Kala U-BASS2 Fretless Bass (with Gig Bag)

No longer available at zZounds
This small-sized acoustic bass brings full bass tone and depth to a compact and comfortable body shape.

A Fretless version of the Kala U-BASS2. Kala has been turning upright bass literally on its side with the 20 inch scale U-BASS which bassist Dave Pomeroy has dubbed portable and powerful. The U-BASS2 provides an affordable alternative to the original U-BASS. Features proprietary Polyurethane Strings, a passive pickup system with 4 individual piezo elements, Rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and solid mahogany neck. Plus the U-BASS2 sports a solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides.

The compact size makes the U-BASS 2 extremely portable and able to meet all carry-on standards. Its deep bass tone makes the U-BASS2 ideal for live and studio applications. Noted U-BASS users include Jim Mayer (Jimmy Buffet), Bakithi Kumalo (Paul Simon) and Hutch Hutchinson (Bonnie Raitt). Because of its size and ease of playing, teachers and pupils are discovering that the U-BASS makes an excellent bass for beginner bassists.

Comes equipped with a heavily padded gig bag.

Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars. (2 ratings)
Submitted December 12, 2010 by a customer from yahoo.com

"may not be for everybody, but most will love it"

Overall: 5 out of 5 stars
(see rating details)
Verified Customer zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
it anything happens to this little bass i would have another one. for me the sound quality alone has made it a definite keeper, add the convenience of the small size and i don't want to be without one of these basses.

Sound
This little bass may not be for everybody but for the type of music i play (mainly country and bluegrass) it is perfect. as close as you can get to the sound of an upright without actually playing an upright. the 20 inch scale length takes a little getting used to. would probably be easier 0n the fretted model but with a little bit of use it isnt to bad on the fretless. an amp is necessary for anything other than practicing alone, even with acoustic instruments you are going to need an amp. there's not much sustain so if that's the sound your looking for than this isn't for you but if you are looking for the upright sound you won't be disappointed. i'm not sure what is more fun about this bass, playing it or the look of shock on people faces when they hear it especially after they have just finished making jokes about you toy bass. personally i couldn't be more pleased with my u-bass, the sound is excellent, the size and weight make it very easy to transport and carry, and it has turned out to be a great conversation starter too.

Features
the bass is built on a baritone uke so the scale length is 20". takes a little getting used to but the more i play it the more i like it. it comes with a nice read more padded gig bag but i think i will be investing in a hardshell uke case for it soon. the pickup is a 4 crystal piezo under the sound board with and endpin jack. there are no volume or tone controls on it. the lack of a volume control on it is the one thing i don't like. a preamp isn't necessary, it has tons of volume without one but i do use a k & K pure preamp with mine just for the convenience of a volume control. you're not always right next to your amp when you are playing and the volume control on the preamp comes in handy. the first thing i did was install a strap button at the heel of the neck but that's a personal preference, i don't like tying a strap at the headstock. the strings are polyurethane and stretch quite a bit. i would definitely recommend watching the video on youtube by mike upton on stringing these basses before tuning it up.

Ease of Use
the sound is amazing, i have gotten nothing but compliments when i play this out gigging. i was worried about feedback but it hasn't been an issue with mine. i have the treble rolled off completely and a slight amount of mid on with bass nearly full on and it doesn't sound muddy at all. i was looking for that upright sound and that is what i got.

Quality
quality seems to be pretty good, i haven't had my u-bass very long but other that the nut on the end-pin jack being loose i couldn't find any problems with mine finish was good. it is built on a baritone uke body and it is very light weight. i haven't used it long enough to really comment on durability but with proper care and handling i don't foresee any problems

Manufacturer Support
i haven't had a reason to deal with the company as of yet but, what i have read on forums and reviews has been nothing but praise for customer service.

Musical Background:
active musician

Musical Style:
country, bluegrass, classic rock
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