Kala Solid Body U Bass Review - New for 2023 - With Sound Demos

[@UkuleleWales]

👉 I hope you enjoyed the review of the new Kala Solid Body U-Bass, I certainly have had fun with my new bass. Kala Rambles - New Solid Body Kala U Bass - Mike Upton Kala President Interview - kzbin.info/www/bejne/hHLHpYqNidNoprc New Kala U Bass For 2023 - Breaking News! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqW6nXmAd9GDlbM

[@RichardGarcia93]

I work for Kala in their USA east coast shop and we just started receiving these. When one gets ordered they get set up and sent out. They’re very cool!

[@UkuleleWales]

Loved reading this, Thank You so much for the heads up. I know loads of people who have now already bought them. Thanks again. 🥰

[@TheDarklady28]

I love mine!! I am learning to play little River band “ Help Is On it’s Way” and that beginning pop and hammer on is not easy but I’m gonna do it! It’s so awesome ❤😊 I also own a wanderer ubass black “ rubber “ bass. When I go to do the hammer on after the pop I go under the string to pop it then hammer on. I guess that’s ok! Idk but it works best😅 I too have the sunburst. Wanted the cream color but just couldn’t wait😂

[@UkuleleWales]

Fab to hear you have one too. I do love mine and even more now I have put flatwound strings on it. I really need to do some practice with my pop and hammer ones. I find them much easier on the metal strings, it is possible on the rubber but does take getting used to it. 👍

[@loree3212]

Oh Rachel, I can’t wait! Looking forward to August to purchase one!!! 😊

[@UkuleleWales]

Hopefully very soon Loree, hopefully VERY soon. 🤞

[@ritchiesims1369]

I just bought one to test my theory that magnetic pickups beat piezo (jury's still out), and i was lucky to buy with it the official Kala flats, which are made by LaBella, and yes, you're right, they go together very well indeed!

[@Paul.A.Cotton]

I’ve recently purchased this exact model based on Rachel’s critique, love it to bits - thanks Rachel

[@UkuleleWales]

I am so glad you love it Paul. I have to admit, every time I play either of the Kalas I just think WOW! 🥰

[@Paul.A.Cotton]

@@UkuleleWales 👍

[@titichartay7216]

Gave me a nostalgic smile when you played "Sunshine of my love" & a laugh out loud on your "feel good " musical pun ! Stay grooving Hope your woofers are good. Titi & Harpo

[@UkuleleWales]

Both great tunes! Thanks Titi and Stan and Idris say work. 😊

[@oldmanzen6682]

Love that bass more every time I see it. I'm really curious what it would look like without that massive pick guard. Not that there's anything wrong with the pick guard, but I'm curious how well finished it is underneath it, and if you could choose to go that route. I'll have to keep an eye out for them in my neck of the woods. Thanks for the demo.

[@UkuleleWales]

My pleasure and yes, would love to see it with a pick guard but in the case, I’m guessing the hardware is all under there so probably not missing much sunburst. Will take the pick guard to take a peak at some point and will take some pics.👍

[@peterbradley4391]

Again I really enjoyed this bass review and I do really like your playing, I don't think I am alone in saying you don't need be a bass player to enjoy your reviews I for absolutely love them, every time i am at a loose end I dip into your old catalogue of ukulele reviews; as always keep those videos coming ❤

[@UkuleleWales]

Oh Thanks You Peter. I loved reading your comments as they are always so lovely and know you enjoy all the videos makes me smile even more! 😊

[@kansasref]

Good heavens, Rachel! That looks like quite a bruise on the heel of your left hand. I'm glad that it doesn't seem to affect your playing. Thanks so much for the full review. Oh and the "bass face" gave me a good chuckle.

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks for the concern but I think it must have been the lighting. Once you pointed it out I could see what you mean but I promise you there was no injury. The bass face however I cannot change! 😂

[@loudunh]

I have it on word from Kala customer support that a fretless version of the bass is in the works (Hooray!) and should be available toward the end of October. And at least at first, it will be in Tobacco Sunburst only. 🙂

[@UkuleleWales]

This is awesome news. Loved reading your comment and have since found out from Kala that there will also be LF, 5 string and more colours. Woo Hoo!! 🥰

[@loudunh]

A 5 string? The current E string on these basses is .124" in diameter, A low B string in that set would probably be more than .140"! It would be easier to make it E to a high C, but we'll have to wait and see what Kala does with it.@@UkuleleWales

[@Kunibert_Knatter]

I finally jumped on the wagon and got my new Kala Solid Body now! After a first test I guess that I have to do some little work on the intonation of the G- and D-string. But what is more concerning is, that the G- and D-string have a significant lower volume! Maybe I can fix that by leveling up the southern pickup towards the strings? I will see and hopefully hear over the weekend.

