➡ Hope you enjoyed this comparison and if you want to see the full reviews please click the links below. Kala Solid Body U-Bass Review - ruclips.net/video/ofFvuwzuXSU/видео.htmlsi=ZdkbhSTKAG4O5Z8k Flight Mini Bass Review - ruclips.net/video/ENQqP23HXnc/видео.htmlsi=kwOjylngOOIqAAQy 🚀 If you'd like to join my Patreon Page for exclusive goodies such as PDF downloads and behind the scenes footage - www.patreon.com/UkuleleWales
Thank you so much for your videos! I love your channel since i started my bass / ubass journey.... greetings from Mexico! ....I recently got a Carry On mini bass from Black Star, originally i was looking to buy this new Kala ubass, but the shipping is very expensive so i bought the black star bc i found it in a mexiican store but i still think about the kala... it would be awesome if you could make a comparison: the Carry On vs new Kala solid body ubass. Thank you for reading me and i hope my english is not too bad! ❤
Hi Laura and hello Mexico. You may have already seen, I’ve just bought the Blackstar bass so yes, I will definitely be doing a comparison with the Kala. Great that you bought the Blackstar in a store, it is definitely growing on me. 😊
Thank you for this and the other great videos on the Kala solid body bass! You are an absolute pleasure to watch and I truly appreciate your very clear delivery, forthrightness, and honesty. I did notice in this comparison (not so much in the other videos, but I'll check on those again) that the Kala seemed to have more overtones than the Flight... and actually, they were fairly consistent. It seemed like other unplayed strings were ringing out slightly more. I'm wondering if you noticed that as well, and if you think that may be a function of the difference in your playing between the slightly different string gauges, some extra vibration from the saddle or nut, or maybe a difference in pickup heights or magnet strength? Either way, it appears this bass has the hardware that will allow for that to be reduced if not eliminated (if not, there's always fret wraps, lol), but I'm just curious if you picked up on that, so to speak, as well. Again, thank you so much for your work!
Hi Sean, Thank You for such a lovely comment. I have noticed the odd overtone, but only really when I was playing it along side the Flight but I’m not very bothered by it as it wasn’t really noticeable “live”, only on the video. I will be trying it with a fret wrap though as I tend to try them on most of my basses. 😊
Unfortunately I can only review what I have own or borrow and I don't have one and it's not one that I want enough to rush out and buy. Maybe one day..............
Both are excellent; tonally very close to my ears. I plan on buying the Flight. I like the color. No other reason for choosing it over the Kala. Another helpful review, thank you, Rachel!
Thanks for your reviews, comparisons and demos. I enjoyed your playing. While familiar with Kala's traditional ukuleles, I was turned onto the U-Bass series via NAMM 2024 videos. All the best!
Thank you very much for so quickly filming and editing this video! It is quite helpful, as well as fun to watch! I continue to prefer the Kala over the Flight. I like how it looks, plus, at the moment, the Flight here in the U.S. is priced at $429 from Aloha Ukes and is "coming soon" on the Terry Carter site with a price listed at $699 (what? dang!). Also, I must admit I'm very intrigued by Kala's new generation of California U-basses. I'm hoping they'll have addressed some of the issues on the original ones. But when will they be available? Does anyone know?
Still waiting on news of the new Calis - will be very interesting though. Shame about the prices of the Flight for you in the US, mind you “Brexit Britain” is not much fun for importing anything anymore!! 🫣
Hello, great videos! Could you please comment on the Kala vs the Magic Fluke timber base? Both in terms of build quality and tone ? Price wise the latter is double the price, but that maybe because it is hand made. Thanks!
Thanks Rachel! The weight would be a deciding factor for me as well as the looks. I like the modern appearance of the Flight. The rounded edge on the Kala might make for a little bit more comfortable playing though.
Thank you. Great video. You mentioned that you would change the roundwounds on the Kala to flatwounds. What reason would you say for that change? Just learning about strings. Thanks!
Thanks for your question. I’m originally a double bass / upright bass play and just prefer the feel of the flat wound strings and also love playing fretless which makes them so smooth and easy to play. Hope that explains. 👍
My sister is looking for a fretless, but doesn’t like a traditional sunburst look. Oye! Guess I will have to keep on looking or wait to see if the Kala fretless ever comes out in a different color. Thanks for the wonderful comparison!
