Kala U-bass with Round Wound Strings - Review

[@stephencoxbass]

To get the U-Bass, you can go here: amzn.to/2M12c79 , and for the round wound strings: amzn.to/2LGY0NW 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!

[@WinnyD1]

Would the metal string fit on another brand ? I have a donner ubass dub 1

[@stoutlager6325]

I think I prefer the standard rubber strings for these. Sound with roundwounds is less distinctively uBass and more electric bass-lite.

[@G17x]

Exactly

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@G17x It sounds more like a Proper Acoustic Bass

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@G17x Flatwounds however will save the frets from scratches.

[@harveyestes6766]

I think the short scale makes it a lot easier to sing and play bass with this instrument. It's the only short scale bass I've ever seen that put out a sound that I like.

[@stephencoxbass]

Harvey Estes I don't even know how they thought to do it, but the result does provide a nice tone! The short scale allows me to voice chords on it to sing along to, as well. Have you listened to my rendition of Norwegian Wood yet? kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZbYnIN5ltaeaKM

[@bladesaint21mr]

Very informative points of pros vs cons of rubber strings.

[@stephencoxbass]

Thank you, Mel. I hope it was helpful.

[@stefanhansen5882]

Well, if you look elsewhere, you will see that the rubber strings works with slapping, harmonics etc. See this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rHvKmX2dqLqKas0

[@stephencoxbass]

@@stefanhansen5882 You are right, and it is possible to get those out of the rubber strings, it's just harder. Also, I believe the pickup is different on the solid body models, and those are a much higher price range. I have gotten slap and harmonics out of the rubber strings, but they both project better with round wounds.

[@DuffTV]

Thanks for the demo. I really liked it when you had it plugged in via the mixer. I so wish everyone would demo instruments this way for it sounds so good.

[@stephencoxbass]

I'm glad you found it helpful!

[@cbmlgia]

Seriously solid review. Objective and very informative!

[@ingoboeddinghaus]

Thank you, I learn a lot from you with my 55 years, Keep it up Greeting Ingo from Germany

[@stephencoxbass]

Thank you, Ingo! I'm glad you enjoy the videos!

[@sunjamrblues]

Good review, Stephen. I've only tried the rubbery polyurethane strings, and they were a delight to play. Very kind to my fingers.

[@stephencoxbass]

They definitely take less effort to play. Thanks for watching!

[@popitn2nd]

I really like the rubber black pahoehoe strings sounds but every time you play the bass, you have to tune it up all the time. I hope the make some improvement on these strings as far as not being too stretchy.

[@stephencoxbass]

There are a lot of other string options...I think the thunderguts stay in tune a little bit better, but they seem stickier. The metal do stay in tune longer, though.

[@rockemsockemrusbot684]

Very interesting instrument it seems to be one of a kind

[@stephencoxbass]

U-Basses are very cool, aren't they? Thanks for watching!

[@jacobmeyers3446]

Thanks for the video. If I ever get a u-bass this would be it. it seems perfect for me personally. Anyway you did a great job reviewing it. I just found your channel today and subscribed.

[@stephencoxbass]

Thank you! Have you looked at the ebony model U-Bass? It's similar and very cool as well. Also, they make flat wound strings now as well. Cheers!

[@jacobmeyers3446]

No I haven't. I'm actually not looking for a u-bass I have an acoustic electric bass that I love very much. But if I was looking for a u-bass I would get one that feels and sounds similar to an acoustic electric bass. Anyway thanks for the reply. I look forward to watching all the videos you have done so far.

[@stephencoxbass]

@@jacobmeyers3446 Thanks for watching! Good luck on finding the perfect U-Bass...they are different for sure. The portability is nice, though. I hope you enjoy the videos. Cheers!

[@DadPlaysBass]

I got the exact model yesterday! I ordered round strings now I’m just waiting for it. Rubber stringer are cool but very quiet

[@stephencoxbass]

It's been a great U-Bass for me! I still have the same strings on it over 5 years later, and they aren't nearly as bright now, but they are still working great for me! I hope you enjoy it!

[@michaelkaiser5746]

Are the roundwound strings still nylon core? I just picked up the exact same U-Bass used and it has the silicone rubber strings and I'd like to switch to the roundwound for the acoustic projection but I don't know if it's a different U-Bass that takes the roundwounds.

[@stephencoxbass]

+Michael Kaiser I believe they are nylon core.

[@jefflower6483]

Can I buy the exotic mahogany u bass with rubber strings and change them for the round wound? Without any serious problems I mean

[@stephencoxbass]

My understanding is that you can. I've never done it, but I from talking to Mike at Uke Republic, it works well.

