• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Kala UBass Megathread, Part 7

#1,961
I bought a Kala Scout, which is their lower price import cutaway model. Nice little bass, but I don't like the rubber strings. I bought a set of the flatwounds right from Kala, and they went on fine but I get no sound from the d-string. I get sound from every saddle using the rubber strings, but not with the flats.

What gives?
 
#1,962
fourstringbliss said:
I bought a Kala Scout, which is their lower price import cutaway model. Nice little bass, but I don't like the rubber strings. I bought a set of the flatwounds right from Kala, and they went on fine but I get no sound from the d-string. I get sound from every saddle using the rubber strings, but not with the flats.

What gives?
Click to expand...

hard to tell without pictures. But Kala CS is good, so give them a call/email.
 
#1,963
20211204_143520.jpg

Snagged this up from my local shop today. Picked it up and couldn't put it down. Was even more blown away when I got home and plugged it in.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Chris65bass, Fretless55, mrperkolator and 2 others
#1,973
has anyone tried enough of the rubber strings to give a decent comparison. I've played on the black and the reds, and the reds feel a slight bit better, but the differences are slight. I'm just wondering if anyone has a more comprehensive experience. I'm considering a set of dread's for my next set of strings.
 
#1,976
I'm new to ubass (and bass in general aside from noodling extremely casually). Just got a used Hadean UKB-23 fretless, which originally came with Thunderblacks but the previous owner put Galli flatwounds on it. I'm getting more of a buzz than I'd expect, especially with lower notes on the E string (not open strings though). I can't seem to shake it by plucking more gently or by playing with more or less finger pressure on the fretboard. Could that be a symptom of switching the strings but keeping the original nut?

(Honestly, in demos I think I prefer the rubber string sound overall, though metal strings have their charms too...)
 
#1,978
Starthief said:
I'm new to ubass (and bass in general aside from noodling extremely casually). Just got a used Hadean UKB-23 fretless, which originally came with Thunderblacks but the previous owner put Galli flatwounds on it. I'm getting more of a buzz than I'd expect, especially with lower notes on the E string (not open strings though). I can't seem to shake it by plucking more gently or by playing with more or less finger pressure on the fretboard. Could that be a symptom of switching the strings but keeping the original nut?

(Honestly, in demos I think I prefer the rubber string sound overall, though metal strings have their charms too...)
Click to expand...
I have the Hadean 23 with frets. I love the Thunderblack string that came on the bass. The only think I needed to do was file the fret ends. Sounds like an double bass through a amp.
 
#1,979
UbassDanno said:
Do you have a truss rod adjustment? Start by turning it 1/4 turn at a time. Or, put a shim (piece of a credit card or thin plastic) under the nut, just to see if raising the nut would work.
Click to expand...

Thanks, adjusting the truss rod did help some, making it possible to play gently with less or no buzz. Another 1/4 turn would probably have cleared it up entirely, but it didn't feel like the rod wanted to turn easily any further -- I'm not sure how much force it's okay to apply there.

I went ahead and put its original Thunderblacks back on. I'd say the feel is a little stickier than I'd strictly like, but I'm enjoying the difference and I do prefer that mellow sound. With those on it, it only buzzes if I pluck particularly hard.

I'm curious to see a video review/comparison of the new version of Thunderblack. If they have a very similar sound but feel a bit smoother, it might be worth the upgrade, once they're available in the US -- right now it'd be $72 to ship a set of them here... :eek:
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back