Kala UBass Megathread, Part 7

[kumimajava]

Sorry if this isn't the place to ask, but have tried to find info & used search - and still no joy.

So: Could someone who owns a 5-string solid-body California UBass tell me what the string spacing is (center-to-center)?

For some reason, can't find string-spacing info on these anywhere

Thanks!

 

[Croakie]

Sorry if this isn't the place to ask, but have tried to find info & used search - and still no joy.

So: Could someone who owns a 5-string solid-body California UBass tell me what the string spacing is (center-to-center)?

For some reason, can't find string-spacing info on these anywhere

Thanks!

Did you try contacting Kala?

 

[kumimajava]

Did you try contacting Kala?

I had a look on their FB page, and the "messenger" is an auotmated bot. Instagram has messaging (to them) disabled, and no obvious link to an email address/contact form on their website. So figured someone on here might be more responsive... but I'll keep digging & update if i get a response.

Fingers crossed.

 

[UbassDanno]

Try emailing, Link Removed, she was very helpful with my problem with my Rumbler a few years ago.

 

[Croakie]

I had a look on their FB page, and the "messenger" is an auotmated bot. Instagram has messaging (to them) disabled, and no obvious link to an email address/contact form on their website. So figured someone on here might be more responsive... but I'll keep digging & update if i get a response.

Fingers crossed.

In this day and age people have way too many choices to try and contact.
To me the easiest has always been a phone call, here is the one listed on their web site, 707-775-4073.

 

[jdc866]

Kala has their new flatwounds out, I've heard some good things, anybody try them?

I just bought a striped ebony fretless and put on the Kala flatwounds. I love it with the flats. They feel way better than the rubber and sound really good. Only had it for a month or so but so far so good.

Anyone run the ubass with pedals? I’m running through a MB Compressore which fattens/warms the tone a bit and keeps everything sounding a little more even.

Also noticed a slight clicking when plugged in. We use in-ear monitors. Anybody have issues with the electronics?

 

[G Aichele]

Anybody have issues with the electronics?

Nope. As for pedals, I've tried several but have not been impressed -- but then the music we play, mostly early jazz and early rock, is not well suited to pedals. I use stock Road Toad strings and a Fishman preamp/Di to the power section of a Quilter BB800.

 

[JES]

Anyone run the ubass with pedals? I’m running through a MB Compressore which fattens/warms the tone a bit and keeps everything sounding a little more even.

I’ve used a compressor with mine. I felt it really needed a high pass sidechain because the U-bass puts out so much low end. It takes compression well.

I have messed with distortion, delay, etc (I run my main player through lots of pedals) and you can get interesting results depending on what you’re after. I play a hollow body, so feedback is a thing to either play with or a problem with high gain distortions.

 

[jdc866]

I’ve used a compressor with mine. I felt it really needed a high pass sidechain because the U-bass puts out so much low end. It takes compression well.

I have messed with distortion, delay, etc (I run my main player through lots of pedals) and you can get interesting results depending on what you’re after. I play a hollow body, so feedback is a thing to either play with or a problem with high gain distortions.

Yeah I was thinking more tone control pedals vs FX. To the low end, I was considering the MCR 10 band EQ or an ictineo. Something I could use with my electric basses as well.

Basically trying to smooth out a little of the piezo pluckiness and roll off the boomy tones on the low end

 

[pecBass]

Anyone try a sustain pedal with a ubass?

 

[murmur70]

I have used the compressor/sustainer on my Zoom B3 with my ubass. It seems to help some. My worship leader complains less when I use it.

 

[pecBass]

Interesting. I have a zoom b3... didnt realize it had a sustain

 

[murmur70]

It's called D Comp.

 

[DblG]

Anyone use the round the neck clip on straps? I bought one to try, and I like how it sits when playing. But it's like seat belt material and uncomfortable. Wondering what others use.

 

[JES]

I use this: https://www.amazon.ca/Planet-Waves-Acoustic-Guitar-Quick-Release/dp/B0002GWFEQ

It works as advertised. I paired it with a Dog Days blue velvet ukulele strap (sadly they are out of business) and it's pure luxury but any regular strap that you like will do.

 

[tymbrewolf]

I have a martin one. Works fine

 

[JES]

So my flatwounds finally arrived this week. I've been waiting for a proper flat that stays in tune (more or less) up the fretboard on the ubass. I have been using rounds since I bought the U-bass in 2015 because they have a bit more definition and tension than the rubber strings. The flats deliver even more of what I want.

They sound exactly like I want them to sound. And they have a nice thump to them that even the rounds lack. We'll see how they break in. After some playing today, they are starting to stay in tune.

Here's a noodle (should have spent more time on the lower strings if it was a proper demo). My working title for this composition is "hey! there's no string noise! (but there's still fret noise because piezo)."

Known issues:

1. The unwrapped part of the string seems to go around the tuning post on the E and G strings.

2. The bottom strings don't seem to fully fit the grooves in the nut, suggesting I might need to cut the nut a bit.

3. The result of these two things is that low F on the E string has a little less sustain than F#, enough to be noticeable to me.

I've emailed Kala to see what they say. I'm curious if other users notice the same things.

 

[berman3313]

I've emailed Kala to see what they say.

I don't have the flats, but do call them - I found them to be superhelpful. They really have great customer service. (707) 775-4073

 

[JES]

Me too. Just seemed easier to write on a Saturday.

 

[sas]

are these the Galli-made flatwounds?
what makes them not suitable for solidbody-models? Is there a workaround? thanks.