Kala Fretless Solid Body U-Bass Review

Kala Solid Body U•BASS SB-BK-FL Review - New for 2024 - With Sound Demos
Mini Bass Review
Full review of the new Kala Fretless Solid Body U-Bass due for release in the UK soon. Features, specifications, price, and sound demos for the new solid body mini bass by Kala.
‪@kalabrandmusic‬
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23 1/2 scale mini bass or bass ukulele with magnetic pick ups, steel flat wound strings, passive, in a Black finish.
Kala Fretless Solid Body U•BASS Review:
00:00 Intro to fretless Kala Solid Body U Bass Review with sound demo
01:21 Release info and prices
02:30 Specifications and features of the new Kala fretless solid body U•BASS
03:19 Sound demos of Kala solid body fretless U•BASS mini bass
08:07 Conclusion and overview of the new Kala Fretless Solid Body U-Bass
Instruments and equipment used:
Kala SB U•Bass SB-BK-FL
Genzler MG350 Amp head
Barefaced One10 Cabinet
Lekato Rechargable Tuner - amzn.to/3T6FL4a
Website: ukulele.wales/
T-Shirts & Merch: www.redbubble....
Ukulalien Play Along Channel: / ukulaliensukuleleclub
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[@Hornyderp]

You must have a blast in aquaparks, because you really love them slides

[@UkuleleWales]

😂😂

[@wmhaynes5632]

Your review was part of my decision to get the 5 string Kala Ubass ... coming from Reverb, he made an offer I couldn't refuse ... can't wait to get it!!

[@titichartay7216]

Love the fluidity of a fretless & the sounds it inspires. Very jazz & funk ! Always great tips. Ta Rachel & pats to woofers.

[@UkuleleWales]

Yep, I have always preferred fretless both in sound and playing. Having both the fretted and fretless of these really is the best. Yes, woofers say hi back to you guys. 🐶

[@MariUSukulele]

👍🏻 well done KALA thx Rachel

[@UkuleleWales]

Totally agree Marius, a big well done Kala. 🥰

[@Kunibert_Knatter]

I am melting!

[@ludwigvanzappa9548]

Shamai!!! Finally found a store in Canada where I can order a fretless just like that. Super happy! Price in Canada: $479.00 same as the fretted.

[@ElveyGooch]

Long and McQuade?

[@ludwigvanzappa9548]

@@ElveyGoochRedOne music.

[@UkuleleWales]

Woo hoo, awesome news!! Have you got it yet? 😎

[@ludwigvanzappa9548]

@@UkuleleWalesNot yet!

[@ElveyGooch]

@@UkuleleWales I received it yesterday; it's the fretted Tobacco sunburst version. I had a chance to try it out in a gig this morning - sounded awesome on my Fender Rumble 40

[@CornishCockney]

Sounds sweet.

[@UkuleleWales]

Totally agree! 👍

[@jensbomholt4529]

Cool! 😊

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks! 😄

[@Myndi78]

I am so looking forward to getting one of these! I wish they were shipped with flatwounds though 😅 How is intonation on these compared to standard size? Is it MUCH harder? I am relatively new to fretless.

[@UkuleleWales]

If you buy from direct from Kala you can have them fitted but honestly, they are really easy to fit. I have just uploaded the video. You do have to be more careful with the intonation because of the shorter scale means less room for error but you do get used to it, especially if you are used to playing fretless. 👍

[@musicworkshop1275]

Very helpful and entertaining! Thanks! Did I understand corrrectly that the pickup is closer to the finger board than on the fretted model?

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks. No, the pickups on these are exactly the same as the fretted model BUT both the Kala’s pickups are closer to the fingerboard than some of the other mini basses such as the Flight and Blackstar. 👍

[@randallmoore4000]

Hello, how are the harmonics on this? I have the fretted version. Love your content.

[@UkuleleWales]

The harmonics are nice and clear. Funnily I was messing around with them earlier today. I 👍

[@Jo-si3ot]

Do you use regular size strings & cut them short or are there special small scale size strings for that type of Bass?

[@UkuleleWales]

Kala do make strings designed for these basses (check out their website) and I have just done a video changing the strings on them - it is easy. I did try cutting down regular strings but it didn’t work out.

[@ISETbioDev.Cottaris]

Hello, great review, as always :) Love your content. I have the 5-string fretless version of this Kala uBass in tobacco burst, and love it. The only thing I dislike is the cheap looking scratch plate. So I was intrigued when you said you will be replacing it. I was wondering, where are you going to find a replacement for it? Thank you very much !

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, hopefully you have watched my recent video where I fit it. Magnus (who features on the live) has also recently got a 5 string and is intending to change the pickguard so his mate Per (website in description of pickguard video) should have the template soon. 👍

[@mercenarywrench]

Hi…love your videos! I also have the fretless version of the solid body UBass with flatwounds. Any set up tips as far as relief and saddle height?

[@UkuleleWales]

Great to hear! I haven’t really had to do any adjustments to mine. I will measure the action at some point but I certainly haven’t had to touch the truss rod.

[@user-zq9zd9zq7d]

I'm on my 2nd try of the fretless 4-string tobacco burst version. The first was giving me constant humming/buzzing through my amp, except when I touch the strings. Contacted Kala, and they indicated there must be an issue with it and I returned it. The second one I just received - purchased through Reverb seller. Same issue. I have other basses and do not think it's my amp. I also tried another amp and get the same results. Seems to be a shielding issue. I hate to have a brand new bass that already needs work on it. Anyone else with this issue, and if so, how was it fixed?

