I no kidding thought you meant how heavy could it get. I was like "Come on. It's a uke bass. I'm pretty sure it can't get heavier than a normal bass. It's so light!"
Excellent little affordable Bass. I bought one of these strictly for recording and it has definitely paid for itself. People think it's funny when they first see it, but after they play it and realize that it gets the job done, and then some.... they usually want to buy one for themselves. It's also perfect for Coffee House gigs and Bonfire Jams on the Beach. A legit example of: "Size Doesn't Matter."
Yahbut . . . we're listening to the computer, not the instrument. I could trigger software algorithms with just about anything and make it sound like a bass. Kind of misses the point of the U-bass, I think.
I love the uke bass because it is probably the closest-sounding instrument to a double bass but is a lot cheaper and simpler to play. Thanks for the vid !
I’ve been playing my bass uke for a while. I now own 2! The first one I put on a set of round wounds. When I plug it in to bass effects, it’s actually a mean beast! I do have to deal w/ some minor intonation issues going up the fretboard but hey, it’s never going to be my main instrument. The second bass uke I bought I kept the polyurethane strings for that old school stand-up bass sound. You’re right about taking forever to get into tune but once there it stays in tune. Overall, these bass ukes have proven to be a cool little addition to the market. There are now solid body bass ukes which some people have removed the piezo p/u’s and installed regular PJ bass p/u’s. I already have a short scale so I wouldn’t do that myself.
I second everything you say. In the (I can’t believe it) five years since I posted this, I have gotten SO much use out of this inexpensive but terrific instrument. (Actually, this particular one now belongs to my friend Cha from the Mexico City band Fobia, but the replacement I got is just as good, or maybe a little better.) Check out the replacement strings made by Aquila, if you haven’t yet. They do both roundwound and rubber sets.
Believe it or not, that technique derives from my teenage years as an early music nerd. Playing melodies with alternating thumb and index finger was a common 16th-century lute technique.
@@joe_gore Nice. I use my thumb because I play guitar and it just made sense to me to use as many fingers as I need to play the notes I want to efficiently.
“Funny”, I’m listening with studio monitors. In fact I have a pair of KRK RP10 ROKIT G4 3-Way Powered Studio Monitors. I have been listening to ukulele bass’s amongst other bass’s before I clicked on your video. I didn’t hear anything until I turned my volume all the way up. Though when I changed channels to another bass video, I had to quick turn my volume back down because it vibrated the windows of the room I’m in.
Out of 116k views you only have 149 comments, well after this it will be 150. Out of those 149 comments you are responsible for almost 1/3 of them (42). Only 0.09% of your viewers commented on the video. So seeing that myself and one other person commented about the sound, it does make sense. More people commented on the sound, then people who watched your video and commented. If you minus my two other comments it brings your comments down to 100 & since both me and the other person commented about the sound then we make up for 2% of the comments vs the 0.09% who commented after watching the video. You video is not void of sound, it is just kind of quiet.
@@joe_gore lol this is by far one of the best videos i've seen on the uke bass in both content and audio quality (listening through tannoy monitors)... have no idea what they're talking about, just wanted to put in my 2 cents and thank you for a good video :)
Some really nice sounds from that little thing. I never knew that you could play a bass through the Axe-FX. Would try it out if I had one (or a bass for that matter). Also great playing as usual.
I recently got one. It's a brand new experience for me. I put some steel strings on it that are made just for a U bass. But I didn't notice how thick the gut strings were. The nut is to thick and the steel strings are well, I don't like how they sit on the nut, but it stays in place. Plus I had to change the strings because the people who originally strung it had the gut strings strung like steel strings. And they messed up on the fourth string. But after a little time passes, I'm just gonna get more gut strings for it.
Nice to find a more honest player making it clear whem he is the one who has not gotten used to a thing before calling it cr1p. I love my GT mini Bass with Thunderguts on it run through a straight line into a 90 watt Behringer amp that does the job and i have one pedal i love to use when i want to turn the volume up some and shake the building. I have never been a good guitar player or Bassit and now with chronic spinal arthritis and disc problems i am happy enough to sit with my copy strat playing some Delta blues and i also have a kids tiny guitar i put steel super slinkies on and she sounds some like an old Dobro which i am very happy about, it makes Mannish boy good fun with slide on the pinky.
