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Kala UBass Megathread, Part 2

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#981
hopturn said:
SBassman: I have been a for-hire fretless bass hitman for years, and you have to tell the band AND soundman that you simply have to hear yourself or it's not going to be pretty. I just refuse to play otherwise. Last night, my own band played a huge outdoor St. Patty's event and had to have that same conversation with a veteran soundman. I don't get mad, I just won't play. I'm not at all a jerk about it, but I don't know any horn players that would play in those conditions so I won't either. Oh, and I played my Ubass on about four songs and it rocked! On a different slightly note, has any of you tried using Wi Audiolink for in-ear monitoring? I saw a guy doing yesterday. It's 150 bucks for the system, which is digital, versatile (can also be used as a 100 foot wireless system) and he was just using regular 50 dollar earbuds. I'm thinking of getting them for FOH soundcheck and personal monitoring. Thoughts?
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In my music world, the pay is so tight that there's no soundman. The soundman is the bandleader / guitarist with the board behind him.

While I agree I should be able to sort of insist on good, clear consistent hearing, if I did - I would have to leave. Because the bandleader often cranks things beyond where he should, and he sort of doesn't Get when someone says they can't hear properly. The only way I can solve it is to take it into my own hands and invest in IEMs, which maybe will happen some day.

They other key to me hearing more on my bass gigs - is to find a Second band. :) I have been working on that, and there is a good chance I have found it.

Glad to hear your UBass was great on those tunes. Next time now, go for a whole set on it. :)
 
#985
I just had an e-mail from my bandleader:

I have something to report which I have some similar sentiments about:
I heard several comments last night that the bass wasn't cutting through. It was too muffled.[1]
I believe that's mostly due to there's only so much that can be done with the non-metal strings.

Another bunch of comments were that the look of the UBass just doesn't work for the band and type of music.
I think the look kind of sets us apart.[2]

Maybe the UBass should be for the first set only.
Going forward, I think we should use your other bass.
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[1] We spent Zero time dialing a bass tone for the room. He never dials guitar, vocal, bass tone for the room. Ever.
The only thing he re-EQs is - the bass drum.
[2] Not sure what look he is referring to. We're 50somethings playing dance rock. We don't have a look. Unless Old is a look.
 
#987
If they offered a hutch hutchinson model with a fretless neck or some other affordable fretless with easier access to the higher register id be a member of this club already.

Maybe if I see a good deal on a hutch hutchinson model ill have it defretted.
 
#988
chilliwilli said:
If they offered a hutch hutchinson model with a fretless neck or some other affordable fretless with easier access to the higher register id be a member of this club already.

Maybe if I see a good deal on a hutch hutchinson model ill have it defretted.
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I have an HH and have been toying with that idea, along with a tobacco sunburst makeover, for a while now.

Or maybe I'll just leave it as it is and get a fretless hog.
 
#994
After a few weeks of playing the Aquila Thunderguts, I can say that I like them a lot but prefer the sound and, particularly, the feel of the stock Pahoehoe strings. They fit with the 'zen' of the whole thing, I guess.

Thunderguts seem to solve a problem which, for me, doesn't really exist. I don't want my U-Bass to sound like an electric bass or an ABG or even a doghouse. I like the U-Bass sound; straight, no chaser.
 
#996
chilliwilli said:
If they offered a hutch hutchinson model with a fretless neck or some other affordable fretless with easier access to the higher register id be a member of this club already.

Maybe if I see a good deal on a hutch hutchinson model ill have it defretted.
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THIS; the real market is gonna be in the area of a fretless SUB, which the 2012 catalog implies, does not exist. Get a fretless going playable right out of the box at that $500 price point, and the mantra that every bassist should have one will probably get very loudly repeated by many.
 
#999
TimWatson said:
I'll hold off on answering that. I'll explain later.
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So this past Saturday I posted my issue with the ThunderGut order not working out. 10 (!) minutes after that post I got a PM from Mimmo, who was aghast and assured me it would be made right. Long story short, it is now Thursday and I have 2 (!) sets of ThunderGuts delivered from Italy and confidence that this ordering faux-pas will not happen again. I am so happy with Mimmo that i'm going to wait a day or 2 to put them on so my ears will be less positively biased about these strings. If I can get some quiet time around the house I plan to do a video review and comparison. Cião, fellas!
 
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