Deciding on a first uke, anybody tried Flight Iris or Juliana?

[Dohle]

Another update: I ended up ordering the Iris (looks preference + gut feeling), it will be delivered today. I will try it out and return if it shows any problems or compares unfavourably to the Anuenue. Wish me luck, I'll let you know how it goes.

Nice! I was sure you'd go with the aNueNue since you got to try it but I'm actually much more intrigued by the Iris. Be sure to post your impressions once you get it.

 

[ploverwing]

Another update: I ended up ordering the Iris (looks preference + gut feeling), it will be delivered today. I will try it out and return if it shows any problems or compares unfavourably to the Anuenue. Wish me luck, I'll let you know how it goes.

So exciting!!!!! Definitely looking forward to a NUD in our futures!

 

[blue_eyed_son]

I can't catch the time to write a proper NUD post with some pictures for now, but I just wanted to share that I like the Iris very much and will be keeping it. A funny thing, as soon as I took it in my hands, it felt like it was my instrument, no strangeness, no need for introduction, just felt comfortable. Love at the first play and it's constantly in my lap. Compared to the aNueNue the sound is somehow more "rounded" with brilliant bell-like quality, and it looks great, actually very elegant and the blue pickguard gives it character (it's not as gaudy as it might seem from the pictures). The bag is definitely a step down from the luxurious UC10 one, but that's not a big deal.
I've found some very minor build flaws, like some chips in the kerfing, but I am comparing it to waaay pricier guitars so the quality actually seems great for the price. Also, the fretboard seems just a bit dry, I plan on using a bit of Dunlop lemon oil on it.

I might do a more detailed NUD when I get the time. Thanks to everybody for the help.

 

[ppalma00]

Another update: I ended up ordering the Iris (looks preference + gut feeling), it will be delivered today. I will try it out and return if it shows any problems or compares unfavourably to the Anuenue. Wish me luck, I'll let you know how it goes.

How was the experience with the Iris uke?

 

[blue_eyed_son]

How was the experience with the Iris uke?

I love it! It sounds just great, very lively, looks amazing in person, the build is very good (no sharp or uneven frets, no buzz or any major issues). I'm enjoying it very much. Compared to other ukes I tried, it has a lot more warmth and "roundness" of sound, it just sounds very full.

Things that could be better:
- I'm a bit annoyed with how the nut is glued, it's not perfectly level. The intonation is fine, the action is fine, and everything seems level, but when you look it from the headstock down, you can see one side is slightly raised. Might be that the groove was cut just a bit deeper on one side. It's more of an issue in my head than it has any practical effect.
- I don't like that the strings can slide vertically on the saddle, but this might be a Uke thing in general. I don't know if it's advisable to cut grooves in the saddle, but I might have this done.
- No strap button, might install one myself. I know there are options that don't need one, but having a proper strap seems the best balance-wise.
- The bag is nothing special and it misses a carrying handle to carry it like a suitcase, it only has back straps. The kids like to carry it around the house, but it just looks funny on my back.

I don't really have the time (or ukulele experience) to write a proper review right now, but I'll be happy to answer any questions you might have.

 

[Wiggy]

If you do want strap buttons, try installing just a bottom (bout) button-to-headstock strap first. A neck buttonhole cannot be "removed" if you change your mind. The existence of a bout button is less of an issue.

 

[ploverwing]

I followed Baz's video on how to install a strap button:

And I got a fancy one from StuMac:



Glad you like the new uke though! Thanks for your feedback.

 

[blue_eyed_son]

Thanks for the info on installation! I never installed one, but it doesn't look complicated, especially after the hassle I went through to get the button properly mounted on my last guitar (pre-drilled hole with lower diameter than the button, it annoyed me to no end it wouldn't fit all in, had to expand the hole for peace of mind). Not planning on doing the neck button, no need.

 

[blue_eyed_son]

If anybody stumbles upon this thread looking for info, Barry just did a review.

He basically confirms it's a great sounding instrument with occasional minor QC issues and looks that you either love or hate.

 

[UkeOkay]

If anybody stumbles upon this thread looking for info, Barry just did a review.

He basically confirms it's a great sounding instrument with occasional minor QC issues and looks that you either love or hate.

If you wait another week or two, don’t be surprised if Baz posts a review of the Iris. Flight seems to send him a new uke to review about once a month.

I was only off by about 30 days.

 

[blue_eyed_son]

I refreshed the site every day, but couldn't wait in the end. Luckily, we arrived at similar conclusions (other than me loving the design).