I admit these sound surprisingly good, but I'm not sure what the point is of pricing them in a range where you could just buy an actual bass guitar... They're almost $600 here in Canada, and they seem to me like they should be about $250 or $300.
Good examples Joe. Sometimes the unconventional gets you great results. Also a winner is a cheap short scale bass running tapewound strings. Here my buddy ran straight into Logic with some amp modeling: drive.google.com/open?id=0B3fXwdYVoNkORHN4MVp1Nmh1M2c
Thinking of getting a set of Steelbacks for my GT mini Bass that has the Thunderguts on it rn..... for a more punchy sound,,, what say any Bass player who would like to chime in. Thanks in advance....
I have the same bass and have always found the E to be way quieter than the other strings. Are you compensating for that in your playing or is it not a problem? Great vid by the way.
I seen one of these at the music shop here in Tennessee the other day and was amazed I had no idea they existed. Looking to get one. Love the video thanks 🙏 can’t wait to listen to it in the car with the sub 😁
MXR Bass D.I.+ stomp box does that eq and amp modelling (and distortion) in one go for gigging. The Thundergut strings are similar but perhaps a bit more tension and faster on the fingers, more presence from the bottom E. Thank you so much, I now want to bounce round the room at 2:30 a.m. with my Kala.
informative and entertaining a always. Your voice does not get in the way. I recently have been building a bass VI, Ive read your articles on them and the bari's but can't find you playing one. Can you point me in that direction? Or can you play one for us here one day? Thanks Joe!
Very informative, helpful. I like this way this is constructed with the comments dubbed/captioned underneath. It lets the bass sound speak for itself while also allowing for detailed, expert comments. I’ve like this post and bookmarked this as a reference. Thx Sir.
*Dude its great to see u back. Great vid. Ur super inspirational and educational when it came to what tones and gear I was looking for. Btw, could u list the riffs from songs you used in the vid. They're all great.*
I play mostly folk, traditional jazz, and island escape music (read Jimmy Buffet) and my little Ubass is perfect. Plus, I'm an oldster so it's light weight makes it easy to live with. And as you noted, you have to get used to the short scale. It's tricky. Also, I think the lighter you play it the better. Hitting it too hard is messy.
sounds like you can get acoustic upright or fender precision bass sound or acoustic bass guitar sound. sounds good on my studio monitors. What do you mean my RUBBER BASS STRINGS? Plastic?
Totally! It will be a huge advantage, actually. (But do remember: Some great, great guitarists have had small hands. The Young brothers and Danny Gatton spring to mind ... )
Hi Nino! That tone is all about high-pass filters. I cut off the very lowest frequencies, but add a lot of resonance right at the cutoff point - usually somewhere around 50Hz. Here are some relevant links. Notice how a lot of engineers use a similar process on kick drums.
when you're a metal head but also hawaiian
General Skunk he looks more punky than a metal head to be honest
Iron Pineapple. Led Mango.
@@Lughnerson Sugar Satan
lol God Christ Jesus bless you all, have a great day :" )
I no kidding thought you meant how heavy could it get.
I was like "Come on. It's a uke bass. I'm pretty sure it can't get heavier than a normal bass. It's so light!"
Me too!
I thought heavy, like suffering an existential crisis on your 40th birthday kind of heavy.
You need to stop talking it is ruining the video. Lol JK it was amazing keep up with the great content
lol "you had us in the first half ngl"
God Christ Jesus bless you and have a great day
Damn, that low end at 2:22 hits. 808 vibes!
@@joe_gore But what setting or effect does that? Octaver?
Excellent little affordable Bass.
I bought one of these strictly for
recording and it has definitely paid for itself.
People think it's funny when they first see it, but after they play it and realize that it gets the job done, and then some....
they usually want to buy one for themselves.
It's also perfect for Coffee House gigs and Bonfire Jams on the Beach.
A legit example of: "Size Doesn't Matter."
It has a warmth to it
LOL! That WOULD be a gas to show up at a gig with the Uke and blow their minds!!
I did a couple of tours doing exactly that. And yes - besides being a cool sound, it’s a great visual gag.
And perhaps that is a consideration that a musician thinks of: for the people sitting there for the music I want to be eye-catching. Hmmm.