Hello! Does the tuning hold well or does it cause problems? I bought this Ubass Kala Fretted Solid Body but the strings sound very “metallic” and the tuning is wrong, it is difficult to find the tuning with a clip tuner and it also sounds out of tune, no matter how many times I play a note it doesn't give the correct note? what will it be???
Hi, yes the tuning is great on them. Generally I find it is the tuner causing the issue as not all clip on tuners work well with the bass instruments. Also always make sure the tuner is set to either bass or chromatic. Hope you get it sorted.
Both were set up really well. Personally I found the Kala easier to play but that is probably because I have played it far more. I’m looking to get my own Flight mini at some point though as it’s a great bass. 👍
Thanks for the Video! I've tried the Kala at a store and found it's neck rather wide (compared to my current bass). How does the Flight neck width compare to the Kala?
I would say the Flight has a slight thinner, more rounded neck profile but only very slightly. The Flight Mini JB has a narrower neck, more akin to the Fander Jazz.
You may have already made a decision but Flight have literally just released another Mini bass with very different colours, check out the SOuthern Ukulele Store to see it. 😍
I noticed the Kala on your site but didn't listen or watch previously because I assumed it was in the price range of the California model. Big mistake; it's much less. I placed an order after following your review and some others. I was going to upgrade from the rubber strings on my 2 less expensive ukulele basses. The metallic strings and magnetic pickup on the Kala is a huge plus for me. When I heard its tones, I was sold. I prefer the candy apple red colour but alas it's not available in Canada before July. I'm too impulsive to wait that long. I'm not such a fan of tobacco burst, so I ordered the black model. I'll have it before month's end. I'm really excited about this for the plusses of metal strings, better intonation, less string buzzes and great tone. My wife, who usually coaches me on colours of things, liked the Flight but, like me, isn't so taken by that yellowish area on the horns. Thanks for the video. So glad I checked it out.
Great to hear you’ve ordered one Andy. I suppose you could have ordered the rd direct from Kala but (if it was like me) you would have had extra shipping and possibly tax costs. Hope you like your new bass though. Let me know when you get it. 👍
I got it rather quickly but had to wait an extra week to play it with the band [also named Cool Hand Ukes but with different spelling than your group]. To be my best, I've got to pay closer attention to the fret markers. So, I'm saying that I'm getting familiar with the neck. A minor detail. The U-Bass sounds great and I'm double checking details on whether or not I can put flat wound strings on it without difficulty (tuning peg stuff). The case from Kala is quite impressive. I'm doubting that I'll pick up the rubber string basses again.@@UkuleleWales
@@UkuleleWalesAre you absolutely 100% sure? I just received a reply from Thomann Customer Service saying it really is 20". On the video, to me the Flight scale indeed seems a bit shorter than Kala's (although 3.5" difference would mean A LOT shorter)
Yes, saw it a while ago. I haven’t seen one in person, looks very interesting but I’m not a massive fan of the jazz bass, would certainly like to try one though if I had the chance. 👍
Thanks for the reply Rachel. Thomann are advertising the Kala to be available in 11-14 weeks at €329 which could tempt me to buy myself a Christmas present 😂. I currently play a Heartland fretless acoustic with Aquila polythene strings. I also have a Kala Spalted Maple acoustic u-bass with flat wound strings on board. I put them through a Phil Jones 100 watt bass amp which I’m very happy with. I still have to check out the Blackstar carry on bass which looks very interesting. Thanks again, Joe
@@joefortune5040 Sounds like you have a great set up with that PJB amp! Shall keep an eye on Thomann but also worth watching Southern Uke Store and other ukes shops, mayne they will hit Europe at the same time?
Thanks, Rachel, for the excellent comparison! I recently got word from the folks at Kala that a fretless version of the bass should be available (sunburst only), in late October. They are also developing a flatwound string set for the basses which should be coming in the next couple of months.
