Kala UBass Megathread, Part 7

[caeman]

Cons I found and hope to fix:
- Cannot be played on a dark stage. Dark woods and faint fret lines mean questionable intonation when you least need it.
- This one definitely has the weak E problem. Does taking the saddle out and snipping the connections really fix that issue?

Suggestions

For visibility in low light: On the E side, maybe place a small round reflective dot; No one else should be able to see it.

For the weak E string: EQ pedal. I dislike modifying my bass, personally, and I find an EQ pedal useful for helping with tones from room to room, venue to venue.

 

[UbassDanno]

Does taking the saddle out and snipping the connections really fix that issue?

Cutting the saddle into 4 separate pieces will fix some of the problem for sure.

And, maybe a white paint stick to mark frets.

 

[fourstr00]

Thanks guys.

Just realized I’ve got a one piece saddle, so no snipping, I think. Any other options?

 

[UbassDanno]

Here's a thread illustrating what I did...
Cutting the saddle (volume fix)...

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

Ok. Forgive my ignorance here- i just procured this guy.

The tuners spin with little change. I mean they SPIN. slowly…Its my first experience with rubber strings. I’ve got a fix, but what other strings can i use besides the Pahoehoe strings. My current fix is to wrap the strings that wrap the capstan in Double Sided tape. I feel like the current rubber strings are fighting me. Im a retired machinist so i can do this. My other option is to seek another string. Also, this bass uses a charger. Can i replace the existing 5.5v 1.5 f? Battery?

 

[UbassDanno]

This is helpful for re-stringing with Pahoehoes...

 

[SBassman]

In advance of snipping the saddle - take it out and ensure the bottom of the saddle and the slot it sits in - are perfectly true flat. That often solves it.

 

[KohanMike]

Its my first experience with rubber strings. I’ve got a fix, but what other strings can I use besides the Pahoehoe strings.

After using Pahoehoe strings (and Aquila at first), I completely gave up on poly strings for Kala/Galli flatwound nylon core (I don't know if they come in 5 string). They're smooth under any humidity conditions, much easier to install, settle in much faster, and to me, sound just as good as poly. They also make a round wound set with a black coating, but they tend to sound more like a regular bass guitar to me.

 

[HaphAsSard]

what other strings can i use

Kala/Galli flatwound nylon core (I don't know if they come in 5 string)

They do, but only for EADGC tuning: Kala KA-BASS-5FW, aka Galli UXB920C
UXB920C CHROME Flatwound - 5 STRINGS SET
Galli KA-BASS-5FW Ukulele Bass, 68,90 €
https://www.thomannmusic.com/galli_strings_uxb920c_ukulele_bass_str.htm

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

Thanks, all!

 

[murmur70]

I really like the Pahoehoe's. I love the sound.

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

So.. whot an God’s grren Earth am I supposed to do with this?

 

[davewave]

So.. whot an God’s grren Earth am I supposed to do with this?View attachment 5250829

Put it back the way you found it after you understand what it is would be my suggestion.

MiSi under-saddle pickups were the cadillac option when those basses were designed.

PRODUCTS | Mi-Si

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

I see. The saddle fit is difficult.

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

Pulling my hair out over the rubber strings. They pop out of the nut. Sent Kala an email and they recommended a Floyd Rose bar. See the attachment. The Hell is up with this? No way i can install this and fit the strings under it. Can anyone here help?

 

[J Posega]

Pulling my hair out over the rubber strings. They pop out of the nut. Sent Kala an email and they recommended a Floyd Rose bar. See the attachment. The Hell is up with this? No way i can install this and fit the strings under it. Can anyone here help?View attachment 5255943

Ditch the BS strings and get... literally any other set. If they still pop out of the nut, have someone fashion a taller nut so the slots come up higher. You'd need longer screws to install that string retainer.

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

Ditch the BS strings and get... literally any other set. If they still pop out of the nut, have someone fashion a taller nut so the slots come up higher. You'd need longer screws to install that string retainer.

So I’m not crazy. I’m a retired machinist for goodness sake. I suspect there’s something s**t stupid I’m doing, though. People play these things.

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

Not all warm and fuzzy about ordering strings overseas. Im hesitant to install any strings with any sort of tension- the tuners upon cursory examination can’t handle it, IMO. Are there any other low tension BEAD strings, or even EADGC that you can recommend? I can make a new nut.- TIA

 

[J Posega]

Not all warm and fuzzy about ordering strings overseas. Im hesitant to install any strings with any sort of tension- the tuners upon cursory examination can’t handle it, IMO. Are there any other low tension BEAD strings, or even EADGC that you can recommend? I can make a new nut.- TIA

The tuners will be fine.

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

The thing about the strings that’s hanging me up is the through body termination with the attached grommet.