What a fantastic, simple, honest and informative review ... i tried a fretted Ubass a while ago and discovered buying cheap for a first instrument doesn't work too well as the bass was a little shabby in quality (thank goodness for online returns) .... been searching for a lower priced, fretless version on and off since then. After watching this, you've spiked my interest again ....
Thank Colin, very glad to have sparked your interest again. I would say the Laka is a pretty good bass uke, however might be worth trying to pic up a used fretless Kala. I tried a new fretted and my Kala fretless the day I went looking, even as a bass / uke player I knew nothing about bass ukes but much preferred the fretless to play.
I have read many people have luck fixing the quieter strings by inspecting and re-seating the piezo pickup. FYI. They all sounded pretty good. I would not spend the full price of a new KALA as they seem very over-priced compared to great options at half that cost. I think the LAKA sounded the nicest to my ears, the Fishman preamp was pretty good! Thanks for a great vid for us bass-heads and tech/gear geeks
I have a Kala bamboo fretted model. After hearing all four, I do think the Kala sounded the best and suspect most of the Kalas sound similar. I did find changing strings helped the sound. It originally came with the Aquila Thunderblack. I put on the Aquila Thunderbrown. The strings had a bit more tension and a cleaner sound. They also weren't as sticky to the fingers and allowed sliding much easier. I think with the bass ukuleles, the various strings do make a difference in how they play and sound--at least in my limited experience. This is a great review!
Thanks Brett and yes, totally agree, the strings make such a difference and I love the Thunderbrowns, make my Kala even nicer to play. I'd love a Bamboo bass one day, would be a nice big twin for my bamboo soprano.
Agreed. The stock black strings on the Kala are floppy, thumpy fun, but the Thunderbrown are much better strings overall. I bought the ebony Kala for the quality tuners and Fishman pickups. It’s a very well-built little uke, though the fret ends need some work.
@@SeuRafinha hey, I changed the input jack and preamp, and added new tuners, and its exactly like a Kala (speaking from experience) I have owned 2 Kala's and the modified j and d beats em all
to make the strings sound even, you need to take out the pick up at the bridge and saw it down the e string pick up so its independent from the rest.. worked on my bass uke i had the same issue with the g string
Hi, i play (concert)ukulele right handed, but bass (and guitar) left handed. Im guessing a bass uke is more similar to a regular bass guitar, so my question is, is it possible to string a right handed bass uke left handed? I guess id need a custom nut... any other issues you can fhink of playing a uke bass 'upside down'? Would the eq get knocked easily while playing? Left handed bass ukuleles seem hard to come by, and demand a premium price from what i can see.
Hi Pete, if you are using a strap I can't see the EQ getting in the way too much. There will as you say be a bit of adjusting of nut etc. I have seen a few reasonably priced LH bass ukes around, Countryman springs to mind and I'm sure Thomann does one too. Hope you do get one sorted either way. If I come across one, I'll post here.
sweetheart I love that bass player's face expression you get when you're in the groove 😎, Thanks I am getting interested in this instrument and am learning. Good show.
Thanks! I play concert/soprano uke and will buy a u-bass soon. How do you feel about fretted vs. fretless for beginners (kinda)? I also play banjo, fiddle & guitar - just a not-so-old folk singer (67). They really make a great addition to a ukulele club/group.
The fact you play fiddle means you are used to a non fretted instrument. For beginners I would normally recommend fretted but you *may* be alright with fretless. Totally agree, boosts a uke group no end.
@@UkuleleWales I ended up buying an Aklot Bamboo u-bass, fretted. I had an Aklot tenor (regular) and really liked it. I've watched several videos on their bamboo models and they seem well made. Price was right too! ;{)
Your last sentence “ I just need a solid body kala ubass “ and believe it or not just a bit over three years later and you now have one! Amazing prediction lol 😮
Many thanks for this review, really enjoyed it. I have been teaching myself the ukulele for some months now and would dearly love to learn the bass equivalent. Any thoughts on a good bass ukulele for a beginner? I have been looking at the Kala Wanderer and the Hadean range but would very much welcome an expert opinion.
Hi, I would say Kala is a safe buy, I have heard good things about Hadean but don't have personal experience. I do like the Lanikai in this video, a mid priced uke and I like the overall quality of it. Thanks for the support.
Ukulele Wales Many thanks for your feedback. I think I’ll go for the Kala Wanderer, it feels like a safe bet. Really appreciate your advice and I’ll keep tuned into your channel.
