Kala U-Bass Rubber vs. Round Wound Strings - Comparison

[@stephencoxbass]

To get the U-Bass, you can go here: amzn.to/2M12c79 , for the round wound strings: amzn.to/2LGY0NW , and for the rubber strings: amzn.to/2iGZqaK These are affiliate links, which means that buying through them helps support the channel, even though I'm not endorsed by Amazon or Kala directly. Thank you for checking out the video, and let me know if you have any questions below!

[@porkyo123]

stephencoxbass They Sound Good amplified but sitting around jamming with a couple of acoustic they probably get buried

[@stephencoxbass]

@@porkyo123 True, although the metal strings are definitely louder. They may stand a chance...but the rubber will be entirely buried.

[@minceraftfornite4334]

Do the metal string bend the neck also what the song name at 1:05

[@RockClass101]

Overall I like the clarity of the round wounds, but sometimes the rubber shined more like on the plugged in blues line. Such a cool tone with rubber on that one!

[@stephencoxbass]

Agreed! They both have very different personalities!

[@markhastings8963]

Agreed. I really like the round tone of the polycarbonite - so much like a bull bass. Yet the round wounds have much more clarity, and would be able to cut through a mix much better.

[@ginaweith9475]

I’m definitely leaning toward rubber strings. Thank you for the back to back comparisons.

[@stephencoxbass]

You're welcome. I'm glad I could help you decide!

[@starshinestudiosofficial]

I prefer the rubber strings during the slap and normal playing demos as they sound like an upright bass when played in both those styles. Especially the slap portion reminded me a lot of early rockabilly and rhythm and blues styles of bass playing.

[@stephencoxbass]

They are pretty good for that style of slap, for sure!

[@shalamusic]

straight forward and clear . best UBass demo I've seen, ditto the difference between types of strings. I was going to get one but I'm having a love affair with my Esteve contrabass ( nylon st, 30" scale) which I converted to 5 st removing the top 1st st and redrilling the bridge holes giving me an electric st spacing. Now it's a killer hi C 5 st. Cello suites are perfect for it , transposed down a 5th from cello original keys.

[@stephencoxbass]

+shalamusic I bet it sounds great!

[@julianrace6125]

Thanks for this - I think I like the rubber ones!

[@stephencoxbass]

Glad you like them!

[@theforrester2780]

Yeah rubber hands down

[@don4279]

Chris, just to clarify, I’ve got Aquila Thunder Reds on both my Kala acoustic/electrics (one mahogany fretted and one spruce top fretless). The latest edition to my collection is the Kala Solid Body. I ordered it with Kala’s round wounds. I’m totally satisfied with the feel, quality, and action as presently set up. Thanks for your videos. Music makes the world go ‘round. Basses are the foundation!

[@jburtonca]

I also use Aquila Thunder Reds on my acoustic mahogany which is the original model without the electronics. As far as I'm concerned they have the best sound and feel of any of the non-metallic strings. On my newer solid body SUB I use Kala metal strings for a more electric bass tone.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

Aquila now makes Metal Wound UBass Strings

[@bartmuz]

rubber strings sound warmer and more interesting, while slapping sounds terrible on both - slapping on ukulele is definitely bad idea

[@fredlarrieu5261]

slapping is definitely bad idea !

[@stephencoxbass]

@@fredlarrieu5261 To each their own. I like slapping, but it definitely works better on a full sized bass. However, the U-Bass is portable, making it a good way to practice while traveling.

[@Miracle7Seven]

The slapping sounds good to me? But better on the round wound

[@hiattpurcell1794]

@@Miracle7Seven its really easy to make sound alot better. pure acoustic it sounds pretty rough, but if youre willing to use some pitch correction stuff it will sound totally fine.

[@DimiLeventis]

Slapping on rubber strings, when they're plugged, doesn't sound too bad for me at all, actually, the tone kinda reminds me of a really good and well programmed synth bass, like something Daft Punk would do.

[@DolphinLegend-bg8ph]

Round wound strings for slap and tapping and rubber strings for stardard playing

[@stephencoxbass]

Pretty much the way I feel about them, Although I like the round wounds for regular plucking just fine, too. But the rubber blend with ukulele groups and jazz groups better for sure.

[@DolphinLegend-bg8ph]

Well yeah but i said forget this what i said i found this u bass thats sounded too good rubber strings F holes white strings

[@DolphinLegend-bg8ph]

The ones that are regular sound terrible the f hole ones sound better

[@DolphinLegend-bg8ph]

I subbed

[@DolphinLegend-bg8ph]

How about to down tune rubber and metal strings on u bass plz

[@Phicxtion]

I think rubber sounds the best for jazz. Main reason I got a U-Bass was to emulate an upright.

[@stephencoxbass]

I agree with that...I like both because I end up playing lots of different styles. Rubber definitely mimic the upright better.

[@valeriolaghi7014]

I use a freetless u-bass with rubber strings and some upright's impulse responses, very happy.

