Kala UBass Megathread, Part 7

[JES]

Just broke the zipper on the hard foam case for my acoustic u-bass. Debating whether to get the zipper replaced, a replacement Kala case, or something else. I like the light weight so won't go full hard shell. What are others using?

Happy to report that Kala told me it's still under warrantee and is sending a free replacement. Nicely done!

Edit: update. The case arrived quickly and seems more robust that the last one. At least, nothing has broken yet and it's been to a bunch of practices and two gigs.

 

[bearpaw]

hey there,

i have been ubass player for 4 years now but since i got a kala endorsement lately i figured i had to order a rumbler and a spruce top, both fretted for a little shoot-out. after one minute of testing, the spruce top made the race. it's a really good ubass i got there, intonation is way better than my old mahogany one. i've just been skipping through some of the 7 megathreads to find some answers. a LOT of coverage considering strings i actually feel very comfortable with the paehoehoes, but maybe thats just because i got used to them, and i think they are 50% of the ubass sound.
considering the onboard shadow preamp... nice to have a tuner, not crucial but it's nice. volume control, also quite handy. i was wondering about the tone control. since it goes from 1 to 9, i reckon putting it to 12 o'clock doesn't make it flat. where does it affect the sound the least so i can dial in a proper preamp? might sound like a dumb question, since the answer "1" would be obvious, but then again, at 1 it sounds like a p-bass with totally rolled off tone.
FYI, i use a lehle basswitch as preamp/EQ/DI. it's a great tool for any bass, i don't read about it here on TB that often, maybe cause it's a german company? anyway, i can highly recommend it for ubass use.

 

[JES]

Welcome! 1 sounds great for thump but I find it's just too much low end on stage. I've been running it closer to 10:30 and using amp EQ more. Also, I really prefer the Pyramid strings. Different sound but works great in my country/rock band.

As for intonation, there seems to be a lot of variance from one bass to another. On advice from others in this thread, I played 3 in the store and got the one that was still in tune up the fretboard. It's been to Europe and back with me and gets played all the time. My only big addition is the feedback freezer. Super useful.

 

[1stnamebassist]

Welcome! 1 sounds great for thump but I find it's just too much low end on stage. I've been running it closer to 10:30 and using amp EQ more. Also, I really prefer the Pyramid strings. Different sound but works great in my country/rock band.

As for intonation, there seems to be a lot of variance from one bass to another. On advice from others in this thread, I played 3 in the store and got the one that was still in tune up the fretboard. It's been to Europe and back with me and gets played all the time. My only big addition is the feedback freezer. Super useful.

Yes a feedback freezer can be a lifesaver! The other thing with mine that doesn't have a preamp is I run it through an fdeck high pass filter. It cleans up those crazy boomy lows that can make the ubass sound like mud. It makes your amp much more efficient. I use it when running to a PA also. I tried the pyramids and my bass is fretless and it had an overdose of fretless Mwwwhhhh that sounds good in moderation, but overkill on my ubass!

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

I got a chance to try one at a local guitar shop and I love it! Comfortable, sounds great! I need one!

 

[bearpaw]

between 10.30 and 12 is about the position i use it too... still it would be very interesting to see what that control exactly does. it doesn't just cut and boost highs like a normal tone control. would be interesting to see a graphic concerning the frequencies that are altered at the different positions.

 

[JES]

Yes a feedback freezer can be a lifesaver! The other thing with mine that doesn't have a preamp is I run it through an fdeck high pass filter. It cleans up those crazy boomy lows that can make the ubass sound like mud. It makes your amp much more efficient. I use it when running to a PA also. I tried the pyramids and my bass is fretless and it had an overdose of fretless Mwwwhhhh that sounds good in moderation, but overkill on my ubass!

Good point. I have a fretted. I love the fDeck on my Martin ABG, but I actually didn't like what it did to my sound between bass and amp on my u-bass. So YMMV.

 

[caeman]

Once I covered up the sound hole with the feedback freezer, I never had an issues ever again.

 

[basscooker]

How do I know it's time for new strings? I have a sub ubass, fretted, 3 controls, solid body.

 

[caeman]

How do I know it's time for new strings? I have a sub ubass, fretted, 3 controls, solid body.

That is very much a personal thing. I am still using the original strings that came with my U-Bass. After a few years, they stopped stretching and sound perfect.

 

[basscooker]

Years? I'm ok then, likely. I bought it used and don't even know how old it or the strings are, but I'm thinking now they're fine.

 

[caeman]

Years? I'm ok then, likely. I bought it used and don't even know how old it or the strings are, but I'm thinking now they're fine.

When they no longer sound like you want them to sound, you will now. I have been using the same set of strings on my Gretch G2202 fretless for about 5 years now.

 

[basscooker]

I'm still on the fence about liking what it sounds like now. I'm EBG born and bred, so there is still some of a learning curve in process for me... It's just a bit of a different monster. Thanks for the info on the strings

 

[jlepre]

Just an FYI I'm selling my Kala UBASS in the classified section. Just posted it.

 

[Dr. Turkey]

The strings construction keeps them from deteriorating in sound the way rounds do. I'd say just have a spare pack of strings in case one of them breaks or something but aside from that you're probably fine. Only other reason to change would be to try a different material out.

 

[Dr. Turkey]

How am I supposed to reattach the stock strings? Tried daddario for a while (meh) and wanted to switch back but they're suddenly too short?

 

[caeman]

How am I supposed to reattach the stock strings? Tried daddario for a while (meh) and wanted to switch back but they're suddenly too short?

They returned to their pre-stretched form, eh? You try rigging up a system of weights and clamps and hang them from a table to stretch them out.

 

[1stnamebassist]

How am I supposed to reattach the stock strings? Tried daddario for a while (meh) and wanted to switch back but they're suddenly too short?

You have to stretch them and pull them through the tuner post and tie them on the recommended way. I pull the to the point where you can barely stretch them anymore, before tying them. Youtube has a video showing how to do it, and I believe Kalas website still has the video for installation also.

 

[Dr. Turkey]

That's the problem is I could barely stretch the tip past the tuning peg. Seems like manually stretching is the way to go

 

[1stnamebassist]

That's the problem is I could barely stretch the tip past the tuning peg. Seems like manually stretching is the way to go

Maybe you trimmed the strings when you had them on originally? I usually leave 2 or 3 inches of string extra instead of trimming in case I take them off at any point. Another solution which I did with a Goldtone microbass was getting small zip ties and finding the point where I stretch them through the tuner and putting the zip tie around the string at that point. It helps if you can have somebody put the tie on while the other is stretching. Get it on as tight as you can. Then just lay the string in the tuner slot and the zip tie keeps it in the slot. Then tune up! As the string stretches you will have to repeat this, or possibly it will get to the point it stretches enough so you can tie them the original way. Hope this helps!