Great comparison! I think I prefer rhe Kala, but only because I like the way it looks Still learning to play my Flight Centurion electric ukulele, but I'd love to try out U-bass in the future, seems like fun :)
I agree with other comments that the Flight looks lovely, but that body edge looks less comfortable than the rounded edge of the Kala. Also aesthetically, I think I prefer the position of the pickup on the Flight. The pickup on the Kala somehow looks too close to the neck, and accentuates the off-set body shape - of course, that's all just IMHO. To my ears, they sounded quite similar - both really good, I think. Rachel, did you notice any difference re your playing position with your right hand? It's closer to the neck on the Kala, and closer to the bridge on the Flight - did you prefer either from that point of view? I'd be interested to hear.... Thanks again for taking the time to film this, and for sharing it with us :)
Hi Rachel@@UkuleleWales , Bore Da, I'm in Cardiff - not too far away from you (well, along the M4 a bit). PS. I mainly play Bass Guitar and electric upright (EUB) but I've dabbled with a couple of U-basses. I'm not a fan of the low tension, rubbery strings they're usually fitted with - but I suppose it's a combination of very different strings, and much shorter scale length tends to throw me. However, I've since acquired a couple of U-basses with steel strings. A Kala Journeyman (with roundwounds) and an Ashbury with flatwounds. I'll probably sell the Kala now, as I'm preferring the flatwounds on the Ashbury.
Thank you so much for this long anticipated comparison, Rachel! And for the moment it left me baffled. I personally like a dark, mellow, laidback, foundation laying bass-sound, am no friend of aggressive, foreground-seeking and obtrousive hi-tone bass like in Funk, not to speak of Slap and that kind of aural atrocities. I own a Fender Jazz and Precision for that very reason. The Rickenbacker would be the absolute opposite to them, soundwise. The funny thing now is, that this Rickenbacker-shaped Flight has a much more balanced and neutral tone to me, rather than the musty-sounding Kala. I didn't expect that! OTH, like @judih.8754 wrote a moment before, the shape of the Kala does look way more comfortable. However, its all about the sound and we have to give sacrifices.... And the Flight does NOT LOOK (edited, sorry!) too shabby as well. Unfortunately some other reviews about the Flight pointed to some sloppy and untidy details, which scared me off so far. And because I knew, the Kala are around the corner, there were good reasons to wait for your comparison. I guess, I have to listen some more times to your soundbits. Probably hard to decide, more sleepless nights ahead. Thank you for that!
It is a tough one. I like them both for different reasons although personally I prefer the Kala tone but as we know, tone can be so subjective and tweaked in so many ways. I shall look forward to hearing what you end up with……
PLEASE HELP ME...PLEASE!!!!! My wife, who loves me more than I deserve, has given me the Flight Pathfinder bass as a Christmas gift this year. Before it got wrapped and put under the tree, I took it to my miracle working luthier to set it up. He did several magical things, and wow! It sounds better than any of my other outrageously expensive basses, and is easier to play, for all the reasons you would expect. BUT, like you, I prefer flat wound strings. To that end I had purchased a set of the flatwound Labella strings the make for Goldtone. The problem is the core is so thin, they break on the smaller, tighter radius tuners on the Flight. What flatwound strings are you using on your Flight bass? I understand Dogal strings in Italy makes a set for the Japanese Tiny Boy basses, but the United States has been left out of this international co-operation. There are no distributors for Tiny Boy basses here, and no one in the US has even heard of Dogal. AND I understand a set of the flatwound short scale bass strings cost just over a hundred Euros. If I have t I'll pay the price, if only I can get my hands on a set! HELP! PLEASE!
Hi, firstly a massive congratulations on your new bass and I'm so glad you you've got it all nicely set up too. I am still on my quest to find flatwound for the 23" mini basses. I will be asking Fanner soon as I had lovely flatwounds on my Pee Wee bass which I think were String Joy but can't find any info on those. Kala will be giving more info on their flatowunds soon too but they have mentioned La Bella previously and yes the Tiny Boy Dogals look suitable too but are pricey and difficult to get hold of. I wish I could be of more help but it is something on my list to do and I may even do a live stream talking about Bass ukulele / mini bass strings as I need to know more info and it may be a good discussion?? Watch this space I suppose but if you do manage to find some I would love to know.
I've already bought the Flight and, after hearing your great comparison, I think it's better value being £50 less. To me, there's very little difference in the sound.
I suppose the shipping and tax will have to be added Susan. We have the opposite problem here with the Kalas being more expensive. Which bass are you looking to get?
You Tube appears to have swallowed my comment, so I'll try again without the link to the Kala site The Kala site shows the body as being Okoume and the fingerboard as Laurel
Thanks, yes an interesting announcement with the wood choice, I would never had thought Okoume as it’s not a “normal” bass wood. Goof to know now though! 👍
So now Kaka has made their first short scale bass, that's cool. Note ubass/bass ukulele = piezo pickup, shortscale bass = magnetic pickup. You got it at a ukulele festival interesting.