[@njh113]

Fantastic video! Absolutely great to hear them side by side! Thanks for this!

[@stephencoxbass]

I'm glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@tempuraadvocate4820]

I kinda wanna see you play some Primus on these lol.

[@stephencoxbass]

It has to happen at some point...I'll add it to the list of videos to do.

[@tempuraadvocate4820]

I think it would be really kewl.

[@pajamasflannel]

Neon-senpai < wouldn’t that suck?

[@se7encureton]

Iv done some on my u bass It’s fun as hell

[@kyletynor4517]

Exactly what I was looking for to compare. Thank you.

[@stephencoxbass]

I'm glad I could help. Which strings are you more interested in?

[@mebinemanuel9096]

Thanks for this comparison demo. Now I know I like the metal round wound strings.

[@stephencoxbass]

I'm glad this was helpful!

[@alexmusic2387]

I'm a Latin Style Bass player and i think rubber string sounds great. Nice deep percussive bass. By the way i can hear the Rounds wounds uke have a tuning problems.

[@stephencoxbass]

I've never had tuning issues with round wounds, but have had some with the rubber. I love the tone of the rubber strings as well! They are great for many styles, and the round wounds are good if you want some extra edge for rock music.

[@nibblrrr7124]

Electric sound comparison starts at 3:01

[@MichaelStoneham]

Great tutorial. There are also several other brands that make the Rubber strings that sound different. From what I have heard people say the Aquila Thundergut strings sound better the Kala Pahoehoe sets. You should do a comparison of different brands rubber strings.

[@stephencoxbass]

Great idea! I've found things I like about each of those: Pahoehoe have more warmth and less string noise, but lack the punchiness of the Thunderguts. The Thunderguts stay in tune better and have punch, but also create more string noise. I have yet to try the other options out there, but I plan to soon. Thanks for watching!

[@silentgd]

the rounds for slapping, but other than that I'd stick with the rubber strings for general playing...they sound great played through my Fender bassman

[@stephencoxbass]

To each his own. I think the rubber sound cool and electronic with tapping, too. However, in an entirely acoustic setting, the rounds can be heard better than the rubber. It definitely depends on your goal with them.

[@silentgd]

yep..Im talking more through an amp

[@bachblue]

I'll take the rubber strings, but I'd be interested in a higher end Ubass, top of the line craftsmanship, inlays, etc.

[@bassMAGics]

Thanks for a great comparison video Stephen!

[@stephencoxbass]

+Magnus Sjöquist thank you!

[@bassMAGics]

Is it ok if I share it on playubass.com?

[@stephencoxbass]

+Magnus Sjöquist By all means! Thank you!

[@janrandles8683]

Thanks for this comparison. I just ordered the round wound metal and am glad I liked the sound the best. Acoustic guitar player so those sounded more like a bass to me. Clearer. The other sounded a bit muddy for me.

[@stephencoxbass]

I'm glad I could help! They definitely have a brighter/clearer sound. Thanks for watching!

[@TheVocoderGuy]

I'm losing the g string on my bass, this is exactly what I wanted to hear for getting new strings, great video thank you!

[@stephencoxbass]

I'm glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

[@SURFNRZ]

Great video! Excellent comparisons! I prefer the round wound sound especially since I’m a Geddy Lee and Chris Squier fan.

[@stephencoxbass]

They are definitely the best for that stuff! Thanks for watching!

[@saneauto]

I think this is the first or second Stephen video I ever watched.

[@stephencoxbass]

Thanks, Victor! When will you get a U-Bass? Or are you more of a future guitar player?

[@samkenny6798]

The last comment on this video was a year or two ago, but it's as useful a video as was four years ago. As a (not-very-good) acoustic guitar & piano player I'm not sure I've got room for yet another instrument to learn, but one of these with rubber strings would be where I'd personally head if I did. Thanks, Stephen.

[@stephencoxbass]

You're very welcome, Sam! Thanks for watching!

[@ChiliSainz]

i’m not familiar with bass guitars but in my opinion comparing both of these strings is like choosing between liverpool and picked bass guitars. correct me if i’m wrong tho. i think they’re all good it just depends on when and where you’re going to use it

[@stephencoxbass]

Angelo Cruz True in a sense...some people want the u-bass to sound more like an electric bass guitar, some want it to sound more like an upright, and some want more versatility...so this video is to help people decide which sound they like best.

[@matth9901]

i'm not quite exactly sure how as of yet but i feel confident that you play a part in the 'Paul Is Dead' psyop

[@stephencoxbass]

+Matt H you never know...

[@mcshaggyswildadventures3952]

You have no idea how paranoid you are making my meth head ass right now

[@markhastings8963]

Most excellent demonstration!

[@stephencoxbass]

Thank you, Mark! More to come!

[@markhastings8963]

Well then, I'll just have to subscribe, won't I? ;-)

[@don4279]

Great video! I’ve replaced the rubber strings on my Kala with Aquila Thunder Reds. Still has that slightly rubber sound but with a bit more definition. Just bought a Kala acoustic/electric fretless and will try the flat wounds.

