Flight Maia Baritone EQ-A Rosewood

Steel string baritone ukuleles are hard to find and appear impossible to try before you buy. So it was a risk to buy one, in the lower price range for regular gig use.

It took a little time to reduce my finger pressure necessary for steel strings, but the sound produced is just exceptional. The contrast to nylon strings cannot be exaggerated and this brings a whole new dimension to playing live music.

I play amplified, and the sound is rich, clear and bright. I favour this for finger picking songs and noodling along to accompany others, where the cutaway allows easier access to the highest notes. The intonation is very good, not the best I have, but still more than acceptable, especially at this price.

I tend to use this instrument without an effect pedal as its sound is too good to modify.

I prefer not to use this for more hard strumming songs. I love to switch over to the Maia for ballads, finger picking and noodling the night away.

For the price paid I am so impressed and after 9 months of regular performance, it still sounds fantastic.

Had been eyeing this model for a while, but it's not widely stocked in any stores near me (thomman to the rescue again!) was delivered on time and in perfect condition.

I'm hoping to have it setup soon for finer playing but wow straight out the box it's been a delight, I hardly touched my other ukes since it arrived. It's easily become my most prized possession this past couple of weeks with it and I haven't even plugged it in yet.

If you play in baritone already and are questioning a steel string it's a no brainer really, not a bad price for what is; a superb sounding and equally beautifully made instrument. I won't be hurrying to buy another uke for some time now 10/10