Hi Michael, I would actually call it a mini bass rather than just a short scale as there is a huge difference in size but it is definitely a “U-Bass” as confirmed by Mike Upton (clue is in his name) and it’s even on the headstock.
There's never been a proper or universal definition of what a ukulele bass is. U-Bass is a Kala trademark and only correctly refers to Kala instruments, although it's been used like the name "Xerox" to mean any "ukulele bass". It's just a marketing term that doesn't mean anything specific. Short scale basses are just what it says in the name, a bass with a scale length less than 34". Nothing to do with amplification. These basses in the video, and all "ukulele basses" are short scale basses, personally I call anything less than around 24" a micro short scale bass.
Thanks Rachel! The weight would be a deciding factor for me as well as the looks. I like the modern appearance of the Flight. The rounded edge on the Kala might make for a little bit more comfortable playing though.
Thanks Rachel! The weight would be a deciding factor for me as well as the looks. I like the modern appearance of the Flight. The rounded edge on the Kala might make for a little bit more comfortable playing though.
➡ Hope you enjoyed this comparison and if you want to see the full reviews please click the links below.
Kala Solid Body U-Bass Review - ruclips.net/video/ofFvuwzuXSU/видео.htmlsi=ZdkbhSTKAG4O5Z8k
Flight Mini Bass Review - ruclips.net/video/ENQqP23HXnc/видео.htmlsi=kwOjylngOOIqAAQy
🚀 If you'd like to join my Patreon Page for exclusive goodies such as PDF downloads and behind the scenes footage - www.patreon.com/UkuleleWales
The pick ups are farther away from the bridge on the kala, which probably gives it the rounder bassy tone rather than the very bright sounding flight
Yep, I noticed that watching the video which was why I really wanted to do the live “reaction” video so I could mention things exactly like this.
Thank you so much for your videos! I love your channel since i started my bass / ubass journey.... greetings from Mexico! ....I recently got a Carry On mini bass from Black Star, originally i was looking to buy this new Kala ubass, but the shipping is very expensive so i bought the black star bc i found it in a mexiican store but i still think about the kala... it would be awesome if you could make a comparison: the Carry On vs new Kala solid body ubass. Thank you for reading me and i hope my english is not too bad! ❤
Hi Laura and hello Mexico. You may have already seen, I’ve just bought the Blackstar bass so yes, I will definitely be doing a comparison with the Kala. Great that you bought the Blackstar in a store, it is definitely growing on me. 😊
Been looking forward to this one!
Glad you enjoyed! 😊
Thank you for this and the other great videos on the Kala solid body bass! You are an absolute pleasure to watch and I truly appreciate your very clear delivery, forthrightness, and honesty.
I did notice in this comparison (not so much in the other videos, but I'll check on those again) that the Kala seemed to have more overtones than the Flight... and actually, they were fairly consistent. It seemed like other unplayed strings were ringing out slightly more. I'm wondering if you noticed that as well, and if you think that may be a function of the difference in your playing between the slightly different string gauges, some extra vibration from the saddle or nut, or maybe a difference in pickup heights or magnet strength? Either way, it appears this bass has the hardware that will allow for that to be reduced if not eliminated (if not, there's always fret wraps, lol), but I'm just curious if you picked up on that, so to speak, as well. Again, thank you so much for your work!
Hi Sean, Thank You for such a lovely comment. I have noticed the odd overtone, but only really when I was playing it along side the Flight but I’m not very bothered by it as it wasn’t really noticeable “live”, only on the video. I will be trying it with a fret wrap though as I tend to try them on most of my basses. 😊
Can you review the Fender Fullerton Bass Uke?
Unfortunately I can only review what I have own or borrow and I don't have one and it's not one that I want enough to rush out and buy. Maybe one day..............
Both are excellent; tonally very close to my ears. I plan on buying the Flight. I like the color. No other reason for choosing it over the Kala. Another helpful review, thank you, Rachel!
A good enough reason for your choice as I agree, they sound VERY similar. 😂
Thanks for your reviews, comparisons and demos. I enjoyed your playing. While familiar with Kala's traditional ukuleles, I was turned onto the U-Bass series via NAMM 2024 videos. All the best!
Awesome to hear Rob! 😎
@@UkuleleWales - After watching your videos and doing further research, I ordered the Batking uke bass. It should arrive tomorrow. Very excited!
