Something new...

[ghotiphry]

Anyone ever hear of a U-Bass or a MicroBass?  I bought one of these off Reverb today. I couldn't resist.  I've never tried my hand at an upright bass, and don't really want to.  Two reasons, the size, and the cost.  But this little thing has such a yuuuge sound.  Okay, it's not 100% upright bass sound, missing out on that growl you get from the vibrating strings, and probably a bit hard to get a string slap tone, but it's sooo close.

[youtube]0lgwDG-SmV4[/youtube]

 

[weezingthejuicebodhi]

I was impressed that the strings didn't rip the damn thing in half, but then I saw that they were rubber. That looks pretty cool and like a lot of fun.

 

[bagman67]

I have fooled around with one of those a couple times at a local independent guitar dealer, and I have found the piezo click a little offputting.  Of course, I also keep my picking hand nails a little long for guitar purposes, and I know that's probably part of the clickiness I encountered.


But over all, that little bass is definitely punching above its weight. 

 

[ghotiphry]

Well, I'll tell ya, I'm buying it sight unseen, having never played one.  The way I figure it, if I can't do it, or can't stand it (both unlikely) then I'll at least get my money out of it when I sell it.

 

[BigSteve22]

Looks kind'a like a Uke on steroids, but sure enough sounds like a bass. Interesting...  :icon_scratch:

 

[ghotiphry]

Looks kind'a like a Uke on steroids, but sure enough sounds like a bass. Interesting...  :icon_scratch:

The original is by Kala and in fact they do make ukuleles. They called it the U-Bass, and I do believe the U stands for ukulele.  The one I got is by Gold Tone, who is known for their banjos but also makes ukuleles.  It has a little longer scale length and a bit larger body than the U-Bass, making it, supposedly, easier to adapt to and fuller in sound.

 

[rgand]

I really like the thing. It has a nice, round sound.

 

[Axkoa]

Another guy on the forum, swarfrat, made a U-Bass for his son.

http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=26053.0

Should be awesome for you though!

 

[Cagey]

I listened to the video, and was impressed with the sound. I expected the ukulele version of a bass, but it actually sounds like a real bass.