Kala UBass Megathread, Part 7

[SBassman]

One more bizarro observation on that Journeyman: the strings were not sized properly with the tapers. There Are tapers on the strings, but:
- On the A string, what is on the post is both taper And main part of string
- On the E string, what is on the post is All main part of string.

Say what?

I'm keeping the bass. I do like it very much, in spite of my challenges. I'm accepting them all at that price point. Strap buttons are on order - translation: drilling ahead - meaning, it's permanently mine.

 

[SBassman]

Here it is. I'll shut now.

 

[jfh2424]

Dude, if you have other comments, post them. It’s cool to hear opinions on these ubasses.

That’s the whole purpose of this thread!

You are right about the strings. Mine are the same way.

 

[MasterMonkeyMan]

I need to find me a preamp for my project for my picco acoustic

PM'd

 

[pbass74]

But it's so easy to install a strap button, I do it all the time.

I want to put a strap button on my bass uke. Do you put them on the G string side of the neck heel? That seems like the best spot from what I've researched. When I attach the strap to the headstock with a strap adapter, the instrument isn't positioned comfortably for me. Seems to be too far towards my right side.

 

[SBassman]

Personally I attach them to the flat back of the heel. Right in the middle.

 

[KohanMike]

I want to put a strap button on my bass uke. Do you put them on the G string side of the neck heel? That seems like the best spot from what I've researched. When I attach the strap to the headstock with a strap adapter, the instrument isn't positioned comfortably for me. Seems to be too far towards my right side.

For me it depends on the heel of the neck. If it's flat, I put it right in the middle of the flat spot. If it's pointy or narrow, I put it on the G side of the heel. I have the same problem using the headstock, the strap never sits properly on my left shoulder.

 

[pbass74]

For me it depends on the heel of the neck. If it's flat, I put it right in the middle of the flat spot. If it's pointy or narrow, I put it on the treble side of the heel.

Makes sense. Thanks.

 

[KohanMike]

Makes sense. Thanks.

Did an edit to my post when you replied. "For me it depends on the heel of the neck. If it's flat, I put it right in the middle of the flat spot. If it's pointy or narrow, I put it on the G side of the heel. I have the same problem using the headstock, the strap never sits properly on my left shoulder."

 

[pbass74]

Personally I attach them to the flat back of the heel. Right in the middle.

Thanks, is there any problem with this method if you have a hard shell case?

 

[SBassman]

I typically have soft cases. I wouldn’t expect an issue with a hard case.

 

[KohanMike]

Thanks, is there any problem with this method if you have a hard shell case?

I also don't use a hard shell case, but I don't see a problem at all.

 

[SBassman]

Just got a text from my wife that my nut file kit was successfully extracted from the household black hole. So I have another shot at action improvement on the Journeyman tonight. Pray I don’t get carried away and blow out the nut.

 

[Twocan]

Very disappointing experience with a Kala California 5 fretless over the weekend. First the background: I own a Kala California 4 fretless (early one, no serial number) and love it. It’s used for standard sets in my GB band. I primarily play 5 string and have been looking for one for many months based upon the added string and a little more fingerboard room in the scale length.

So I recently found a Kala 5 String fretless for sale. It appears to be about the same age as mine, but has a serial and the bridge (plastic piece) is brown instead of white. It has the plug and charge battery system. I took my bass along to the shop to compare them:

PROS
-Scale Length- definitely a step in the right direction. It made finding the right fretless note easier and the neck was a bit beefier, feeling a little less like a toy.

CONS
-Output- immediately I was suspicious by the level the amp was set at to get a good volume. When I plugged my 4 string in I was immediately rattling the walls. It was at least twice as loud. I charged the 5 string bass and inspected the interior. There was nothing obvious to correct the issue. For the record, it had the same strings. In addition, the tone pots seemed to have a lesser impact on the overall tone.
-Balance- terrible neck dive, with and without a strap. The body had not been modified to offset the change in scale, including the length of the upper horn. If you’re not hugging the bass while playing it then it feels like it's trying to run away from you. Your left hand ends up supporting the bass rather than remaining agile.
-Action- despite the bridge being set the same as my own bass, the action was very high. The longer neck had a bit of curve to it and no truss rod. Fretting past the 10th fret became a chore.

Needless to say, I did not buy the bass - despite being a great price and an hour+ drive. I have not given up on the idea of finding one, but encourage all to try one out before purchasing. The drop in overall tone and playability was rather shocking, despite the bass being in excellent condition.

 

[jfh2424]

Hi Twocan, thanks for the review.

So I gather that this was a used ubass?

 

[Twocan]

Hi Twocan, thanks for the review.

So I gather that this was a used ubass?

Yes, it was being sold as used. It is not a recent production bass.

 

[jfh2424]

Yeah, that sucks when you drive an hour and it isn't what you hoped…

I had heard that those California series are sort of hit and miss. And they aren't exactly cheap, either…

I hope you find what you want!

 

[UbassDanno]

Thanks. What kind of batteries does it take?

CR2032, I believe, enjoy your new Ubass toy!

I actually ordered an all solid Acacia, the old model without preamp, it's fretted and the one I have now, is fretless, but the Acacia is kind of rare, especially in the US, so I couldn't resist the deal.

 

[SBassman]

I have an RA and label and bass is going back. I did my diligence, I know how to set up a guitar, and in the end, this bass didn’t cooperate.

This is the first in my lifetime that I couldn’t succeed in setting up properly.

 

[tymbrewolf]

In which way?