[@stephencoxbass]

Don Very cool! One day I'll try the reds. I hear good things about them often!

[@lipsockisback]

Also have just got a fretless Kala UBass and immediately put the Round wounds on; then took them off again 24 hours later. The tension warped the neck too much, there was a much bigger gap between strings and fretboard with the round-wounds on. But they were a lovely sound. They were U-Bass strings too. Help! Anyone else had a similar problem?

[@don4279]

lipsockisback I just sent a note to Chris re: Kala and strings for same. I meant to copy you in but missed. Play on. Hope you find the strings that give you the sound you want. I love my Aquila Thunder Reds and the round wounds on my Kala Solid Body! Play on and have fun.

[@saneauto]

Hello Steven I like the video and Im not even a musician.

[@stephencoxbass]

Thank you!

[@chris197761]

I been looking for review like this one, ill make it a reference for my next bass project but a bit longer scale compared to a u kala standard scale length. Thanks for sharing this video.

[@stephencoxbass]

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

[@Sighbot]

The rubber stringed slapping sounds like it could be a solid folky groove.

[@stephencoxbass]

I'll keep that in mind!

[@pjmuck]

Do the roundwounds offer a tighter tension? One thing I have a hard time getting used to are the floppy rubber string feel and tension.

[@stephencoxbass]

pjmuck If any, not much...for plucking I play closer to the bridge to counteract the lower tension. But that's one of the struggles of such a short scale instrument.

[@benbenpotato]

The rubber strings give it the unmistakable ukulele sound. The roundwound strings make it sound like an acoustic bass, surprisingly. The rubber strings remind me of the sound of when you pluck a stretched-out rubber band, which makes me laugh. I'd love to have a u-bass!

[@stephencoxbass]

The rubber feel like giant, round rubber bands, too! Both are fun to play!

[@insertanynameyouwant5311]

that`s an interesting test, Subscribed. I don`t have any ukulele bass yet (only generic electric bass), but I have a ukulele with the thickest round wound Low-G string, and i should say it died pretty quickly and the wound was visibly corrupted on every fret. Obviously it generates more scratch sounds as well but it`s a usual thing for electric basses. What can you say about bass ukes in this aspect? For me round wound here was absolutely winner in terms of sound though, whilst rubber sounded like a toy upright bass which might be interestng on its own but not in rock music for sure

[@stephencoxbass]

There are definitely signs of string wear on every fret, but mine are still holding up alright. I've had them since September and play on them about every other day.

[@insertanynameyouwant5311]

stephencoxbass not bad actually! Also i'm sure round wound would cause frets wear as well like any instrument with metallic strings. Perhaps there`s a need in stainless steel frets if using round wound strings constantly

[@lkhdmusic]

Very thorough. Good work.

[@stephencoxbass]

Thank you!

[@thefellowshipofthefunk7004]

I totally prefer the round wounds, play them feels more like a real bass. The tension with the rubber ones is too low imo. My touch is a bit heavy so can't stand the rubber strings. Anyway, great video :)

[@stephencoxbass]

I hear you on this! You have to play much lighter than on an electric bass to get the rubber to sound right, which is why they are better for anyone with carpal tunnel or a wrist injury. I'm looking forward to the release of the metal flat wound strings...they'll have the tension of the round wounds but less fret noise.

[@mcshaggyswildadventures3952]

Love the channel man great video

[@stephencoxbass]

Thank you!

[@stateofblitz]

Great demo dude. Much appreciated. I'd be interested to hear what rounds and flats sound like using a pick? 🤔

[@stephencoxbass]

I use a pick on the Roundabout cover on the flats, I believe. Maybe I could make a short video comparing the strings picked.

[@m___motion5976]

I think you should use a felt pick for the rubber strings right?

[@mariarkenciel5769]

thank you very much for this video, it's useful

[@rogerweavers]

Thanks for the comparison. I have been playing bass guitar for many years using flat wound strings on both my fretted and fretless basses. I recently bought my first U Bass, with rubber strings, it too is fretless and I have trouble sliding up the rubber strings so I am considering changing the strings. After watching your video I think the round wounds sound a bit metallic for my style. Can you get flat wound U Bass strings? If so have you tried them on a fretless U Bass?

[@stephencoxbass]

Hi Roger, yes you can get flat wound strings. I made an updated video similar to this one that compares all three. Flat wounds are my favorites thus far. I have not tried them on a fretless, but I plan to in the near future. Here's the video comparing all three: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmm9nKKuoN2qra8

[@debakey7111]

Perfect review. Just what I was looking for!

[@stephencoxbass]

I'm glad I could help. Cheers!

[@fabioventuri7785]

Bravo!!!

[@stephencoxbass]

Thank you! Have you seen the updated version that compares the flat wounds, too? kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmm9nKKuoN2qra8

[@bdwillis8284]

Thanks, I'm going with the rounds.

[@stephencoxbass]

You're welcome, have you heard the flat wounds? Thanks for watching!

