The Magic Fluke Ukulele is a unique and innovative instrument that has gained popularity among musicians and ukulele enthusiasts around the world. It was invented by Dale Webb, a skilled woodworker and an avid ukulele player. What sets the Magic Fluke Ukulele apart from traditional ukuleles is its unconventional design and construction. Instead of being made entirely of wood, the body of the Magic Fluke Ukulele is made from injection-molded thermoplastic. This material not only makes the instrument extremely durable but also enables it to project sound more efficiently. The Magic Fluke Ukulele also features a unique neck design with an offset headstock and a patented friction peg system.
The other thing I wanted was one of the hardwood fingerboards with metal frets. Please don't get me wrong here, I am not dismissing the plastic fretboards of the standards one bit. It's a topic that I see often where people like to bash Magic Fluke with no real grounds or experience. I OWN a plastic fretboard model and I've owned it since about 2008. Sure the whole uke is a bit bashed up, and the frets are showing a touch of wear - but it still plays great. No, I just wanted the wooden one because I like the feel of them and, well, just wanted to also own the alternative.
It was the Flea that I bought a mere two weeks after buying a junk Mahalo for which I should have known better which could have put me off the ukulele for life. The first Magic Fluke workshop was a repurposed gas station but the Webbs and their crew now work out of a solar powered facility in Sheffield, Massachusetts.
The Magic Fluke Ukulele also features a unique neck design with an offset headstock and a patented friction peg system. This design allows for easy tuning and ensures that the ukulele holds its tune for extended periods of time. The fretboard is made of engineered polycarbonate, adding to its durability and stability.
The Magic Fluke Co. Ukuleles
Dale and Phyllis Webb started the Magic Fluke Company in 1999 at the dawn of the current ukulele revival. Phyllis’s brother, the author and ukulele maven Jim Beloff, was lamenting the fact that back then there were no affordable, well-made ukes. Dale, who was an engineer, took up the challenge and designed the first Fluke with it’s now iconic paddle-shaped body. From the beginning Webb’s designs were unique. The back and sides of the Fluke were formed from molded thermoplastic, a similar technique to that used on Ovation guitars. Another interesting feature is that the frets were molded into the fingerboard rather than installed separately. The original Flukes sounded great, with a sweet, sparkling tone and they were an immediate hit with the uke community. A few years after the introduction of the Fluke, the Webbs added the smaller, pineapple shaped Flea to the line and then the Firefly Banjo Ukulele.
These days Flukes are available in two sizes, the M20 Tenor and the M10 Concert; there are two Fleas, the M30 Soprano and the M40 Concert; and three Fireflys, the M70 Tenor, the M90 Concert and M80 Soprano. Recently, Dale Webb has moved away from uke design and developed the Timber, a remarkable short scale, solid body tiny electric bass. The Timber Bass has the familiar paddle shaped body, a 21.5” scale length and a Shadow under-saddle pickup. Unlike the Flukes and the Fleas, the Timber features an all-wood construction. We are very impressed with the rich, rumbling tone the diminutive Timber produces. This is a great bass for traveling musicians or for someone who doesn’t want to lug a heavy full-size instrument to a jam session.
The first Magic Fluke workshop was a repurposed gas station but the Webbs and their crew now work out of a solar powered facility in Sheffield, Massachusetts. Almost all of the wood used in building the instruments is locally sourced, except for koa, which, of course, comes from Hawaii. These days there is a lot more competition in the uke world, but Flukes and Fleas still offer an excellent value. The thermoplastic construction technique is quite durable and is a good choice for children, who can sometimes be a bit rough on instruments, or adults looking for a durable travel instrument. And they sound great, come in a wide range of colors and are easy to play. What more could you ask for?
My original Flea is still staying with me, battered and scarred, as a testament to why I play this instrument, though this one is being kept 'for best' as it were.
Despite its unconventional construction, the Magic Fluke Ukulele produces a warm and resonant sound. It can be played acoustically or plugged into an amplifier for greater volume and projection. The ukulele is available in different sizes and styles, ranging from soprano to baritone, and comes in a variety of vibrant colors and patterns. One of the main advantages of the Magic Fluke Ukulele is its versatility. It is suitable for players of all skill levels, whether they are beginners or advanced musicians. Its lightweight and ergonomic design make it comfortable to hold and play for long periods, making it ideal for performances, jam sessions, and travel. In addition to its functional aspects, the Magic Fluke Ukulele also showcases artistic craftsmanship. The thermoplastic body can be customized with unique artwork and engravings, allowing players to express their individuality and personal style. Overall, the Magic Fluke Ukulele is a modern take on a traditional instrument. Its innovative design, durability, and versatility make it a popular choice among ukulele enthusiasts worldwide. Whether you are a beginner looking to learn how to play or an experienced musician seeking a unique instrument, the Magic Fluke Ukulele offers a magical and unforgettable playing experience..
Reviews for "Exploring the Magic Fluke Ukulele Community: A Global Connection of Musicians"
- Sarah - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with the Magic Fluke Ukulele. The sound quality was not up to par and it felt cheaply made. The strings didn't stay in tune very well, which made playing it frustrating. I also didn't like the design, it felt kind of tacky and cheap looking. Overall, I would not recommend this ukulele to anyone looking for a quality instrument.
- John - 1 star - The Magic Fluke Ukulele was a complete waste of money for me. The sound was tinny and lacked the warm, rich tones that I was expecting. The construction felt flimsy and I was constantly worried about it breaking. The tuning pegs were also a nightmare to work with, they were stiff and hard to turn. Save your money and look for a higher quality ukulele.
- Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for the Magic Fluke Ukulele, but it fell short in so many ways. The sound was mediocre at best and the overall build quality was lacking. The strings were uncomfortable to play and the fretboard felt rough. It was also a hassle to keep it in tune, no matter how much I adjusted the tuning pegs. I regret buying this ukulele and would not recommend it to others.