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Kala UBass Megathread, Part 3
- Thread starter smperry
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Congrats. You Will enjoy this. It will just take a bit of time
to get things set.
I had a similar experience with the stock strings. I literally Cut up and Bloodied my hands multiple times when trying to restring. I, too, had my wife holding the bass with me to help me get a good enough grip on the strings. Some found it easy, but I found it a bit of a nightmare. I hesitate to say this these days because these references start up some Stuff in the thread that I'm just not in the mood for anymore, but if you ever try the Thunderguts, you will see that stringing is Simple - like a regular bass. This insanity with the infinite stretching goes away.
Anyway, on that D - if you have inspected the nut and neck and you think things are looking clean, take that D string completely off the bass. Unwind it and ensure that you don't have any twists in it. Try again. If you have the same results, try another string. [Or a set of Thunderguts.
]When you get things right, you're going to have a whole lotta fun.
Okay, here we go. Let me know what I should add.
https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1DSJglCizE8wITx1t9nqXMGwpPxaniXXfWgFkjt_rCxU
https://docs.google.com/document/pub?id=1DSJglCizE8wITx1t9nqXMGwpPxaniXXfWgFkjt_rCxU
First of all, just FYI, I've read all of the 3 parts of the megathread - before the UBass even arrived - it's all your fault for GASing me! There's so much great info here, you guys are great. Definitely need a condensed version though... it took me a week to get through it all.
And I watched Mike Upton's video as well as the Thundergut video on string installation (each several times). They make it seem so easy!
I saw the recommendation on the capo days ago, and remembered it when I was trying to restring it alone, so I tried using the capo. But that only worked for the E and A strings, and it didn't hold them in place completely, just slowed the slippage to a crawl. The capo didn't work at all on the D and G string because of the thickness of the E and A not allowing a tight grip on the D and G. I even tried doing the strings G then D then A then E, just so I could use the capo, but it didn't work either... still slippage.
Ultimately I realized I either needed a vice-grip strength capo or an extra pair of hands. So once my lady got home, we got it done - but even that was a struggle. I can't imagine trying to restring a broken string at a gig... I'd just switch to a backup bass.
(Chad, thanks for the document though... although it I knew all that from reading pts 1,2,&3, it'll help someone else. We should definitely continue to grow that doc with all the basics, tips, and tricks.)
SO... about the D string.
I just took the D string off and re-strung it, being careful to make sure the string was not twisted.
Still the same issue. Buzzes with anything more than a light pluck and buzzes more easily when fretted. It's almost as if that string has too much travel and thus slaps the fretboard.
Also, it still is way off at the 12th fret and the intonation is a steady progression from fine to almost a full step off now at the 12th fret.
The saddle seems to be fine: directly in line with the rest, height, angle, and line of the bridge.
So, I guess I call Kala and ask for another D string tomorrow?
And I watched Mike Upton's video as well as the Thundergut video on string installation (each several times). They make it seem so easy!
I saw the recommendation on the capo days ago, and remembered it when I was trying to restring it alone, so I tried using the capo. But that only worked for the E and A strings, and it didn't hold them in place completely, just slowed the slippage to a crawl. The capo didn't work at all on the D and G string because of the thickness of the E and A not allowing a tight grip on the D and G. I even tried doing the strings G then D then A then E, just so I could use the capo, but it didn't work either... still slippage.
Ultimately I realized I either needed a vice-grip strength capo or an extra pair of hands. So once my lady got home, we got it done - but even that was a struggle. I can't imagine trying to restring a broken string at a gig... I'd just switch to a backup bass.
(Chad, thanks for the document though... although it I knew all that from reading pts 1,2,&3, it'll help someone else. We should definitely continue to grow that doc with all the basics, tips, and tricks.)
SO... about the D string.
I just took the D string off and re-strung it, being careful to make sure the string was not twisted.
Still the same issue. Buzzes with anything more than a light pluck and buzzes more easily when fretted. It's almost as if that string has too much travel and thus slaps the fretboard.
Also, it still is way off at the 12th fret and the intonation is a steady progression from fine to almost a full step off now at the 12th fret.
The saddle seems to be fine: directly in line with the rest, height, angle, and line of the bridge.
So, I guess I call Kala and ask for another D string tomorrow?
Just finished reading all three mega threads. I'm happy to share that I'm now part of the club. I have a fretted spruce coming to me in three days now. I got a great deal for her on eBay. I have a set of pahoehoe's and TGs coming also.
Called Kala support today and they were very helpful! Ryan there is great. He agreed that there is an issue with that string and is now sending me a new D string.
I'll let you know how it goes.
PS - Way back in the MT (pt.2, I think) someone mentioned that they wind their strings by grabbing them with a vice grip and pulling the tight, the just winding them on. I have to re-string again (so I can get my mandolin strap loop over the headstock), so I'm going to try that method.
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll let you know how it goes.
