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.

Great Quality

The kit came with everything needed minus the cigar box. Very happy with the final build and it sounds great. I’ll probably order another kit and build my own larger box for better acoustics. The preamp/tuner is very nice. It requires two 2032 batteries. I’ve made well over seventy cigar box guitars and ukuleles. I was hesitant to order a pre made neck but I needed a fast build. The fretted neck was great and saved me many hours to build.

Great great great

Sounds pro great for travel practice
A little to small for a real bass player

Very high quality kit

I usually don't associate the premade necks in typical kits with quality. But boy was I surprised. I purchased this kit solely because it would cost me more to buy all the individual components. I didn't think I'd use the neck. But to my surprise it's actually quite a nice and I ended up using it after all. Great kit!

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.