Wow great job, I love U-Bass and just can't wait to get mine!
Also what's that song that starts at 2:41?
A Jackson 5 song.
Xp Dobrada - Michael was eleven years old and in the 6th grade. Enjoy… ua-cam.com/video/SH5GfdB3G0k/v-deo.html
Sounds like Carry on My Wayward Son
Yahbut . . . we're listening to the computer, not the instrument.
I could trigger software algorithms with just about anything and make it sound like a bass.
Kind of misses the point of the U-bass, I think.
An Ashbory or a fretless Kala Ubass is perfect for jazz
What was the song at 3:25?
@@joe_gore sick riff tho, the growly tone was fantastic
Awesome !!!!
@@joe_gore hello,
Can you please advise of online ubass lessons.
Thanks !!!
3:02 I hope davie doesnt see this
Damn, I have to learn more about processing, that sounded amazing!
I love the uke bass because it is probably the closest-sounding instrument to a double bass but is a lot cheaper and simpler to play. Thanks for the vid !
You ought to hear the fretless version for an upright bass simulator!
Always wanted a double bass, maybe this would be decent emulation of it
Uke Nukem
Hail to the King, baby.
So basically you didn’t want the ubass to begin with. The bass has a unique sound. Why change it? Grumpy rant over.
Were you a mime in a previous existence? Very expressive
max volume on my earbuds... hearing clinking noises and I think ther'ye broken
2:43 I definitely have to learn that lick
I’ve been playing my bass uke for a while. I now own 2! The first one I put on a set of round wounds. When I plug it in to bass effects, it’s actually a mean beast! I do have to deal w/ some minor intonation issues going up the fretboard but hey, it’s never going to be my main instrument. The second bass uke I bought I kept the polyurethane strings for that old school stand-up bass sound. You’re right about taking forever to get into tune but once there it stays in tune. Overall, these bass ukes have proven to be a cool little addition to the market. There are now solid body bass ukes which some people have removed the piezo p/u’s and installed regular PJ bass p/u’s. I already have a short scale so I wouldn’t do that myself.
I second everything you say. In the (I can’t believe it) five years since I posted this, I have gotten SO much use out of this inexpensive but terrific instrument. (Actually, this particular one now belongs to my friend Cha from the Mexico City band Fobia, but the replacement I got is just as good, or maybe a little better.) Check out the replacement strings made by Aquila, if you haven’t yet. They do both roundwound and rubber sets.
I love mine soooo much!
My favorite thing is when people look to see what kind of bass you’re playing and they can’t find it in the band
I have a Kala U-Bass that never sees the light much. Now, I want to try it out.
Thank you for providing justification for using the THUMB! Every other bassist I've watched just uses their forefinger and middle finger to play.
Believe it or not, that technique derives from my teenage years as an early music nerd. Playing melodies with alternating thumb and index finger was a common 16th-century lute technique.
@@joe_gore Nice. I use my thumb because I play guitar and it just made sense to me to use as many fingers as I need to play the notes I want to efficiently.
“Funny”, I’m listening with studio monitors. In fact I have a pair of KRK RP10 ROKIT G4 3-Way Powered Studio Monitors.
I have been listening to ukulele bass’s amongst other bass’s before I clicked on your video. I didn’t hear anything until I turned my volume all the way up.
Though when I changed channels to another bass video, I had to quick turn my volume back down because it vibrated the windows of the room I’m in.
Out of 116k views you only have 149 comments, well after this it will be 150. Out of those 149 comments you are responsible for almost 1/3 of them (42). Only 0.09% of your viewers commented on the video.
So seeing that myself and one other person commented about the sound, it does make sense. More people commented on the sound, then people who watched your video and commented. If you minus my two other comments it brings your comments down to 100 & since both me and the other person commented about the sound then we make up for 2% of the comments vs the 0.09% who commented after watching the video.
You video is not void of sound, it is just kind of quiet.
@@joe_gore lol this is by far one of the best videos i've seen on the uke bass in both content and audio quality (listening through tannoy monitors)... have no idea what they're talking about, just wanted to put in my 2 cents and thank you for a good video :)
For a Kala ubass fretless ebony, if I am looking for the most similar sound to an upright, which amp can you suggest? Ampeg would be fine?
