Been there, done that twice. Both American ones, of the original higher quality production runs. In the end, I still have the acoustic, not the two solid bodies.
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Kala UBass Megathread, Part 7
- Thread starter olitoon
- Start date
Been there, done that twice. Both American ones, of the original higher quality production runs. In the end, I still have the acoustic, not the two solid bodies.
scotch
It's not rocket science!
- Nov 12, 2006
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Had my first practice with the Cali 5 solid body tonight. Man I loved it! The guys in my band were blown away by the sound. The only negative that they said was how silly I looked playing it because I'm a big 6' 275 lb dude.
What a cool little instrument though. Definitely not the novelty toy I was expecting, but rather a seriously gigable bass that I can't seem to put down.
Thanks to this thread! I don't think I would have tried one if it were not for all the information here on TB.
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What a cool little instrument though. Definitely not the novelty toy I was expecting, but rather a seriously gigable bass that I can't seem to put down.
Thanks to this thread! I don't think I would have tried one if it were not for all the information here on TB.
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Now, would you enjoy that bass with the same strings, 23 inch scale instead of 21, and a guitar sized body?
I personally would! In actual fact the 5 string versions do have a 23" scale already but a full size bass body would definitely appeal to me. I love the small size which attracted me to the Ubass in the first place but now that I have it, It's the sound that I'm really taken with.
I'd buy a full size version as well if I could.
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Greets-I have taken the plunge and ordered a 5 string solidbody, fretted. I have waded through most of the thread but would greatly appreciate some concise advice regarding strings. BTW I had tried an early fretted 4 hollowbody but missed the B string and sold it, so I have an idea of what the stock strings will feel like. I simply want to know, IRRESPECTIVE of tone, what type of strings will give me the highest tension/ easiest playability in transition from a fretted 35" 5 string electric. I am a hobbyist with "limited" (=minimal) skills, merely looking for a new avenue. The portability factor was the main lure for me, and I do not want to have to mod the bass in any way. Thanks.
I've tried the original that came with mine, the white ones and now the Silver Rumblers. At least for me these are miles above the other two for playability and tune ability.
Haven't tried the Reds, but have thought about it.
Haven't tried the Reds, but have thought about it.
Thanks, but I do not see a 5 string Silver Rumblers set on the Kala site or elsewhere. Any ideas where to find them?
I prefer the stock strings. I found the others to be too sticky or squeaky. I used powder, baby oil etc.. None seem to work for me more than about 5 minutes. I haven't tried the newest Reds yet however.
I had a Cali 5 string. I have tried other strings on my hollow body. Save yourself the trouble and stick with stock.
Re:high tension, comparable to your 35" electric... Not gonna happen. This beast requires a light touch but is strangely easy to adapt to. Mine was Fretless, and it had tone and sustain for days, and thump when I wanted it. The B string is a slightly different material, but it is focused and warm. Make sure to give the strings a month at least to settle in before You try others. They get so much better with time. My stock strings on my hollow are going on 4 years. Won't change them.
Thanks-yeah I will check out the stock strings 1st. I am fully aware that this is a different animal with very low tension by design. I will try the strings neat and perhaps with some pure lemon oil on the fingertips. Pure lemon oil (as opposed to 99% of lemon oil sold retail) is absolutely amazing for fretboards and fingers. "Lemon" oil has a bad name for fingerboards because most of what is sold is mixed with other oils, but the real deal, while pricey, is wonderful.....and it makes everything smell better 
You shouldn't need any oil or powder for the stock strings. I even use them on my Goldtone Microbass with good success. Lots of low end goodness!
+1 to the stock strings getting better with time. I have no desire to experiment with different strings now that mine are broken in. I love the sound and have found adapting to the feel of them quite natural.
I have a fairly hard touch at times and in the beginning I'd sometimes pull on my D string so hard and it would slide along the bridge 1/4". Remarkably it didn't throw me out of tune by much at all. Not that I noticed during a solo anyway. Must be the lower tension.
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I have a fairly hard touch at times and in the beginning I'd sometimes pull on my D string so hard and it would slide along the bridge 1/4". Remarkably it didn't throw me out of tune by much at all. Not that I noticed during a solo anyway. Must be the lower tension.
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Yeah it's really tight until your strap get worn in a bit! If you absolutely cannot get it on there you can cut the slit in your strap just a hair to allow a little more relief so it will fit on the strap button.
Do the hollowbody and the solidbody model sound the same, or is the differences big as in normal sized instruments?