[@UkuleleWales]

Glad you got one kunibert but sorry you have a couple of issues. Yes, possibly level up the pickups but definitely worth giving Kala support a message to see if they can advise too as it's brand new.

[@frankkiethebassplayer]

Congrats on the new mini bass. Love your channel. I have really fallen in love with the bass myself. CANNOT wait to see your compairision of Kala vs. Flight. I know one of them is going to be added to my collection and respect your opinion. Can you please make sure to give a estmiate of weight of both instruments?

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Shannon, yes the comparison is coming VERY soon and yes, will talk about the weights. Looking forward to comparing them TBH. 😎

[@frankkiethebassplayer]

@@UkuleleWales I couldn't wait any longer 😂 I went ahead and purchased a flight mini bass. It needed a heavy set up and will definitely upgrade the pickups but I'm totally in love. I wish I started with the mini bass. I played over an hour yesterday and had no fatigue or back pain! I'll definitely tune in for your comparison thought the Kala still isn't out here in the US???

[@UkuleleWales]

@@frankkiethebassplayer Cool! 😎

[@twokatmew]

Very nice review, Rachel. Congrats on that new U-Bass!

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks so much, yes loving it! 🥰

[@sandylayne1211]

Sure would like to see them come have a dealership here in Omaha Nebraska could use them mini bass I’d like to go back to work or maybe flight will get here first. They got a great looking mini bass too.

[@UkuleleWales]

Fingers crossed! 🤞

[@karebehrhoff]

Thank you so much for this review. I've been keeping my eye out on this one. The sunburst color is absolutely beautiful. When you said it was heavy, about how much do you estimate is weighs? I look forward to you comparing this ubass with the other ones later on this year. 👍

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Kare, yes indeed a beautiful colour. I’ll be doing the comparison very soon and will talk about weight. Maybe I over stated the weight of this one but it will be interesting how it compares to the Flight and the Fanner. 👍

[@kevinmcgill3445]

Wonderful demonstration. I’m going to try to get one as soon as I can.

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Kevin, hopefully we’ll see the release of them very soon. 🤞

[@Terry_1111]

Excellent review! I've never played bass but have always had an interest in it. Who knows, this may be the one for me! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and demonstration of it.

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Terry and let me know if you do g down the bass route! 😎

[@mercenarywrench]

Hi…love your site!!! I just picked up the fretless version of the Kala solid body electric and installed flatwounds. Hard to figure out the neck relief and saddle heights. Called Kala tech support and was told 2mm relief at the 12th fret(less) position and 4mm saddle heights at the 12th. Crazy settings. Since you said you are getting a fretless AND flatwounds I’d be curious what you come up with.

[@UkuleleWales]

I shall be checking out action etc. very soon. 👍

[@bobbydrichardson7906]

👍@@UkuleleWales

[@gmwien]

Always understood "My Captain" :)

[@edwincancelii2917]

There should also be a 5 string version of that awesome ubass. And I hope it’s good for drop tunings.

[@UkuleleWales]

5 string and LH models coming soon. Check out the Kala website. 👍

[@Rwjudy48]

According to Kala support, new colors are coming: cream, light aqua blue (think 60s Fender) and pink. Also fretless and lefty versions. Labella is working on flat wound strings; Kala estimates availability in early 2024.

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Robert, that is awesome to hear! Loving the idea of the light aqua blue but they all sound interesting. I'll start saving for the fretless now! Thanks

[@Rwjudy48]

@@UkuleleWales Thought you’d like hearing about the fretless especially.

[@anorak211]

I would seriously consider the Blackstar Carry-On bass instead of this, at Andertons it is £289 with a case small amp and accessories

[@UkuleleWales]

They do look interesting I agree. 👍

[@gianlucabassi8853]

I've got to buy it.

[@UkuleleWales]

It is a great bass!

