Kala UBass Megathread, Part 6

[Gorn]

Never heard of that problem before, though it doesn't surprise me with their inconsistent QC. Ryan at Kala knows his stuff, and has always been very helpful.
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[SBassman]

The endpin jack on my uBass keeps working itself loose (using a strap). I can barely get my hand inside the soundhole to tighten the nut. Anyone know a trick for tightening the endpin so it stays put?

Used to happen to an earlier model of mine.

I would think reaching in there with some blue loctite would solve the problem.

 

[jasper383]

Anyone try one of the various acoustic guitar/ukelele surface piezo pickups on a Kala?

I'm still trying to get past the very low E string output on mine. Kala hasn't replied to my various emails.

Something like this:

or this:

 

[caeman]

At least one person associated with Kala follows this thread. Up to now, they have shown very good support so I am surprised that you have not gotten a reply. That said, just because Kala includes one kind of piezo, doesn't mean we are limited to that.

 

[jasper383]

At least one person associated with Kala follows this thread. Up to now, they have shown very good support so I am surprised that you have not gotten a reply. That said, just because Kala includes one kind of piezo, doesn't mean we are limited to that.

What do you think? Those work pretty well with ukes,I would think they would be okay with the U Bass.

Unplugged, all four of my U Bass strings are even. Amplified, and that E string just vanishes, especially in a mix.

 

[caeman]

Go for it. I use a similar looking piezo with my fiddle. I place it on the bass string side.

 

[Temcat]

What do you think? Those work pretty well with ukes,I would think they would be okay with the U Bass.

Unplugged, all four of my U Bass strings are even. Amplified, and that E string just vanishes, especially in a mix.

On the UBass I used to have, the E string was quieter than the others with less sustain — even unplugged. *But* amplified there was a bit less of a difference in volume (though the sustain variation remained.)

 

[jasper383]

On the UBass I used to have, the E string was quieter than the others with less sustain — even unplugged. *But* amplified there was a bit less of a difference in volume (though the sustain variation remained.)

A little quieter I can handle, but this isn't a little.

The E string is a lot quieter. It just vanishes in the mix compared to the other strings. I have tried technique, compression, radical EQ, changing strings to the Thunderguts.

The other strings are fantastic. The E string is a quiet, mushy mess.

 

[KalaBrand]

I'm still trying to get past the very low E string output on mine. Kala hasn't replied to my various emails.

Jasper, contact [email protected] with your issue. If you purchased your U-BASS within the past 12 months it is under warranty.

I don't get on here as often as I would like, but just checked in and saw your post. Have a great day,

Mark Milazzo
Kala Brand Music Co.
[email protected]

 

[martyin3d]

Hey guys, thought I would chime in about the uneven volume... I had the exact same problem. I got in touch with Kala and they replaced the pickup. It sounds amazing now!

I wouldn't bother with adding a different pickup, just get the faulty one replaced

 

[tymbrewolf]

I have a loss. I sold my 2013 hog fretted bass and am keeping the fretless gold tone micro bass. Mixed feelings. For me, there's absolutely nothing wrong against kala. For me, it was fit. The ergo glide top and arch back work better for my nerve issues. The hog was much higher quality but carries a 175 higher price tag. Functionally, the microbass is great just probably in the rumbler class on fitment.

 

[SBassman]

I have a loss. I sold my 2013 hog fretted bass and am keeping the fretless gold tone micro bass. Mixed feelings. For me, there's absolutely nothing wrong against kala. For me, it was fit. The ergo glide top and arch back work better for my nerve issues. The hog was much higher quality but carries a 175 higher price tag. Functionally, the microbass is great just probably in the rumbler class on fitment.

I have had my hands on a Gold Tone MicroBass, and I thought the build was very good. Loved the Ergo-Glide. What did you find about it that made you conclude the hog had higher quality?

 

[tymbrewolf]

Binding, solid wood, hipshot tuners, shadow electonics. Don't get me wrong, I am not settling, I am choosing for me and my situation. At this point, I am getting used to the longer scale, no frets, higher tension strings. My only real issue is lack of binding. Since I had to get rid of one, I chose for my situation. I also am keeping my fender ashbory with standard tension pahoehoes on it. Edit, Gig bag instead of hard side case is another difference which some might like less.

 

[SBassman]

I have a serious hankering to finally try the Pyramids.

Anybody know a dealer selling them at a price that doesn't require a second mortgage?

 

[Gorn]

$59 is about the best you can do.
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I got them here once. They're in jersey so you could get them in a day or so if you're close.

I have a fretted microbass on order from samash. Looking forward to it.

Edit, found them for less
$53 pyramids: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pyramid-Str...528?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item3cd77ca770

 

[tbirdsp]

A little quieter I can handle, but this isn't a little.

The E string is a lot quieter. It just vanishes in the mix compared to the other strings. I have tried technique, compression, radical EQ, changing strings to the Thunderguts.

The other strings are fantastic. The E string is a quiet, mushy mess.

I have the same issue on the Ubass I bought used a few months ago - plus a 60-cycle hum so bad I can't play it amplified anyway Nice looking wood, pretty much useless. I haven't contacted Kala yet. Afraid of what the damage will be for an out of warranty instrument. Also hate the thought of shipping it since I don't have a hard case.

 

[SBassman]

$59 is about the best you can do.
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I got them here once. They're in jersey so you could get them in a day or so if you're close.

I have a fretted microbass on order from samash. Looking forward to it.

Edit, found them for less
$53 pyramids: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Pyramid-Str...528?pt=Guitar_Accessories&hash=item3cd77ca770

Thanks.

I'm having a change of heart. I can't bring myself to spending 50 something dollars on a set of strings that I know should cost closer to half that. I notice All of Pyramids stuff is really expensive.

 

[davewave]

...I can't bring myself to spending 50 something dollars on a set of strings that I know should cost closer to half that...

I wonder how you know that.

It seems to me comparing the price of wound Pyramids to polyurethane strings is apples to oranges.

Winding silver-plated copper over silk cores one string at a time versus mixing a vat of petrochemicals and extruding four diameters of spaghetti whacked into two-foot lengths.

...my two cents worth...

 

[jburtonca]

Davewave's ears are gonna be burning now.

I followed his lead and modified the bridge on my SUB to properly accommodate the Pryramid strings. I am, as the saying goes "As pleased as Punch", with the results. The string height at the 12th fret is only 2mm. The intonation at the 12th fret is perfect on the G, D and A strings and less than 5/100 of a semitone sharp on the E string.

I originally bought the SUB with the intention of using it with Pyramids. I regard it as my "mini electric bass" and my Mahogany acoustic is my "mini upright bass". At $53 the Pyramids are not cheap, that's true. But even if they only last a year, $1 per week is a small price to pay for the benefits they offer. I'll endure the stickiness and other issues with the Thunderguts until or if the mythical Thunder Reds appear.

Jeff

 

[mongo2]

Winding silver-plated copper over silk cores one string at a time versus mixing a vat of petrochemicals and extruding four diameters of spaghetti whacked into two-foot lengths.

I'll take the sound of the four diameters of extruded petrochemical spaghetti whacked into two-foot lengths any day.