[@mal2ksc]

It sounds a fair bit like a P-bass to me, which is not a bad thing at all. Being amenable to slapping and popping makes it even better suited for the styles where a P-bass would normally be employed.

[@stephencoxbass]

+Scott Sakurai It has a slight element of P-bass tone. It has its own sound as well. I like that it can be slapped.

[@hyabussa5747]

I went with the Ohana UB-22 instead of the Kala offering and there as well the round wounds were less than stellar. Though expensive I found a single maker of stainless flat wounds for my ubass. I wonder if he'd make for the kala....

[@stephencoxbass]

George Berard I've been curious about that for awhile...I should ask them at some point! Congrats on your Bass Uke!

[@hyabussa5747]

Octave4Plus custom made stainless steel flat wounds are on my Ohana..lol sorry took so long to be specific. Love your ubass coaching btw!

[@stephencoxbass]

Thanks!

[@f1948s]

Excellent review Stephen. Thank you.

[@stephencoxbass]

You're welcome! Thank you for watching!

[@MarcoBasile_MarkBasile]

Can i put these strings on every ukulele bass, like donner for exanple...

[@stephencoxbass]

Hey Mark, sorry for the delayed reply! As long as your instrument has a truss rod, it should be ok, although you might want to change the nut out as the strings might sit a bit high. Cheers!

[@Smoll_Beanie]

And this is BASSically what there is to offer with this ukulele right? ;D

[@stephencoxbass]

Evelyn Story yep, bassed on a true story!

[@Smoll_Beanie]

Nice one!

[@Smoll_Beanie]

:D

[@hgrunt100]

I am picking up a pack of these round-wounds for my Zebrawood Kala. I'm wondering if you had to purchase a new nut for yours, due to buzzing. I'm seeing some conflicted info, some folks say you absolutely need to re-nut these after switching from the Polys

[@stephencoxbass]

I had them put on before purchasing this one. Most people do recommend getting the new nut, though.

[@glennlopez6772]

What is the upright bass against the wall. The neck looks very thin! Thanks for the video.

[@stephencoxbass]

That's a Shen SB80. I think it's just the angle it's leaning against the wall that makes the neck look so thin.

[@ModernVintageFilm]

@@stephencoxbass super nice! I have a SB88

[@floydthebarber9956]

Steven... I bought the Wanderer model with the rubber strings. The action seems really high but since the rubber strings are easy to fret it doesn't make a difference. Two questions: 1) Have you noticed high action on any of your Kala U-Basses with rubber strings? 2) Did you have to adjust the set-up with the round wounds on this model? (Or would you if you were to install wounds on any of your other U-Basses?) Thank you.

[@stephencoxbass]

The action has been moderately high on the ones with rubber strings that I own. I think that's a good thing because the rubber strings vibrate wider than the metal ones...so it lessens fret buzz. My round wound U-basses are different models, and both came with them already installed. There seems to be a very good bit of knowledge on changing the strings out for round wounds on some Facebook groups and forums (A group called U-Bass Freaks had some posts about it recently). I hope that helps. I like my Wanderer, but it takes some adjusting to play the rubber strings! Thump on, and congratulations!

[@GlauberJoe]

This or a fretless P or J Bass for an double bass rockabilly sound? Does any of them do that slap sound like an double bass? I'd only use for that specific genre by the way cuz I have an pbass for all my other needs. I don't have a room for a giant 3/4 upright bass so that's out of the question. I've watched some videos on how to get a Upright bass sound out of an electric bass but I'm thinking of getting one just for that style, and from the vids they sound really good so which one would you choose? Thanks and great videos!

[@VideoRecapBot]

Love this dude. The Dwight Schrute of the Bass world.

[@stephencoxbass]

That's one I haven't heard yet.

[@jimmycello]

This t-shirt is amazing

[@stephencoxbass]

Jim Guru It's from the Paul McCartney show in Atlanta a few years ago! It was incredible seeing him live!

[@aaronsazon2835]

Hello, are the strings long enough out of the package to put on a 25” scale guitar? Thank you

[@stephencoxbass]

I'm not too sure about that...They're a bit longer than the 20" scale they're intended for, but I don't recall the length being quite that substantial. My guess is no.

[@jannetoropainen9865]

Nice video i love ur videos all of them. But i need To say that double bass In the back i think its wrong way beacuse the strings are against the wall.

[@stephencoxbass]

Thank you! Maybe for videos I should turn it around...but it protects the bridge and takes less space facing this way for storage purposes.