[@bridgettereynolds3632]

Bass sounds really nice. It does sound a bit boomy when you used the behringer pedal. I play an Hofner bass with flat wound strings. Look forward to watching your videos always informative and entertaining 👍🏻

[@UkuleleWales]

Cool, thanks Bridgette. Yes, the Behringer definitely gives it a bit of a boom. Love flatwounds too so I bet your Hefner sounds good! 😎

[@lunadivine23]

Thanks to your review, I now am the proud owner of the Kala solid body Ubass. I was wondering what your thoughts were on the roundwound versus the flatwound? I'm not too keen on the 'squeakiness' of the roundwound, and wondered if the Kala/Gali flatwounds would work. Are there other flatwound bass strings that you would recommend? Would I need to do any modifications to my Ubass (ie: widen the slot for the E string?)

[@MrLoompi]

Flight just added a new Mini JB Bass to the lineup - looks amazing.

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks for the heads up about this, I did track it down on FB but can see it’s now available on their website too. Looks very cool indeed! 😎

[@deniseshaw3871]

Lovely sound x

[@UkuleleWales]

Agree Denise! 😊

[@brainmistrust8480]

This in a shell pink would be an instant buy!!!!

[@UkuleleWales]

Totally agree! 😊

[@julesV1223]

The new bass on the block looks way cool! I'm a bit concerned about the weight, though, and hope it's not too heavy! Also, I agree that flatwounds could be better. But what a great time in history for little bass fans! So exciting! 😊

[@UkuleleWales]

It is all very exciting, totally agree Jules, lots happening at the moment. I think maybe I overstated the weight, I will definitely look at the actual weight of both the Kala and the Flight when I compare them. Let’s call the Kala “chunky” for now. Trying to track down the correct Flatwounds that Mike Upton spoke of, La Bella I think. Email coming back to you very soon. 😉

[@RockerProf]

@@UkuleleWales Please see my post above on flats. 🙂

[@Rwjudy48]

Already owning a Kala Journeyman electro acoustic u-bass and now the Kala Solid Body, I can tell you, in my opinion, it’s not much heavier. Don’t let the weight scare you away if you like everything else about it. Much lighter than any of the 30” solid body short scale basses.

[@binkydamauler]

nice playing!! 🙂👍🏾

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks a lot! 😊

[@blousug]

Oh if they release a fretless version I would definitely snatch one up!!! I’ve been wanting a fretless 😊

[@UkuleleWales]

That would be cool but we’ll have to wait and see. Mike Upton didn’t mention fretless but you never know, Kala do after all make lots of fretless u-basses. 🤞

[@judih.8754]

Sounds great Rachel. And you have an epic Bass Face!!

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks and yes, 40 years to perfect that face!! 😂

[@Rwjudy48]

Another good review, Rachel. I’d switch to the flat wounds based on my experience with them on my Kala Journeyman.

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks and yes, just trying to track down the correct flatwounds as it’s a slightly longer scale than the Journeyman. La Bella I think. 👍

[@Rwjudy48]

@@UkuleleWales I’ve been researching the Fender Squire Mini-P bass (28.6” scale length), also. Any thoughts about reviewing one of those?

[@RockerProf]

​@Rwjudy48 If you are truly interested in a 28.6" scale length, try the Jackson Minion bass or the Ibanez GSRM20, which comes in both a four string in a variety of colors and a five string. I own all three. I put shortscale nylon tapewounds on the Jackson, shortscale Dunlop flatwounds 45-105 on the Ibanez, and shortscale roundwounds on the Squire Mini P. I love them all.

[@Rwjudy48]

@@RockerProf Thank you. I have considered all three. Good to hear positives on all of them from you, since you own one of each.

[@SuperMolando]

I want to love it. Have been waiting for the new Kala electric bass, have three other Kalas (ubass, tenor, and baritone), and before they could do no wrong. Not a fan of the size of the fretboard I inlays on my risa tenor electric. They are an annoyance, and to me they spoil the looks of what could have been great, but the rest of the instrument makes up for it easily. Personally the pickguard on that bass makes it look just wrong. You should not have to look at the back of the bass to admire the sunburst. It is always personal taste, but even if it sounds better, and is half the price of the fanner, and a huge Kala fan, will get a fanner.

[@UkuleleWales]

I do think the look of these mini basses is very subjective and agree, they are not for everyone. I do love the way you can customise a Fanner but the Kala has definitely grown on me and does feel VERY nice to play too. 👍

[@ShakenBacon.]

