Cheap Thomann Bass Ukulele BUT Is It Any Good?

** IMPORTANT ** First live stream here on KZbin 9.00pm (GMT) Thursday 13th April!
Cheap Thomann Bass Ukulele BUT Is It Any Good? Harley Benton UkeBass OPNT
I've been looking to buy this cheap, solid body bass ukulele for ages but they have been out of stock for most of the time! This is the unboxing and first look to see what the bass ukulele is like direct from Thomann.
Harley Benton UkeBass OPNT - Solid Body Bass Ukulele Neck Through - Fretted - Price £166 inc. shipping.
Harley Benton UkeBass OPNT - cheap ofrom Thomann:
00:00 Intro to cheap bass ukulele and unboxing
04:33 First look, price and info on solid body bass ukulele
07:03 Tuning and plugging in the Harley Benton UkeBass OPNT
09:21 Testing and first listen to the cheap bass uke from Thomann
14:47 Overview of cheap Harley Benton UkeBass OPNT bass ukulele
Bass ukuleles and equipment featured in this video:
Harley Benton UkeBass OPNT - Solid Body Bass Ukulele
Genzler Magellan 350 - Genzler MG350 Bass Head Amp
Barefaced One10 Bass Cab - Barefaced Audio
Website: ukulele.wales/
T-Shirts & Merch: www.redbubble.com/people/ukul...
Ukulalien Play Along Channel: / ukulaliensukuleleclub

[@UkuleleWales]

👉I really hope you enjoy this unboxing and first look at the Harley Benton UkeBass OPNT - Solid Body Bass Ukulele from Thomann 💜Check out the full review of the Musoo Solid Body Bass Ukulele (Pinky) here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/in24oYKndpeWa6M 🖤 Check out the full review of the Batking Fretless Solid Body Bass Ukulele here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r6O9h2Vorsipj6c ♾ Lots more ukulele and bass ukulele reviews here: kzbin.info/aero/PLYmTmr75ouDwmlw1LhRXra41UVV_s4zIG

[@tobiasware]

I'd buy that just for the beautiful wood contrasts, Rachel.

[@UkuleleWales]

With you 100% Tobias, a really looker. 😍

[@tchiksguitars]

I bought this 7 days ago for my 6 year old daughter, as an alternative to a 3/4 sized bass, and she LOVES it, she's been playing it all day long. I've also had trouble keeping it in tune, but as you pointed out, there's way too much string wrapped around the pegs and I might look into that tomorrow morning (she literally sleeps with her bass haha)

[@UkuleleWales]

Absolutely loved reading this, Thank You for posting. Hoping your daughter is still enjoying and that the tuning has settled. 😎

[@tchiksguitars]

Well it hasn't and I broke one of the tuners. So I'm gonna make what anyone would do in this situation. I'm gonna build a ukulele bass, film it, and put in on KZbin :)

[@UkuleleWales]

@@tchiksguitars Oh nightmare. I have broken a few cheaper tuners and have started replacing mine to Hipshot tuners. If you are going to build a bass ukulele, I will look forward to seeing it. Checkout this vid where I change out the tuners - kzbin.info/www/bejne/eYjPpYx4jp6fnJI

[@tchiksguitars]

Thanks ! I've seen it. I bought the cheaper (non lightweight) version. If they're too heavy I'm gonna swap them for the Hipshots on the definitive bass and put those ones on the Harley Benton.

[@blousug]

Your edits are getting masterful 😊 looks like a nice practice bass

[@UkuleleWales]

It’s a lovely cheap bass and Thanks for the lovely mention about the editing, much appreciated. 😊

[@JoeC1977]

The through neck build is reminiscent of Les Paul’s first electric guitar - “the log” - which was a piece of wood with the sides of an acoustic glued onto “the log”. It definitely simplifies the build.

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes, the log was a very interesting development in guitar builds! I’ve had quite a few neck through bass guitars over the years but I am loving my neck through bass ukuleles! 🤙

[@davidm3569]

Stunning instrument. 😀👍 I bought my Brother a solid body Uke from them years ago because it had a headphone amp in it for silent practice. Good value and quality too.

[@UkuleleWales]

Excellent to hear David, yes agree, this is a great (cheaper) bass uke both to look at and to play. 👍

[@loree3212]

Thanks Rachel, quite interesting. A nice affordable alternative for people looking to starting a bass path.

