Kala U-Bass

[Matt R.]

Update- I talked to Jason (the guy I emailed back & forth above). He is a super nice, friendly guy on the phone. He says that Kala is redesigning the saddle system for lefties, so we shall see. I don't know how long it will take.

[Matt R.]

Another update. This purchase is a total bust. Details forthcoming.

[fivebass52]

What happened in the seven or so hours between posts to change your mind and label this a bust? Inquiring minds want to know.....

[Matt R.]

The piezo started cutting out. So I called Kala and asked for a replacement. I actually talked to the guy I emailed like I said. He's sending me a replacement free, but he advised me not to take off the plastic saddles like i did before, because that's what could have damaged the piezo element to begin with (the saddle pieces are lightly glued on to the piezo element, but I didn't have to force them off when I removed them to turn them around).
Well anyway, the new saddle assembly will be backwards as well, so this bass is completely useless. I will be returning it. I'm so fucking annoyed I can't even begin to tell you....

[blankrider]

Damn man that's BS. I can't believe they'd have the nerve to send you a backwards saddle and ask you to not flip it...after you told them about the problem.

[Matt R.]

True. It sucks because it's a great little bass. Such a shame.

[pjmuck]

Wow, that really sucks.

[Matt R.]

If you're a righty or a lefty who plays upside down, go for it. Otherwise, I retract my high recommendation.

[fivebass52]

Any updates on this bass? Still interested in one, but haven't seen much on quality-control regarding left handers. Matt, you had the most intimate hands-on experience with the Kala, and wondering if you've got anything to add at this point in time. Or, for that matter, anything else out there that would replace, or one-up this model....

[Matt R.]

No I have pretty much given up on this bass. Quite a disappointment. The sound was so good too.

[ADSR]

Sorry I missed this thread, would have saved me some time. I still owe Matt a thank you because he posted about this problem on the Kala Facebook page yesterday. I was able to cancel my order for a lefty Ubass so it could have been a lot bigger headache. So thanks again, Matt!!

Kind of funny that the Kala tech name dropped Paul McCartney among others. I wonder if Sir Paul has a Ubass. How did they set his up? Is it possible he's sitting at home with a U-bass that has a right-hand bridge and doesn't know it? Probably not, I bet they made his custom.

[Frenchy-Lefty]

Kind of funny that the Kala tech name dropped Paul McCartney among others

I am surprised this Kala tech guy did not drop the Pope's name as well...like "we just shipped it to the Vatican and the Pope loved it, he did not find any intonation issues..."

[phishears]

Does anyone have any recent experience with the left handed ubass KA UBASS 2 - FS - LH

I'm interested but leary due to the above discussion.

Thanks, Mark

[Matt R.]

That's the bass that caused this thread.

[phishears]

Thanks Matt, I thought the posts were from 2008, but I was looking at your join date.

[Info@Kala]

“The left-handed compensated U-Bass saddles have now been installed into all remaining stock of left handed basses. They are now being shipped to dealers. The saddles have improved intonation and playability.”

[Matt R.]

Where is this quote from and will the price remain the same?

[Info@Kala]

This is the latest from the Kala Workshop. The price will remain the same.

[Matt R.]

This is the latest from the Kala Workshop. The price will remain the same.

Thanks. I called a dealer to get more info. I'll post what I find out. Are there anymore details you can provide? Such as date of availability and whatnot?

[Frenchy-Lefty]

“The left-handed compensated U-Bass saddles have now been installed into all remaining stock of left handed basses. They are now being shipped to dealers. The saddles have improved intonation and playability.”

If it is true I might well get one. It sounds killer!