I had been playing some acoustic shows with my band, and wanted to play something other than an electric bass. I suppose I really wanted a double bass, but I neither had the funds or any way of transporting such a beast! I did some research, and came across the Kala U-Bass - which I came close to ordering until I discovered this.
It cost me less than £100, and is amazing value for money. I've used it at several acoustic shows with my originals band, and also for a few numbers with my function band - for covers of songs where a double bass was used on the original recording.
The general feedback I've received is it doesn't sound at all how it looks. Expect some confused faces when you gig this!
I've used directly into a PA system and my regular bass guitar amp. In both cases I've had better results by using the 'Fishman' pre-amp model on my Zoom B3. This allows me to match its level to my bass guitar for easy mid-show switching.
There are two minor niggles - there is one 'fret' that is slightly raised at one side (The fingerboard still has slots cut for frets and these are filled with veneer or similar). It's really not noticeable when playing though! Secondly, the pre-amp seems a little bit hissy, especially with the tone turned up. This noticeable through headphones or when using a cab with a tweeter - though only when the room is silent. Can't hear it at all through a tweeterless Ampeg SVT cab.
Please don't let this put you off - it's a great bass and well worth the money. I may upgrade
