<br />Barry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-22749176769249306242014-02-12T04:25:57.014+00:002014-02-12T04:25:57.014+00:00Barry, what does the little wood shim do at the to...Barry, what does the little wood shim do at the top of the dowel rod? I'd like to make a similar banjo and am trying to figure out how they attach the neck to the pot? Thanks Russ Rentler, M.D.https://www.blogger.com/profile/00659833542780220795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-54449977178008182852012-11-05T01:21:19.681+00:002012-11-05T01:21:19.681+00:00Fair enough, Barry. We seem to agree on the factua...Fair enough, Barry. We seem to agree on the factual stuff and differ on the subjective stuff, so it's all good :) As you say, it's a "Marmite" uke so I think I'll pass on it (though I can't deny I like the sound it makes), but thank you for the discussion and also for the review - I didn't even know it existed until I saw it here. What it needs is some enterprising type to supply those replacement Remo hand drums pre-cut and drilled at a sensible price. Otherwise I fear that in a few years time eBay will be awash with Firefly necks for sale.John Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-62557418720172055692012-11-04T21:01:28.221+00:002012-11-04T21:01:28.221+00:00Yeah, nice ukes those gold tones, but as I say, to...Yeah, nice ukes those gold tones, but as I say, too loud to accompany other non banjo ukes and many (like me) don't like the trad styling.<br /><br />I sound like I'm doing an advert for the firefly here - I'm not. I think it's expensive. I think it's questionable when it comes to repairs. But.... I do think it sounds and looks great.Barry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-49110099376829157862012-11-04T19:57:33.271+00:002012-11-04T19:57:33.271+00:00In fact the GoldTone banjo ukelele series (it'...In fact the GoldTone banjo ukelele series (it's available in soprano, concert, tenor and baritone) looks a much better proposition and it's not much more expensive than the Firefly. OK, so they're made in China, but to a very high standard using real wood, not cardboard, and finished and checked in the USA. In reviews on YouTube they also sound great. The concert size ("BUC") costs £245 from Andy Perkins (andybanjo.com), who further checks them and sets them up to the customer's requirements with a better bridge and strings. I would be very interested to see a comparison between this and the Firefly.John Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-10112775662804316602012-11-04T19:49:44.964+00:002012-11-04T19:49:44.964+00:00John. It's Certainly a marmite uke. Have to ag...John. It's Certainly a marmite uke. Have to agree, the end of life options are a worry. That said, don't think it's expensive compared to other fleas and flukes (which are lunch boxes with necks) the money goes in to buying something from USA not Far East, and that's just the way of the world,<br /><br />For me though I still like mine for a simple reason, albeit one that may sound strange, it doesn't sound that much like a banjolele. It's closer to a trad uke in sound and volume. As such for those not big on the Formby old style banjolele sound, it's another option. It also can accompany other standard ukes without taking over, something g you can't do with a Dallas with a resonator! Granted though, if traditional banjolele sound is what you like, then this probably won't be the uke for you.<br /><br />I enjoy playing mine, and I suppose the price does make it a strange one. Personally wouldn't ever spend 600 on a banjolele, but that's because I'm not a huge fan of the trad banjolele in either looks or sound - but that's just me. I see this as an alternative option for trad uke players to get something different, not a step into the world of banjos proper <br /><br />Also - as a banjo player of many years, I always take the bridge down when I've finished playing! Force of habit!<br /><br />Really wish though that Fluke gave directions on changing pot in event of damage. Looking at it though, you could buy another hand drum and change it with only a minor bit of drillingBarry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-71100794128765512012012-11-04T19:25:21.318+00:002012-11-04T19:25:21.318+00:00Never mind :) I'll try again. I've had a l...Never mind :) I'll try again. I've had a listen to this instrument on YouTube and it certainly sounds great but I have reservations about its durability. As the head is not replaceable or its tension adjustable, once the bridge has sunk into the head it will be unplayable. So is the idea that you replace the whole pot and head assembly or simply throw the whole thing away? The manufacturer advises users to slacken the strings and remove the bridge when not playing the instrument, which may be good advice to any banjo player, but somewhat impractical. For a throw away item this is exceedingly expensive. I might have missed the point, in which case I'm happy to be enlightened, but I'd much rather pay twice or three times the price for an instrument that can be maintained and will last a lifetime.John Mnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-15939944564645679722012-11-03T07:54:56.769+00:002012-11-03T07:54:56.769+00:00John M - didn't mean to delete your comment - ...John M - didn't mean to delete your comment - hit the wrong button!Barry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-91938121378720037832012-10-27T17:37:31.197+01:002012-10-27T17:37:31.197+01:00Fluke products are somewhat pricy, but it needs to...Fluke products are somewhat pricy, but it needs to be remembered where they come from to make a fair comparison.<br /><br />Many of the cheap ukes that are all over the market (and in this bracket I include many banjoleles) are made in the far east in mass produced factories paying very very low wages. Accordingly that is why you can buy a uke for about £20 even though it's been shipped half way around the world to get to you. That really highlights just how cheap the actual product is to make. £20 uke, retailer cut, shipping round world, wages power materials at factory. It's frightening. <br /><br />With Fluke however you are getting a product designed and built in the USA from a company with sustainable intentions. Unfortunately that costs money. Yes, the Firefly probably is much cheaper to build than £200, but that's what American wages, cost of living, taxes etc do to prices. It's also why American made full resonator banjos cost an eyewatering amout of money (certainly much MUCH more than £200, yet if you want you can get a chinese copy for very little.Barry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-73809527450231823802012-10-27T17:01:17.990+01:002012-10-27T17:01:17.990+01:00I had similar feelings to barefootgypsy about the ...I had similar feelings to barefootgypsy about the Fluke/Flea but ended up buying a Flea and fell in love with it. Great tone, spot on intonation and the construction makes it a carry anywhere uke. It's the one I play most now. <br /><br />If I was looking for a banjo uke - which I may well be when funds once again permit, I would seriously consider the Firefly, though for that real banjo uke sound you can't beat a vintage closed back one - like a friend of mine has. As you say, though, they are not exactly light nor the most comfortable to play.Geoffhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10437464961558755272noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-37072093218769247992012-04-07T17:11:34.811+01:002012-04-07T17:11:34.811+01:00Import duties put the price up, also... you mentio...Import duties put the price up, also... you mention the weight of traditional banjo-ukes - open-back ones are much, much lighter! And the "cloth-trick" to dampen the sound, is much-used, I believe!barefootgypsyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00314364482426207760noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4724767841739249964.post-51107231475180905482012-04-04T14:56:29.256+01:002012-04-04T14:56:29.256+01:00You are entitled to you opinion, no potshots from ...You are entitled to you opinion, no potshots from me! The hand drum aside though, there is a lot of design work that went into this, fluke necks are extremely well made and the dowell, tail etc is bespoke. The tuners are also Grovers.<br /><br />But for comparison, the stock Fluke ukulele with plastic fretboard is 170 UKP. Not sure on uk price for the fluke with wooden fingerboard but think its about the same as the Firefly, so that seems sensible pricing to me.<br /><br />Also bear in mind that the Flukes are made in the USA, therefore higher labour costs than ukes made in the far east.Barry Mazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15731777711884288947noreply@blogger.com