Anyone ever tried putting standard strings on a Kala solidbody U-Bass?

[webspeare]

Hi - I've searched these pages and cannot get an answer as to whether anyone has ever tried putting standard bass strings (cut to size, of course) on a Kala Solidbody U-Bass? If so, what's your assessment? Thanks!

[One Bad Monkey]

Jason from Kala old me he put tapewounds (short scale) on his U-Bass and likes it a lot. Said the inherent low fundamental is there, but it's much more clear.

[webspeare]

Thanks. I'm starting to put a set of DR Black Beauties (45 - 105) on now. I'll report back on how it works out.

[slaerts]

Please report your findings in the kala u-bass megathread.

[SBassman]

What's the prognosis?

[mccartneyman]

Even short scale will be 9 inches too long for the Kala, and I have to wonder about tension.

[SBassman]

Originally Posted by webspeare

Thanks. I'm starting to put a set of DR Black Beauties (45 - 105) on now. I'll report back on how it works out.

?

[TolerancEJ]

String tension would be my concern. Is there even a truss rod on a U-Bass?

[Immigrant]

I'd bet the guys in R&D at Kala probably tried that prior to going with proprietary-type strings with aftermarket brands available.

If I owned a U Bass, I'd never do it. It may work for awhile, but long term may be another issue. If you post how it goes, post again in a year for an update. I'll be curious.

[Kryptos]

Issues:

- slots in nut are very wide, strings sit too low, rattle/buzz
- steel strings might damage bridge
- Kala SUB is string though body, strings might pull through
- tuner posts may crush or snap under pressure
- uke frets will get chewed up by strings

[SBassman]

Originally Posted by TolerancEJ

String tension would be my concern. Is there even a truss rod on a U-Bass?

Later models - yes.