Category Archives: Bass Finds

Bass Find: Kala U-Bass

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I’ve made an amazing and a somewhat frustrating discovery! That discovery is a Kala U-Bass.  This instrument is slightly larger than a traditional ukulele and uses polyurethane strings.  When I first saw this instrument I thought it looked very strange and felt very strange.  The strings feel kind of plastic-y and rubber-y and without plugging the instrument in, it sounds a little strange.  (I play ukulele so that’s probably why I find it weird.)

Anyway, when you plug this instrument in, the sound you get sounds almost identical to an upright bass. However, while an upright bass could cost more than $1,300, a U-Bass runs at about $550. Also, it’s small, portable, safe to take on flights, and it sounds amazing.  The tone is warm, smooth, and it definitely stands out.  I wish I found this earlier!

If you don’t believe when I say how cool this instrument is, you can check it out in this video.

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Bass Find: ESP’s LTD BB-4 Bass

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I didn’t get the chance to attend the Winter NAAM show this year, but I did keep up it from Nashville.  I must say, I’m really impressed with the new ESP models that have been released. This especially includes the LTD BB-4 bass.

I’ve played through quite a few ESP and LTD basses and have never been let down.  This new bass model lives up to the LTD expectations.  This bass comes jam packed with an Alder/Swamp Ash body, a Maple/Walnut neck, and a rosewood fingerboard.  You can imagine how sweet this instrument sounds without actually hearing it!  The pickups are Seymour Duncan Quarter Pound SJB-3 / SPB-3.  This bass comes equipped with 3 band EQ with a mid frequency control and an active/passive switch.  My personal favorite part of this instrument is that it has a thumb rest!  I’ve never seen this before, but I think it’s great! No more annoying little marks left on your thumb from resting your thumb on the pickup!

I’m DYING to play this instrument.  I might seriously consider adding this instrument to my small family of instruments.  The great thing is that it is only about $800! Such a small price for a deliciously sweet instrument!

I haven’t played this instrument yet, but when I do, you can expect a full length review! If you have played one of these basses, please tell me how you feel about it! In the meantime, you can find out more about this instrument on the ESP website.

Bass Find: “The Vertigo” Gig Bag

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Hey all! In the last three days, my gig bag has broken twice.  So, all day I’ve been on a mission to find the perfect gig bag and I may have found it.

The Vertigo gig bag is made by Mono.  These bags have adequate storage in them for all of the little things and there is a supportive headlock inside the case.  The best part, however, is “The Boot.” Since the case is top-loading, the innovators of The Vertigo designed the ultimate protection for the bottom of your guitar.  The boot is made out of rubber, so it serves as a good shock absorber and protector for your strap pin.

I’m absolutely amazed at this product.  If you would like to learn more on The Vertigo, you can watch this video below!

Bass Find: Chadwick Folding Bass

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I recently bought my upright bass and I love playing it.  However, it has been the number one source of stress in my life.  Ok… that might be a little dramatic, but I’m CONSTANTLY worrying about dropping it, the price of strings, playing in tune, not being completely dwarfed on stage by it, etc. But, I think the biggest problem with this instrument is traveling with it.  I haven’t had to take it on the road yet, but when I do, would I have to check it if I fly? If so, how much would THAT cost?  That instrument is six feet tall! When I travel by car or van, will it fit with all the other gear,  5 or more other musicians, and all the empty water bottles and potato chip bags?

Well, those days of worry are over! In the November issue of Bass Player Magazine, there was an article on Charlie Chadwick, the inventor of the Chadwick Folding Bass. This is a 3/4  bass with a neck that can fold into the bass itself, making for easy transport! Also, it comes with a hard case… How convenient!  Check out the demonstration video here:

Now, I’m sure you’re probably wondering the same thing I was, “But how’s the sound quality?  Something this cool has to sound odd and cheap, right?” WRONG! Artists like Christian McBride and Barry Bales (from Alison Krauss and Union Station) use this instrument and it sounds as good as any other high-quality, professional upright bass.  Check out a video of Barry Bales playing the Chadwick on the Ellen Show:

So, if you’re needing an upright bass that sounds great and is easy to transport, definitely look into the Chadwick Folding Bass.