Some really nice sounds from that little thing. I never knew that you could play a bass through the Axe-FX. Would try it out if I had one (or a bass for that matter). Also great playing as usual.
That dub sound was FAT :O
0:34 to 0:42 sounds like asmr and the bass playing took me out of it.
i’m sad now, can someone make asmr with that shit pronto?
Meh, it sounds shitty on my phone speaker
Duh.
BC thatsthejoke.avi
I can appreciate that!
dk what you're on about, I can't even hear it!!
404Anymouse Everything sounds shitty on phone speakers ...
I recently got one. It's a brand new experience for me. I put some steel strings on it that are made just for a U bass. But I didn't notice how thick the gut strings were. The nut is to thick and the steel strings are well, I don't like how they sit on the nut, but it stays in place. Plus I had to change the strings because the people who originally strung it had the gut strings strung like steel strings. And they messed up on the fourth string. But after a little time passes, I'm just gonna get more gut strings for it.
Nice to find a more honest player making it clear whem he is the one who has not gotten used to a thing before calling it cr1p.
I love my GT mini Bass with Thunderguts on it run through a straight line into a 90 watt Behringer amp that does the job and i have one pedal i love to use when i want to turn the volume up some and shake the building.
I have never been a good guitar player or Bassit and now with chronic spinal arthritis and disc problems i am happy enough to sit with my copy strat playing some Delta blues and i also have a kids tiny guitar i put steel super slinkies on and she sounds some like an old Dobro which i am very happy about, it makes Mannish boy good fun with slide on the pinky.
@@joe_gore Thanks for answering man. And thanks again. Namaste 👀
I admit these sound surprisingly good, but I'm not sure what the point is of pricing them in a range where you could just buy an actual bass guitar... They're almost $600 here in Canada, and they seem to me like they should be about $250 or $300.
Good examples Joe. Sometimes the unconventional gets you great results. Also a winner is a cheap short scale bass running tapewound strings. Here my buddy ran straight into Logic with some amp modeling: drive.google.com/open?id=0B3fXwdYVoNkORHN4MVp1Nmh1M2c
this video was fucking dope. thanks for sharing, joe
You look like old version of adam sandler
Thinking of getting a set of Steelbacks for my GT mini Bass that has the Thunderguts on it rn..... for a more punchy sound,,, what say any Bass player who would like to chime in.
Thanks in advance....
@@joe_gore It is very woody yeah, like Double upright Bass?
Thanks for your input.
@@joe_gore You know a lot more about stringed, or probably any type musical instrument than i do mate.
Thanks for your replies. :}
I have the same bass and have always found the E to be way quieter than the other strings. Are you compensating for that in your playing or is it not a problem? Great vid by the way.
Thanks Joe. Will give that a crack.
I seen one of these at the music shop here in Tennessee the other day and was amazed I had no idea they existed. Looking to get one. Love the video thanks 🙏 can’t wait to listen to it in the car with the sub 😁
Thanks, MM - I’m glad you found the video useful! Good look with your new instrument!
that's actually incredible
This is great also for people with not a lot of room, or for travel! Thanks, I may buy one!!
There’s no sound on this video man
MXR Bass D.I.+ stomp box does that eq and amp modelling (and distortion) in one go for gigging.
The Thundergut strings are similar but perhaps a bit more tension and faster on the fingers, more presence from the bottom E.
Thank you so much, I now want to bounce round the room at 2:30 a.m. with my Kala.
What was that shit about no slap?
informative and entertaining a always. Your voice does not get in the way. I recently have been building a bass VI, Ive read your articles on them and the bari's but can't find you playing one. Can you point me in that direction? Or can you play one for us here one day? Thanks Joe!
I have an Alvarez acoustic my wife
gave me for an anniversary. It's very pleasant to play. It's tuned to standard, but A-a.
Thanks for not speaking, it honestly was super helpful and made it so much more watchable lol
Very informative, helpful. I like this way this is constructed with the comments dubbed/captioned underneath. It lets the bass sound speak for itself while also allowing for detailed, expert comments. I’ve like this post and bookmarked this as a reference. Thx Sir.
It would be sweet if they made a 25.5" scale version.
Obviously, there is much I can learn from you.
