Kala UBass Megathread, Part 4

[SBassman]

What's wrong with hugging a boat?

Nothing - as long as it actually is a boat you can have some fun in.

 

[caeman]

There is something enjoyable about an upright bass body, thumping the strings and feeling the vibrations against your chest.

 

[SBassman]

There is something enjoyable about an upright bass body, thumping the strings and feeling the vibrations against your chest.

I'm sure it's awesome - for people who have the skill to actually get that enormous body vibrating. It took me about 20 seconds in a music shop one day to decide - that won't be me.

 

[scotch]

There is something enjoyable about an upright bass body, thumping the strings and feeling the vibrations against your chest.

Also true!

 

[caeman]

That vibration in the chest is the reason I am enjoying learning the cello. When bow that C and G string, it is like heaven.

 

[yeelaberbin]

the upright is the best bass sounding instrument since
400 years, but did you try to bring one in a plane ?

 

[CaballoViejo]

I've always known it was a bass uke. Thus the "U" in U-Bass. Was there ever a mystery?

Nope, there's never been any mystery: there is simply no such thing as a bass ukulele. The U-Bass is just a very small bass guitar.

If you want a pretty good indication of whether or not it's a ukulele, try putting one in the hands of someone who's only ever played ukuleles and see how they go.

 

[davewave]

Nope, there's never been any mystery: there is simply no such thing as a bass ukulele. The U-Bass is just a very small bass guitar.

If you want a pretty good indication of whether or not it's a ukulele, try putting one in the hands of someone who's only ever played ukuleles and see how they go.

Another country heard from, literally!
Your point is well taken, and any debate is strictly in fun.

As rebuttal, I offer the following:

• Owen Holt. the inventor, is a ukulele maker.
• He calls it a bass ukulele.
• The manufacturer, Kala, is a ukulele company, not bass.

And the final word from the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KumwJGCvqms

 

[KalaBrand]

Hey Guys, I was just on the road toad page to buy a 5 string set of Pahoehoe's and there was a notice saying no more strings till October. I can't find any 5 string sets anywhere else. Can anyone help with a set or a retailer who has them?

We have them in stock. KalaGear.com

 

[KalaBrand]

I'm not a fan pointy basses, personally. Any chance of something less...audacious...and more boring, like an LP style? Or maybe rectangular like a bo diddley?

Definitely no on the Bo Diddley model. Can't really divulge all that's happening with solid bodies, but we do have more models and looks in the pipeline.

 

[GBassNorth]

Definitely no on the Bo Diddley model. Can't really divulge all that's happening with solid bodies, but we do have more models and looks in the pipeline.

I'd love to see Kala put something out for the hollowbody that's really on the "edgy" side. Kinda of a hard rocking heavy metal version of a violin shape... something like this but in hollow body..
http://www.soulmateguitars.com/Chris's Model 06 Burst.htm
It would match the sound these things are capable of and I'd pay good money for it.

 

[SBassman]

Mark - I'll balance what the rest are saying and state that the body shape used today on the solidbodies, is IMHO - perfect - and appealing to a wide audience.

I'll cast my non-solicited two cents vote for:
- Any actions that can lower the price point of solidbodies
- Any actions that can help bring a low cost, solidbody, fretless to market.

 

[caeman]

I wouldn't mind an offset jag body for a u-bass. or jazzmaster.

 

[Timmy-Watts]

I wouldn't mind an offset jag body for a u-bass. or jazzmaster.

Semi hollow P bass body with custom flatwound metal strings, and a P pickup

 

[caeman]

Gretsch style hollow body, with bigsby.

Yes, with a vibrato arm. Why not?

 

[BassBron]

There's many photos of my prototypes on my blog:
[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Concerning the thumbrest, it's screwed.

THANK YOU

 

[slaerts]

We have them in stock. KalaGear.com

PM

 

[CaballoViejo]

As rebuttal, I offer the following:

• Owen Holt. the inventor, is a ukulele maker.

And also a maker of very small basses.

• He calls it a bass ukulele.

And his web site is literally plastered with the term.

• The manufacturer, Kala, is a ukulele company, not bass.

And it follows that Ohana Ukuleles should call their tiple a "tiple ukulele" because they're a ukulele company, and Córdoba Guitars should call their cuatro a "cuatro guitar" because they're a guitar company.

Yup. And the following is proof that there is such a thing as "God":

And the final word from the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain:

Ah yes, the UOGB, the "lead ukulelist" of which plays a small four-stringed instrument tuned in fifths, LOL.

 

[ChristophMuench]

Hello,

I'm a professional jazz pianist and teacher from Germany who since last September also plays the U-Bass.

It is SO much fun and SO easy to learn!

Now, I have the fretless mahogany model (Yay!) and the case that was delivered with it. This case is really cheap, and the screws which are holding the handle in place are already gone...

My question: Is a case for a baritone ukulele fitting for the U-Bass?
I can't find other cases for the U-Bass on the net...

Best Regards,
Christoph

 

[Timmy-Watts]

I have been told that it would not be an exact fit. I'd contact Kala and they will likely hook you up.

I have both, and IMO the soft gig bags are far superior. Great padding, quality, and a snug fit.