[@jannetoropainen9865]

@@stephencoxbass oh okay but anyway good video My friend

[@stephencoxbass]

@@jannetoropainen9865 But I like the suggestion for videos...I may start doing that. Great idea!

[@manu-kj5hy]

Merci Très instructif !

[@stephencoxbass]

De rien!

[@jimcummings4712]

That sounds really nice.

[@stephencoxbass]

Thank you!

[@mamamarcccszwedoski2672]

You are so bad ass! Thank you for creating these videos! You’re amazing!

[@stephencoxbass]

Thank you! I'm glad you are enjoying them!

[@punchfukker3383]

have you tried flatwounds on it yet? I want a bass uke but I'm such a flatwound-bound boy!

[@stephencoxbass]

Not on this particular model, but here's a video I made with the flatwounds on the Journeyman: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmm9nKKuoN2qra8 I like them a lot!

[@gurigran1799]

Excelent information, thanks.

[@rockeyrocket1224]

Yea can any u bass take those strings as replacements. The thing that bugs me about the silicone strings is that they are very tacky on my fingers.

[@stephencoxbass]

I agree! I'm really excited about the new flat wound strings...I need to get a set soon!

[@Xcorgi]

I like this version with the flatwounds much better than the rubber strings. Mainly because there’s no rubber string learning curve and it sounds way more like my Hofner 500/1 Beatle bass.

[@stephencoxbass]

I made an updated version of this video including the flat wounds. I made a similar comparison, that it sounds a lot like Paul McCartney's tone on the Hofner with a pick.

[@BassFreedom]

I just got one of these beauts with roundwounds! When RECORDING it, are you just going DI, are you doing anything to it in post-production?

[@stephencoxbass]

DI into a Scarlett Solo, I don't even think I changed eq afterwards...

[@padreray2904]

Please, a review of the Luna Ukulele Bass

[@stephencoxbass]

Padre Ray If I can figure out where to find/borrow one, I'd be happy to

[@danieledanny9625]

Nice,it's play like an acoustic bass?

[@stephencoxbass]

daniele borbotti Mostly...just the string tension feels different

[@clawhammer704]

Tuned as a regular bass?

[@stephencoxbass]

Yes, EADG

[@clawhammer704]

That's great....this will be something good for country and bluegrass.

[@stephencoxbass]

Speaking of Bluegrass: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4XOnKd5bbZoq9E

[@jeffreyedwards6402]

Why is it so hard to get the E string to not sound like crap?

[@stephencoxbass]

@@jeffreyedwards6402 I don't think it sounds like crap, but the shorter scale with larger strings makes it harder to support the low frequencies.

[@mariadelaocuenta]

Do YOU play the double bases too.

[@stephencoxbass]

Yes, there are other videos on my channel where you can hear me play double bass (most of them are over a year old, but they are on here).

[@stephencoxbass]

@@supercoolgamer35 I'm not quite sure...I know you can order them, but some shop is bound to carry them...

[@thumbs3000]

How does it sound when the strings get a bit old? Your video sounds great and I like the idea of this bass. But it might get annoying having to find strings and restring it over time. What strings would you use if you restrung it?

[@stephencoxbass]

I still have those strings on 3 years later, and they aren't quite as bright but still sound good. I have another with the flat wound strings that I use more. The flat wounds are my favorites.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

I have a 5 String Bass w/ a Low B which gives me more range

[@stephencoxbass]

A 5 string upright? I enjoy my 5 string electric for the extra range as well. Thanks for watching!

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@stephencoxbass Thomas & George Cleverly solved the playability problem of the 5 string Upright Bass by improving the setup.

[@rastabooze9668]

is it easier to play the rubber strings, based on the power you need to press the strings, compared to the round wound strings?

[@stephencoxbass]

Yes, it is easier because they have a lower tension.

[@rastabooze9668]

@@stephencoxbass appreciate! :)

[@JesusChrist5000]

Do you think ukele basses will make acoustic uprights obsolete? I play an upright bass, and seeing these u basses makes me uneasy lol

[@stephencoxbass]

No, they don't sound the same and you can't bow them. Upright will always have its place. Thanks for watching!

[@stevetheplumberbreeding7402]

Good review!! I love my U Bass as well!!

[@stephencoxbass]

Thank you! What model do you have?

[@diekeyser]

hello. on a scale from one to ten how loud is the bass acoustically. can I jam with an acoustic guitar in a hotel room?

[@stephencoxbass]

I would say yes with the round wounds, and no with the "rubber." If the guitarist is a super loud strummer, then it still might drown out the U-bass regardless.