[@UkuleleWales]

My pleasure Loree, a pleasant surprise for a cheaper instrument.👍

[@eileenlander1380]

I’ve just bought me a Magic Fluke. It’s a dream to play. It was, of course, a very necessary purchase, as I had given my lovely Flight to my granddaughter (who loves it) Not sure I would ever go back to rubber strings now. Interesting review though, thank you.

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes Eileen, the Magic Fluke timber is in a different league, an absolute pleasure to play!! 🥰

[@andredr_eas7433]

Interesting video, thanks! Last week I was on vacation in Bamberg, Germany, just 20 kilometers from Thomann. The huge shop there is also worth a trip, the selection there is really just as nice as the employees themselves... you just need enough time... and of course money, because certainly nobody can leave without a nice new instrument or gear. And Thoman's location is also unique: a small village with a huge mail-order factory there... somehow I had to think of Charlie and Roald Dahl's chocolate factory... but in a positive sense!

[@UkuleleWales]

That is great to hear, I hope you enjoyed your vacation. I agree with you completely, I love the way Thomann has grown up over the years and yes, very mad with the small village and HUGE buildings. Great comparison with Charlie and the chocolate factory too. 😎

[@juderandall703]

Another Road Trip Rach? 🚘🎵😁 Beautiful bass uke ❤ xx

[@UkuleleWales]

Oh yes Jude, this has been on my bucket list for YEARS!! 😂

[@andymarshman9546]

Good review. I purchased a HB full sized bass this year from Thomann. The quality of the instrument was exceptional considering its price. If I had seen this neck through U-Bass I would have purchased it instead of the Musoo (which is fine) because I like the appearance and the curvature of the HB. Look forward to your full review video.

[@UkuleleWales]

Totally agree, HB instruments are a great “cheaper” way of playing. I’ve not tried a HB full size bass so good to hear that, full review will be soon but loving it so far! 👍

[@andymarshman9546]

@@UkuleleWales FYI the HB bass is a Rickenbacker look-alike (I used to play a Ric 4003). I've moved 'almost' exclusively to short scale basses, simply as a preference, but the 34" scale HB is a solid performer and, as mentioned, very affordable.

[@billmumbo2697]

Reminds me of the Aria basses from the 80s-90s. Also as you know I like to help so have you noticed that when your back itches it's always between the shoulder blades and you can't ... quite ... reach !.. we'll try a small ukulele the headstock just gets to the right spot and bliss ensues !!! I don't suggest using your double bass as Chao's and injury could result and we wouldn't want that dear Rachel .....would we!.😅👍

[@UkuleleWales]

😂🤣 Oh Bill you do make me laugh!! Yes, totally agree with you about 80’s Aria basses, very similar. 👍

[@biggi751]

die Geschichte von Thomann ist auch klasse, der Gründer hat mit dem Fahrrad die Instrumente ausgeliefert...

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes, I love the soho story and story of Thomann, a wonderful family business built with the local community in mind. 😎

[@yonglish]

nice review rachel! do you think you will ever review the mayones cali 4? im interested in those but they aren't cheap for sure

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks. I have actually been offered a Mayones to review but it is from a personal collection and I’m terrified it might get damaged in transit……. Maybe one day as they really are such lovely basses. 👍

[@Kunibert_Knatter]

Actually I have the fretless Tiny Boy on my xmas-list. I prefer that one, because it has regular magnetic pickup, no piezos. But it cost more than 3 times than the OPNT. And the distributor has raised the price by 10% recently, due to inflation. And the Ibanez SRT700F is even 5 times more (however a 34", so not comparable, 2xmag + 1xpiezo pickups). In other words, the fretless OPNT perhaps probably might possibly be the next one on the shortlist. Well, maybe....

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes, I’d love a Tiny Boy one day but would probably go for a fretted version as I already have the Fanner fretless Pee Wee. Let me know if you do get the fretless OPNT, would be nice to know your thoughts on it. 👍

[@clivehunte3026]

It would be interesting to compare this with the Musoo and the Batking we both have.

[@UkuleleWales]

Definitely being done in the future Clive, one of the reasons why I got it. 👍

[@Billymfp]

I love the curve I have on mine too. I was hoping you would mention it.

