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Kala UBass Megathread, Part 3
- Thread starter smperry
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Ahhh. 
The UBass has the kind of tone that you can turn into anything. It would be very easy to add some dirt if you need it.
Get the other cheap Behringer DI - the BDI somethingorother that I use.
The UBass has the kind of tone that you can turn into anything. It would be very easy to add some dirt if you need it.Get the other cheap Behringer DI - the BDI somethingorother that I use.
Have any of you used the U-Bass to address RSI issues? RSI became so bad for me in both arms that I gave up the bass almost a year ago because I couldn't play for more than 5 minutes without my hands going numb. I decided to try a short scale recently and now, less than a week later, all the symptoms are returning.
I ask because in my last band in which we played an acoustic blend of local folk and Caribbean (Floribbean to be exact), I ended up full time on a tenor 'ukulele. It was the only instrument I could practice on a regular basis and play for a complete gig without any RSI issues. I so want to play bass again and am hoping the U-Bass will allow me to do so. I really dig jazz and it's clear the U-Bass can handle that, I just wonder if I can handle the U-Bass.
I ask because in my last band in which we played an acoustic blend of local folk and Caribbean (Floribbean to be exact), I ended up full time on a tenor 'ukulele. It was the only instrument I could practice on a regular basis and play for a complete gig without any RSI issues. I so want to play bass again and am hoping the U-Bass will allow me to do so. I really dig jazz and it's clear the U-Bass can handle that, I just wonder if I can handle the U-Bass.
6string,
I assume RSI is a hand/wrist/arm problem? I have had tendinitis in various places throughout my career and it is always when I am playing too tight and too much. The U-Bass would definitely help IMO because of the lower string tension and small scale. I can play it all day and not feel tight or tired or get sore skin or sore muscles. Can't say the same for the slab or the doghouse. If you play with decent alignment and in a good position and keep your technique relaxed I would think this would be the perfect instrument for you. Fretless, of course.
I assume RSI is a hand/wrist/arm problem? I have had tendinitis in various places throughout my career and it is always when I am playing too tight and too much. The U-Bass would definitely help IMO because of the lower string tension and small scale. I can play it all day and not feel tight or tired or get sore skin or sore muscles. Can't say the same for the slab or the doghouse. If you play with decent alignment and in a good position and keep your technique relaxed I would think this would be the perfect instrument for you. Fretless, of course.
Repetitive Strain can solved on a normal scale bass by noting your hand position and making it correct. Watch a classical guitarist play. Note how that head stock is up their head, then note how natural their wrist looks.
THAT is your goal, no matter the bass scale length.
THAT is your goal, no matter the bass scale length.
Tim...
Sorry, yes, RSI (repetitive stress injuries) is a blanket term for tendinitis, carpal tunnel, etc. I do try to maintain correct posture and position, but I'm afraid that a few decades of improper position and "trying to play through it" have caused permanent damage. I'm really not ready to have surgery so I try to maintain a balance between good posture and exercises to not further exacerbate the issue.
I must say, your videos of the U-Bass were instrumental (no pun intended) in winning me over to the U-Bass sound and flexibility. I can see where it would be appropriate in many musical situations. You've done a great job of showcasing it's professional worth.
I'm going to order a fretless acoustic model and see how it works out. If all is well I'll get a California 4-string fretless.
Thanks for your reply.
Sorry, yes, RSI (repetitive stress injuries) is a blanket term for tendinitis, carpal tunnel, etc. I do try to maintain correct posture and position, but I'm afraid that a few decades of improper position and "trying to play through it" have caused permanent damage. I'm really not ready to have surgery so I try to maintain a balance between good posture and exercises to not further exacerbate the issue.
I must say, your videos of the U-Bass were instrumental (no pun intended) in winning me over to the U-Bass sound and flexibility. I can see where it would be appropriate in many musical situations. You've done a great job of showcasing it's professional worth.
I'm going to order a fretless acoustic model and see how it works out. If all is well I'll get a California 4-string fretless.
Thanks for your reply.
6string - I think this will work well for you.
Besides the small scale, this bass rewards a - very light touch.
Please let us know how it goes.
Besides the small scale, this bass rewards a - very light touch.
Please let us know how it goes.
Thank you, 6string for the compliments. My videos were kind of designed to show what it can do in a real situation. Like many, I had to buy this thing taking a big chance sight unseen. The quick national inventory depletion caused by the gross under-estimation in demand made it impossible for me to get my hands on one before I bought it. All I had to go on was YouTube.
[rant] YouTube is grossly proliferated and saturated by videos of U-Bass "demos" with lots of talking and little playing. And the playing? So much of it makes this thing sound like a broken toy. And the people playing it? Won't even go there. Even the great bassists playing it at the NAMM shows and whatnot... C'mon people-could you at least dial in a TONE?! It takes a little work and maybe the right gear, but do SOMETHING about that clicky toy amplified sound! I've noticed lately since the new shipment was fulfilled there are even more videos up of people noodling around on it and not truly showing this instrument's full potential. [/rant]
[rant] YouTube is grossly proliferated and saturated by videos of U-Bass "demos" with lots of talking and little playing. And the playing? So much of it makes this thing sound like a broken toy. And the people playing it? Won't even go there. Even the great bassists playing it at the NAMM shows and whatnot... C'mon people-could you at least dial in a TONE?! It takes a little work and maybe the right gear, but do SOMETHING about that clicky toy amplified sound! I've noticed lately since the new shipment was fulfilled there are even more videos up of people noodling around on it and not truly showing this instrument's full potential. [/rant]
- Feb 3, 2005
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- Endorsing artist: Bergantino Audio Systems and GHS Strings
So a local shop here is about to get their first order of the U-Basses in stock Tuesday or Wednesday. He said they'd have a really good selection.