[@rb032682]

I like the black strings overall. Good demo.

[@stephencoxbass]

Thanks for watching! The Pahoehoe strings are pretty cool, aren't they?

[@peekaboo4390]

As to be expected a totally different attack, I would have loved to have also seen a set of flat wounds on a U bass Experimenting with something like rubber piping wrapping round or flat strings at the bridge end could give you the best of both world .. When my U bass arrives I will be doing some lab work on the tone versus playability. The upright tone has to do with the initial attack and piezo electric activation so dampening the piezo could be an interesting experiment.

[@stephencoxbass]

I have one up now with all three compared...they have flat wounds out now. Thanks for watching!

[@FilippoBuscemi93]

@@stephencoxbass thank you

[@stephencoxbass]

@@FilippoBuscemi93 You're welcome!

[@GarryGoodman]

3rd option: custom made stainless steel flats for you bass Ukulele:kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3rLfXavqLd6e5o

[@willarity6927]

I was hoping to hear some discussion of relative string tension, is the rubber really finger friendly? I don't have any stores I can visit up here in Wildfire, Cali.

[@stephencoxbass]

The tension is much looser on the rubber. Depending on the strings and the humidity of your environment, fingers do stick a bit, and it's harder to play fast because of this. However, it makes the fretting hand's job much easier. Thanks for watching!

[@Sonstwer]

Thank you for the comparison, not sure what i want though. I like the sound of the rubber ones, but they are not loud enough for practicing unplugged. Which ones do you prefer? A good tipp by the way, if you add timestamps in the desctiption starting with 0:00 then youtube places jump marks so that people can jump to the electic part for instance (see for example this video - its not from me : kzbin.info/www/bejne/aJbdqqyLab-Ki5Y )

[@stephencoxbass]

I personally like the newer flat wound strings. I have a newer video that compares all 3. Thank you for the idea on time stamps, I may add those later. Cheers!

[@stefanhansen5882]

Super informative. Thanks!

[@stephencoxbass]

I'm glad! Have you seen the video comparing the flat wounds, rubber, and round wounds I posted more recently? kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmm9nKKuoN2qra8 Hopefully it can add a bit more information! Thanks for watching!

[@quijadriss7650]

Can the uke support the strain of steel strings? Just because they go on doesn't mean it won't destroy the instrument. How many times have we seen someone put steel strings on a classical guitar and the bridge lifts/pops or the neck twists. That being said, I totally preferred the sound of the steel.

[@stephencoxbass]

These strings have nylon cores, so they have less tension than steel cores. I've had my exotic mahogany with round wounds for 2 years now with no issues.

[@quijadriss7650]

@@stephencoxbass ahh yes. I have heard of this. Then rock away my friend.

[@jerryellison8283]

Wow, I was expecting to like the rubber better but I much prefer the sound of the rounds. Could the microphone and amp be making a difference?

[@stephencoxbass]

It's certainly possible, but they are very different sounds. I have a video comparing both of these to the newer flat wounds as well. I prefer the playability of those the best. Thanks for watching!

[@matthewperkowski7382]

Great review. Can you change back and forth between the same strings, or do you have to get a new set, like a guitar where it won't really maintain sound? I am looking at trying to see which sounds good to my ear, but am concerned about buying multiple sets of strings as they are pretty expensive. Any thoughts would be great!

[@stephencoxbass]

I'm not completely sure on this, as I usually just buy a new U-Bass with different strings on it instead of changing the strings out 😅 I imagine the metal would suffer from being changed multiple times...but I have no clue on the rubber. If you can find a place that has basses with both, trying them out at a store/for free is the best way to save that cost...

[@matthewperkowski7382]

@@stephencoxbass Thanks. I'll give it a go and worse case only make the mistake once I guess. Already have the ubass with the rubber strings, so it is really a mater of whether the metal ones will sound more in line with my vision. Thanks again! Love the channel.

[@stephencoxbass]

@@matthewperkowski7382 The biggest downside to the metal strings is the string noise. They are pretty cool otherwise.

[@DragonValueHome]

Ok you got me at the Blues! Yes! I don't know much about this subject But, I'm into it , oddly enough! I want to see more. I do!😎

[@stephencoxbass]

Gotta love the blues! Thanks for checking it out!

[@DragonValueHome]

@@stephencoxbass Shoot I subscribed. Fantastic Work really enjoyed the education, see ya soon!

[@stephencoxbass]

@@DragonValueHome Thanks! I'm glad you like it!

[@MichaelStoneham]

I have heard that other brands make similar but different rubber strings that play better than the Kala black ones.

[@stephencoxbass]

I'm not sure if they play better, but the Aquila thunderguts are different in a lot of ways. I haven't tried enough of the other brands to have an opinion on any besides those two. Which ones have you heard about?

[@dunrobincourt]

Looking for a ubass now. Your demo and the many comments helps for info on string options.

[@stephencoxbass]

I'm glad I could help! Which one are you leaning towards?

