Kala UBass Megathread, Part 5 - Page 17

3234718 · #**321** 01-02-2013, 10:33 AM

I haven't heard of anything. Tapewounds, in my opinion, would be perfect. But then again I think tapewounds go well on any bass.

imperialbari · #**322** 01-02-2013, 01:40 PM

As I read the Kala Gear online store, the Silver Rumblers are out of stock currently. As these were my main motivation for overcoming the red tape and the costs associated with imports from outside of EU, I went to Aquila's own site. No mentioning at all of the SR's, so i went with the Thunderguts.

Aquila still tell about having a somewhat clumsy paying system, but to my surprise they do take cards now.

Klaus

SBassman · #**323** 01-02-2013, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by caeman

The skill level required isn't very high. And the tools to do it cost very little.

3234718 · #**324** 01-02-2013, 04:50 PM

I generally prefer super low action on normal basses. With the fat strings and frets on mine I understand the action couldn't be too low. What about maybe deepening the nut slots? Or possibly removing any shims that might be under the pickup. It's not so high that its hard to play, but don't we all like low action? Or does it have to be this way.
Crappy poorly lit cell phone action shot:

3234718 · #**325** 01-02-2013, 04:53 PM

One more, apparently upside down

3234718 · #**326** 01-02-2013, 04:56 PM

Twelfth fret

scotch · #**327** 01-02-2013, 05:02 PM

Hmmm.. That action seems a little bit too low to me. Those big, floppy strings need more clearance as they vibrate than typical bass strings.

pauliebass · #**328** 01-02-2013, 05:28 PM

3234718 · #**329** 01-02-2013, 05:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scotch

Hmmm.. That action seems a little bit too low to me. Those big, floppy strings need more clearance as they vibrate than typical bass strings.

The fret fart is minimal. I have a gentle touch I suppose.

scotch · #**330** 01-02-2013, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 3234718

The fret fart is minimal. I have a gentle touch I suppose.

Gotcha! I wouldnt go too much lower than that. You might get away with less relief at the nut (not sure without playing it), but if it were me, I'd leave it there at the bridge!

imperialbari · #**331** 01-02-2013, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pauliebass

^^^

Poor Paulie misses 1/4 of his compensated bridge!

K

SBassman · #**332** 01-02-2013, 05:40 PM

I was away from the UBass for enough time that I felt like I was relearning technique over the holidays when I got the new hog.

I really think best tone and intonation with this bass come from the absolute lightest touch possible. It's very interesting.

3234718 · #**333** 01-02-2013, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SBassman

I really think best tone and intonation with this bass come from the absolute lightest touch possible. It's very interesting.

Coincidentally, three people at my New Years shindig played bass and tried out the ubass for the first time. I told them to finger gently and evenly amd immediately they could all play it smooth and clean. I think the super short scale and rubber strings make people thnk it's less playable than it is.

pauliebass · #**334** 01-03-2013, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by imperialbari

Poor Paulie misses 1/4 of his compensated bridge!

K

Poor pauliebass doesn't have any saddles yet. I'm in Korea meditating on fretted or fretless for when I return to the US. I'll be placing an order in about 2 weeks. I know it'll be a hog, though.

**hodad66** · #**335** 01-03-2013, 12:48 PM

New to the bass, new to the forum & have a SUB on the way. I have been intrigued by these small basses since I saw an Ashbory in a music shop in Hawaii... (99). Glad to have found this forum as it has a wealth of info & pleasant vibes.

agfrag · #**336** 01-04-2013, 10:52 AM

I was so intrigued by jonadams post on the cello with thundergut conversion (#109 pg 6 of part 4) , that I got one for myself for Xmas, and converted it to the Thunderguts. Was amazingly easy, I just had to file the nut and bridge to accept the string width. I shot a video finally:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7B_M4b4oOY

One thing I forgot to mention in the video, was that the bridge and nut slots were burnished with graphite powder. Another thing I'd like to mention, is that the strings were not sticky at first, but became so after use.

So I used some silicone spray lubricant sprayed on a paper towel to rub the string where it was sticky... and it is no longer sticky, and I have not noticed any bad effects. Plays really well now.

3234718 · #**337** 01-04-2013, 10:54 AM

You magnificent bastard.

**hodad66** · #**338** 01-04-2013, 11:09 AM

agfrag.... great idea!

imperialbari · #**339** 01-04-2013, 11:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by agfrag

I was so intrigued by jonadams post on the cello with thundergut conversion (#109 pg 6 of part 4) , that I got one for myself for Xmas, and converted it to the Thunderguts. Was amazingly easy, I just had to file the nut and bridge to accept the string width. I shot a video finally:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M7B_M4b4oOY

Great inspiration! Here we are approaching something I could do myself. I even have most of the tools (files).

This one looks like a 1/2 or a 3/4 cello. How long is the oscillating part of the string?

I have looked at some European eBay pages and have seen sizes down to 1/4 or maybe even 1/8. The length of the oscillating strings isn’t mentioned, so I will have to ask. I hope finding something very close to that of the acoustic UBass.

In the video the E and A strings look like sitting quite close at the nut. Is that a problem when playing in the low positions? Looks like I will have to ask for the nut width of the even smaller sizes

Is it possible to buy two piezo elements that go to a stereo or even a mono jack? Might add some depth to the sound.

Klaus

caeman · #**340** 01-04-2013, 11:50 AM

I've been using the Gretsch for the last two weeks. Tonight, the U-Bass will be used. I will be using the Radial Firefly for tonight's sonic explorations.