Kala UBass Megathread, Part 2

**smperry** · #1 01-02-2012, 06:40 PM

Continued from: Kala Ubass Megathread, Part 1

MarkusBass · #2 01-02-2012, 06:46 PM

Subbed!

caeman · #3 01-02-2012, 06:57 PM

Me and the spruce hollow fretless

I have had it for all of 5 days now, played it at two churches and one band try-out and I am really enjoying it.

SBassman · #4 01-02-2012, 07:08 PM

Hothersale:

- Glad to see someone has a solid body here. Please continue to post as you log time with it.

- You should try the Thunderguts again. Make sure you get the latest production run. They were definitely improved over what you experienced. As a matter of fact, I'm going to post some facts about the improvements shortly.

SBassman · #5 01-02-2012, 07:16 PM

I asked Mimmo at Aquila if he could share with us any specifics on what went wrong with the initial production run of the strings. He was glad to share:

The Thundergut set is made with three different gradations of elasticity able to cover the harmonic range as strings are thicker. This is not the same with the Kala black strings - the material is all the same grade of elasticity.

In the first batch the elasticity of the G and D was too high so they stretched out a lot. The elasticity was changed.

Only further time will tell for sure, but my initial experience with the new strings is very, very good.

MarkusBass · #6 01-02-2012, 07:26 PM

I order some a few days ago...how can I tell what generation they are?

SBassman · #7 01-02-2012, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MarkusBass

I order some a few days ago...how can I tell what generation they are?

That's a good question. I'm going to ask Mimmo/Aquila and I'll come back with a response.

By the way, let me say this:

I think it has been mentioned already, but it is worth repeating. Mimmo at Aquila is Extremely responsive and cares
deeply about making the very best string. Aquila manufactures all the strings for Kala ukes, as well as many other
uke manufacturers, and I believe they even make some special sets of strings for - DAddario.

If you Do receive an older generation string, I'm confident Mimmo/Aquila will resolve the issue for you very promptly.

Joe Nerve · #8 01-02-2012, 07:36 PM

Subbed, even though I think we've pretty much come to the conclusion that this isn't all that much of a club. Didn't we? Are there any officers here? We need leadership!!!! We need organization! We need help!

Maybe we should just call it the Kala Ubass "thread" instead of club. Whattaya think of that?

SBassman · #9 01-02-2012, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe Nerve

Subbed, even though I think we've pretty much come to the conclusion that this isn't all that much of a club. Didn't we? Are there any officers here? We need leadership!!!! We need organization! We need help!

Maybe we should just call it the Kala Ubass "thread" instead of club. Whattaya think of that?

I agree. I think it should be renamed Thread or Megathread like some others. That will help us keep all the dialog on this bass in one place. Personally, I don't really care about a club, and I don't need a number.

I just like having a place to exchange information on this awesome bass.

caeman · #10 01-02-2012, 07:40 PM

+1 for THREAD. U-BASE APPRECIATION SOCIETY, or the Mad Thumpers

MarkusBass · #11 01-02-2012, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBassman

That's a good question. I'm going to ask Mimmo/Aquila and I'll come back with a response.

By the way, let me say this:

I think it has been mentioned already, but it is worth repeating. Mimmo at Aquila is Extremely responsive and cares
deeply about making the very best string. Aquila manufactures all the strings for Kala ukes, as well as many other
uke manufacturers, and I believe they even make some special sets of strings for - DAddario.

If you Do receive an older generation string, I'm confident Mimmo/Aquila will resolve the issue for you very promptly.

Thanks very much!!

Matt R. · #12 01-02-2012, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caeman

+1 for THREAD. U-BASS APPRECIATION SOCIETY, or the Mad Thumpers

I think this instrument warrants a 'megathread' as well since there's so much interest. Good info in this thread.

bad_andy · #13 01-02-2012, 08:43 PM

Well, since the summer in 2010 that I picked up my original spruce top U-Bass 2, I've used it more and more on my regular paying gig in Omaha. Over the last 18 months or so, I've gone from occasionally using it to playing it almost exclusively in 4 and 5 set shows that range from oldies to country to rock to pop to dance music.