That sounds sweet!

[@UkuleleWales]

And looks and plays well too. 😁

[@juliehall3331]

Thank you for the review!! You mention that the Kala is pretty heavy. Is it heavier than the Flight mini bass?

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi Julie, until I have the 2 of them together it’s difficult to say but even though I do mention how heavy the Kala is, I wouldn’t say it’s “stupidly” heavy, just a surprise for a smaller instrument. I will definitely look at the weights though. 👍

[@juliehall3331]

@@UkuleleWales Thank you, Rachel!😊

[@courtenaypenick4350]

I'm planning on buying one of these, but I wonder how the intonation is? Every mini string instrument I've had had horrible intonation issues, and couldn't stay in tune for a mere 45 seconds. That's my final question before I pull the trigger.

[@UkuleleWales]

Sorry about the delay in my reply. Intonation is great on these. I have recently changed strings too and they settled very quickly. 👍

[@reidhester]

Thanks! Any chance you could do a video comparing the original Kala solid body ubass w/the synthetic strings to this one?

[@UkuleleWales]

Great suggestion, I think that would make a great review. Thanks 😊

[@DrUkeMusic]

I want one!!!

[@UkuleleWales]

They are out in the US Wesley. I’ll look forward to seeing a pic of you with one!! 😉

[@AwkwardHypernerd413]

I saw these in the local shop today. I was absolutely dumbfounded by it. I was just like “why tho?” But considering the ukulele acoustic bass is a thing, I guess it was only a matter of time

[@UkuleleWales]

Loved to see one in store but unfortunately they are not in the shops here in the UK. Apart from being linked to ukulele basses, they are great for anyone who is looking for a smaller / lighter instrument, maybe due to health conditions or age - these are great for both young and old.

[@Kianquenseda]

I just ordered one for my granddaughter in red

[@UkuleleWales]

Ooooh, very nice. I hope he liked it. 😎

[@ClydeneBalkeMusic]

Bought one today. It's on its way!!

[@UkuleleWales]

Woo Hoo. Let me know what you think!!! 🥰

[@ClydeneBalkeMusic]

@UkuleleWales thanks! I will!! I also emailed La Bella about the flat wound strings, and they said they haven't made any flat wounds for Kala yet. Have you gotten flat wounds yet? Or can i use regular bass guitar flat wound strings?

[@UkuleleWales]

@@ClydeneBalkeMusic It was Mike Upton the president of Kala who told me they were La Bellas and Magnus who is a Kala artist confirmed it for me but I think they were prototypes so we may have to wait a bit longer. Kala have just sent out an email with their blog which mentions more info coming on strings soon. No, mine has roundwounds, the candy red which was used in the NAMM show had the flatwounds. Not long till Friday........... 😜

[@ClydeneBalkeMusic]

I know!!! I'm stalking the UPS site... lol @@UkuleleWales thanks for the reply about the strings. good to know.

[@ClydeneBalkeMusic]

@UkuleleWales OMG!!! I AM IN LOVE!!! I've been playing it for 3 hours since I got it. I'm already playing along and singing. I'm in a jazz duo, and this will be a game changer!! Thank you for reviewing it!! I'll do a review too soon.

[@cheryln581]

How long have you been playing the bass? Love IT!!

[@UkuleleWales]

Thanks Cheryl, I’ve played since I was a kid as I started playing double bass at 11 and also picked up a bass guitar at the same time as they are the same to play. 😎

[@edwincancelii2917]

But the split coil pickups look like the Fender or Squire Precision Bass Guitar.

[@UkuleleWales]

Yep, definitely styled on Precision pickups with the split coil.

[@TrikesterHal]

I lucked out, another review said 5.5 lbs (about 2.5 kilos). And will it work with the Xvive U2 wireless unit? And that tobacco sunburst finish sends me into sensory overload! It appears to weigh about the same as my Gold Tone solid body bass. I'm thinking maybe I oughta, sorta, maybe...oh heck. I think I'll order one just so I have a mini-type bass with steel strings. It's not like I don't have enough instruments... 8-)

[@UkuleleWales]

Love your approach. It is slightly heavier than that, I think I mention 6.4lbs / 2.85kg in my Kala / Flight comparison and I actually weighed it myself as a lot of people were asking about the weight. Yes, definitely works with the Xvive U2. Hope all that helps. 👍

[@skbrandhofer9950]

Can you recommend any bass amplifier that is not too expensive? ❤

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, maybe a practice amp between 15w and 50w. Brands I recommend would be Hartke, Fender, Orange, MarkBass, Warwick, Ampeg. By all means give me a shout if you see one that you need advice on.