I'm definitely intrigued by these, especially the great upright sound I've heard in some videos. When I visited the Kala website, I was quite surprised to see the variety of models available in the a/e ubass line, spruce/mahogany, acacia, mahogany, spruce, exotic mahogany and spalted maple.
My plan is to check them out the day they arrive and probably buy one (fretted most likely). I went back through the old threads, but haven't come across any good comparisons (I could have missed it, lots of pages). Anyone have any feedback on tone comparisons, what to look for, are there any construction differences besides materials, etc.
Any other "buyer's guide" type info for me would be a great help!
I'm definitely intrigued by these, especially the great upright sound I've heard in some videos. When I visited the Kala website, I was quite surprised to see the variety of models available in the a/e ubass line, spruce/mahogany, acacia, mahogany, spruce, exotic mahogany and spalted maple.
My plan is to check them out the day they arrive and probably buy one (fretted most likely). I went back through the old threads, but haven't come across any good comparisons (I could have missed it, lots of pages). Anyone have any feedback on tone comparisons, what to look for, are there any construction differences besides materials, etc.
Any other "buyer's guide" type info for me would be a great help!
scotch
It's not rocket science!
- Nov 12, 2006
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Oddly enough, it was seeing a 'non-bassist' play one that instantly sold me on the U-Bass. In my opinion, Raul just "gets it"!
RAUL MALO Fever, King Of The Road, Everyone Knows But Me - Ann Arbor, May 17, 2011 - YouTube
RAUL MALO Fever, King Of The Road, Everyone Knows But Me - Ann Arbor, May 17, 2011 - YouTube
scotch
It's not rocket science!
- Nov 12, 2006
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- 2,081
- 51
- Disclosures
- Please see Profile for Endorsement disclosures
@ page 2: i´ve been wondering for a while already, what´s the problem with stretching and re-tuning?
i put the ubass in upright position on a pillow or blanket, secure it with my legs, pull the string and tune. i´m no craftsman at all, but i didn´t think it was difficult :/
the E string has been cut too short in the shop though, so it hasn´t got the pressure on the nut it needs (only half a winding on the tuner) which causes some buzzing on the open D# (which i still like a lot
)
i put the ubass in upright position on a pillow or blanket, secure it with my legs, pull the string and tune. i´m no craftsman at all, but i didn´t think it was difficult :/
the E string has been cut too short in the shop though, so it hasn´t got the pressure on the nut it needs (only half a winding on the tuner) which causes some buzzing on the open D# (which i still like a lot
)
NOLA Bass said:
These products have undergone many tweaks without knowledge of us, or even the manufacturers. Even Kala does not mention changes or small changes in their catalogue. We just have to be surprised by them. You are lucky to be able to try them out before buying. I would just say plug them in and play through a rig similar to what you would be using. Take the time to play with the tone and get a sound. Play the music you would be doing on it and hear how that sounds and feels. Remember that you need a different approach here. A lighter touch at the right place on the string and an accurate left hand. other than that, just look it over carefully like you would before buying any instrument.
My buyer's guide suggestions would be:
- Seriously consider a fretless, even if you currently don't play fretless.
- If you have the dollars, consider a Mahogany, since the tuners that ship with it are better than the ones on the Spruce.
- Look inside the soundhole and ensure there is an adjustable truss rod. Earlier designs did not have a truss rod at all, the later designs had one that wasn't adjustable. Latest and greatest has an adjustable truss rod. Since this is new stock arriving at a store, it should not be an issue, but you might as well peak inside and check anyway.
- If you buy a spruce, inspect the tuners. Mine came with a bad tuner with a gap at the post. I had to get a replacement from Kala.
- When you buy one and know you are keeping it, at that point consider trying Thunderguts. They go on easier, they reach stability in about 1/10th the time, and they have a tighter tone, IMHO.
For those contemplating fretless v.s. fretted:
I was not a fretless fan. Tried it a couple of times on regular instruments, and I never got hooked. I had a fretted UBass that I loved very, very much. I kept hearing the the words about the fretless, so I took the plunge and bought a fretless. After 3 minutes, I was saying to myself: hmmm, I don't know if I am going to bond with this. After 10 minutes I was saying: I'll never go back. Off I went to sell the fretted.
On a short instrument like this, you really get a big benefit to be able to intonate it - Yourself, with your ears. The results are significant.
I was not a fretless fan. Tried it a couple of times on regular instruments, and I never got hooked. I had a fretted UBass that I loved very, very much. I kept hearing the the words about the fretless, so I took the plunge and bought a fretless. After 3 minutes, I was saying to myself: hmmm, I don't know if I am going to bond with this. After 10 minutes I was saying: I'll never go back. Off I went to sell the fretted.
On a short instrument like this, you really get a big benefit to be able to intonate it - Yourself, with your ears. The results are significant.
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