Oh the black to 💜 purple on the Flight would be gorgeous !
We live in hope! 🤞
Thank you very much for so quickly filming and editing this video! It is quite helpful, as well as fun to watch! I continue to prefer the Kala over the Flight. I like how it looks, plus, at the moment, the Flight here in the U.S. is priced at $429 from Aloha Ukes and is "coming soon" on the Terry Carter site with a price listed at $699 (what? dang!). Also, I must admit I'm very intrigued by Kala's new generation of California U-basses. I'm hoping they'll have addressed some of the issues on the original ones. But when will they be available? Does anyone know?
Still waiting on news of the new Calis - will be very interesting though. Shame about the prices of the Flight for you in the US, mind you “Brexit Britain” is not much fun for importing anything anymore!! 🫣
You didn't mention the neck profiles and which felt more comfortable
Not something I tend to mention. In this case I’d say the Flight neck is slightly narrower and the Kala a little flatter if that helps. 👍
Hello, great videos! Could you please comment on the Kala vs the Magic Fluke timber base? Both in terms of build quality and tone ? Price wise the latter is double the price, but that maybe because it is hand made. Thanks!
Great suggestion, will add it to to the list. 👍
Thanks Rachel! The weight would be a deciding factor for me as well as the looks. I like the modern appearance of the Flight. The rounded edge on the Kala might make for a little bit more comfortable playing though.
Would agree with you totally Judi and yes, I love how comfortable the Kala is to play, however the Flight isn’t uncomfortable 👍
Both great, hard to decide, but I'd go for the Flight!!
Yep, difficult to decide but great to have a choice of 2 great basses! 😎
Thank you. Great video. You mentioned that you would change the roundwounds on the Kala to flatwounds. What reason would you say for that change? Just learning about strings. Thanks!
Thanks for your question. I’m originally a double bass / upright bass play and just prefer the feel of the flat wound strings and also love playing fretless which makes them so smooth and easy to play. Hope that explains. 👍
I'm curious about the kala machine heads do those little bad boys stay tuned?
Yes, really well and work brilliantly. 👍
Love to have heard a slap comparison. I just ordered the Kala. ( Red). Thanks for your great video. New subscriber.
Awesome! Thank you! One day I will do a slap comparison, especially now I have the Blackstar as well. 👍
My sister is looking for a fretless, but doesn’t like a traditional sunburst look. Oye! Guess I will have to keep on looking or wait to see if the Kala fretless ever comes out in a different color. Thanks for the wonderful comparison!
I’ll definitely be waiting to see if Kala come out with other colours for the fretless model - I really hope so too. 🤞
Hello! Does the tuning hold well or does it cause problems? I bought this Ubass Kala Fretted Solid Body but the strings sound very “metallic” and the tuning is wrong, it is difficult to find the tuning with a clip tuner and it also sounds out of tune, no matter how many times I play a note it doesn't give the correct note? what will it be???
Hi, yes the tuning is great on them. Generally I find it is the tuner causing the issue as not all clip on tuners work well with the bass instruments. Also always make sure the tuner is set to either bass or chromatic. Hope you get it sorted.
How was the action / playability?
Sound seemed pretty similar.
I know which one I like the look of, but am curious which one just feels easier to play
Both were set up really well. Personally I found the Kala easier to play but that is probably because I have played it far more. I’m looking to get my own Flight mini at some point though as it’s a great bass. 👍
Many thanks. I have this week ordered a 5-string Kala in tobacco burst.
Awesome to hear, hope it has arrived by now? Would love to know what you think of it. 😎
Thanks for the Video!
I've tried the Kala at a store and found it's neck rather wide (compared to my current bass). How does the Flight neck width compare to the Kala?
I would say the Flight has a slight thinner, more rounded neck profile but only very slightly. The Flight Mini JB has a narrower neck, more akin to the Fander Jazz.
Love the tone of the kala. I went with a fretless solid body, stoked to hear how it sounds
Awesome to hear. My fretless arrived last week and I LOVE it! Have you got flat wounds or round wounds?
I would tend to go for the Flight, but I'm non too keen on the layered paint job
You may have already made a decision but Flight have literally just released another Mini bass with very different colours, check out the SOuthern Ukulele Store to see it. 😍
Thanks for sharing this review. Have you tried the Black Star mini bass, which has similar size but a nicer price than kala and flight.