Not only has the band actively supported me but our audience has been very complimentary about the way it sounds, with someone coming up to me almost every show to ask me about it.

I'd been holding out for a California 5 String, but last week I stumbled into a deal I couldn't ignore and I pulled the trigger on an SUB. I played it for almost the whole New Year's show we play for the City of LaVista a couple of days ago and it was a hit.

As always, your mileage may vary for a given instrument with a particular band, but at this point I feel very comfortable saying that it's been a successful transition for me with a professional, variety cover act. I'm looking forward to more big sounds from my small basses in 2012.

scotch · #14 01-02-2012, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bad_andy

Well, since the summer in 2010 that I picked up my original spruce top U-Bass 2, I've used it more and more on my regular paying gig in Omaha. Over the last 18 months or so, I've gone from occasionally using it to playing it almost exclusively in 4 and 5 set shows that range from oldies to country to rock to pop to dance music.

Not only has the band actively supported me but our audience has been very complimentary about the way it sounds, with someone coming up to me almost every show to ask me about it.

I'd been holding out for a California 5 String, but last week I stumbled into a deal I couldn't ignore and I pulled the trigger on an SUB. I played it for almost the whole New Year's show we play for the City of LaVista a couple of days ago and it was a hit.

As always, your mileage may vary for a given instrument with a particular band, but at this point I feel very comfortable saying that it's been a successful transition for me with a professional, variety cover act. I'm looking forward to more big sounds from my small basses in 2012.

That's awesome! The U-Bass has actually been a big $ maker for me as well. Its popular with my clients & I've even gotten a tour or two largely thanks to the instrument. Easily the smartest instrument investment I've made in years!

scotch · #15 01-03-2012, 06:15 AM

Aquila string update... (continued from last thread)

Well- these stiff, white strings have already stabilized! (2 days instead of 2 weeks.) When it comes to the tuning & installation categories, Thunderguts are a decisive win over Pahohoe's. Just make sure they are the 'corrected' new formula strings!

Reserving final judgement until after a gig, session or two, naturally...

**smperry** · #16 01-03-2012, 06:56 AM

Spiffy new title. This thread has one.

caeman · #17 01-03-2012, 06:58 AM

Very classy.

SBassman · #18 01-03-2012, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by smperry

Spiffy new title. This thread has one.

Niiice. Thanks.

SBassman · #19 01-03-2012, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBassman

That's a good question. I'm going to ask Mimmo/Aquila and I'll come back with a response.

Mimmo believes all the original strings are gone. It was a very small run.

So, in all likelihood, any new order will be the new strings.
If for some reason you do get an old set, with a failure on the D or G strings, he is happy to replace the set.

SBassman · #20 01-03-2012, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bad_andy

Well, since the summer in 2010 that I picked up my original spruce top U-Bass 2, I've used it more and more on my regular paying gig in Omaha. Over the last 18 months or so, I've gone from occasionally using it to playing it almost exclusively in 4 and 5 set shows that range from oldies to country to rock to pop to dance music.

Not only has the band actively supported me but our audience has been very complimentary about the way it sounds, with someone coming up to me almost every show to ask me about it.

I'd been holding out for a California 5 String, but last week I stumbled into a deal I couldn't ignore and I pulled the trigger on an SUB. I played it for almost the whole New Year's show we play for the City of LaVista a couple of days ago and it was a hit.

As always, your mileage may vary for a given instrument with a particular band, but at this point I feel very comfortable saying that it's been a successful transition for me with a professional, variety cover act. I'm looking forward to more big sounds from my small basses in 2012.

Excellent. An SUB is definitely in my future. It will probably be a far future

cuz I just don't have the funds, but I will Have to own one.