• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Kala UBass Megathread, Part 2

Status
Not open for further replies.
#124
SBassman said:
Cmon folks. A bunch of people mentioned they'd try Thunderguts.
Do your part, get in here, and tell us how it's going.
Click to expand...

I was inspired by the comments on this thread to try a set. I installed them yesterday afternoon, and have a few impressions to share.

First, a bit of background. My 23yo son Chris and I have performed early country music as a duo for nine years now, him on guitar/banjo and me on bass. The highlights are Chris's guitar playing and our vocal harmonies. I took up the upright bass mainly to have something to do while we sang (sort of like Dick Smothers, if you remember him). My playing is nothing special, but it keeps the beat and fills out the low part of the spectrum.

As much as I love the sound of the upright, it limited us in a couple of ways. We sing around a single mic, and choreography is difficult when one of the players can only pivot to move. And it was a major headache carting such a large instrument around. So I was pretty excited to learn about the UBass, and even more so when I tried one out (fretless spruce top) and heard the sound. We gig once or twice a week at local coffee shops, and since August I've used the UBass exclusively.

When I read about the Thunderguts, it sounded like they would address a few of the (minor) issues I had with the stock strings--stretching, rubbery feel, rolling under the fingers. I ordered a set on eBay from DrCluck (!), the same fellow who sold me the bass. Here's what they looked like out of the pack:

Invalid Link Removed

(Note the cable ties at the string ends. Since the recent YouTube video makes a point of tying a knot in a string with no cable tie, I wonder now if I was sent a set from the notorious early batch ....)

Here are my impressions after 24 hours:
  • Lots of retuning last night, but very little at this point.
  • I really like the higher tension of the strings. The stock strings often felt sloppy and uncertain the way I played them.
  • The G string is more on a par with the rest than the G in the stock set, which was pretty feeble.
  • Stringing was a breeze, with no need to stretch. Well, maybe. The D, A, and E strings are more or less stable with 1-2 windings on the peg, but the G is almost at 4 windings and a bit worrisome. We probably should have pulled it tighter when we strung it.
  • The stock E string sounded fat and warm, almost overpowering. The Thundergut E string is nowhere near as nice sounding--the pitch is indistinct compared to the A, D, and G strings. It also rattles at the nut if I pluck too hard or at the wrong angle.
  • Not that I've ever used in my playing, but the A string easily produces the "mwah" sound I've read about. The D string is not quite as good at this, but it's still there. On the G all I can get is a normal vibrato. The E string pitch is too indistinct to even notice much vibrato.
I hope that's not too much information. I love my UBass, and I think the Thunderguts will be a nice improvement over the stock strings for me given my low-skilled playing.

Rick Saenz, one-half of Invalid Link Removed
 
#128
Ordered mine from aquilausa.com, $20.50 delivered. They came with zip ties attached. Those ties on the two large strings will not fit the SUB cavities. I replaced them with the smallest ties I could find (a $5.00 assortment from Amazon). I cut the end off the D string, then found that my small tie would not hold on it, so tied a knot in it (no zip) and it's holding. The G string with the furnished tie fit OK, and the D string might have if I had not already cut it off. I like the strings but wish they were black. They've only been on less than a day, and are of course still stretching.

I'm using the quick disconnect mandolin strap that's already been described here, and like it a lot, perfect for this instrument.
 
#131
I use a LM standard guitar strap, shortened the thin part about 10" and tied it to the headstock with a shoelace .. works for me :bassist:
productimage
 
#132
caeman said:
I need to rig up a strap for this weekend. I have been holding back from buying a strap until payday, but anything I buy now won't arrive in time for Saturday and Sunday church services. I was thinking of taking one of my other random straps, and using an old shoe string to attach it to the head stock.
Click to expand...

That's what I did. With a small, narrow strap.
 
#135
SBassman said:
Check out this PDF from the Kala website:

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Notice anything interesting on Page 5?

:cool:
Click to expand...

That & lots of goodies! Hard case for me, please...

Curious about those plated Pyramid strings. Really getting away from the charm, or a whole different option?
 
#137
I'm more excited about the future of the Thunderguts.

There are things brewing with the Thunderguts that are extremely interesting and promising. I really think they take this already amazing instrument to another level.

Another topic: lots of people have talked about how hot and bright this bass can be when you first plug in. If you have an Active input on your amp, try it out. I'm using it now for this bass, and it really tames the beast.

Recommendation for a great amp for this great bass: the small
GK MB112 ultralight.
 
#138
If you want to have some fun, bring your UBass to an Open Jam.

I did that last night. Played a few tunes, got off, and then it started. Tons of people asking what it was, could they touch it,
and - they gotta get one. :D

Kala should be giving me a discount when I buy a SUB.
I'm pretty sure I sold about 10 basses for them last night.

:bassist:
:cool:
 
#140
Are the parallel slats on the HH to fight feedback?

I played a black satin SUB at Alto music yesterday - the knobs were busted and the action was horrible so I didn't really enjoy the experience. There were also several worm marks in the finish which leads me to believe that it's not very protective.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back