While recently attending the 2012 NAMM show in Anaheim, I spent my time searching for anything that I felt would move bass in a new direction. All the newest basses, amps, effects, strings... you name it, all under one roof. Don't get me wrong, I found many wonderful products for bassists, but one stood out to me as the most innovative product I've seen in a long time. The U Bass and U Bass S.U.B. by Kala.
Kala, known for its fine Ukuleles, has changed the direction of bass with the introduction of its new U Bass. The U Bass is a 21" scale (28" overall) powerhouse for bassists. Using propietary polyurethane strings, the U Bass produces a huge low end that sounds remarkably like an upright string bass with massisve lows that are sure to shake the house. I mean really "shake" the house. Standard features of the S.U.B. Series U Bass include custom Hipshot tuners, bolt-on maple neck, rosewood fretboard, rosewood nut, poplar body, Shadow pickup system (volume, bass, treble) and a deluxe gig bag. Did I mention that the U Bass meets all airline carry-on requirements? Thats right... no more watching your beloved bass go off to baggage claim.
The U Bass has a very functionable 2 band E.Q. (bass, treble) powered by a CR2032 battery that allows you to dial in your tone in any situation. One thing I'd like to mention is that the cover to the control cavity is easily accessible due to magnetic tabs which allows you to change the battery without the need for a screw driver.
The use of polyurethane strings makes playing the U Bass a dream on the fingers. The custom Hipshot tuners work perfectly to ensure that your U Bass stays in tune. The Shadow pickup system is located in the adjustable bridge and provides a remarkable amount of output that is even across all four strings. Having an adjustable bridge also allows you to set the action of your U Bass at any height you'd like. In the studio, the S.U.B. was completely silent with no feedback or unwanted sounds, which proves that the U Bass can be used for many recording situations. The S.U.B. Series U Bass is available in four colors, fretted in a 4 string (EADG) configuration, but can be tuned anyway you like. The U Bass can be used with any guitar strap and hangs perfectly balanced while sitting or standing.
The U Bass is available in the California, Acoustic-electric and S.U.B. models. The California is available in 4 and 5 string, fretted or fretless. S.U.B. Series U Basses are an affordable alternative to the California model which features Ash bodies manufactured in California at the Kala custom shop. Regardless if you choose the S.U.B., California or Acoustic-electric, you will be amazed I'm sure. That's why we've decided to give U Bass the NorCal BASSIX.com 2012 Bass Innovation Award for creating a bass product that not only sounds great, is easily transported and made of quality materials, but can change the direction of bass as we know it.
So whether your playing rock, blues, jazz or just looking for an excellent travel bass, studio bass, live performance bass, or an upright player whos tired of packing around that enormous bass, the U Bass from Kala is the way to go. Be sure to visitU Bass and see what they have for you.