PPS - I'm having a great time with my fretless hog! I don't want to put it down. Can't wait to play with one of the groups I play with.
I'll let you know how it goes.
PS - Way back in the MT (pt.2, I think) someone mentioned that they wind their strings by grabbing them with a vice grip and pulling the tight, the just winding them on. I have to re-string again (so I can get my mandolin strap loop over the headstock), so I'm going to try that method.
Thanks for all the suggestions. I'll let you know how it goes.
PPS - I'm having a great time with my fretless hog! I don't want to put it down. Can't wait to play with one of the groups I play with.
Czar, that was me. I have found the the D and G strings can be put down the tuner's hole. You will tune it up, it will wrap all the way to the bottom, then you'll pull it off, cut off a couple inches and restring. That will happen 4-5 times the first few days before it starts to settle. You'll find that trimming it down will make it look up to 6 inches too short to reach the tuner until you just pull it. Put it in the hole on that side of the headstock. It should work better. Good luck.
Just sold my solid body and picked up a 'hog fretless. In bass heaven!
It's only been a few hours, but this bass is easy to play fretless than any other I've tried.
Still have the original strings on it. Aquila's might be next.
Who has drilled a strap peg on theirs? Is that something I should have a luthier do? I have a drill, but I'm not very handy with it.
It's only been a few hours, but this bass is easy to play fretless than any other I've tried.
Still have the original strings on it. Aquila's might be next.
Who has drilled a strap peg on theirs? Is that something I should have a luthier do? I have a drill, but I'm not very handy with it.
Check out this page. I'm just getting to it myself.
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Check out how many artists they now have photographed with a UBass. Pretty cool. A couple were new for me. Didn't know Stu Hamm and Esperanza Spaulding both have played them. Would love to hear Stu put together a whole solo on one.
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Check out how many artists they now have photographed with a UBass. Pretty cool. A couple were new for me. Didn't know Stu Hamm and Esperanza Spaulding both have played them. Would love to hear Stu put together a whole solo on one.
scotch
It's not rocket science!
- Nov 12, 2006
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Reporting in on travelling with the gig bag vs the hard foam case:
I love the bag (although I did have the strap d ring tear & had to fix it)- I've done 2 bus tours with it and dozens of fly dates. It protects the instrument well (plenty of padding), is light and fits in virtually all jet overhead compartments with ease (including rj's and embraers).
I've done a couple of trips with the hard foam now & I guess I do prefer it slightly. Its also very lightweight and fits in overheads well. I dont have to worry as much about people jamming stuff in with it too! It is larger feeling to carry around, but really does feel light strapped on.
Both are great options, but you dont need to be quite as "careful" in your travels with the hard foam.
I love the bag (although I did have the strap d ring tear & had to fix it)- I've done 2 bus tours with it and dozens of fly dates. It protects the instrument well (plenty of padding), is light and fits in virtually all jet overhead compartments with ease (including rj's and embraers).
I've done a couple of trips with the hard foam now & I guess I do prefer it slightly. Its also very lightweight and fits in overheads well. I dont have to worry as much about people jamming stuff in with it too! It is larger feeling to carry around, but really does feel light strapped on.
Both are great options, but you dont need to be quite as "careful" in your travels with the hard foam.
It always feels like getting a new bass when I have any short gap in playing it. That's how much fun this bass is.
There was a bit of a gap. I took it out this morning and started running some tunes on it. My wife, who normally doesn't notice musical Stuff, said: "wow - that sounds So Awesome."
We then proceeded to make jokes after every tune, in memory of a couple of knuckleheads in my life who actually said it wasn't right to be playing it with our cover band.
After each tune, I'd say something like: "yeah, that sounded horrible, didn't it."
Knuckleheads.
I think the UBass wins the Lifetime Achievement Award for
Most Fun Bass - Ever.
There was a bit of a gap. I took it out this morning and started running some tunes on it. My wife, who normally doesn't notice musical Stuff, said: "wow - that sounds So Awesome."
We then proceeded to make jokes after every tune, in memory of a couple of knuckleheads in my life who actually said it wasn't right to be playing it with our cover band.
After each tune, I'd say something like: "yeah, that sounded horrible, didn't it."
Knuckleheads.
I think the UBass wins the Lifetime Achievement Award for
Most Fun Bass - Ever.
Ok, I'm starting a
Stoopid Fun To Play on a UBass series.
These are suggestions for tunes that you wouldn't necessarily think of playing on the UBass, that turn out to be - Stoopid Fun To Play.
#1 in the series is credited to Bakithi Kumalo - for Billie Jean on the UBass.
Work it out yourself. Very simple. Stoopid Fun.
Stoopid Fun To Play on a UBass series.
These are suggestions for tunes that you wouldn't necessarily think of playing on the UBass, that turn out to be - Stoopid Fun To Play.
#1 in the series is credited to Bakithi Kumalo - for Billie Jean on the UBass.
Work it out yourself. Very simple. Stoopid Fun.
