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Kala UBass Megathread, Part 7

Straps. Guys I got some cheapo strap at Sam Ash when I got my Kala several months back. Using some leather string I had lying around I attached it. But I would like something that looks a bit more professional and observed this guy at my jam sessions using on his Kala and Ukele using a strap that connects to the sound hole. I checked on Amazon and see stuff but nothing really tickles my fancy.

Do any of you have a recommendation specifically for the Kala U-Bass?
 
I use one of these

Straps – Kala Brand Music Co.

Use the leather string method to attach to the neck. Many acoustic guitars use this method for straps.

You can also get one of these to use instead of the leather string... have not used so cannot comment

D'Addario Planet Waves DGS15 Acoustic Quick Release System

I also have a ukulele and and have one of the straps that connects to the sound hole,. My opinion is it is garbage. Did not find it useful, does not really hold up the ukulele like a proper strap
 
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I put strap buttons on all my ukes and bass ukes at the tail and at the heel of the neck. I never remove the strap, have one for each of my instruments. Never could figure out the value of those classical guitar straps that hook to the sound hole, you always have to hold up the instrument, they just don't work for me.
 
Hi, I need some help with this. I´ve seen two versions of the rumble for sale:

kala-rumbler-u-bass.jpg straight white bridge, eq near to the neck
Kala-UBASS-RMBL-FS-Full-Front-1.jpg sided black neck, eq near to the bridge

Someone can tell me?
Is about newer/older version?
Procedence?

Thanks in advance!
 
Hi, I need some help with this. I´ve seen two versions of the rumble for sale:

View attachment 1164248 straight white bridge, eq near to the neck
View attachment 1164251 sided black neck, eq near to the bridge

Someone can tell me?
Is about newer/older version?
Procedence?

Thanks in advance!
The 2nd one is the one depicted on their website and the one I bought about 6 months ago.
 
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Hello. This is what I noticed today: a crack on the head. My bass has never fallen or been hit. Should I worry it will eventually break? What can be the cause of that? Do you think I may ask for a warranty replacement?

I asked Kala, which pointed me to Warwick, which pointed me to Thomann, from whom I bought it. They are still examining my email and (many) photos, but they are experiencing delays in support. Anyway, Warwick support wrote me it could be eligible for warranty replacement. Kohanmike, thank you for your pointing out the crack originates from tuners holes!

In the meantime, I need a suggestion from you. I noticed the quality of my (made in China) Rumbler was low: the cracks, one tuning machine offers uneven resistance and the gear teeth got damaged too early, one of the strings was a lot out of tune, likely because it was not stretched as needed.

If I ask Thomann for a refund, to buy a better model, would the quality be better? Would a SMHG or SSMHG be any better? Can you suggest me where to find a good comparaison?

Thank you.
 
I think their QC is not great. I have a mahogany ubass that's been a main player for me. It's great. But I played three in the store and one had noticeably worse intonation in the upper frets. Mine has had zero problems and I've practiced, gigged and recorded with it, when the zipper on my bag broke, they sent me a replacement.

So if you're doing mail order, it might take more than one try.
 
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While still waiting for approval of my refund, I could finally try a UBASS-EM-FS, which I liked more than my Rumbler. Being in a store, I am sure I will get no surprise.
What I found, on a side-by-side comparison with the Rumbler, is that I think strings on the Rumbler (Aquila Silver, which should be almost the same as Thunderguts) are louder: is it an impression, or something objective? Moreover, I like them much more under my fingers, but I know this is very personal and many find them too sticky; I found that sensation pleasurable, and find Pahoehoe too hard and "cold".
So I think the first think I'll do is to restring it with Aquila strings. Aesterically I'd go for the new Thunderblacks, which acoustically should be the same as Silver, but black. But I'm temped from Thunder Reds, which I tried on a Shortbassone.
Does anyone know if the Reds are louder then Thundergut/Silver/Thunderblack?
Thank you.
 
Did you mean aesthetically (aesterically)? To each his own, but I actually find it very odd that you think the Aquila strings feel better than Pahoehoe, not only are the Aquila sticky feeling, the noise they make through the pickup is awful. To me the Pahoehoe sound better, not cold at all but deep and full. The Thunder Reds are smoother than the Guts, but still too sticky for me, and to me they are not as loud as the Pahoehoe.

A couple of years ago Aquila sent me an evaluation set of Thunderguts with a new less sticky formula, but they were still too sticky for me.
 
Did you mean aesthetically (aesterically)?
Yes. I like the black strings on mahogany body, I don't know if I will like the red.

To each his own, but I actually find it very odd that you think the Aquila strings feel better than Pahoehoe, not only are the Aquila sticky feeling, the noise they make through the pickup is awful. To me the Pahoehoe sound better, not cold at all but deep and full.
Yes, I know many think that. I played without amplification, so I did not notice the Pahoehoe do not make the noise. As for "cold", I talked about a tactile feeling, not sound at all: they're harder and colder to me, while "rubber" Silver Rumblers are softer and warmer. As for the sound, I just noticed the Silver Rumblers are louder. I also think slides are simpler with Pahoehoe.

The Thunder Reds are smoother than the Guts, but still too sticky for me, and to me they are not as loud as the Pahoehoe.
So, from louder to quieter, Silver Rumblers (which should be the same as Thunderguts and Thunderblacks) are the loudest, then the Pahoehoe, then the Thunder Reds are the quietest?

Thank you.