U-Bass Kit- Fretted or Unfretted

U-Bass Kit- Fretted or Unfretted

$80.00 USD

Color

Style

Free Shipping in the USA!

SKU: 4200

This kit does not include a box. This kit includes all the items needed to build a 20 (see note below on intonation) inch scale electric U-Bass. The neck is made of Okume and the fret board and bridge are made of Walnut. Polyurethane strings are provided as well as a bone nut that is fitted to the strings. The neck includes a hanger bolt for mounting to the box. The minimum box length that can be used is 12 inches and a box that is 13 inches or longer is recommended. Make sure to reinforce the box and we suggest using a 27093 reinforcement plate.

The heavy duty tuners are made specifically for this type of instrument. Unlike other tuners you will need to disassemble the tuner to install it in head stock. Remove the screw, gear and axle before installing the tuner body. Reassemble and and add washer and ferrule. Tighten with a 15mm wrench. Normal string winders will not work and we suggest you use our 24010 winder which will accommodate the oversized knobs on these tuners.

Due to the mass and size of the strings we have found that a scale length of 20.3 inches works better for intonation. The strings are anchored on the bridge using knots on the inside of the box. Our 41003 template is available for aligning and positioning the bridge. The bridge can be glued to the box however we prefer using screws and finish washers. When the bridge is installed the string clearance holes can be drilled through the box top.

The electronics package includes a compensated piezo pickup, preamp/equalizer, tuner and battery box. Included are template/trim rings for mounting the components. The battery box uses two 2032 (not included) round batteries which are installed positive side up. A plug will need to be installed in the jack for the tuner to operate. Tune to EADG.

Special note: As the strings are soft and the leading edge of the nut is quite sharp, oftentimes the strings will bind on the nut and the gears will grind till they fail. The solution is to lift the strings over the nut as you tighten the tuners.

Check online for videos on installing U-Bass strings.

Fun To Build

I thought it would be fun to build a U-Bass. I have 3 regular bass guitars but wanted something easy to take places. I loved the idea of a kit. I was happy to find this one from MGB guitars. Instead of a box for a body, I wanted to design one. I have it laser cut and include some of my art. I sketched out some ideas, then finalized one in Adobe Illustrator. I worked with my son who has a laser printer. We made a few tests to make sure what I saw on my computer and what was cut out matched. Once happy with that, I then designed the sections that would make up the sides, front and back. My son laser-printed the pieces. I stacked and glued them together. I also painted the sides and spray varnished the body. I peppered the front and back with of designs and words that are important to me.

Once the body was complete, I added the neck, bridge and parts of the kit. It had everything I needed. I had a blast making it. I love the way it turned out.
I like the way it looks and the way it plays. I'm mostly using it acoustically, but it sounds great plugged in. I've already had someone ask me to build one for him. It looks like I will be ordering another kit soon. Thanks, Mike, for a great product.

First Base ukulele

First Base. We'd a little different from what I usually make. Thanks to Mike, at MGB for the second set. He help take care of the problem i was having.
Turned out very nice. Afterwards found out that it was the same base in MGB"s
Catalog.
Thanks Mike.

Great

nice quality

Custom use

Its a work in progress. I’m using your kit to build a little bass with a solid body shaped like a canoe paddle. The hard part is fitting the neck to the body, modifying it by cutting away most of the heel but I think it will work well. I’ll share the outcome when I finish.