Kala UBass Megathread, Part 7

[fretno]

Which strings? I've used the Kala steel wound nylon core strings on my custom fretless acoustic and solid body bass ukes that are similar to the Pyramid versions and a lot less costly, but both I and our other bass uke player find them to be way too noisy, not jut the wound noise, but finger pulls and rattles. I prefer the Road Toad Pahoehoe poly strings because they have that stand up bass flavor. I also have similar scale magnetic pickup basses, but on those I prefer flat wound steel strings, I'm all about smooth sliding strings.

The Kala metal wounds .

 

[JES]

I have a set of the Kala metals in waiting. I use the Pyramids, and cut a lot of high end. I would prefer a true flatwound but such an option doesn't exist for metal u-bass strings. And the cloth wound Pyramids won't intonate.

 

[pecBass]

In reading this thread it seems like there is a quality control issue with many of the Kala ubasses. Anyone have thoughts on the caramal ubass?

 

[JES]

Play it and see. I played a bunch in the store and the one I picked has great intonation and has traveled all over--Europe, Caribbean, etc., and I've played it regularly in lots of situations from practice to gig. No problems. There was another in the store that could not intonate on the high frets no matter what we tried. Not sure it's a bigger quality control issue that other mass produced instruments (pop over to a Fender thread to find the same kind of discussion).

 

[fretno]

 

[pecBass]

Another question for you ubassers,

What are your thoughts about the differrences between a tradition acoustic bass sound versus a ubass? It seems that with a bit of foam and good technique folks can sorta get that upright sound.

Have not seen a comparison on youtube between the AB and UB.

Thoughts?

 

[JES]

If you search the thread you'll find a double bassist reviewing it. I'd say "not bad" on that front but nothing sounds exactly like an upright, and different people value different aspects of the sound. And with the stock strings it'll be more like an upright with weedwackers than spirocores.

 

[fretno]

fin , now lets go track it

 

[fretno]

and she sounds like
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[el_Bajo_Verde]

Hello all, I'm having trouble locating 5-string sets! On the Kala site I only see metal rounds. What other sites sell 5-string sets? I'd like to experiment with string sets for a SUB 5.

 

[mrufino1]

Hello all, I'm having trouble locating 5-string sets! On the Kala site I only see metal rounds. What other sites sell 5-string sets? I'd like to experiment with string sets for a SUB 5.

U-Bass Strings – Kala Brand Music Co.

If it doesn't show in the link, there's a drop down box to choose 5 string. I assume you meant the pahoehoes? Or did you want the rounds? I have them on my 5, very different sound.

I think you can get the thunder guts in 5 string but not too easy to find and I don't like those strings anyway.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

U-Bass Strings – Kala Brand Music Co.

If it doesn't show in the link, there's a drop down box to choose 5 string. I assume you meant the pahoehoes? Or did you want the rounds? I have them on my 5, very different sound.

I think you can get the thunder guts in 5 string but not too easy to find and I don't like those strings anyway.

Thanks, I did not notice that. It looks like the Thunderguts, Kala Roundwounds, and the Pahoehoes are all available.

I've also been experimenting with fifths tuning, I will keep researching to see if I can make a decent set for a CGDA U-bass.

 

[mrufino1]

Thanks, I did not notice that. It looks like the Thunderguts, Kala Roundwounds, and the Pahoehoes are all available.

I've also been experimenting with fifths tuning, I will keep researching to see if I can make a decent set for a CGDA U-bass.

CGDA would work fine with the pahoehoe strings using the 5 string set.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

CGDA would work fine with the pahoehoe strings using the 5 string set.

Thanks! I'm guessing I would tune:
B string up to C
A string down to G
D string stays the same
G string up to A

Or perhaps tune the E string up to G, since they're so flexible...Well, that's where I get to experiment! Should be fun!

 

[mrufino1]

Thanks! I'm guessing I would tune:
B string up to C
A string down to G
D string stays the same
G string up to A

Or perhaps tune the E string up to G, since they're so flexible...Well, that's where I get to experiment! Should be fun!

Yes, I'd use the E for the G, although the A probably would work too. I think you have to tune it up much much higher than a third or down a step to feel a big tension difference. So you'd actually use BEDG not BEAD...

 

[lug]

and she sounds like
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Love it!

 

[pecBass]

Is there much difference in the amped sound of the solid body vs the "acoustic" style ubass?

 

[mrufino1]

Is there much difference in the amped sound of the solid body vs the "acoustic" style ubass?

They do sound different, but depending on your eq not tremendously different.

 

[fingerguy]

 

[katysax]

Is there much difference in the amped sound of the solid body vs the "acoustic" style ubass?

I have both and vastly prefer to play the solid body. The biggest similarity comes from the strings. However, the acoustic has much less sustain, as would be expected from a hollow body. I find that I have more issues with string noise and fret noise from the acoustic. You can get the tone pretty close with EQ and damping, but there is a fundamental difference between acoustic and solid body. I prefer the acoustic tone, but my favorite to play is the solid body fretless. I prefer the way it feels to hold the solid body, and prefer the feeling that it is more durable. There are often lots of people around when I am playing and the bass gets put down. The solid body feels darned near indestructible. (They actually are not - at least the jacks are flimsy and poorly designed - but that can be fixed).