Hello there,
I am new to the forum but not a newbie in the ukulele world after seriously starting to play the instrument (after 26 years on guitar) last year.
My first soprano I purchased was and still is a Flight WUS3 model. I still play the WUS models as my main live and practise instruments.
I added some Brükos to my arsenal lately and like them a lot.
I tested many different models and brands over the year, new and vintage ones.
I still find the WUS ukes (next to the Brükos with an other kind of sound pronounciation) to sound incredebly good. I did not test high end models but the following ukes aside the WUS 3 & 4 (here a Japan made model)
- Kiwaya KTS-4
-Kiwaya KS 1 (I will speak more about that comparison and will show/link a video later)
-Ohana SK 38 and 39
-Brüko Sopranos
-vintage Martin style 1
-Koaloha Opio Soprano
- less well made entry Level Sopranos by different companies.
For several reasons I decided to keep the WUS models as my main ukuleles.
Directly compared to the Kiwaya KS-1 (Famous FS 1) it sounded more punchy, louder, boomier if you could say so. That does not mean I did not like the KS-1. It sounds more focused on the midranges and barks really nicely and reminds a bit more of an older Martin soprano.
I would definately purchase one if those ECO (how they are named in Europe) models over all the others in that or even a higher price range.
In comparison to a straight out of the box Kiwaya KTS-4 I liked the fullness in sound of the WUS3 more (which I did not expect). I know that this could have several reasons (like that the model would have needed time to open up more, may be other strings - although I am good at finding out the best tone of an instrument however it is strung -, I was not focused/trained to hear a Martin ukulele Sound at that time, may be other factors).
The WUS models are confirmed (by Juliana from Flight and Barry Confiserie that too) built by ex Kiwaya builders. There is a strong connecticut to Kiwaya as you can tell and they also look very very similar (besides the head stock) to GCEA laminate ukuleles (Mahagony or Koa) by Mitsuba Gakki in Hawaii (in store at f.e. Puapua Ukulele). The second relation is not officially confirmed anyways.
The deal with the WUS models was to introduce high quality affirdable sopranos with a "vintage" vibe to the european market. They are models of Flight's "heritage" series next to a Kind of Martin soprano and concert and a longneck soprano (lower price anddifferent making).
For me the WUS models do the Trick perfectly though.
I liked the Ohanas for their vintage Martin vibe, loved the vintage 1940s Martin Style 0 for its even louder, aged, nearly resonator bell like tone but the model I had was in a heavily used shape. Even with a reset nut and saddle the bridge it was not 100% nicely in shape at the bridge and for what I am after I did not really get "warm" with this one (I should have kept it anyways).
I did use it for two recordings for my next Album though (one solo bluesy original track and one overdub playing slide on it).
I am going the Brüko route right now for several reasons (I visited the factory this year and it really convinced me to support their ukes more, although they already have a great, world wide reputation).
They Sound different to the WUS models (which may have a bit more the orientation of old Kamaka like models (where the Kiwayas refer to the old Martin ukes)) and I like thst contrast: clear, crisp nearly bell like tones, a certain Brüko like bark and a big variaty of models delivering different - but always Brüko destinct - tone and look, craftmanship.
I got my WUS3 models (2 from the first batch "made in Hawaii) from Andreas David and a Japan made WUS4 from an other dealer (ukesupply) who had the second batch first in Germany since I was after them at this time.
I recorded my debut EP playing them and gigged (when ever possible in those times) with them plugged (2 Equipment with Andreas Isaak passive under saddle piezos) and unplugged and am happy with them.
The do not get the tone (and volume) of an old Martin soprano but I think come really close to that for a good price.
Compared to a great sounding Koaloha Opio Mahagony Soprano the WUS 4 I had that day sounded a bit (weaker), the Koaloha sounded enormes... but a bit too boomt and complex for my taste at that moment. I might decide differently today.
So, here they were (if of any interest) my insights playing and comparing the Flight WUS models for more than one year now quite exzessiven. For the price I think they are awesome players' instruments with a really good tone, playability and quality.
I play low and high g material on them. Later I changed to simple friction tuners because I like those more (look and function wise).
Merry christmas, Kind regards and play some ukulele today.
Jan Haasler (from mid Germany)