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Kala UBass Megathread, Part 3

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#61
Thanks for all the replies, I appreciate it.

I've decided on the fretless acoustic model first, but am undecided on getting the spruce or mahogany. I prefer the looks of the mahogany but can get a used spruce for about $200 less than the new mahogany. Is the difference worth the extra cash? I could hold out for a used fretless mahogany but really want to get one now rather than waiting for an unknown amount of time.

What are your opinions...used Spruce for about $75 less than the going price on those, or new mahogany at the going rate plus 7% sales tax? A little more than a $200 spread.
 
#63
Unless the 'hogs have the real Hipshot tuners, they aren't any different. It might just be that a batch of spruce models had their tuners installed poorly.

Save some cash, get the spruce and go back to my earlier posts about making sure the tuners are installed and tightened properly, per Kala's instructions.
 
#64
I have the hog and have tried the spruce side by side with it. The hog does have upgraded tuners and a very nice fit and finish, slightly more upscale. The spruce was a bit brighter on the tone side than the hog but not much. Personally, I'd recommend going the full hog route and if you're lucky you might even get one with an adjustible truss rod (which the older versions didn't have).
 
#66
I, too tried them side by side a few weeks ago, and I agree with GBassNorth. But...these were fretted. I am very happy with the Hog. I must wonder, though, why we need a truss rod so badly on this. Mine has not moved at All, Scotch has said the same with his Spruce with ThunderGuts in extreme conditions... I just don't see the need, unless Kala is expecting any higher tension aftermarket strings. They have already hinted that there may be different gauge stock strings available soon, and we have seen a few others experimenting with steel wrapped strings. But if you have one of these and have plastic strings, the truss rod is not needed, IMO. Just sayin.
 
#67
It's now official:
Kala now sells Aquila Thunderguts at their website.

You can see them under Buy Accessories / Ukulele Strings / U-BASS strings

Kala Ukulele-AQUILA U-BASS STRINGS

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

I touched bass with Mike Upton at Kala and he confirmed that
they are now in stock. He noted that they tune up quicker, intonate well, and have a bright, articulate tone.
"They add a new and exciting voice to the UBass."
 
#70
I would agree, too, about there not appearing to be a need for the truss rod, and you guys have demonstrated that in the real world.
I wouldn't recommend someone passing on a good deal on a UBass that didn't have a truss rod. But, if you're paying a regular price in a retail situation for a new one, it probably makes sense to peak inside that soundhole and see what's there. :)
 
#71
Folks, with us in Part 3 here, we have a couple of thousand posts under our belt. And, we're not talkin about one of the the knucklehead threads with people posting pictures of ladies at gigs - this is actual legitimate dialog :) about this bass.

Not bad, ay?

:cool:
 
#73
SBassman said:
Folks, with us in Part 3 here, we have a couple of thousand posts under our belt. And, we're not talkin about one of the the knucklehead threads with people posting pictures of ladies at gigs - this is actual legitimate dialog :) about this bass.

Not bad, ay?

:cool:
Click to expand...


I'm currently on page 35 of the first MegaThread...wish I'd have come across it before the 1000 post mark. Although it's making for some interesting reading.
 
#74
Chad - excellent. :D

That picture reminds me of Tim's observation that there is too much really poorly recorded UBass audio out there.

If you listen to any of Kala's clips of people like Tal and others picking it up and playing it, you see that they spend Zero energy on audio. It all sounds like something from Toys R Us. It's almost amazing that the instrument took off - because it didn't happen from the audio out there in the wild. :D

Along with Tim's audio, this is a very, very good specimen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UotbyS_sU3E
 
#76
I decided to go straight for the solid body. I loved the grain/coloring pattern on this one...would have later regretted not getting it.

angled.jpg
 
#79
Hmmm. Look out folks. The next round of Post-NAMM stock appears to have hit the stores and - the prices are higher. The models that used to cost 414 - not sure where that number came from - now cost 450. Looks like the solid body Calis are also higher.

They should watch it. While we loves these basses, the price
is on the high side - based on materials and workmanship. It would be pretty easy for other manufacturers to do similar designs at lower price points.
 
#80
Trust me on this. Sweetwater is the best. And their salespeople and service are top notch. It never hurts to call and ask for a better price! The worst they can say is no. They may say yes and totally surprise you! Just sayin. I know. I have been pleasantly surprised every time I have called them.
 
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