Just saw this ua-cam.com/video/6HdxHYX7Yes/v-deo.html
Seems like people are starting to make them
Strings: 3:45
Great Uke Face....otherwise get a uke or get a bass.....bass uke is a cure looking for a disease....
It’s waaaayyyy better looking than the Guild Ashbory bass.
I know this is fairly old now but have you tried out the flatwound strings for these basses? They sound great in every demo I've heard.
Thanks for the upload. I just ordered a U-bass (fretless) and your vid gave me ideas on how to use my V-amp 3 to enhance the sound(s).
*Dude its great to see u back. Great vid. Ur super inspirational and educational when it came to what tones and gear I was looking for. Btw, could u list the riffs from songs you used in the vid. They're all great.*
sounds amazing...
That sounds really cool!!
@@joe_gore It makes my Ibanez bass sound mundane.. and thats hard to do LOl... Stay safe!
very informative. who gave thumbs down to this? maybe they don't like the bass uke
I use one of these in a fusion jazz/death metal band called Morphisistik
Nice demonstration!
Thank you!
Very cool, and I liked your playing. Do you have neighbors?
can you also play this instrument as how you would play the ukulele?
Can't get enough of this chap. Brill.
@@joe_gore BONUS!!!
4:20 Awesome! 5:00 too!
I play mostly folk, traditional jazz, and island escape music (read Jimmy Buffet) and my little Ubass is perfect. Plus, I'm an oldster so it's light weight makes it easy to live with. And as you noted, you have to get used to the short scale. It's tricky. Also, I think the lighter you play it the better. Hitting it too hard is messy.
I like the c/l idea. I'll give that a try. Thanks.
Very upright-bass-y sounding, like the Ashbory.
Nice! Liked it! Good job, very fun and useful btw
What Kala bass model is that in the video please?
the vintage dub is cool
I'd try a muting device just for fun.. might help the attack problem.
:) Me too .. I'm fingers only on bass.. My tone comes from the hands!
....LOL !!!!
sounds like you can get acoustic upright or fender precision bass sound or acoustic bass guitar sound. sounds good on my studio monitors.
What do you mean my RUBBER BASS STRINGS? Plastic?
polyurethane
2:16 - intonation, intonation...... :-/
Dude fantastic
Thaks a zillion! :)
If it doesn't have a preamp,. it needs to feed something with an extra high input impedance, such as a Radial PZ-DI. This will lessen the quack.
1 Meg or more?
Amazing!
3:15 does indeed remind me of Jah Wobble in PiL hahaha
So is there such a thing as a contra ulke bass?
Thanks Joe for the excellent video.
What is that at 4:38 it sounds very nice
The effect on 4:20 sounds so cool
I want this before the year ends
its ehh but nice studio set up.
Great stuff. Thanks.
Nice stuff.
As I have short fingers, this might be a solution for me.
Totally! It will be a huge advantage, actually. (But do remember: Some great, great guitarists have had small hands. The Young brothers and Danny Gatton spring to mind ... )
Rhytm yea !
No slap! Pfffft!
How can I get the dub style tone? (2:23)
Hi Nino! That tone is all about high-pass filters. I cut off the very lowest frequencies, but add a lot of resonance right at the cutoff point - usually somewhere around 50Hz. Here are some relevant links. Notice how a lot of engineers use a similar process on kick drums.
awesome vid, bro
$400.00 for that bass uke - - WTF
3 years later.....
You can get one for a little over $100.
Great demonstration! Thanks for this
so cool!!
watched...enjoyed
Good one! I also like your attitude to bass - no slap, below 1kHz etc. Dead right!
Nice video. Thanks!
tonefiend by joe gore You’re really good. I love how you break everything down so well. We need more analysis in the world... keep it up!
what´s the name of the song at 2:00?
tonefiend by joe gore Thank's, I've been busting my head all day long, asking everyone about the song, and no body said it's even familiar :/
"I wouldn't want to hear slap bass on this"
Nik West: "hold my purple beer"
Beautiful shit.
And to you :)
Too cool
ooooo Sawwweeet!!
thank you for the ear candy :¬)
Love this!
Good Luck ya :)
I played a u bass through ir of a real acoustic bass on a fx2 incredible sound...