Not yet, maybe in the future though as it does look very interesting! 😎
The Kala sounds the best. Thanks for the sound tests. Much appreciated 👍
Glad you enjoyed. Thanks 😊
I noticed the Kala on your site but didn't listen or watch previously because I assumed it was in the price range of the California model. Big mistake; it's much less. I placed an order after following your review and some others. I was going to upgrade from the rubber strings on my 2 less expensive ukulele basses. The metallic strings and magnetic pickup on the Kala is a huge plus for me. When I heard its tones, I was sold. I prefer the candy apple red colour but alas it's not available in Canada before July. I'm too impulsive to wait that long. I'm not such a fan of tobacco burst, so I ordered the black model. I'll have it before month's end. I'm really excited about this for the plusses of metal strings, better intonation, less string buzzes and great tone. My wife, who usually coaches me on colours of things, liked the Flight but, like me, isn't so taken by that yellowish area on the horns. Thanks for the video. So glad I checked it out.
Great to hear you’ve ordered one Andy. I suppose you could have ordered the rd direct from Kala but (if it was like me) you would have had extra shipping and possibly tax costs. Hope you like your new bass though. Let me know when you get it. 👍
I got it rather quickly but had to wait an extra week to play it with the band [also named Cool Hand Ukes but with different spelling than your group]. To be my best, I've got to pay closer attention to the fret markers. So, I'm saying that I'm getting familiar with the neck. A minor detail. The U-Bass sounds great and I'm double checking details on whether or not I can put flat wound strings on it without difficulty (tuning peg stuff). The case from Kala is quite impressive. I'm doubting that I'll pick up the rubber string basses again.@@UkuleleWales
Great comparison... but can I just check.. I'm sure you said they were both 23.5" or 60cm scale, but the flight website says 20" or 51cm scale...
I noticed this too and am also curious if indeed the Flight is shorter? Rachel?? Pretty please?
Hi guys, no the scale is definitely 23 1/2 inches, the Flight website is wrong. 👍
@@UkuleleWalesAre you absolutely 100% sure? I just received a reply from Thomann Customer Service saying it really is 20". On the video, to me the Flight scale indeed seems a bit shorter than Kala's (although 3.5" difference would mean A LOT shorter)
@@djinnit I actually measured it, from nut to saddle and definitely not 20" Thomann will be just looking at the specs, not measuring it themselves.
have you seen flight released a new jazz mini bass
Yes, saw it a while ago. I haven’t seen one in person, looks very interesting but I’m not a massive fan of the jazz bass, would certainly like to try one though if I had the chance. 👍
@@UkuleleWales im still waiting for an electric ukulele with a floyd rose, sustainiac and scalloped+radiused fretboard (´_´)
Thank you very much Rachel for your clear & concise review. Based (no pun intended) on body shape, design as well as sound, I will be buying the Kala.
Glad it was helpful Paul and Thank You for your lovely comment. What colour are you going to get?
@@UkuleleWales I have had the Tobacco Burst, and it arrived on 10 April.
@@UkuleleWales cid:18edb7a400a4cb17c8a1
Thanks for the comparison Rachel. For me I think it will be the Kala.
I am loving all the different comments as it is really split who prefers what! Thanks for your choice. 👍
Thanks for the reply Rachel. Thomann are advertising the Kala to be available in 11-14 weeks at €329 which could tempt me to buy myself a Christmas present 😂.
I currently play a Heartland fretless acoustic with Aquila polythene strings. I also have a Kala Spalted Maple acoustic u-bass with flat wound strings on board. I put them through a Phil Jones 100 watt bass amp which I’m very happy with. I still have to check out the Blackstar carry on bass which looks very interesting.
Thanks again,
Joe
@@joefortune5040 Sounds like you have a great set up with that PJB amp! Shall keep an eye on Thomann but also worth watching Southern Uke Store and other ukes shops, mayne they will hit Europe at the same time?
I saw on the Kala site they have a fretless one, I'll likely be buying that one.
Fab to hear Victor, would love to hear if you did go for it and what you think of it. I’m holding out for some different colours at the moment. 😊
Thanks, Rachel, for the excellent comparison! I recently got word from the folks at Kala that a fretless version of the bass should be available (sunburst only), in late October. They are also developing a flatwound string set for the basses which should be coming in the next couple of months.
Yes, just heard that too, fantastic news. Plus more colours, 5 string and LH models, so glad Kala are doing this!