[@UkuleleWales]

Mine have a very small hum with the tone turned up full but nothing unbearable and I tend to never play like that anyway as I prefer a bassier tone. I did notice a little more noise after I swapped out the pickguard on my fretted bass so I took the pickguard off, added a little more shield tape and that sorted it.

[@RobVespa]

Shwmae (or su’mae?).* Thanks for the commentary and playing. This bass sounds nice. I'm looking forward to the comparison. Fretless basses have such a nice sound. All the best. As an aside, I've been enjoying the fretless ukulele bass I recently received. Playing the fretless ukulele seems to have scratched an itch I didn't know I had... and now I've found myself eyeing larger fretless instruments. * Hope one of these is right

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes, Shwmae! All good to hear and Thank You Rob for joining in the fun here. What fretless bass are you playing right now?

[@RobVespa]

@@UkuleleWales - Shwmae! I'm playing the fretless Batking ukulele bass with f-holes that you reviewed, although mine is a little different. The one I have is branded and has small lines (around 6mm) on the neck where the frets would be. It also doesn't have an XLR port. I'm enjoying the instrument quite a bit. It has such a nice sound. To follow-up on my "eyeing" comment, I just procured an older seen-better-days Fender Offset Series Mustang bass body (in sonic blue) that I plan to revive. I'm presently searching for a compatible short scale fretless neck (with lines) that will fit it (along with all the components I'll need)... so that adventure is underway. As an aside, it was so nice to be able to participate in your recent live stream. That was a lot of fun - and you've such a lovely community!

[@sandylayne1211]

I bought one it’s still sitting at the music store. Doesn’t look as big as that one. Can’t get flat wound strings because the manufacturer of the base is now blaming Labella for not making them. Oh well back to the music store tomorrow.

[@UkuleleWales]

Sorry to hear you are still waiting, it seems to be a global issue although try StringsByMail as they sometimes have them in stock.

[@ElveyGooch]

Any tips on how to eq your bass amp for home practice vs playing in a band? Also, do add a bit of overdrive when you play?

[@UkuleleWales]

Great questions! I like it more bassey so I rend to do that at home and then when playing in a band I often roll the bass back a little, treble up a little (still less than the bass) and the mids back more to help me cut through. I never use overdrive when I’m out playing and very rarely use it in the house unless I’m just messing around. Hope that helps. 😊

[@Targemq8]

Has a person who's played ukulele for 20 years, and bass for one, Facebook has been showing me the space every day since the start of the year. I know a weaken some far night...

[@UkuleleWales]

It is a lovely bass I must say. 🥰

[@Hornyderp]

Where do you press on a fretless bass on the line or in between?

[@RobVespa]

On the line. That's a pro (and con?) to fretless playing. Pressing anywhere else will be another note. This allows for a lot of freedom.

[@UkuleleWales]

Great question and as Rob say, on the line where the fret would have been. 👍

[@ElveyGooch]

Hi Rachel. How does this compare to a electro-acoustic ubass with Aquila strings from the point-of-view of pressure required to play?

[@UkuleleWales]

With the flatwounds and it being fretless it is a very easy on the fingers, especially compared to roundwound strings with frets even the rubber strings. 👍

[@UkeDad]

Great review. Looking to pick up the fretless bass but can’t find any with flat wounds. Where did you get your strings? Can’t find them anywhere on Kala’s website. Thanks…

[@UkuleleWales]

Hiya, they were out of stock but they are now back on the site. kalabrand.com/products/ka-bass-4fw-sc

[@UkeDad]

Thanks! I did see that, ordered and installed the flat wounds. Love that sound on this bass. Available at Sweetwater too...

[@UkuleleWales]

@@UkeDad Awesome to hear! Yes, just checked out Sweetwater and could see a nice blue Sweetwater exclusive!! Are the flatwound strings available at Sweetwater too or just the instruments?

[@BobSapey]

Tempting, very tempting. But how will I decide which to take to a gig if I've got three?😱

[@UkuleleWales]

To match what you are wearing? What 3 would you end up with if you got this one as well Bob?

[@BobSapey]

Our band style is leopard print and I don't think any match yet. I quite like the pink, but I'd want fretless.

[@frankkiethebassplayer]

Purple scratch plate for sure. Can you share were you're getting the scratch plate? I would love to get one too!

[@UkuleleWales]

Website is in the description of the video. What do you fancy getting Shannon?

[@frankkiethebassplayer]

@@UkuleleWales I couldn't read anything on the website 😔. I would love the black with maybe pink or some kind of space design.

[@UkuleleWales]

@@frankkiethebassplayerThere should be a translaye from google on the website. If you use his contact button and explain what you want, he will then send you a link of what is available to him. His english is very good and he really is lovely.

[@jermainelong1843]

Nice fat open E sound. I like this.

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes, it really is! 🥰

[@anorak211]

That pickguard is miles to big, it needs to be mush smaller, then the body colour will be much better to see

[@UkuleleWales]

I quite like it but respect your opinion. Only a small body probably doesn’t help. 👍

[@Rwjudy48]

Has to be a purple pick guard!😅

[@UkuleleWales]

Of course! 💜

[@TheQuietpanda]

15 seconds let's gooo

[@TheQuietpanda]

First

[@Ukuleleal]

Sounds lovely. Smoother than a Cashmere cod piece! 🙏

[@UkuleleWales]

Yes! 😂