Kala UBass Megathread, Part 7

[MuthaFunk]

From the first day I used Thundergut strings, I knew I would change them because of how sticky they are. I went to Pahoehoe for a long time, but in humid conditions, they also get sticky, so with the availability of the Kala/Galli flatwound steel with nylon core 20.5" and 23" scale, I'm now going with those. I don't know if they make a 5 string set.

Thanks for the warning but I don’t mind sticky strings. The Paoehoes are sticky too. I mainly use this bass in a very humid environment. It’s my boat bass!

 

[jburtonca]

Is there a part 8? If so where is it?

 

[HaphAsSard]

Is there a part 8? If so where is it?

Nope. Remember the 1000-post limit? When that was removed, this one was the active thread and it was allowed to grow, without the need for a newer one.

 

[TTPbass1]

Here my amazing Rumbler before some TLC from the local luthier...

 

[Giffro]

My Nomad fitted with Lutehole cover to help eliminate amp feedback.

 

[pecBass]

Hi all, my ubass A string tuner broke. It seems like the stock tuners are a bit cheap. Any recommendation for replacements? Also i have been using the stock strings, but now seems the time to experiment. I like the uprightish thump and want to continue get that sound.

Thanks

 

[KohanMike]

Hi all, my ubass A string tuner broke. It seems like the stock tuners are a bit cheap. Any recommendation for replacements? Also i have been using the stock strings, but now seems the time to experiment. I like the uprightish thump and want to continue get that sound. Thanks

I've been replacing many of my bass uke tuning machines with Gotoh that have a wider spool than normal bass tuning machines. I also got tired of the poly strings that get sticky in humid conditions and stretch so much that they need trimming too often, so I replaced them with Kala/Galli flatwound nylon core that to me still have a pretty good thump. They come in 20.5" and 23" scale, I use them on all my bass ukes and even on my mini bass magnetic pickup (I pay no attention to the Kala warnings).

https://www.amazon.com/Gotoh-Compac...PQ1P4AH0DT0&psc=1&refRID=3VZESAY7FPQ1P4AH0DT0

https://kalabrand.com/products/ka-bass-4fw

 

[UbassDanno]

Hi all, my ubass A string tuner broke. It seems like the stock tuners are a bit cheap. Any recommendation for replacements? Also i have been using the stock strings, but now seems the time to experiment. I like the uprightish thump and want to continue get that sound.

Thanks

I have a set of take-offs from my old Kala, I just wanted to have Hipshots. I'll ship to you for $40.00.

 

[pecBass]

I have a set of take-offs from my old Kala, I just wanted to have Hipshots. I'll ship to you for $40.00.

Thanks, i think i will just replace the one tuner

 

[bherman]

Hi all - running into a problem with my no-name fretless, wondering if anyone has ideas. String height at the bridge seems to be too low, I am getting too much buzzing (LaBella flatwounds). @KohanMike have you run across a way to raise the action while doing your bridge fix?

 

[KohanMike]

Hi all - running into a problem with my no-name fretless, wondering if anyone has ideas. String height at the bridge seems to be too low, I am getting too much buzzing (LaBella flatwounds). @KohanMike have you run across a way to raise the action while doing your bridge fix?

If the bass uke has a truss rod, that is a way of changing string height. A shim can be added under the saddle assembly and or the nut, or the nut could be replaced with a shallower cut out for the strings.

 

[bherman]

If the bass uke has a truss rod, that is a way of changing string height. A shim can be added under the saddle assembly and or the nut, or the nut could be replaced with a shallower cut out for the strings.

Thx - no truss rod unfortunately, the nut is fine its the string height at the saddle. I'll try a shim with your suggested reseating of the individual saddles.

 

[KohanMike]

Thx - no truss rod unfortunately, the nut is fine its the string height at the saddle. I'll try a shim with your suggested reseating of the individual saddles.

Put the shim in the bridge slot before you put in the saddle assembly.

 

[bherman]

Put the shim in the bridge slot before you put in the saddle assembly.

Thx - not sure what I’m going to use for a shim, will poke around my shop.

 

[UbassDanno]

Thx - not sure what I’m going to use for a shim, will poke around my shop.

Piece of an old credit card maybe? Just noticed you're from GJ, I lived in Glenwood for a couple years, hung around GJ once in a while, nice place. Was just there (Palisade) back in August for peaches and wine...

 

[KohanMike]

Thx - not sure what I’m going to use for a shim, will poke around my shop.

Piece of an old credit card maybe?

That's exactly what I was going to suggest.

 

[fourstringbliss]

My Nomad fitted with Lutehole cover to help eliminate amp feedback.

View attachment 4415553
View attachment 4415554

Where did you get that cover? I want to get one for my new Kala Scout. Thanks!

 

[fourstringbliss]

I'm new to these basses and have a Scout coming to me tomorrow.

Definitely lower priced import, but I hope it's good quality.

Do you folks install a strap button on or at the heel so you're not having to attach the strap to the headstock? If so, how do you attach the strap button? I've seen some videos for adding strap buttons to ukes, but not for bass ukes.

Thanks!

 

[bherman]

Piece of an old credit card maybe? Just noticed you're from GJ, I lived in Glenwood for a couple years, hung around GJ once in a while, nice place. Was just there (Palisade) back in August for peaches and wine...

Yeah we love going to Palisade! thanks to you and @KohanMike for the suggestions, I'll try a strip of credit card.

 

[bherman]

Problems with my UBass eating batteries - its a no-name bass with a preamp that runs on a 9v battery. The batteries are running down even without a cord plugged into the bass. Any ideas on how to troubleshoot this? Preamp problem or battery box problem or?????