[@SushiGabo]

Thanks for the video I think im getting rubber strings cause the metal ones sound too similar to a regular bass and I want a different sound

[@stephencoxbass]

That's a great reason for getting those

[@ben31584]

Hello there, I borrowed a Kala Journeyman with roundwounds, fell in love with the ubass and purchased a cheaper modell (baton rouge uv11-bs-scr). It arrived today and i felt quite dissappointed about the sound with the rubber strings. Long story short: Is it possible to change any bass uke to steel/roundwound strings? Or is this a speciality of the Kala models, since they are sometimes already strung with them. Cheers.

[@stephencoxbass]

Hello Ben, I'm not familiar with that brand, but the scale length mentioned for it online would work with the metal strings meant for a Kala. The main things to check are: 1. If the scale length is similar (within an inch is usually fine) 2. Does your instrument have a truss rod in case you need to adjust the neck for the added tension of the strings, and 3. Can you replace the nut with one intended for the round wounds in case the metal strings need a different height or are buzzing in the wider grooves intended for the thicker polyurethane strings? It should work, though it might require you to change the nut. However, I would only do that if the open strings are buzzing. It might work fine without that extra step. Thanks for watching!

[@cubasestudent55]

I think I prefer round wound. Thanks for the demo.

[@stephencoxbass]

Glad I could help! Have you heard the flat wounds? They are kind of a happy medium of these 2. I have a video that compares all 3 types as well. Thanks for watching!

[@robfriedrich2822]

It's interesting, with "normal" strings, the sound turns into a low classic guitar or a standard bass guitar, more bright. But I think, I will prefer the sound Ukulele Bass has with default strings.

[@stephencoxbass]

To each their own! I like having both sounds for different things, they each have a place for me.

[@robfriedrich2822]

Now I had the chance to hold an Ukulele Bass in my hands and discovered, this isn't really my business. It was a more expensive one, so I can ensure, that the reason may not, that I tested a cheap one.

[@stephencoxbass]

@@robfriedrich2822 Oh well, more for me :p It's a quirky instrument, but it suits me well. The portability makes up for some of the quirks.

[@1313CHORIZOMAN]

nice video . what strings do you prefer?

[@stephencoxbass]

Lately I've been enjoying the rubber strings, but it honestly depends on what I'm playing. If I'm working on a song with harmonics or slap bass, I prefer the metal.

[@MusicTyson]

thank for the sharing, it is very nice, I tried to use the string of normal bass and put it on my u bass, and I have intonation problem , the note at 12 fret will have halt note Sharper than the tuned open string. is it because of the normal scale length bass string?

[@stephencoxbass]

It could be the length, it could be the gauge of the string, and/or it could have to do with the string height/neck. I would recommend getting the strings specifically designed for it first…they have a nylon core instead of a metal one as well. Thanks for watching!

[@64danniboy]

What song did you use for the slap test? Thanks in advance, great video :)

[@stephencoxbass]

+64danniboy I'm just improvising mostly. I didn't have a song in mind when playing. Thanks!

[@Pensivata]

I'm an upright bass player, and clearly the round wounds are not for me. Thanks for the insights. I would, however, like to keep the sound of the rubber strings, but add something with a bit more tension - I find the rubber strings too flexible, such that I cannot articulate well when I'm playing fast with the right hand. Does anyone know if the Silver Rumblers might be a good bet? Are they flat wound? If they're round wound, I would still expect a similar sound to the metal round wounds in the video.

[@stephencoxbass]

+Pensivata I hear you, the round wounds are definitely closer to the electric bass sound. With rubber strings: try plucking closer to the bridge...the tension is higher there...I don't know much about the other types of strings yet...

[@benleydon]

I have a set of Rotosound black tapewound on an shortscale acoustic bass I made and they feel and sound amazing- they seemed fairly high tension on a normal electric bass so I thought try them - highly recommend. Very convincing upright like sound as they can be 'slapped' (in a rockabilly/pizzicato type sense, not a Bootsy Collins type slap ;) and they have enough tension to snap back.

[@idoyair]

thanks!

[@stephencoxbass]

You're welcome!

[@patrickhlavinka6364]

I'm thinking of getting one of these but I'm thinking you probably can't hear them cut through anything unplugged.

[@stephencoxbass]

They are fairly quiet unplugged. I have jammed with a guitar player with the U-Bass with round wounds, and while I could hear it just fine, he complained of it being to quiet. Thanks for watching!

[@dennisdevine9563]

Can you change strings from Rubber to Round Wound on the Kala bass?

[@stephencoxbass]

Although I've never done it, I've heard from a few people that you can. One of those people is Mike at Uke Republic. He mentioned that the strings take some time to adjust/stretch, though (rubber especially).

[@caspianx67]

How is the tension difference between rubber and round-wound? I've got arthritis in my fingers that's making playing a full-sized electric bass painful. The rubber strings are much easier on my fingers, at least on the one's I've demoed at local music shops. They haven't had any round-wound instruments to try though. Is the tension higher on the round-wounds?