#2 is -
I Want You Back on the UBass.
Great, great line. Everybody should know. And it
sounds Insanely Great on the UBass.
I Want You Back on the UBass.
Great, great line. Everybody should know. And it
sounds Insanely Great on the UBass.
#3, which I just started, is:
Smooth Criminal on the UBass.
Of all tunes. Never really noticed it in the past. Last weekend,
I was at a festival, and it was blaring over the PA. I'm listening to that bass line and telling myself - I love repeating lines like that. I gotta play that.
Easy, repeating line. I'm drawn to lines like this because, for me, it feels like I'm playing the drums on the bass. Which I love. Cuz - I'm a drummer.
Try it on the UBass. Sounds monstrous.
Smooth Criminal on the UBass.
Of all tunes. Never really noticed it in the past. Last weekend,
I was at a festival, and it was blaring over the PA. I'm listening to that bass line and telling myself - I love repeating lines like that. I gotta play that.
Easy, repeating line. I'm drawn to lines like this because, for me, it feels like I'm playing the drums on the bass. Which I love. Cuz - I'm a drummer.
Try it on the UBass. Sounds monstrous.
To answer cultrvultr about the strap button, look at the bottom of page 7 of this megathread. Tim posted a pic of where he places the strap button.
By the way, Hi, I've been lurking for some time. I haven't bought a Ubass yet, but I borrowed a friends fretted Hog and played it at a Jazz standards gig two nights ago. It's strung with the Pahohoe strings. I also took my Jazz bass - I wasn't sure what to expect or how it would be received. After playing the first set with the Ubass and the second set with the Jazz, I asked the guitar player what he preferred. All he said was, dang, that little uBass sounds so fat! I took that as a thumbs up for little guy.
I guess my only frustration is the limited range for soloing. I have to say that when I first brought home the Ubass, I was not charmed by it. After a week of playing it and a gig behind me, it's growing on me. I think I can say with some confidence that a fretless Hog is in my future.
By the way, Hi, I've been lurking for some time. I haven't bought a Ubass yet, but I borrowed a friends fretted Hog and played it at a Jazz standards gig two nights ago. It's strung with the Pahohoe strings. I also took my Jazz bass - I wasn't sure what to expect or how it would be received. After playing the first set with the Ubass and the second set with the Jazz, I asked the guitar player what he preferred. All he said was, dang, that little uBass sounds so fat! I took that as a thumbs up for little guy.
I guess my only frustration is the limited range for soloing. I have to say that when I first brought home the Ubass, I was not charmed by it. After a week of playing it and a gig behind me, it's growing on me. I think I can say with some confidence that a fretless Hog is in my future.
Here is the strap button again.
I, too was take aback at first about the limited range for soloing. On both doghouse and slab, I pretty much will use the whole instrument on my solo.
2 solutions:
1. Know that my highest note is a B. think ahead and keep the solo midrange.
2. Buy a fretless 5 string solid body. Bam! Back in 3.5 octave business!
Seriously, the 4 string fretless hog is my fav. I actually like some limitation because then it forces my musicality and creativity to work harder.
I also noticed I thrive on 1-pickup instruments for the same reason. No bass I have has more than 1. Weird huh?
I, too was take aback at first about the limited range for soloing. On both doghouse and slab, I pretty much will use the whole instrument on my solo.
2 solutions:
1. Know that my highest note is a B. think ahead and keep the solo midrange.
2. Buy a fretless 5 string solid body. Bam! Back in 3.5 octave business!
Seriously, the 4 string fretless hog is my fav. I actually like some limitation because then it forces my musicality and creativity to work harder.
I also noticed I thrive on 1-pickup instruments for the same reason. No bass I have has more than 1. Weird huh?
I hear you, Tim, about how being forced into a smaller range actually brings out better lines. I used to think I needed a 6-string, 2-octave instrument. Now my main bass is a 4-string Fender Jazz with the standard 20 frets. For Jazz, it's all I need and I'm very, very happy.
I'm sure I'll adjust to the Ubass's range. I agree that the acoustic version has more punch. Plus it's better for kicking back on the couch and practicing. Although.....I have been wondering about the Road Toad semi-hollow body. Hmmm, could be the best of both worlds.
http://www.bassuke.com/images/041SHB_complete.JPG
I'm sure I'll adjust to the Ubass's range. I agree that the acoustic version has more punch. Plus it's better for kicking back on the couch and practicing. Although.....I have been wondering about the Road Toad semi-hollow body. Hmmm, could be the best of both worlds.
http://www.bassuke.com/images/041SHB_complete.JPG
Wow - that's a beauty. I imagine it is big bucks. If Kala ever made a 500dollarish version of that, I'd have to be all over it.
The standard version starts at $695 with several wood choices available. Koa is an upgrade that costs $25 to $150 more depending on the amount of figure in the wood. Looks like it's not as pricey as you'd think. Wow, sure is tempting. I wish the sound samples were better on the Road Toad site.
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