Are those original Kala strings on the SMHG? All the Kala U-Bass models that I have seen have the black sticky floppy rubber-band strings. Thank you for your comparison. The Kala (to my ears) sounds the most like an acoustic upright bass. I have never played bass (other than washtub bass), and I would like to learn to. An upright bass (even an electric upright) would not fit in my sub-compact car. So the Kala sounds like the best option for me. I do play ukulele, and several other instruments. I do not like the sound of a bass guitar (it does not sound anything like an upright bass). I also do not like rock at all. (My favorite genre to listen to, is jazz ballads, although I do not have a jazz background). Would the Kala SMHG be a good starter bass for me? I do want to eventually use it in a group with a keyboardist, percussionist and vocalists. What do you think? And do you offer remote lessons? (I am in New Jersey, USA). The local instructors that I have found teach either bass guitar, or upright double-bass. I have not yet found any U-Bass instructors.
Hi David, no the strings on it in this video are the Aquila Thunderguts. I bought it second hand and the previous owner had already swapped them. I have since but Aquila Thunderbrowns on this bass and absolutely love them, both sound and playability. I'm originally an upright player so have always looked for that sound and yes, the Kala SMHG (this one is fretless) is very close. I have thought recently bought the fretted version with a spruce top and that one did come with the original black Pahohoe strings. They were okay, I didn't find them sticky but I've already put Thunderbrowns on the new one and much prefer the sound. There will be a video feature it very soon. To answer your question, this is a great ubass and although there are cheaper bass ukuleles, both Kala U-basses and other makes the kala ubass-smhg-fs are probably the best and have far less problems than the cheaper ones and you can often pick them up second hand for cheaper prices. I am currently a full-time classroom music teacher so between that and TH-cam I dn't have very much time but I am hoping to start doing some remote lessons soon if that helps but my youtube lessons should certainly get you started. Hope all this helps but please feel free to ask ay more questions you may have.
Hi Mike, I battle with myself over this. When I'm playing bass guitar, I have always used the pick up as a thumb rest and personally for me, I don't really like resting my thumb on the E string. I know it's a fine technique, just not for me so I do struggle a bit with my u-bass. I have considered adding a small thumb rest somewhere, maybe one day. Are you in the U-Bass Freaks group on Facebook - great resource.
Thanks so much - for ALL your great videos. Could I ask you which bass ukulele you would recommend for, not a complete beginner but not an advanced player? I’d really appreciate it! Keep up all the great work 🙌
Thanks. What sort of bass ukulele are you looking for. Electro acoustic? Solid body? Metal or rubber strings? Take a look at this video where I show all the different kinds. Let me know your thoughts and then I can give better advice. 👍 th-cam.com/video/98GgRUCrGQk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=PMdiZtJy7RIpeenk
Sorry I haven't tried the Caramel bass ukulele. I've looked at them as I have a few Caramel ukes in school and I own a Caramel Tenor but here in the UK they are over £200, definitely not one of the cheapest. The Caramel tenor and baritone ukes I have played or okay, not spectacular but playable.
Hi Christian, if you are new to fretless eg. you have never played the cello / violin / double bass I would say fretted is probably easiest to start with but I have heard many players say as long as you listen for tuning carefully they have started with fretless.
I have a Kala U-Bass but you cannot use it on a gig: the 2 small 3V batteries are too weak, just lasts for half an hour. What a waste of money as well. Why didn't they build it with a normal 9V block? Very disappointing!
Which model Kala U-Bass do you have Helmut? I'm just wondering which EQ / Pickup is installed. I haven't heard to any real issues so it would be good to know.
Great question. In my humble opinion, I don't think it's that much. I think it is far more likely the pic-up and the eq (not neccesarily the built in one) of the bass makes more difference.
Wish you well on this new venture..however sound is not very good very cavernous.mite get more people if you tell them on your other site.many want beginner lessons..good luck
Hi Jim, Thanks for the good wishes and also Thanks for the feedback about the sound. I was having real trouble trying to get it sounding okay because of the booming bass sounds, I will certainly try and improve on it further. I do also have plans for some beginner lessons, just not not enough hours in the day! LOL. Uke on buddy :-)
Hi Tim, yes I know how it should be pronounced, especially in Hawaii and the US. Here in Wales it is often pronounced differently again so I tend to use the way it's pronounced in the UK.