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes, it was a nice surprise. It really is a nice looking bass and with the curve, lovely to play too. 😊

[@Francois15031967]

first thing: put graphite between the nut and the strings; second thing: pull your string every time you turn the pegs to adjust the tuning; third thing: forget about anything else but kinda motown sound with this thing.

[@UkuleleWales]

All great tips which I do already do and as for Motoen - YES! LOL

[@nbmcla2]

Would you ever consider doing a video on how to decrease (cut) the thick strings on the bass ukulele that are so wound up. I don’t like how it looks and would like it to be less string.

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, if you check out my fairly recent video on “how to restring a bass ukulele” I actually show how to tie the strings on and using less string around the tuner. You can also do this when using very thick strings that just slot into the tuner - it’s all about getting a good amount of tension on the string first. Hope the video helps, but if you still have questions, give me a shout. 👍

[@nbmcla2]

@@UkuleleWales I found it after I sent the message. I have watched it and it was so informative! Now to be brave enough to try it!!

[@mrowlbert]

Great review! I'm considering getting a 'travel' bass when I don't want to lug my standard scale electric around and this seems to be a fun way to go! Liked and subscribed!

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Albert much appreciated and yes, these are a fantastic alternative to carrying a standard scale bass around. 👍👍

[@miffokarnevalen]

"Not 100% convinced with the intonation" is being polite. It's WAY off. I saw one review of the Harley Benton Solid Ukebass Sunburst that also was way off. It makes me wonder how common that problem is. It seems there is no easy way to adjust intonation either... Apart from that it seems great and it looks awesome. Looking forward to the full review.

[@UkuleleWales]

I will be doing a full review very soon as I didn’t really look into the intonation during this but agree, the intonation wasn’t great. I will also be talking about the amount of string on the tuners and how balanced the pick up is.

[@KimniptionKarnes]

Hello Rachel. I am new to your channel. So happy I found you. I am a guitarist/bassist. Starting to learn ukulele. I inherited an Ashbury Uke bass . Do you know anything about them, and have you played one?

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi and welcome aboard. Your Ashbury, does it look like a ukulele or is it the funny shaped instrument with rubber strings? The reason I ask is there, both exist. The Ashbory is the odd shaped instrument, often in blue / red or black, the Ashbury is like many other bass ukuleles. I've known about the Ashbory bass for many years but have never actually played one. As far as I am aware, the current bass ukuleles are not actually based on them. The Ashbory are a British make, were produced for a couple of years but never really took off. I think another company (poss Fender) had another go of it a few years later but again it was very successful. I've seen them on Ebay for years and have been tempted but never actually got one. What do you think of yours?

[@michaelbrohl1625]

Rubber strings take a bit to stretch and settle in but once they do they stay in tune very well. At least mine do.

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes, they do take a while 100% agree. Sometimes they need a little restretching if you swap them onto other basses too.

[@bobgraton854]

Nice one! Would the neck through make it harder to repair or adjust?

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Bob, you can still adjust the neck as it has a trussrod, in terms of repair, I suppose it would depend on the damage if that makes sense. I’ve had bass guitars with a neck trough for years without any issues. 👍

[@MatthiasHoffmann-gn9wq]

I got the same model 10 days ago. It was my first bass ukelele and I love the feeling of the strings, played it for a while and was quite shocked, how hard metal strings feel in comparison, when I played my bass guitar again. I also love how close together the frets are compared to a 34” bass. Also, the sound is lovely, like an upright bass, so warm and low. Issues that I had where with tuning. Same as you I had a lot of E and A string wrapped around the tuning pegs. Furthermore, I tuned it probably 6 times the first day and many more times the following days until the strings kind of settled. When the open strings are in tune, E and A are way to flat on the 12th fret. D and G on the other hand are to sharp on the 12th. With the fixed bridge I see no way to get around this issue. Does anyone have any idea on that matter?

[@UkuleleWales]

Firstly good to hear you have one too Matthias and yes, the rubber strings and scale difference takes some getting used to, especially if you are swapping instruments. Regarding the tuning, I will certainly look into this when I do a full review, possibly adjusting the truss rod may help as the imbalance seems to be the opposite on the higher and lower strings.

