U-Bass Kit- Fretted or Fretless

U-Bass Kit- Fretted or Fretless

$80.00 USD

Color

Style

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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.

Happy U-Bass Customer, Wants Another

This is my second U-Bass build from MGB. I was extra concerned about this build since the recipient is an accomplished musician and part owner of a local music venue. I'm happy to report that he was so pleased with this build that he's already asked me to build another U-Bass.

Special shout out to Mike for his great quality products and outstanding support! During the build, I ruined one of the tuners, probably due to the string getting stuck on the nut, causing the tuner to bind. I contacted Mike and he immediately sent me a replacement tuner, enabling me to finish the build and deliver the U-Bass in time to be given as a Christmas present. And now, I'm about to order my 3rd U-Bass kit.

Bass Uke Kit

Love these U-Bass kits! This kit was what led me to MGB, and I've built seven of them so far. They are a great value and one of the most popular ukes I build.

Great little kit!

I put this together over a weekend with the trappy box. It sounds and plays better than my "budget" ubass and cost less for all the parts!

Great kit

I have a fretless Kala Ubass, but I wanted to try my hand at building my own. I’m so glad I did! It came out great! I used Kala Pahoehoe rubber strings, the one they call dreads because of the colors of the strings. They work great on this bass! Very much worth it if you want a ubass but would prefer to build your own.

Love this! Great little U-Bass and good starter instrument

This is the first instrument I've ever made. Really loved making this and all the parts are high quality.

Pay attention to what parts it says to buy so you don't need to do two orders. Definitely worth picking up and requires little work to get it correct. Had to sand down the bridge slightly to get better action but besides that everything has been gravy. Whenever back in stock buying another to build for a friend!