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Kala UBass Megathread, Part 2

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#701
I think I've been assimilated as well... I just asked for some info at the Uke Surfer Shop in Germany (closest carrier of Kala U-basses for me). They also carry the acacia fretless, which doesn't exist on Kala's site, go figure. Either they interrupted the production of these, either it's a mistake in that shop's catalogue. I also asked if they'd mount the Thunderguts for me as well, in case I ordered both U-bass and Thunderguts.
 
#702
Lambic said:
I think I've been assimilated as well... I just asked for some info at the Uke Surfer Shop in Germany (closest carrier of Kala U-basses for me). They also carry the acacia fretless, which doesn't exist on Kala's site, go figure. Either they interrupted the production of these, either it's a mistake in that shop's catalogue. I also asked if they'd mount the Thunderguts for me as well, in case I ordered both U-bass and Thunderguts.
Click to expand...

Is that larry of the 3 stooges?
 
#704
BassfulOne said:
I regret to say that I've returned my UBass back to Sweetwater. Although short-lived, it was one of those basses that I needed to play before buying in order to really decide whether I wanted it or not. In this case, it's just not my "sound."

The strings felt awkward/different than "normal" steel strings and I needed a bass that's short-scale but not "too" short scale. Also, the fingernoise that you often get with these unique instruments just didn't grow on me very much. I don't mean to burst anyone's bubble or to discourage anyone from getting a UBass, but that's just my experience with them.

In any case, continue the thumpin' and enjoy your UBasses! These are pretty darn awesome uke-basses, they're just not my cup of tea.
Click to expand...


Thank you for having givin' it a try.
 
#706
bryanspkr said:
Living in belguim and a stooges fan. There is a god. (Curly actually)
Good luck with your U-bass adventure. I would give the Kala strings a try though. Make sure with either string you check out about the tuning and stringing tips.
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Not really a fan: rather intrigued by the phenomenon. Although I admire their slapstick skills technically, I fail to see the humor in their antics, and keep wondering how on earth they did get such a following across the pond. I have the same feeling about Fatty Arbuckle, once very popular too, especially when I see him at work in the shorts where he has a beginning Buster Keaton at his side. De gustibus et coloribus...
 
#707
Lambic said:
Not really a fan: rather intrigued by the phenomenon. Although I admire their slapstick skills technically, I fail to see the humor in their antics, and keep wondering how on earth they did get such a following across the pond. I have the same feeling about Fatty Arbuckle, once very popular too, especially when I see him at work in the shorts where he has a beginning Buster Keaton at his side. De gustibus et coloribus...
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Sorry to get off topic here, but Curly played bass in one short film. So not completely irrelevant. See if you can download a short called DISORDER IN THE COURT.

Well, I grew up with them. I'll admit they did some terrible stuff though.
It would be nice to have a still photo of Curly with the bass for an avatar.
 
#708
bryanspkr said:
(...)
It would be nice to have a still photo of Curly with the bass for an avatar.(...)
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CurlyBass.jpg

;)
 
#709
bryanspkr said:
Have you seen the video of his shop? Amazing! there is a hand wind of an open wound string that is so quick and accurate. The impression for me was small but when you think about it, it must be possible to handwind a lot of feet of string. The uke string business must be booming. I'll bet his biz is growing more than ever before.
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It's not just something small growing recently. They have been a major manufacturer for a long time. In addition to supplying Kala's strings, they also manufacture for:
Daddario, Fender, Ibanez, Kala. Aria, and Hohner. They
currently have a daily manufacturing capacity of something on the order of half a million strings a day.

Unlike other manufacturers, their specialty is having people who are Materials Engineers / Chemists. They can make Anything, with any stretch and tension characteristics.
 
#710
BassfulOne said:
I regret to say that I've returned my UBass back to Sweetwater. Although short-lived, it was one of those basses that I needed to play before buying in order to really decide whether I wanted it or not. In this case, it's just not my "sound."

The strings felt awkward/different than "normal" steel strings and I needed a bass that's short-scale but not "too" short scale. Also, the fingernoise that you often get with these unique instruments just didn't grow on me very much. I don't mean to burst anyone's bubble or to discourage anyone from getting a UBass, but that's just my experience with them.

In any case, continue the thumpin' and enjoy your UBasses! These are pretty darn awesome uke-basses, they're just not my cup of tea.
Click to expand...

I think what you said is fair - and - I think most can agree that this bass is not for Everyone. Some get bit by the bug, and some don't. I'm glad you tried it.
 
#713
I was trying a different finger technique last night that greatly reduced the clack and tightened up the tone of the u-bass. I made it a point to use the ends of my fingers from below, as if pulling the string toward me.
 
#717
I forgot all about the Ashborys. There have been one or two previous references here possibly, but I haven't paid attention.

Today, it finally hit me. I wound up not buying a SUB recently because it wasn't fretless, and I was going in the fretless direction. Today, the only solid body fretless Kala option is the expensive U.S. model.

What about an Ashbory with UBass strings, I thought? The Ashborys are all fretless, yet have tuners that can accommodate fat strings. I started Googling, and there are all kinds of references to people putting UBass stock strings on Ashborys, leading to big smiles on their faces. What Thunderguts on the Ashbory, I then thought? I Google that, and I get a hit that is scotch/Justin commenting in another string thread:

scotch said:
These Aquila strings work great on my Ashbory bass as well, btw...
Click to expand...

Justin - tell us more. Can you do a detailed post on how the Thunderguts sound on an Ashbory?

[Folks, Ashborys are down to like $230 if you shop.]

Frank
 
#718
......Thunderguts on the Ashbory, I then thought? I Google that, and I get a hit that is scotch/Justin commenting in another string thread:



Justin - tell us more. Can you do a detailed post on how the Thunderguts sound on an Ashbory?

[Folks, Ashborys are down to like $230 if you shop.]

Frank[/QUOTE]

Ashbury is 18". Expect Thundergut tension 24% less than on the Kala U-Bass
 
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