What a fantastic, simple, honest and informative review ... i tried a fretted Ubass a while ago and discovered buying cheap for a first instrument doesn't work too well as the bass was a little shabby in quality (thank goodness for online returns) .... been searching for a lower priced, fretless version on and off since then.
After watching this, you've spiked my interest again ....
Thank Colin, very glad to have sparked your interest again. I would say the Laka is a pretty good bass uke, however might be worth trying to pic up a used fretless Kala. I tried a new fretted and my Kala fretless the day I went looking, even as a bass / uke player I knew nothing about bass ukes but much preferred the fretless to play.
Thank you for this video! I'm shopping for a ukulele bass right now and this is very helpful.
Glad it was helpful and please if you have any more questions, just ask.
Very nice presentation!
I'll take the Kala, thank you...
Good choice!
Great " work" finding that fretless bass a string nut buzz.
You do great videos excellent playing and analysis .Thanks and God continued blessings...
Thank you kindly for your lovely comment Steve.
why is work in quotation marks
I've been seriously considering a Kala bass. Thanks for the great reviews!
My pleasure Ian. Kala make a consistenly good u-bass so a good choice.
@@UkuleleWales
And Happy belated Birthday! 🎂 Life indeed begins at 50!
I have read many people have luck fixing the quieter strings by inspecting and re-seating the piezo pickup. FYI. They all sounded pretty good. I would not spend the full price of a new KALA as they seem very over-priced compared to great options at half that cost. I think the LAKA sounded the nicest to my ears, the Fishman preamp was pretty good! Thanks for a great vid for us bass-heads and tech/gear geeks
Yes, I've done this a few times when a particular string has been quieter, it does work.
I have a Kala bamboo fretted model. After hearing all four, I do think the Kala sounded the best and suspect most of the Kalas sound similar. I did find changing strings helped the sound. It originally came with the Aquila Thunderblack. I put on the Aquila Thunderbrown. The strings had a bit more tension and a cleaner sound. They also weren't as sticky to the fingers and allowed sliding much easier. I think with the bass ukuleles, the various strings do make a difference in how they play and sound--at least in my limited experience. This is a great review!
Thanks Brett and yes, totally agree, the strings make such a difference and I love the Thunderbrowns, make my Kala even nicer to play. I'd love a Bamboo bass one day, would be a nice big twin for my bamboo soprano.
@@UkuleleWales The Kala bamboo models are nice. They have a nice, clean look.
Agreed. The stock black strings on the Kala are floppy, thumpy fun, but the Thunderbrown are much better strings overall. I bought the ebony Kala for the quality tuners and Fishman pickups. It’s a very well-built little uke, though the fret ends need some work.
@@chrisw7642 The browns are so much better. Kala should really put them on the instrument as the stock strings.
Those j & d ones are amazing for the price. A few modifications on it and it sounds better than a kala. As a owner of one I'm really happy with mine
Agree, a nice bass especially for the price. Glad to hear you are happy with yours.
Hi! What kind of modifications we can do?
@@SeuRafinha hey, I changed the input jack and preamp, and added new tuners, and its exactly like a Kala (speaking from experience) I have owned 2 Kala's and the modified j and d beats em all
Just got the Kala Nomad after the tuning peg stripped from my "old" U bass(owned just over a month) I am quite happy with it.
Glad to hear you are enjoying the Nomad, I haven't played one but heard very good things about them.
Kala seems more balanced in terms of sound and overall looks like a high quality instrument
Yes, I would definitely say the Kala is overall better and the pick up is also the best.
Awesome video comparison thank you
would be nice if you told something about opportunity of action adjustment in each model if any
Hi, I can certainly look at doing that. Thanks for suggestion.
to make the strings sound even, you need to take out the pick up at the bridge and saw it down the e string pick up so its independent from the rest.. worked on my bass uke i had the same issue with the g string
Great advice, I've not done it yet as I've solved the issues by pressing firmly but will do the seperating method if I need to. Thanks
Good comparison. Thanks!
Thanks Roger
Hi, i play (concert)ukulele right handed, but bass (and guitar) left handed.
Im guessing a bass uke is more similar to a regular bass guitar, so my question is, is it possible to string a right handed bass uke left handed? I guess id need a custom nut... any other issues you can fhink of playing a uke bass 'upside down'? Would the eq get knocked easily while playing?
Left handed bass ukuleles seem hard to come by, and demand a premium price from what i can see.