[@stephencoxbass]

The round wound are definitely higher tension than the rubber. It might still be less than a full sized bass, but if you have arthritis, the rubber might be the best choice.

[@chi-chi1237]

great video man, incredibly insightful - thank you :)

[@stephencoxbass]

Thank you, Chi-Chi!

[@yournostroleeoleeolees.]

Thanks Paul ....!!!

[@stephencoxbass]

Haha, thanks for watching!

[@annaallen5575]

What kind of Amp are you using in this demo?

[@stephencoxbass]

anna allen it's plugged through a focusrite scarlet interface straight into the computer

[@HatemSelaghur]

recommend for me a pegs tuner as mine is damaged

[@stephencoxbass]

If it is a Kala, I recommend getting one off of their website. They seem to have the "Custom Hip Shot" tuners that they put on their more expensive models. I hope that helps. Thanks for watching!

Can you show us how to change strings on ubass? I want to install Aquila thundergut strings and I’d like see how I can do this. We have consider any thing important when we install strings? Thanks. From Spain, saludos!

[@stephencoxbass]

Kala has a video on it with the pahoehoes. I feel like the process is even easier with the thunderguts as in there's no need to "tie a knot" for the D and G strings. I haven't changed to new strings on any of mine except the flatwounds, but When I fixed the pickup on my fretless, I had to take the strings off and put them back on. I was able to do this just like I would with electric bass strings: Put the end in the hole in the tuner, hold the string down and tighten. If the thunderguts have a knot on one end, that's there to keep the string situated in the body of the instrument. You might have to cut the other end of the string a bit short (maybe 2-3 inches past the tuner?) so that you don't end up with too much string wrapped around the tuner's post. I hope that helps. I'm sure the ubass freaks facebook group has more members that have made the switch. They may have more advice. I'm sure I'll make a video on it soon. Cheers!

Oh, okey, I seek on Kala website and Facebook. I’m waiting for your video too. Thank you very much!

[@JackieTheCatfox]

Do you have to set your u-bass up a lot when changing from rubber to metal strings? I imagine the neck tension must be higher with the metal strings, did you have to do a lot of setup afterwards?

[@stephencoxbass]

I bought mine with metal atrings already on it. Kala recommends changing the nut out for one with the right sized grooves, but I haven't heard of much else set up-wise.

[@cindiperron]

if you're just playing in a small room, would the rubber stringed bass need to be mic'd? my husband has a stick bass with rubber strings but there's no way to play it without an amp. we were hoping for not needing to amp it. and we both vote for the sound of the rubber strings. thank you! hope you see this question :)

[@stephencoxbass]

If you are playing by yourself in a fairly quiet room, you can definitely hear it better. However, almost any other instrument is louder, so jamming still required amplification. Great question! Thanks for watching!

[@cindiperron]

@@stephencoxbass so, even a ukelele would drown it out?

[@stephencoxbass]

@@cindiperron If quietly strummed or fingerpicked, it might not drown it out. Also, you may want to pluck the U-Bass closer to the bridge to help it project some mid-range frequencies a bit more. This will help it cut through in that situation. It might work ok if done like that, I just don't want to promise for sure that it's loud enough. :) I know that the metal strings are, as I have a video of jamming with an ukulele player acoustically: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o5CufWuHZ8mrbqM

[@cindiperron]

stephencoxbass thank you!!

[@timflynn2136]

I didn't know you could put round wound strings on the u Bass. Is there a certain brand for round wound strings for U Bass?

[@stephencoxbass]

Kala makes some...they are specifically made for the U-Bass and have a nylon core.

[@JimmyHoussen]

What was the tone setting on each bass. And what was the plugged in signal path for each bass?

[@stephencoxbass]

Tone was at 5 (it's the Shadow pickup, so it only has one tone knob), and both U-Basses were plugged into a Scarlett Solo interface and recorded through Garage Band. I'm fairly certain I didn't mess with the EQ after recording, so it should just be the way the U-Bass and the Scarlett Solo interface sound as a default.

[@JimmyHoussen]

@@stephencoxbass Thanks!

[@sophovot5079]

immediately switched mine to rubber strings because the string noise was just too much with the metal ones. sadly they make slides kind of impossible

[@stephencoxbass]

Try the flat wounds if you get a chance. For me they are the happy medium between rubber and round wounds.

[@songstermusic1]

I have a journeyman ubass with round wound strings, can I just switch to the rubber strings? My fingers kill after not very long.

[@stephencoxbass]

If you switch to the rubber, you will want to replace the nut to accommodate the strings. They are a good bit thicker than the round wounds. Thanks for watching!

[@pnoynoir]

curious. don't the steel strings cause more tension than the poly? can that tiny neck handle the stress?

[@stephencoxbass]

The metal roundwounds have a nylon core to put less tension on the neck.

[@SoulTheScytheOG]

Would you say that the rubber strings are harder to play compared to the rounds? I'm thinking of picking up a similar uke bass, and I'm mostly concerned with comfort when pressing the strings down.