Great comparison! I think I prefer rhe Kala, but only because I like the way it looks
Still learning to play my Flight Centurion electric ukulele, but I'd love to try out U-bass in the future, seems like fun :)
Very cool to hear you have a Centurion, cracking ukes. Good to hear your choice - it is very much split with everyone’s favs.
Thank you, another excellent review ...
My pleasure! 😊
I agree with other comments that the Flight looks lovely, but that body edge looks less comfortable than the rounded edge of the Kala. Also aesthetically, I think I prefer the position of the pickup on the Flight. The pickup on the Kala somehow looks too close to the neck, and accentuates the off-set body shape - of course, that's all just IMHO.
To my ears, they sounded quite similar - both really good, I think. Rachel, did you notice any difference re your playing position with your right hand? It's closer to the neck on the Kala, and closer to the bridge on the Flight - did you prefer either from that point of view? I'd be interested to hear....
Thanks again for taking the time to film this, and for sharing it with us :)
Loved your opinion Marc. I can’t say the Flight is uncomfortable but the shaping of the Kala really is vERY nice! BTW, where about are you from?
Hi Rachel@@UkuleleWales , Bore Da, I'm in Cardiff - not too far away from you (well, along the M4 a bit).
PS. I mainly play Bass Guitar and electric upright (EUB) but I've dabbled with a couple of U-basses. I'm not a fan of the low tension, rubbery strings they're usually fitted with - but I suppose it's a combination of very different strings, and much shorter scale length tends to throw me.
However, I've since acquired a couple of U-basses with steel strings. A Kala Journeyman (with roundwounds) and an Ashbury with flatwounds. I'll probably sell the Kala now, as I'm preferring the flatwounds on the Ashbury.
Thanks for this. Love the ‘bass face’ - you should see mine!
LOL Thanks Eileen
Hi! I'm new here, and love your content! 👌❤💪 This Kala vs Flight fight is amazing..... But, I'm confused: How much is 350 usd in pounds sterling? 😄
Depends on exchange Rae but roughly £275 at the moment.
@@UkuleleWales Yes, I know, but you wrote and said twice in this video that Kala's price is $350, which is "roughly about £350".
Yes it is sold for $350 in America and £350 in the UK
@@UkuleleWales Aha, ok, now I understand.... anyway, I see it on Thomann now for £279.
Been waiting in the US for the delivery of a Flight since April!
I know, it’s a bit silly isn’t it. There haven’t been that many in the UK lately but at least we’ve had a few!
@@UkuleleWales my new Kala 23.5" Solid Body U•BASS®is on it's way!
Thank you so much for this long anticipated comparison, Rachel!
And for the moment it left me baffled. I personally like a dark, mellow, laidback, foundation laying bass-sound, am no friend of aggressive, foreground-seeking and obtrousive hi-tone bass like in Funk, not to speak of Slap and that kind of aural atrocities.
I own a Fender Jazz and Precision for that very reason. The Rickenbacker would be the absolute opposite to them, soundwise.
The funny thing now is, that this Rickenbacker-shaped Flight has a much more balanced and neutral tone to me, rather than the musty-sounding Kala. I didn't expect that!
OTH, like @judih.8754 wrote a moment before, the shape of the Kala does look way more comfortable.
However, its all about the sound and we have to give sacrifices....
And the Flight does NOT LOOK (edited, sorry!) too shabby as well. Unfortunately some other reviews about the Flight pointed to some sloppy and untidy details, which scared me off so far. And because I knew, the Kala are around the corner, there were good reasons to wait for your comparison.
I guess, I have to listen some more times to your soundbits.
Probably hard to decide, more sleepless nights ahead. Thank you for that!
It is a tough one. I like them both for different reasons although personally I prefer the Kala tone but as we know, tone can be so subjective and tweaked in so many ways. I shall look forward to hearing what you end up with……
PLEASE HELP ME...PLEASE!!!!!
My wife, who loves me more than I deserve, has given me the Flight Pathfinder bass as a Christmas gift this year. Before it got wrapped and put under the tree, I took it to my miracle working luthier to set it up. He did several magical things, and wow! It sounds better than any of my other outrageously expensive basses, and is easier to play, for all the reasons you would expect.
BUT, like you, I prefer flat wound strings. To that end I had purchased a set of the flatwound Labella strings the make for Goldtone. The problem is the core is so thin, they break on the smaller, tighter radius tuners on the Flight.