[@MatthiasHoffmann-gn9wq]

@@UkuleleWales Unfortunately, I had to send mine back. I just could not get it to intonate, and I am not yet tech savvy enough to fix an instrument on my own. But I fell in love with playing a ukebass and I am definitely going to own one in the future. Maybe a fanner pee wee bass (I liked your review on that). Or maybe another Harley Benton. I am going to visit Thomann’s home base in June. Hopefully they have a better intonated model there. I hope your instrument will work out fine and I am looking forward to your full review.

[@BAsed_AFro]

You tricked me into getting one of these clankers. Now, I'm just trying to make it sound good.

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, not sure how I tricked you into anything?? I haven’t actually done a full review on this bass yet and if you have any issues with one that you have bought, really you should be contacting Thomann.

[@BAsed_AFro]

@@UkuleleWales I was just kidding. Take a joke, smile, laugh... and relax! 😉

[@brahmasatyam]

Thanks for this video. Could this be downtuned one whole step?

[@UkuleleWales]

I haven't tried tuning it down to D but the strings are already quite floppy so really not sure how well it would work. Will give it a go at some point.

[@Tanner4ish]

Can you please do a comparison between this and the Kala California? I've been having trouble with the bridge on my Kala California fretless and have been looking to get the Harley Benton fretless for touring and potentially mod it a bit.

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes, will try. It will be interesting to see where Kala goes with the new generation of California u-basses but good to see Harley Benton has a fretless option too. 👍

[@terrysilver4834]

I was just practicing on mine today, when putting it down the A string popped out and the little min-tie wrap fell off the end!

[@UkuleleWales]

Sorry it’s taken me a while to reply but I did read your comment and actually mentioned this in the recent full review video. I’m sure you’ve told me the outcome but please remind me, did you sort it out Terry?

[@terrysilver4834]

@@UkuleleWales My bass setup guru has been busy and I'm headed on a 3 week road trip from Detroit to Sacramento to LA to Phoenix and return. Will look into it in July.

[@UkuleleWales]

@@terrysilver4834 Have fun

[@klausmajor]

In priciple this is really a fine instrument. However I ordered one from Thomann here in germany and had to send it back because the tuner for the A string was not "a little stiff" but completely unmovable and the "action" was ridiculous, even for these rubber strings and the bridge could not be lowered anymore. Thomann sent me a new one, which had exactly the same problems, so I sent it back again. :-( I have to say that "quality control" is obviouslyan unknown term for Harley Benten and also for Thomann. These instruments should have never left the factory! I'm quite disappointed, but maybe I just wasn't lucky...

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks for sharing, sorry you weren’t happy and like you, I am very sceptical about how much QC goes on at Thomann. I think one of the main weaknesses on the bass ukuleles are the cheaper tuners and when there is so much string around a tuner, I’ve had a quite a few problems over the years. I’ve now got into replacing the tuners if I really like the instrument and think it’s worth it.

[@julesV1223]

Hmmm...I honestly don't know how I feel about this one. It's definitely not a Fart King. The FK is in a category all its own!😆I also love the look of it. However, I'm drawn to the bass ukes that have flatwound strings installed. Are the strings on the Thomann the old thunderblacks or the new formulas?

[@julesV1223]

Rach, news flash! I just went to Kala's website. When I clicked on "California U-Basses," it took me to a page with this message: "Get ready... for a new generation of California U-Bass." Ok, that's rather intriguing!

[@UkuleleWales]

Oh, the Fartking - this is definitely in a different league! As far as I can tell, the Thunderblacks are the new formula and maybe I will try some flat wounds on here at some point as it does have a trussrod. I also have a set of Silver Rumblers here which I may try too but the Thunderblacks do sound good on it. Discovered the Kala announcement earlier when checking the Kala site for another comment - INTERESTING 🤔 🤔🤔

[@paulhopkins686]

Hello Rachel. With a £200 to £300 budget, what u bass do you recommend for playing bass in a ukulele group. I'm currently playing with regular jazz bass at the moment.

[@UkuleleWales]

It really depends on whether you want to play electro acoustic so it looks more like a ukulele or of you want to go down the mini bass solid body route? Let me know and I can give you some ideas. 👍

[@paulhopkins686]

@@UkuleleWales I am thinking electro acoustic. Thanks for your reply.

