Has anyone verified that it actually *is* a truss rod? I have my doubts. The neck is so so short and thick, and the strings have such low-tension that I don't think a truss rod would have much effect. Anyone want to be the guinea pig and try adjusting it? 8^)
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Kala UBass Megathread, Part 2
- Thread starter smperry
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I just picked up a Gallien-Krueger MB200 - 200W Ultra Light Bass Amp Head - for use when taking the Ubass2 to an all acoustic jam.
Seems to work well with the U-Bass2 without any outboard pre-amp. I usually go for a very mellow tone and got it. There are several speakers cabs available for this head but I used my own 2-10". The big plus is this head weighs 2 lbs !!!
One caution... The manual says the speaker output jack will work with both speakon and a std 1/4" plug. My 1/4" plug got stuck and was a bear to get out. Stick with a speakon connector to be safe.
Seems to work well with the U-Bass2 without any outboard pre-amp. I usually go for a very mellow tone and got it. There are several speakers cabs available for this head but I used my own 2-10". The big plus is this head weighs 2 lbs !!!
One caution... The manual says the speaker output jack will work with both speakon and a std 1/4" plug. My 1/4" plug got stuck and was a bear to get out. Stick with a speakon connector to be safe.
Just ordered my UBass! It should be in by next week. I'm so excited! 
I ordered the 4-string fretted acacia version, because Sweetwater was out of the mahogany, and I didn't want to risk it with the spruce (and the "padded gigbag" as opposed to the hardfoam case that comes with the mahogany and acacia ones). =]
I ordered the 4-string fretted acacia version, because Sweetwater was out of the mahogany, and I didn't want to risk it with the spruce (and the "padded gigbag" as opposed to the hardfoam case that comes with the mahogany and acacia ones). =]
Nice, BassfulOne. Congrats. The Acacia looks beautiful although I have never seen one in person. Give it a good once-over as QC issues are not uncommon. You probably already know about being careful about the number of wraps on the posts. It's surprising how many turns the machines require to get it in tune. When you stretch the strings to reduce the wraps, you probably won't want to cut off the excess unless it's, well, excessive. Also, be careful when removing the access cover on the back because it's easy to chip the wood with your thumbnail. The magnets that hold it on are strong. I use a tool from a manicure kit. Enjoy!
Lambic said:Subbed! Not a Ubass owner (yet), but seriously gassing!
You will be assimilated. Resistance is futile.
Just have to chime in here. I've been following this thread with interest because I would love one of these.
But I have to say, the price is a bit scary. $500 seems a lot for a ukulele bass. My soprano and tenor ukes, plus my two basses all new, in total cost less than that.
Is the Ubass really worth the dough?
But I have to say, the price is a bit scary. $500 seems a lot for a ukulele bass. My soprano and tenor ukes, plus my two basses all new, in total cost less than that.
Is the Ubass really worth the dough?
Hey guys, been doing my research on one of these. What I really want is a 5 string acoustic but thye are only coming in 4's. I find the solid bodies remind me of those guitar hero controllers. Looks like I'll have to suck it in and get the solid body 5.
Does anyone have one and can comment on the low b string? I wonder if I could buy an acoustic and use the string from the solid body 5 and string is BEAD?
If anyone wants to PM me and let me know where they bought theirs from with any tips that would be great too.
Does anyone have one and can comment on the low b string? I wonder if I could buy an acoustic and use the string from the solid body 5 and string is BEAD?
If anyone wants to PM me and let me know where they bought theirs from with any tips that would be great too.
First, you can't think of this as a uke. It's not. This thing will yield unique, big, interesting bass tone.
Now - I have to admit, I Do think Kala pushes it with the price. Some less than stellar specimens Have reached customers. Lots of people have mentioned needing to file the fret ends and take care of other things. For a low end 200 dollar instrument, that is to be expected. For a 400 to 500 dollar instrument, yes I know that is not high end, but, I think its reasonable to expect clean fret work in 99 percent of the instruments shipped.
Most likely, any new one will be fine. But, yeah, we have heard some stories. I just did some work on the fret ends on mine.
The flip side: this bass is more fun - by a ton - than any other bass I have ever touched. And I have touched a whole lotta basses. This instrument is unique, fun, and amazing.
Do I wish it was 250 instead 400 to 500? Yes. But - I still would recommend it super enthusiastically.
Maybe we're paying the price for being the early users of this amazing new instrument. I would like to believe that, over time, this instrument will decrease in cost. But whatever happens, I'm glad I'm on board now.
Thanks for the info. It DOES sound like a fun instrument. Yeah, at 250 I'd be all over one. Perhaps they will come out with a Makala version for a bit less dough.
Thanks to this thread I finally pulled the trigger on a U Bass. I decided on the Acacia wood for several reasons
#1- I wanted the hard case
.#2 - I wanted the Hipshot tuners and #3- as I play in a bluegrass group, I loved the look of the acacia wood
.very vintage.
Upon inspection I find no fault ..all looks good. Mine does have the truss rod. I was not looking forward to the tuning process but all I had to do was turn the tuners a couple of turns and it came in tune, and still has just 2 windings on the post.
Before it came in Ive ordered the Thundergut strings .but I think Ill give these stock strings a good try first. Thanks again to all who have shared on this thread. This is truly a cool instrument!
Russ
Upon inspection I find no fault ..all looks good. Mine does have the truss rod. I was not looking forward to the tuning process but all I had to do was turn the tuners a couple of turns and it came in tune, and still has just 2 windings on the post.
Before it came in Ive ordered the Thundergut strings .but I think Ill give these stock strings a good try first. Thanks again to all who have shared on this thread. This is truly a cool instrument!
Russ
Thanks to this thread I finally pulled the trigger on a U Bass. I decided on the Acacia wood for several reasons #1- I wanted the hard case .#2 - I wanted the Hipshot tuners and #3- as I play in a bluegrass group, I loved the look of the acacia wood .very vintage.
Upon inspection I find no fault ..all looks good. Mine does have the truss rod. I was not looking forward to the tuning process but all I had to do was turn the tuners a couple of turns and it came in tune, and still has just 2 windings on the post.
Before it came in Ive ordered the Thundergut strings .but I think Ill give these stock strings a good try first. Thanks again to all who have shared on this thread. This is truly a cool instrument!
Russ
Beautiful. I love the tops on those - and the mahogany ones.
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