Hi Pete, if you are using a strap I can't see the EQ getting in the way too much. There will as you say be a bit of adjusting of nut etc. I have seen a few reasonably priced LH bass ukes around, Countryman springs to mind and I'm sure Thomann does one too. Hope you do get one sorted either way. If I come across one, I'll post here.
sweetheart I love that bass player's face expression you get when you're in the groove 😎, Thanks I am getting interested in this instrument and am learning. Good show.
Awesome to hear and Thank You for your lovely comment. 👍
Which one of them would you recommend?
Out of these 4, definitely the Kala, mine is fretless but the same model is available fretted too.
i didn’t know ukuleles even came in bass 🤣
I am glad you know now.
Ukulele Wales
Lol thanks
Ditto
Thanks! I play concert/soprano uke and will buy a u-bass soon. How do you feel about fretted vs. fretless for beginners (kinda)? I also play banjo, fiddle & guitar - just a not-so-old folk singer (67). They really make a great addition to a ukulele club/group.
The fact you play fiddle means you are used to a non fretted instrument. For beginners I would normally recommend fretted but you *may* be alright with fretless. Totally agree, boosts a uke group no end.
@@UkuleleWales I ended up buying an Aklot Bamboo u-bass, fretted. I had an Aklot tenor (regular) and really liked it. I've watched several videos on their bamboo models and they seem well made. Price was right too! ;{)
Your last sentence “ I just need a solid body kala ubass “ and believe it or not just a bit over three years later and you now have one! Amazing prediction lol 😮
True story 😎
Many thanks for this review, really enjoyed it. I have been teaching myself the ukulele for some months now and would dearly love to learn the bass equivalent. Any thoughts on a good bass ukulele for a beginner? I have been looking at the Kala Wanderer and the Hadean range but would very much welcome an expert opinion.
Hi, I would say Kala is a safe buy, I have heard good things about Hadean but don't have personal experience. I do like the Lanikai in this video, a mid priced uke and I like the overall quality of it. Thanks for the support.
Ukulele Wales Many thanks for your feedback. I think I’ll go for the Kala Wanderer, it feels like a safe bet. Really appreciate your advice and I’ll keep tuned into your channel.
Thx great video
Glad you enjoyed it,. I really should redo it as the audio is dreadful but it was one of my first vids.
Are those original Kala strings on the SMHG? All the Kala U-Bass models that I have seen have the black sticky floppy rubber-band strings.
Thank you for your comparison. The Kala (to my ears) sounds the most like an acoustic upright bass.
I have never played bass (other than washtub bass), and I would like to learn to. An upright bass (even an electric upright) would not fit in my sub-compact car. So the Kala sounds like the best option for me. I do play ukulele, and several other instruments. I do not like the sound of a bass guitar (it does not sound anything like an upright bass). I also do not like rock at all. (My favorite genre to listen to, is jazz ballads, although I do not have a jazz background).
Would the Kala SMHG be a good starter bass for me? I do want to eventually use it in a group with a keyboardist, percussionist and vocalists. What do you think? And do you offer remote lessons? (I am in New Jersey, USA). The local instructors that I have found teach either bass guitar, or upright double-bass. I have not yet found any U-Bass instructors.
Hi David, no the strings on it in this video are the Aquila Thunderguts. I bought it second hand and the previous owner had already swapped them. I have since but Aquila Thunderbrowns on this bass and absolutely love them, both sound and playability. I'm originally an upright player so have always looked for that sound and yes, the Kala SMHG (this one is fretless) is very close.
I have thought recently bought the fretted version with a spruce top and that one did come with the original black Pahohoe strings. They were okay, I didn't find them sticky but I've already put Thunderbrowns on the new one and much prefer the sound. There will be a video feature it very soon.
To answer your question, this is a great ubass and although there are cheaper bass ukuleles, both Kala U-basses and other makes the kala ubass-smhg-fs are probably the best and have far less problems than the cheaper ones and you can often pick them up second hand for cheaper prices.
I am currently a full-time classroom music teacher so between that and TH-cam I dn't have very much time but I am hoping to start doing some remote lessons soon if that helps but my youtube lessons should certainly get you started. Hope all this helps but please feel free to ask ay more questions you may have.
The way I figure ,is any time bass strings go on a small body there will be some issues to over come, especially in an acoustic setting. Nice vid
Well said!
Great review.