[@stephencoxbass]

The rubber have lower tension, so you don't have to push down hard at all to play them. The metal round wounds require a good bit more pressure. The downside is that they stick a little bit which makes plucking the strings feel a bit different than an electric bass guitar.

[@SoulTheScytheOG]

@@stephencoxbass Alright thanks that helps to know. I'll try to play one at a shop before I decide, but I'm mainly drawn to the rubber strings because they have an awesome folky sound I can't get on my full scale fender.

[@stephencoxbass]

@@SoulTheScytheOG That sound is definitely the best thing about the rubber strings. Thanks for watching!

[@jungleng]

Can a ubass that came with rubber strings be safely restrung with wound strings?

[@stephencoxbass]

Yes, as long as it has a truss rod. Sometimes it's good to replace the nut with one made for those strings specifically, too. Thanks for watching!

[@jungleng]

@@stephencoxbass Thank you so much. Could not find this information anywhere, not even the shop i bought mine from could tell me.

[@jantrim01]

have you done anything to the action of the bass? the rounds seem a bit smaller and therefore more gap between the string and fretboard.

[@stephencoxbass]

For now, I have not. I bought a U-Bass that already had the rounds on it, so Kala may have already replaced the nut with one that helps with that. Even though they are a bit high, they haven't been too hard for me to push down so far.

[@jantrim01]

stephencoxbass right. It’s an easy action just a lot of space. Thanks for the response!

[@stephencoxbass]

@@jantrim01 You're welcome!

[@jeremyalm9006]

I just got a U-bass with rubber strings. There's a LOT of string noise from my fret hand. Would wound strings produce less noise?

[@stephencoxbass]

Flat wounds will, round wounds still produce a lot. Try turning the treble knob down a good bit...hopefully that will help for now. Thanks for watching!

[@jeremyalm9006]

@@stephencoxbass I am a novice (but I do play guitar). Would you recommend trying the flat wounds, or sticking with poly? I like how the flat wounds are trebley; they should cut thru a mix better, no?

[@stephencoxbass]

@@jeremyalm9006 You may have to change the nut on the U-Bass and possibly still alter it in addition to putting the flat wound strings on. I would keep using the polyurethane for now and learn to play lightly to reduce string noise until you are willing to modify the bass slightly. Even then, there is still a decent amount of string noise, just less since the strings aren't sticky.

[@sidneiribeiro3883]

Stephen is there a rubber string that i can on a acoustic bass ?

[@stephencoxbass]

For upright bass, the closest thing I know of is gut strings. I don't know if there are full scale acoustic bass guitar rubber strings, but there might be some tape wounds. Great question!

[@darkomtc]

Do they have similar tension? I mean, can I put Round Wound (metal) strings on any U-Bass that came with Rubber strings originally?

[@stephencoxbass]

They have slightly more tension, but they are designed to work on most bass ukuleles. However, I would recommend putting them on models that have a truss rod just in case (the Kalas have them, some cheaper Chinese brands might not).

[@darkomtc]

@@stephencoxbass Thank you very much!

[@stephencoxbass]

@@darkomtc You're welcome!

[@damiansalad2566]

is it possible to convert a normal ukulele into a ubass im going to try it either way but im gonna gave to do something with the tuners to fit the large strings

[@stephencoxbass]

That's an interesting idea...you have to modify it a great deal...maybe a new bridge and a new nut to fit the strings properly as well. Let me know how it goes!

[@sesa1076]

Hi, I’m thinking of getting one of these for my fiancée who plays fiddle and tinkers with bass fir us. Aesthetically, it would be adorable to get her the f-hole one cause she’s a fiddle and cellist, but I’m wondering if you have an opinion in wether they sound better or worse, I imagine acoustically the f-hole is quieter? I love the rubber strings too, we play mostly old-time, and the upright bass thump comes through with those.

[@stephencoxbass]

Acoustically, both varieties are probably too quiet for jams. I would buy based on aesthetics since the instruments are fairly similar otherwise. Thank you for watching!

[@sesa1076]

I saw a video where a guy plugged one in with a bluegrass band and, eyes closed, I might have thought it was an upright. Real cool sound.

[@stephencoxbass]

@@sesa1076 I had someone at a cofffee shop come up to me and say something very similar. They are cool instruments!

[@sesa1076]

Yeah, I lived in Hawaii for a year and became very familiar with ukuleles, but never saw one of these until just recently on KZbin. Thought it was a gimmick at first and almost didn’t give it the time if day but I like the sound y’all are gettin..

[@stephencoxbass]

@@sesa1076 The sound is everything 🙂

[@jazzlynr0se]

i MUST KNOW what is the name of the first song that was played ?!?!?

[@stephencoxbass]

It's a really common 12 bar blues bass line. For some reason the names of particular songs are escaping me, but it's quite common. Thanks for watching!

[@TheWeekendYogurt]

How long do the Aquila thunder black strings last?

