At one time (I don’t know about now) Flea’s/Flukes were not that easy to get hold of in the UK. So when I found a store that had one I bought it straight away.
I was amazed at how easy they were to play compared to the horrible time I had over another Uke’s that cost double and then some compared to what I paid for the Flea.
I basically then just used the Flea all the time but wanted an all solid which I had shipped in from the States. This one was simply not as good as the Flea and I was very disappointed.
Time marched on and I decided to go with a Flea upgraded. My logic was that I was guaranteed to get something that well made, had a decent fretboard and top etc etc because you really cant get a bad Flea, so any upgrades would make it even better.
On the other hand, it was possible that I could have bought something else that I just didn’t like and I was back to square 1.
The Flea now is not like a Flea - well it is but there is something much better here. A newer sound and it does look the part. Yes it still has the composite back, but with Koa top and Rosewood fretboard and Walnut neck, it somehow seems like a different instrument.
The playability is the same because of the zero fret so it is nice and smooth.
I know that a Flea is a Flea is a Flea, and the idea behind part of it is that it’s a take anywhere, throw around, instrument, and the plastic fretboard is fine and capable, but here’s the thing - I actually like the ordinary Flea’s sound over many other solid woods anyway. And I am happier, more confident, and play it far better than anything else I have tried.
The upgraded one adds a bit of class to it and in my opinion takes the sound a stage further. Hence, I am more than happy with it and although it has lost the charm you speak of, it does have its own charm.