Glad you enjoyed it 😊
Very helpful video ❤
Great review, what is your thoughts on resting your thumb on the e string?
Hi Mike, I battle with myself over this. When I'm playing bass guitar, I have always used the pick up as a thumb rest and personally for me, I don't really like resting my thumb on the E string. I know it's a fine technique, just not for me so I do struggle a bit with my u-bass. I have considered adding a small thumb rest somewhere, maybe one day. Are you in the U-Bass Freaks group on Facebook - great resource.
I didn't know about them, I'll have a look, thanks for that. I'm thinking of putting thumb rest on also, but afraid of spoiling the look
What a lovely fun instrument. I want one!
Let me know if you get one, they are such fun, cool little basses. 😎
Thanks! Very helpful
No worries! 😊
Thanks so much - for ALL your great videos. Could I ask you which bass ukulele you would recommend for, not a complete beginner but not an advanced player? I’d really appreciate it! Keep up all the great work 🙌
Thanks. What sort of bass ukulele are you looking for. Electro acoustic? Solid body? Metal or rubber strings?
Take a look at this video where I show all the different kinds. Let me know your thoughts and then I can give better advice. 👍
th-cam.com/video/98GgRUCrGQk/w-d-xo.htmlsi=PMdiZtJy7RIpeenk
How does a Caramel compare? Cheapest kit on Amazon
Sorry I haven't tried the Caramel bass ukulele. I've looked at them as I have a few Caramel ukes in school and I own a Caramel Tenor but here in the UK they are over £200, definitely not one of the cheapest. The Caramel tenor and baritone ukes I have played or okay, not spectacular but playable.
What kind of U Bass is better for beginner? Fredless or fretted?
Hi Christian, if you are new to fretless eg. you have never played the cello / violin / double bass I would say fretted is probably easiest to start with but I have heard many players say as long as you listen for tuning carefully they have started with fretless.
Gracias por el comparativo. Saludos desde Costa Rica 🇨🇷
So glad you enjoyed and lovely to hear from Costa Rica. Sending warm wishes from Wales.
I have a Kala U-Bass but you cannot use it on a gig: the 2 small 3V batteries are too weak, just lasts for half an hour. What a waste of money as well. Why didn't they build it with a normal 9V block? Very disappointing!
Which model Kala U-Bass do you have Helmut? I'm just wondering which EQ / Pickup is installed. I haven't heard to any real issues so it would be good to know.
Are all Kala U-basses the same size?
They are "roughly" the same size. Generally bass ukuleles tend to be 30" in length and the scale approx 20" - 21".
How much does the Kala being a solid wood uke actually matter, since you can't really play it acoustically anyway?
Great question. In my humble opinion, I don't think it's that much. I think it is far more likely the pic-up and the eq (not neccesarily the built in one) of the bass makes more difference.
What type amp do you need with a bass uke?
Hi Carol. P? Pick? Amp? Help me here ;-)
@@UkuleleWales oops. Typo. I watched more of your videos and got my answer. 😊
Kala U-Bass top. Great video. Thanks.
Thanks for watching and yes, Kala by far the best.
Wish you well on this new venture..however sound is not very good very cavernous.mite get more people if you tell them on your other site.many want beginner lessons..good luck
Hi Jim, Thanks for the good wishes and also Thanks for the feedback about the sound. I was having real trouble trying to get it sounding okay because of the booming bass sounds, I will certainly try and improve on it further. I do also have plans for some beginner lessons, just not not enough hours in the day! LOL. Uke on buddy :-)
im getting the UBASS with the flatwound strings and the Fhole. i hate those rubber strings, and as a bass player, i will never like them
Fair comment Alex, I totally appreciate your view point. Hope you enjoy your Ubass.
T U N A
my Kala has it's elecrtonics are higher up
Yes, the controls are sometimes positioned in different places.
It's pronounced "ooh koo lë lë" not "you ka lay lee"
Hi Tim, yes I know how it should be pronounced, especially in Hawaii and the US. Here in Wales it is often pronounced differently again so I tend to use the way it's pronounced in the UK.
ur so dope!!!!! i ❤️ u
Thank You, glad you are enjoying.
Pronounced ooo koo leh leh....not you kah lel lee.....
Yes, I have explained why I pronounce it this way in this video.
th-cam.com/video/68cAZ_G9fgM/w-d-xo.html
oo-kuh-lay-lay colonizer!!! Jk lol