What flatwound strings are you using on your Flight bass?
I understand Dogal strings in Italy makes a set for the Japanese Tiny Boy basses, but the United States has been left out of this international co-operation. There are no distributors for Tiny Boy basses here, and no one in the US has even heard of Dogal. AND I understand a set of the flatwound short scale bass strings cost just over a hundred Euros. If I have t I'll pay the price, if only I can get my hands on a set!
HELP! PLEASE!
Hi, firstly a massive congratulations on your new bass and I'm so glad you you've got it all nicely set up too. I am still on my quest to find flatwound for the 23" mini basses. I will be asking Fanner soon as I had lovely flatwounds on my Pee Wee bass which I think were String Joy but can't find any info on those. Kala will be giving more info on their flatowunds soon too but they have mentioned La Bella previously and yes the Tiny Boy Dogals look suitable too but are pricey and difficult to get hold of.
I wish I could be of more help but it is something on my list to do and I may even do a live stream talking about Bass ukulele / mini bass strings as I need to know more info and it may be a good discussion??
Watch this space I suppose but if you do manage to find some I would love to know.
I've already bought the Flight and, after hearing your great comparison, I think it's better value being £50 less. To me, there's very little difference in the sound.
Totally agree, very little in sound. Glad you are happy with yours and I am still considering getting the Flight at some point!
Prefer the tone of the kala but the looks of the flight but it needs to be in a darker colour
Totally agree about a darker colour, hopeFlight listen as there seems to be a lot of call for different colours.
Your bass face looks great!
😂 Thanks
Just ordered my Kala in red😊
Ooooh, congratulations! Has it arrived yet?
I've got the Flight but it is impossible to judge which is best as they seem equally as good as each other.
Know what you mean Malcolm, I think they are both cracking basses! 😎
Nice T-Shirt 😉
Thanks Gary. I was hoping you might see it. Been loving the Holley videos of late - were you there?
I like the Kala better. The other one is a little too bright.
My opinion too but I love how everyone has their own preferences and how we get a choice. 😊
Here in the US, the Flights cost $100 more than the Kala!!
I suppose the shipping and tax will have to be added Susan. We have the opposite problem here with the Kalas being more expensive. Which bass are you looking to get?
You Tube appears to have swallowed my comment, so I'll try again without the link to the Kala site
The Kala site shows the body as being Okoume and the fingerboard as Laurel
Thanks, yes an interesting announcement with the wood choice, I would never had thought Okoume as it’s not a “normal” bass wood. Goof to know now though! 👍
I just looked on Kala's site and the solid-body shows for sale now!
Thanks for the heads up on this, and they still have some in stock considering I have heard of loads of people buying them. 👍
I have the worst case of resting bass face 😂😂😂 how could you choose between the two! Both sound great 😊😊
Oh no, be proud of the bass face! 😉 Agree, they are both lovely sounding basses! 🥰
Flight is much more present and fits the mix or the band better - you can hear it in the very beginning with the song. Kala sounds muffled.
And this is why I love doing comparisons as everyone can have their own subjective thoughts 👍
So now Kaka has made their first short scale bass, that's cool. Note ubass/bass ukulele = piezo pickup, shortscale bass = magnetic pickup.
You got it at a ukulele festival interesting.
Hi Michael, I would actually call it a mini bass rather than just a short scale as there is a huge difference in size but it is definitely a “U-Bass” as confirmed by Mike Upton (clue is in his name) and it’s even on the headstock.
There's never been a proper or universal definition of what a ukulele bass is. U-Bass is a Kala trademark and only correctly refers to Kala instruments, although it's been used like the name "Xerox" to mean any "ukulele bass". It's just a marketing term that doesn't mean anything specific. Short scale basses are just what it says in the name, a bass with a scale length less than 34". Nothing to do with amplification. These basses in the video, and all "ukulele basses" are short scale basses, personally I call anything less than around 24" a micro short scale bass.
@@taz-b5m I agree with you 100% and also like you have mentioned them as micro basses too.
Thanks Rachel! The weight would be a deciding factor for me as well as the looks. I like the modern appearance of the Flight. The rounded edge on the Kala might make for a little bit more comfortable playing though.
Thanks Rachel! The weight would be a deciding factor for me as well as the looks. I like the modern appearance of the Flight. The rounded edge on the Kala might make for a little bit more comfortable playing though.