LeftyBassist.com

I am canceling my order for a left hand model Kala fretted spruce U bass. The bridge they install on this model is NOT intonated correctly for the left hand string setup. They have been selling left hand model U-basses with RIGHT-HAND intonated bridges. Keep in mind these bridges are not adjustable.

I don't know if or when they would have told me about this if I had not happened to see a discussion about it on their facebook page. (NOTE: They have now deleted that discussion from their FB page) If I got the bass, I'm sure I would have realized sooner or later that my strings were not intonating and questioned it. A proper left hand bridge should have the saddle positions in the mirror image of a right hand bridge, easy to see.


I spoke to Kala directly about this and the response was not very encouraging. The tech "Jason" said that they are having new lefty bridges made but it would be 2 years before the left hand models with those bridges would be available. He said I could then have my "right hand" bridge replaced. So in the meantime I would be using a bridge that is actually set up with the opposite of correct left handed intonation. That's unacceptable to me.

I'm surprised they would even sell the basses like that.

Yeah, Matt wasn't too happy either.

Read on...

viewtopic.php?f=16&t=2108

Sorry I missed that thread. Would have saved me a lot of trouble. Bottom line is that we have to wait for the properly made bridges on those lefty models. Then also be very careful with this company as they were not up front about the problem.

Are you the guy who messaged me on Facebook?

Yup Same guy
Hi Matt
I also posted here in your review thread for the U-bass.

Really what on god's green earth would you do with one of those? I just can't see it. Would you record with it? Practice on something that is nothing like a regular bass. I am sorry but please tell me I do not mean to offend I just don’t get it.

Well I have yet to play one but have you actually heard these little guys?
I suggest you do a simple Youtube search for "Kala U bass" also check out bassist Bakithi Kumalo in various Youtube clips. Among other credits he plays bass for Paul Simon. Recently Simon has been making the rounds on various talk shows, etc. playing live versions of tunes from his new album. That's where I heard it first. I had the TV on in the other room and it got my attention, came running in to see what and who was playing like that. It was Kumalo playing a Kala mahogany ukulele bass and it blew me away.

This thing is no toy, don't be fooled by the size. It uses standard bass EADG tuning in the same low octave as an upright or electric. The tone is incredible. If Kala gets their s**t together with a lefty and it's still affordable, I'm there.

such as

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRCDm-C7hV0&feature=related

HOLY CRAP! THAT DOES SOUND GOOD!

Yup it does sound thick and bad-ass. I am now having a different opinion of the sound and practicality. Unfortunately I still would get my ass kicked at practice but at home that could be really cool. Thank you guys and I’m glad I was open to diggin it because it is worth digging on. Peace! I'm starting now to have a little itch in my tiny brain saying "you should buy a hollow body bass" I might have to look into a new Star Warwick. Those rubba strings give it that tone though..

I watched Bakithi Kumalo @ Summer NAMM 2011 paying a Kala. I have little video clips from my phone somewhere. He played Jaco's Continuum on that little bass. It sounded killer. Don't let the size fool you. They sound pretty good for a little bass.