[@stephencoxbass]

1 to 10: Maybe a 5

[@diekeyser]

stephencoxbass thanks for the reply

[@craighartsough3964]

Are you using short scale strings? What gauge? Thanks!

[@stephencoxbass]

+Craig Hartsough they are kala silver plated round wounds...I don't know if there's more than one gauge available. They are made for the u-bass

[@TheSzaki58]

This is not mahogany, but maple in mahogany color. Looks good.

[@stephencoxbass]

+Gergely Illés According to Kala, it is mahogany, not maple. I just double checked their website. I love the way it looks, too!

[@MrHarrygames]

hey bro . I really wanted to know about passive ubasses and can it be done . Is there an example of such instruments

[@stephencoxbass]

While I haven't heard of it being done, the technology probably does exist. It may not sound as good, there's probably a reason why they do it the way they do. My upright bass pickup doesn't require a battery, so it's passive and relies on the vibration of the instrument rather than the way a magnetic pickup works (like a U-Bass pickup)...but the downside is there's no EQ setting before it reaches the amp. Great question!

[@LeftyJazzBass74]

I have a dumb question- do the rounds install similarly to standard electric bass strings in terms of how they wrap around the tuner posts? Or do they need to be wrapped like the rubber strings? Thanks in advance.

[@stephencoxbass]

I did not put the round wounds on mine (it came with them), but I did install the flat wounds like a normal electric bass, so I assume (by looking at it, too) that it was done just like a normal electric bass with no fancy way of wrapping. I think that's a great question.

[@LeftyJazzBass74]

Thanks man

[@stephencoxbass]

@@LeftyJazzBass74 You're welcome.

[@frieber247]

What is that instrument on your background?

[@stephencoxbass]

That's a double bass. It's a Shen SB-80 model, I think

[@frieber247]

@@stephencoxbass ty

[@mikenash4216]

Hi, have you tried flatwounds on this U-Bass?

[@stephencoxbass]

I only have them on my Journeyman. I'm sure they would sound great on this one, though!

[@mikenash4216]

@@stephencoxbass would love to know your thoughts if you ever do fit them.

[@stephencoxbass]

@@mikenash4216 If/when I do, I'll let you know.

[@littlewoodenboy1971]

Much appreciated. Respect.

[@stephencoxbass]

Thank you!

[@edwinparsons2619]

Great review im getting ☝

[@stephencoxbass]

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

[@marvinthemaniac7698]

I highly doubt the Kala U-bass can be played acoustically with the standard rubber strings.

[@stephencoxbass]

If you play near the bridge and get a punchier sound, it might cut enough to accompany an ukulele, but for the most part the rubber strings are too quiet. I'd have to agree with you.

[@marvinthemaniac7698]

@@stephencoxbass why thank you sir.

[@RockClass101]

Nice review!

[@stephencoxbass]

Thanks!

[@existentialopal721]

6:23 I suppose so. But I just think they sound better :)

[@stephencoxbass]

They certainly sound better for certain styles. Have you heard the flat wounds yet? Thanks for watching!

[@existentialopal721]

@@stephencoxbass flat wounds? No I do not believe so.

[@stephencoxbass]

@@existentialopal721 Here's my video comparing the flats, rounds, and the polyurethane strings if you want to hear them: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmm9nKKuoN2qra8

[@SimonWojcik1]

Great job on the review, Stephen. I am shopping for my first Ukelele Bass. This was very helpful. Thank You.

[@stephencoxbass]

Simon Wojcik I'm glad it helped! Did you see the video comparing the rubber to round wounds? It might also help. Thank you!

[@Vonoska]

Is it impossible to get slap and harmonics out of rubber strings? The Davie504 vid of him playing one seems like he can do most things on the rubber strings. The only thing I've heard of being an issue with the rubber strings is sliding on the bottom two strings. Great video!

[@stephencoxbass]

Vonoska you can slap on them, but it creates a different sound than the metal strings. the round wounds sound more like it would on a full scale electric. Thank you for sharing, I'll have to check out his video!

[@veridisquofg]

Hey! How did you restring this? Is it the same process of the rubber strings?

[@stephencoxbass]

This one came with the round wounds already on it.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@UCOnQKMdXeLtaolWHpnHAbIA These Round Wound Nylon Core strings make it sound like a Proper Acoustic Bass Guitar.