[@stephencoxbass]

I don't know for sure, but the Thunder Gut strings have lasted me for multiple years, so I imagine they might do the same if not mistreated. Thanks for watching!

[@danieledanny9625]

hi did you try to compare with a fretless ukubass?thanx

[@stephencoxbass]

I don't own a fretless to compare it with, but round wounds on a full sized electric bass typically leave grooves on the fretboard (unless coated or ebony). I would recommend waiting on the flatwounds that are (hopefully) going to be on the market later this year if you want metal strings on a fretless U-bass.

[@danieledanny9625]

@@stephencoxbass yep? The flat should be awesome i hope so...

[@stephencoxbass]

@@danieledanny9625 I got to try them out at NAMM, but they were on a fretted U-Bass. They feel good, though! More tension than rubber, sturdy feeling strings.

[@danieledanny9625]

@@stephencoxbass yes?in a fretless uke? it's a good miaoww ?

[@danieledanny9625]

@@stephencoxbass i don't find any video on youtube...

[@ZacCostilla]

Which strings would you recommend for a more upright sound, the original Pahoehoe sets or the Aquila thunder guts or Thunder reds?

[@stephencoxbass]

I haven't tried the Thunder reds, and it's been awhile since I've played the Pahoehoes. I think they all have the ability to, but if you can get past the string noise, the thunder guts have been great for me. The advantage of the Pahoehoes is less string noise.

[@idoyair]

maybe you can help with this, I'm not a musician-bassist, I got here seeking info on Ubass as I'm looking for a bass with more high frequencies and less lows, especially in the low strings, any thoughts? I saw there are small scale and 3/4 basses, but didn't see good comparisons like yours so don't know… cheers

[@stephencoxbass]

If you are plugging the bass in, pretty much any bass can have the lows turned down and the high frequencies boosted via tone knobs. If you are playing acoustically, smaller scale basses will have less lows, as will smaller bodied basses, as the low frequencies need a larger body to project. Thanks for watching!

[@idoyair]

@@stephencoxbass thanks Stephen

[@stephencoxbass]

@@idoyair You're welcome. I hope that helped!

[@valueofnothing2487]

I find the rubber to buzz when I play. Are the round ones easier to play so there is less buzz

[@stephencoxbass]

The rubber require a lighter touch to not buzz. While the round wound buzz less, they can still have string noise when playing (especially when changing positions).

[@ZeAeiou]

can we mount normal roundwound bass strings on there ?

[@stephencoxbass]

I wouldn't, as the roundwound strings made for U-bass are sized differently and have a nylon core. Normal full scale bass strings would end up with a much different tension when tuned the same.

[@ZeAeiou]

@@stephencoxbass thank you for your answer ! do you think regular nylon strings made for shortscale basses would do the trick ? it seems like it's pretty hard to find nylon u bass strings in switzerland and amazon doesn't always ship to switzerland.

[@iperTONYco]

does metal strings stay on tune more than the rubber one? is it possible to put on the ubass without change the nut? is it safe for the neck to put metal strings?

[@stephencoxbass]

My experience has been that the metal strings stay in tune better than the Pahoehoe strings in this video, but the Aquila Thunderguts (white-ish "rubber" strings) also stay in tune very well. You can put the round wounds on without replacing the nut, but sometimes it might cause a rattle. As far as the neck, these round wound strings have a nylon core, which reduces their tension a bit. As long as the U-Bass has a truss rod, they cause no issues. All Kalas have a truss rod, but some of the cheaper brands do not. Thanks for watching!

[@stephencoxbass]

I wanted to add, if putting the round wounds on, I would only replace the nut if you have issues after trying them with the current nut.

[@iperTONYco]

@@stephencoxbass thanks a lot for the answer really apprecciate

[@floydthebarber9956]

Stephen... I have the round wounds on a Wanderer and am having an intonation problem on the E string. Where would you look to correct the problem? Thank you in advance.

[@stephencoxbass]

Hmm...that one's a bit over my head...I'm not sure what to do to correct that. It could involve replacing the saddle...but hopefully nothing that drastic.

[@kurthahn3966]

First thing is always, replace the string.

[@SutekiRedux]

I know this is years old but my brain cannot comprehend how you got the notes to go higher as you went up the neck of the u bass

[@stephencoxbass]

Are you talking about the use of harmonics? There are spots on the strings you can touch lightly that have certain pitches. Touch the string with the fretting hand over the 12th, 7th, or 5th fret, and don't push down. Pluck with the other hand like normal. It will ring with a tone more similar to a bell. Thanks for watching!

[@SutekiRedux]

@@stephencoxbass ah okay thank you! I'll defentitly try that once my U-Bass comes in soon ^^

[@Thallishman]

i find the 'Rubber' strings sound more flattering on the ukulele bass

[@stephencoxbass]

They have a great sound for imitating an upright bass and Motown songs, for sure!

[@petrusathayde5524]

Hi! These round wound strings are specifc for U Bass?

[@stephencoxbass]

Yes, U-Bass and other bass ukuleles that are the same scale length. Great question!