Kala UBass Megathread, Part 2

[SBassman]

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.

Just don't judge the bass by that experience alone. It's common to pick up a lemon that was beat up in a store. I can't comment on the finish of the SUB, but the finish on the acoustics is very light, too. I actually like that, but I know that's not for everyone.

 

[Mr. Pickles]

Just don't judge the bass by that experience alone. It's common to pick up a lemon that was beat up in a store. I can't comment on the finish of the SUB, but the finish on the acoustics is very light, too. I actually like that, but I know that's not for everyone.

No doubt my experience was tainted by poorly maintained stock in a music store. I'm enough of a gear snob though to say I'll probably hold out for a non SUB model.

 

[marcox]

Has anyone added a thumb rest to their hollowbody Ubass? I've always used one when when playing BG and haven't found a comfortable resting place for my thumb on the Kala.

 

[caeman]

I rest my thumb against the E string when not using it. I have been trying to keep aware of my string muting to avoid unnecessary string vibrations

 

[scotch]

Aquila Thundergut review

I'm increasingly impressed with these strings and I have switched to using them on my U-Bass for both live and session work!

Fairly comprehensive review of Thundergut strings with soundclips & even a side-by-side comparison to Pahoehoe's:

justinoscarcary.com - Gear Reviews - -Aquila 'Thundergut' Bass Ukulele*Strings

 

[SBassman]

Aquila Thundergut review

I'm increasingly impressed with these strings and I have switched to using them on my U-Bass for both live and session work!

Fairly comprehensive review of Thundergut strings with soundclips & even a side-by-side comparison to Pahoehoe's:

justinoscarcary.com - Gear Reviews - -Aquila 'Thundergut' Bass Ukulele*Strings

Great job, Justin.

And folks - know that some Very Interesting things are on the way with these strings. Buy a set and support the effort, and know the story is not done being told. Thundergut your UBass.

 

[Matt R.]

Good review. And in case anyone is wondering, Mimmo says they will not be making these strings in black.

 

[SBassman]

Good review. And in case anyone is wondering, Mimmo says they will not be making these strings in black.

But - he Is considering other colors, just not black.

I'd like to solicit everyone's opinion on this: Is a white string a deal breaker or just something you wish was different? We can pass this feedback along to Mimmo.

Me personally: while I'd probably like other another color option, it is definitely not a deal breaker for me.
I Love these strings.

 

[caeman]

I will admit it now: I am not a fan of flashy colors on strings. The white is too flashy. I like the discreteness of black. Mimmo should really consider black for conservative folks like me.

 

[SBassman]

There may be a reason why he can't/won't use black - possibly related to the fact that the stock strings are black.

What if he made a silver, gold, or brown colored string?

 

[caeman]

Brown is subdued enough for me. Silver would be okay, since they look pretty good with my other guitars. Gold is just bronze, so maybe if it was a dark gold like bronze.

But, no red, yellow, green, etc. Definitely not day-glo.

 

[MarkusBass]

Love the strings too! How about brown or medium tan?

 

[SBassman]

One advantage to the white, though:

I'll bet they look great under stage lights.
I remember the first time I saw a band with lights, with the drummer playing a white kit. It really looked excellent as the lights changed.

 

[Hothersale]

I like the white, and would love to see them under black light. Aquila would be smart to offer them in other colours if possible, though.

Frank -- not sure what you're hinting at, but my interest is piqued!

And nice review, Justin!

 

[Matt R.]

Mimmo said explicitly to me that they would only offer white because of brand recognition. Smart idea.

 

[Matt R.]

This is the email reply I received from Mimmo when I asked him about making black strings:
"Black is not possible, there are questions concerning marketing strategy
When we start with ther ukulele strings they were white agaist the common black colour employed on the ukulele strings from all.
The first few months pople were upset for the white colour.
Now after 7 years we sell some 15 millions of ukulele strings. Daddario, Hohner and Ibanez enclose and 90% of the chineese factories that built ukuleles for all western companies..
The white colour is in opposite to the black colour intentionally so it is a free advertising for everyone that see them,
I am sorry: Aquila colour is white like for Ferrari cars is red."

 

[caeman]

Personally...I disagree.

'nuff said.

 

[Matt R.]

That's just what I was told by the guy who makes them. I do like black though.

 

[caeman]

That's just what I was told by the guy who makes them. I do like black though.

I understand.

It just means that despite the superiority of the Thunderguts, the white turns me off to such an extent that I am less inclined to buy them for the now.

 

[Matt R.]

They had to grow on me but now I like em just as much.