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Kala UBass Megathread, Part 7

#41
I could use some help, and if it's already out there somewhere in these megathreads maybe someone can direct me to where to find it.

I've pretty much decided I want to get a Kala U bass, and I want a 4 string fretted (not the SUB). I'm not going for the new Cali models. I would use the bass for at home play, some church settings and maybe occasional playing out. Other than the church use, I would most likely play blues, R&B/soul, some oldies style rock and maybe some jazz. Question is, what are the differences between the mahogany top v. spruce? Is the sound difference that detectable? The Youtube videos I've seen and liked best seem to all be the mahogany version. Also is the only real difference with the Hutchinson model the cutaway for easier access to the high frets?

Thanks to any and all who can help me reach a decision (no Kalas are in stock around here).

BTW, I know these questions are probably subjective judgment, but in the absence of any significant differences, I'll just go for the one I think looks the best.
 
#42
I've owned both the mahogany and spruce top and didn't notice any significant difference.

The mahogany is all solid wood, which is nice. I think there's one in the classifieds right now for $350.
 
#44
all ubasses are electric. Older ones have a positiv passive pickup. mahogany looks better. I would suggest fretless if you plan to play above the 12 th fret much. If you are used to playing right next to a fret, i would go fretless as in my opinion the learning curve is greater to play half way between the frets to keep away from buzz.
 
#45
tymbrewolf said:
all ubasses are electric. Older ones have a positiv passive pickup. mahogany looks better. I would suggest fretless if you plan to play above the 12 th fret much. If you are used to playing right next to a fret, i would go fretless as in my opinion the learning curve is greater to play half way between the frets to keep away from buzz.
Click to expand...

+1 Trying out a fretless is a very good idea.

I found the fretless easier to play as well, even in the lower register. In fact, I put off buying a U-Bass two years ago because I didn't like the fretted one I tried out at a local music store. I find it's much easier to correct intonation on my fretless U-Bass than it is on my full scale fretless electric bass.

I've read that it's easier to scratch the spruce top model than the solid mahogany, but I think the tones of the two are very similar - especially when amplified.
 
#46
tymbrewolf said:
all ubasses are electric. Older ones have a positiv passive pickup. mahogany looks better. I would suggest fretless if you plan to play above the 12 th fret much. If you are used to playing right next to a fret, i would go fretless as in my opinion the learning curve is greater to play half way between the frets to keep away from buzz.
Click to expand...

I do play close to the fret, although I have always found unlined fretless basses easier for me to play. My ears are good, and I am pretty good at intonation on fretless. Good point though about avoiding fret buzz. Any comments about the difference in sound between a fretted and fretless U bass? I know there is a definite difference for the regular bass guitars.

And thanks to all for your contributions!
 
#47
I sold my Hog fretted bass and got at GT Microbass. Just picked up my sub bass this weekend. Got a problem and haven't figured out how to open the back compartment. It doesn't seem to open like the back of the acoustic version... Detailed simple help for a simpleton please. They sound about the same to me fretted and fretless.
 
#48
The learning curve for fretting between the frets rather than just before them is really very easy. Everyone who's ever played any of my old ubasses or my current microbass played without any difficulty immediately.
 
#49
rbeck47 said:
I do play close to the fret, although I have always found unlined fretless basses easier for me to play. My ears are good, and I am pretty good at intonation on fretless. Good point though about avoiding fret buzz. Any comments about the difference in sound between a fretted and fretless U bass? I know there is a definite difference for the regular bass guitars.
Click to expand...

I think you'll find the difference in sound to be about as different as it is between fretted and fretless bass guitars.

If your intonation is good on longer sale basses, you will probably find it's pretty easy to play these shorter scales.
 
#50
After reading through some of these mega threads and then discovering the Gold Tone Microbass and that thread, it sure would be nice to be able to check them both out before buying. Now unsure of which way to go. I want the more upright sounding micro of the two. And then maybe that's more a function of what brand of strings you use.
 
#51
rbeck47 said:
After reading through some of these mega threads and then discovering the Gold Tone Microbass and that thread, it sure would be nice to be able to check them both out before buying. Now unsure of which way to go. I want the more upright sounding micro of the two. And then maybe that's more a function of what brand of strings you use.
Click to expand...

Buy both with plans to sell the one you don't like (but you'll probably keep both of them - they are that much fun).
 
#52
kala (pahoehoes) strings have more low end. one of the reasons i bought a cheap sub is because the gt m bass is too loud unplugged to sit and practice while watching tv with my wife. It is also much larger. i like them both. i am just a dabbler, but if i didn't have large hands with short fat fingers, i would not have just purchased the sub and would have kept the fretless fender ashbory i have for sale on ebay with new low tension pahoehoes as it is like new and a blast too. But, I am limited on toys by my better half or i would have them all.
 
#55
tymbrewolf said:
Got a problem and haven't figured out how to open the back compartment. It doesn't seem to open like the back of the acoustic version.
Click to expand...

I don't have a SUB, but the back cover is supposed to be held on with magnets. I've read that getting the batteries out (once the cover is off) is a little tricky. Did you get a manual with it?

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]
 
#60
I went to the manual when it didn't easily lift off and read it was to have to watch type bats in it. the nine volt is a tight fit but i would rather have it. I too am interested to know if mine is new old stock or maybe an in between year change.
 

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