Kala U-Bass Ukulele (Nik West sig model) California Bass Uke Review

[@nancygeren8806]

Very informative video. I really appreciated the side by side comparisons since I now have both the Kala acoustic and the CAL U-Bass. I received the Cali today and out of the box it would not produce sound even though I was trying on two amps and two different cables plus there was no info included about what the knobs do though I could guess and figure it out if I could get the bass to play. I remembered this video from months ago and got on to discover what's what. Bingo. Besides identifying what knobs do what, you showed the back of the bass with an inset of the back plate removed to show a 9 volt battery. So, after finding the right, small Phillips screwdriver, I opened up the back and discovered that the battery was there but not plugged in. Now it works. Sometimes Kala ships the instrument with the battery detached so it does not drain. Makes sense, but they don't tell you this. Cautions to new buyers: 1) if your bass won't produce sound, it's probably the battery 2) you have to have the right screwdriver to get to the battery. I know this is long, but you saved the day before Kala got back to me...and the U-Bass sounds great.

[@UkuleleWales]

So glad to have helped Nancy and loving hearing your have a cali too, fab instruments. Yes, I've been caught out by batteries before but you did the right thing checking cables and amps too and glad you are all sorted. Rock on!

[@xdr8kx]

This is so so SO helpful. I recently opened a music school and needed a bass option for little ones. This is perfect !!!

[@UkuleleWales]

Glad to be helping. This particular bass ukulele isn't made any more and was expensive but there are lots of bass ukulele options and some much cheaper too. If you haven't seen this, might help a little more. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b2mqmIWLeNd6h80

[@xdr8kx]

@@UkuleleWales I watched a ton of your videos before purchasing a Kala u bass. I opted for that one because of the convenience of the built in tuner. So far it has been a hit!

[@jillgeary1313]

Kala makes - and sells - a rectangular hard case made for the solid Ubass. In the States it's on sale as I write this (October 2020). Hope that helps!

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Jill. Yep, I have seen it but if I'm honest, I really fancy something a bit different (don't eben know if what I want?? exists! LOL) Really appreciated the heads up though, Thanks

[@uknavynige]

Purple is my favourite colour,it’s very underrated lol. I’ve got a ukebass on order and I’m looking forward to learning with your help. Thanks for the videos please keep them coming.xxx

[@UkuleleWales]

With you completely on the purple thing!! We'll start a purple uke bass gang one day. LOL

[@reggietheroman]

Figured you like purple when i saw your car on IG haha. Love your ubass videos!

[@UkuleleWales]

LOL! Thanks Reggie. No I just some nice sun so I can go to play my ukulele with the roof down on Monty (my purple mini). Glad you are enjoying the bass videos.

[@oldmanzen6682]

If you're still looking for a case, you may want to check local builders to see if you can get someone to make you one. I'd suggest someone like Crimson Guitars, but that's likely overkill. You'd just need someone good with simple builds who owns the tools required for the job. Considering the cost of that u-bass, it'd be a good idea to get a hard case. Great video as always. Thanks for the review.

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks for the case suggestions, I got a really padded Kala gigbag for now will definitely be looking again in the future. Thanks

[@MimiMitina]

wow this U bass looks so cool :D

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Mimi, I'm totally in love with it.

[@JuzAkidT]

Nice review ~ I had an older solid body ubass .. but the action too high when I change to round wound .. I heard the newer solid body are able to adjust the truss rod , are your one of those ?? Where exactly is the truss rod on it ? Can’t seem to see it in the head

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, this one doesn't have a trussrod and I think they have stopped putting roundwounds on them now but I've had no problems with this one and I know they designed with the roundwounds in mind for Nik West as she plays a lot of slp bass.

[@markattardo]

Cool bass! Is the neck wider on the Cali? I can't decide if it just looks that way because it's maple and a lighter color.

[@UkuleleWales]

Totally agree, a very cool bass. Just checked, the nut width is 45mm, same as my Kala electro acoustic u-bass and my cheaper "Pinky" solid body bass uke. Hope that helps.

[@markattardo]

@@UkuleleWales Thanks for responding!

[@robcue4543]

Can you please Play the Bass Cords to Thin Lizzy Sugar Blues? Ukulele Wales Rocks!

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Rob. I'm going to try and do some bass stuff soon, can't promise for a particular song yet but will certainly try.

[@nortbulinga]

🥰 ,this instrument uku bass sounds so really good😉 !are you planing on doing a little training with this ? hope ! 😅☺️

[@UkuleleWales]

I will try and put some basic bass lessons together soon. Thanks for the lovely comment. :-)

[@1okanaganguy]

So, is it a tiny bass or a uke?

[@UkuleleWales]

Million dollar question........... IMHO, the electro acoustics are more ukulele like but LOVE my solid body bass ukes! LOL

[@fabiobianchini8922]

I like this solid Uke bass, but the colour is terribile for a male! This model is avalaible in other colours? And then, is it avalaible on Amazon?

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Fabio, this model is only this colour but Kala do other California U-bass models. There are some on Amazon some of the times. kalabrand.com/pages/california-ubass-series

[@fabiobianchini8922]

You're very kind, thanks

[@АртурОводОвод]

Its like Music man Stingray bass. Good sound :)

[@UkuleleWales]

It does have a great sound, as does the Music man basses.