[@TenFalconsMusic]

I would be curious to see if metal strings would work on this. Light gauge perhaps.

[@UkuleleWales]

It is something I'm intending on looking at in the future, possibly even flatwound strings. As long as they are wound round nylon they should work.

[@robfriedrich2822]

My first thought was "Would it be like using steel strings on a Spanish guitar?" and my second one "Wouldn't the strings be too lose, when tuned right or would you have to tune it some semitones higher?"

[@robfriedrich2822]

I tried it, but the needed pressure from the left hand was too much to me. I tried few seconds and wondered "And doing this over 4 minutes?"

[@UkuleleWales]

Was it the rubber strings you were finding difficult to play? They can take a bit of getting used to.

[@MrWadstw]

Did you change the strings if so what do you recommend as the top string on mine is very loose in tune

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, no I haven’t changed them as I do believe they are the Thunderblacks and they have been fine for me. If I was going to change them I would probably put Thunderbrowns on. When you say top string do you mean E (thickest). The strings are generally very floppy by nature. Does it stay in tune?

[@MrWadstw]

@@UkuleleWales Hi yes the thickest string i speak of and yes it does stay in tune but if they are floppy then that's my inexperience of the uke bass so am glad you cleared this up , Many thanks Happy Ukeing ;-}

[@jontybankes5342]

Nice vid, thanks, would be interested to know if it could take steel strings, as it has a truss rod, worth a go for 160 quid, might try and let you know-Jonty, ukulele orchestra of Great Britain

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Jonty, Thanks for the comment, feeling very honoured. 😊 I would have thought it would be good with steel strings but obviously the nylon core as this is the piezo pick up, if you go for it I would love to know what you think. Also, have you seen / heard about the new Kala solid body bass coming out later this year, looks VERY interesting. Almost got to see you guys but the gig got cancelled due to Covid, hopefully soon. 🤞 Being cheeky, is there any way I can contact you privately as I’d love to feature you on the channel, maybe do an interview or talk about your instruments and career? If not, no worries at all. 😎

[@UkuleleWales]

@@jontybankes5342 Brilliant, will do, Thanks. ☺

[@Ukuleleal]

Cool looking bass Rachel. Tempted to get one of these. Don't play bass that often, but would make a great prop when making music videos.

[@UkuleleWales]

They are good looking basses Al. Will be doing a full review soon so the jury is still out at the minute. Hope to catch up with you soon. 🌞

[@Ukuleleal]

@@UkuleleWales I'll look forward. :)

[@buddyletendre]

Can these basses be fitted with metal strings?

[@UkuleleWales]

In theory they could be fitted with metal with nylon core strings, I may try it one day.

[@rebeccamyers7483]

What's the reason for having the neck run thru the entire instument?

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Rebecca, generally you are supposed to get a better tone from the instrument as the woods resonate better - or so I’ve been told. 👍

[@drumamum]

HI Rachel can you tell me how many frets are on this ukelele Please

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, it has got 24 frets 👍

[@drumamum]

Thankyou

[@UkuleleWales]

@@drumamum Hi Lynne, sorry I didn't realise this was you. 😎

[@davidswain1240]

Shame there's no gig bag. But I guess that would be asking too much. Nice uke though.

[@UkuleleWales]

I think the cheaper price is a reflection of no case but TBH, I’d prefer the cheaper price of bass and get a better gig bag myself (I already have a few). They fit perfectly into a Kala Sonoma cases if that helps. 👍

[@terrysilver4834]

I was just practicing on mine today, when putting it down the A string popped out and the little min-tie wrap fell off the end!

[@robfriedrich2822]

We call it bass ukulele, but in fact it's a contra bass ukulele. A real bass ukulele has the same tuning as the 4 lowest strings of a concert guitar and the bariton ukulele has the 4 highest strings of a concert guitar

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Rob, I haven’t heard that term before regarding contra bass ukulele. By my definition the bass ukulele that I talk about is an octave lower than the 4 lowest strings of a concert guitar - in fact the same pitch as a double bass or contra basse.

[@aussiecue]

A quarter of the video faffing around opening the box. Do better!

[@UkuleleWales]

Sorry you feel this way but I wanted to show exactly what the instrument was like out of the box. You can always use the chapters to fast forward or not watch my videos, but please do not tell me to "do better", that is just rude.