[@stephencoxbass]

Yes they do...I sold my full scale acoustic bass guitar after having this for a while. The biggest advantage to the full scale is that it projects louder acoustically, but I found very few scenarios where I needed that...a small battery powered amp helps for the U-Bass in those scenarios.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@stephencoxbass Taylor Guitars now makes a GS Mini Bass which is a little bit bigger than the UBass so it's going to have the same sound as the Full Scale Bass Guitar. Taylor GS Mini Bass Strings have a Nylon Core so they're easier to press down.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@stephencoxbass A Boss Kantana air would work. A UBass strung w/ Metal Round Wound Strings as a Mini Acoustic Bass Guitar is much easier to bag around than a Full Scale Acoustic Bass Guitar cause you're less likely to bump the Bass.

[@RockStarOscarStern634]

@@stephencoxbass There could be more scenarios like maybe Busking or live preformances, but that'll be in the future. A Taylor GS Mini Bass might be interesting.

[@existentialopal721]

5:07 I own a mini bass. The strings rolling when I bend them has never been an issue for me.

[@stephencoxbass]

The shorter scale of the Kala has more of this issue. Do the strings for the mini bass have a nylon core?

[@flavioserci6046]

After this video I'll have need of two basses!

[@stephencoxbass]

Which one do you have now? Thanks for watching!

[@darrendemarr346]

why did I watch this, dang you, now I have to go out and get this bass! 😁

[@stephencoxbass]

Oops, my bad 😂 Thanks for watching!

[@darrendemarr346]

@@stephencoxbass and it will arrive tomorrow, thanks for the great review

[@sdflsksdfsksafsdfsdofssldk8444]

man, i like your t-shirt.

[@stephencoxbass]

Thank you!

[@jillgeary1313]

Thanks for the review, Stephen. Nice! I own 2 fretless UBasses (acoustic/electric), a fretted Hutch Hutchinson model, a California solid-body Koa with rounds on it, and a Timber bass. I would love to have you review the solid body California Kala and the Timber bass (by Magic Fluke Company). kzbin.info/www/bejne/onq2lWd3qZ2ImpY What I like about the Timber bass is the neck is thinner, the thumb rest, and the comfort of it. Thanks for your lessons on Rockclass 101 too!

[@stephencoxbass]

Jill Geary Thanks, Jill! Those would be fun to review! Hopefully I'll get to at some point! :)

[@bartmuz]

3:43 Playing "slap" technics on it is one of the worst idea.... not for this kind of bass

[@stephencoxbass]

I find it fascinating that over the course of years, you have posted this kind of comment 3 times on different videos of mine. You are certainly entitled to your opinion, but why spend the time repeating yourself?

[@lawrencegenereux8567]

@@stephencoxbass Bartmuz isn't the only player who feels that way, he's just the only one who's vocal about it. I agree with him. It makes me cringe.

[@longdongbongchong]

Is there a lot of cox in the family?

[@williammagee3014]

Is this guy jeff kaplan's brother or some shit?

[@prestoncoonce543]

2:16 I think he means hammer on. Just for the future use hammer on because that's the correct term

[@stephencoxbass]

Hammer ons are what the left hand is doing, tapping is what the right hand is doing. It's essentially like a hammer on from nothing with the right hand (just pushing down hard enough to hear a sound, not necessarily coming from another note).

[@stephencoxbass]

There's a section of Eddie Van Halen's "Eruption" that is probably the most well known use of this technique.

[@dannylutz194]

or just search Billy Sheehan tapping to see the technique masterfully done on a bass.

[@colehalford1893]

This guy presents himself as a music teacher. 👍

[@hannahhhidk]

*u-bassically*

[@stephencoxbass]

Your comment is bassically just bananas!

[@yandijunsetiadi7022]

He's face look like young mr.bean..lol

[@theeuprise]

5:47

[@joemo1033]

Slapa' da base!

[@maronara3398]

Another con for me is not being able to afford it

[@stephencoxbass]

It's tough, especially now! I hope you can in the near future!

[@maronara3398]

@@stephencoxbass I hope so too thank you

[@maronara3398]

@@stephencoxbass let me know if you ever don't need it ;)

[@celestialband]

He kinda defeated the purpose of it

[@stephencoxbass]

Who defeated the purpose of what?

[@celestialband]

@@stephencoxbass it’s supposed to have rubber strings

[@stephencoxbass]

@@celestialband They do traditionally have the rubber strings, yes. I personally like having all the string options that are avaiable now. For certain contexts I still prefer the polyurethane strings, but it's nice to have these for contexts like slap.

[@celestialband]

@@stephencoxbass respectable

[@colehalford1893]

This guy presents himself as a music teacher. 👍

[@stephencoxbass]

Cole Halford what gave it away?