[@ChrisGorman87]

Rachel! Check out a Fender MPB-33! Very very rare but it is the ultimate Pbass! I can send you mine to make a video about!?

[@UkuleleWales]

Another very kind offer, Thanks Chris. Wow, I hadn’t realised these were THAT small a scale, just goes to show Fender was doing it all a very long time ago. Maybe you could take some pics of your basses and I could feature them on Show Us Your Ukes rather the the danger and expense of sending them?? That would be really cool 😎

[@ChrisGorman87]

Rachel may I have your email so I can send you pictures and details on my ukes and basses?

[@Fremulshmat]

Hi, is it tuned the same as a normal bass ? Thanks for the review.

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, yes tuned exactly the same. 👍

[@Fremulshmat]

Thanks….:-)

[@dhchilton3323]

Gwych! As always!

[@UkuleleWales]

Diolch yn fawr 😊

[@giacomoduenas3349]

Hello! Does the tuning hold well or does it cause problems? I bought this Ubass Kala Fretted Solid Body but the strings sound very “metallic” and the tuning is wrong, it is difficult to find the tuning with a clip tuner and it also sounds out of tune, no matter how many times I play a note it doesn't give the correct note? what will it be???

[@UkuleleWales]

Hi, I have had no issues with tuning, I think it is more likely the tuner. Lots of the clip on ones don't work very well with the bass notes. Also the tuner may have different instruments - often C G U V B. You would need to select C for Chromatic or B for Bass if there is one. I have done a video which may help but please come back if you are still stuck. kzbin.info/www/bejne/npzCoZKbatCFr8ksi=BVNIiSfcu5fjcIMK

[@giacomoduenas3349]

@@UkuleleWales Is this mini bass exactly the same as a standard scale bass? Because I bought it thinking that it would be my only bass to play live because it is too practical due to its size. It still sounds out of tune... It doesn't hit the exact notes and the frets from 9 onwards get worse.

[@UkuleleWales]

@@giacomoduenas3349 Yes, they sound exactly the same as a regular scale bass. Did you manage to get it tuned? Where did you buy it from?

[@giacomoduenas3349]

@@UkuleleWales I bought it in an official Kala store in Chile. It can't be tuned very well, it doesn't hit the exact notes, like it wasn't calibrated well. I'm afraid it's because it's a very short scale bass and it can't reach the same notes as a normal scale bass. Or it's simply poorly calibrated.

[@loree3212]

Wish they would hurry up. Torture waiting for a notice everyday.😂

[@UkuleleWales]

They are out NOW Loree, check out the Kala website or the message I’ve just posted on Patreon. 👍

[@hiivatti67]

😭I Want it! I Want it now!😭💔

[@UkuleleWales]

Soon hopefully, it hasn't been released quite yet!

[@millie179]

Where can you get one please??

[@UkuleleWales]

At the moment they have only been released in the US and Kala have them available on their website. 👍

[@hyabussa5747]

wish they sold these as a kit

[@UkuleleWales]

Nice suggestion. 👍

[@billmumbo2697]

Can you do some blockhead bass lines ( the great Norman Watt Roy !) I dare you never mind slapping hit us with your rhythm stick Rachel 🤣👍

[@UkuleleWales]

😂 A fine bass player there Bill with some awesome grooves!

[@billmumbo2697]

And not just on his forehead as he concentrates 🤣

[@anorak211]

It's just a very small electric bass, the pickguard is to big and to bright, it needs a dark guard with chrome hardware, and a maple fretboard

[@anorak211]

And the truss rod adjustment needs to be at the headstock, not the body.

[@UkuleleWales]

Agree, it is indeed just a mini electric bass and feels like it to play. As for the looks, that I think is very subjective and each person will prefer a different look. Personally I love the black hardware but agree, it would look very cool with a maple fretboard. 👍

[@petermarshall64]

Whoa! That's ugly!

[@UkuleleWales]

I do like the look but it is all so subjective so totally respect your view.