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Kala U-Bass Flatwound vs. Roundwound vs. Rubber Strings Comparison

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This video compares and contrasts Round Wound, Flat Wound, and Rubber (technically polyurethane) strings for the Kala U-Bass. First is a demo of all three strings back to back, then I compare and contrast them based on: string tension, slide-ability, tone, string noise, price difference, and I provide some alternative strings.
For Skype Lessons (U-Bass, Upright Bass, Bass Guitar, and Ukulele): www.stephencox...
To find out more about each string and where to buy them:
Aquila Thunderguts: www.stringsand...
Galli/Kala Flat Wounds: amzn.to/417NuSN
Kala Round Wounds: amzn.to/2NXjmpZ
Galli Nylon Round Wounds: www.gallistrin...
Kala Pahoehoes:amzn.to/34Euqyc
Aquila Thunder Reds: amzn.to/2NXjqpJ
For the U-Basses:
Kala Exotic Mahogany: amzn.to/2NXjSnV
Kala Journeyman: amzn.to/31esrP4
Kala Wanderer: amzn.to/305uh3t
*All of the Amazon links above are affiliate links. This means that buying through these links supports the channel.
To support the channel through Patreon: / stephencoxbass
00:00 Intro
0:27 Plugged In "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts
0:35 Plugged In "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated Round Wounds
0:43 Plugged In "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings
0:51 Plugged In 2 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts
1:02 Plugged In 2 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated Round Wounds
1:12 Plugged In 2 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings
1:22 Plugged In 3 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts
1:32 Plugged In 3 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated Round Wounds
1:43 Plugged In 3 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings
1:53 Plugged In 4 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts
2:00 Plugged In 4 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated Round Wounds
2:06 Plugged In 4 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings
2:13 Plugged In 5 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts
2:16 Plugged In 5 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated Round Wounds
2:20 Plugged In 5 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings
2:24 Plugged In 6 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts
2:38 Plugged In 6 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated Round Wounds
2:49 Plugged In 6 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings
2:58 Testing them Acousticly (Unplugged)
3:00 Unplugged "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts
3:08 Unplugged "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated
3:15 Unplugged "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings
3:22 Unplugged 2 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts
3:29 Unplugged 2 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated
3:35 Unplugged 2 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings
3:41 Unplugged 3 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts
3:44 Unplugged 3 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated
3:47 Unplugged 3 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings
3:51 Unplugged 4 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts
3:55 Unplugged 4 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated
4:02 Unplugged 4 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings
4:07 Talking about Differences between the Strings
4:12 String Tension "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts
4:34 String Tension "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated
4:54 String Tension "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings
5:13 Sliding "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings
5:41 Sliding "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated
6:05 Sliding "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts
6:49 Tone
7:42 String Noise "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts
8:27 String Noise "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated
8:48 String Noise "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings
9:37 Pricing
10:22 Alternatives - Galli Round Wounds, Kala Pahoehoes, Aquila Thunder Reds
11:20 Outro

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17 авг 2024

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Комментарии : 652

@Sonstwer 3 года назад

Thank you for this second great review. As an act of appreciation i made timestamps for you, feel free to use them (and/or adapt them) 00:00 Intro 0:27 Plugged In "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts 0:35 Plugged In "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated Round Wounds 0:43 Plugged In "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings 0:51 Plugged In 2 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts 1:02 Plugged In 2 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated Round Wounds 1:12 Plugged In 2 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings 1:22 Plugged In 3 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts 1:32 Plugged In 3 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated Round Wounds 1:43 Plugged In 3 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings 1:53 Plugged In 4 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts 2:00 Plugged In 4 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated Round Wounds 2:06 Plugged In 4 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings 2:13 Plugged In 5 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts 2:16 Plugged In 5 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated Round Wounds 2:20 Plugged In 5 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings 2:24 Plugged In 6 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts 2:38 Plugged In 6 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated Round Wounds 2:49 Plugged In 6 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings 2:58 Testing them Acousticly (Unplugged) 3:00 Unplugged "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts 3:08 Unplugged "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated 3:15 Unplugged "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings 3:22 Unplugged 2 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts 3:29 Unplugged 2 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated 3:35 Unplugged 2 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings 3:41 Unplugged 3 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts 3:44 Unplugged 3 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated 3:47 Unplugged 3 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings 3:51 Unplugged 4 "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts 3:55 Unplugged 4 "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated 4:02 Unplugged 4 "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings 4:07 Talking about Differences between the Strings 4:12 String Tension "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts 4:34 String Tension "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated 4:54 String Tension "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings 5:13 Sliding "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings 5:41 Sliding "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated 6:05 Sliding "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts 6:49 Tone 7:42 String Noise "Rubber Strings" (Polyurethane) - Aquila Thunderguts 8:27 String Noise "Metal Round Wound Strings" - Kala Silver Plated 8:48 String Noise "Flat Wound Strings" - Kala/Galli Strings 9:37 Pricing 10:22 Alternatives - Galli Round Wounds, Kala Pahoehoes, Aquila Thunder Reds 11:20 Outro

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

Thank you so much! That was very kind of you!

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

I just pinned your comment to the top so that others can find it easily while watching. Thank you, and I'm glad you enjoyed the review.

@Sonstwer 3 года назад

@@stephencoxbass you should try copying it to the bottom of your description, this way you get video annotations for each part

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

@@Sonstwer Thank you, I appreciate you teaching me how to do that! Cheers!

@amkaplan Год назад

It would be helpful to further describe what the different comparisons are, i.e, I was looking for the slapping comparison again, but had to end up watching the video again to find it (no great loss!). Thanks.

@EnforcerX 4 года назад

For such a niche community like the U-Bass one, you make a surprising amount of quality and informative content. As someone who is looking to start, you answered so many of my basic questions that I thought would be impossible to find. Keep up the great work man.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

Thank you! I'm trying...because I had a lot of the same questions before finding the answers!

@EnforcerX 4 года назад

@@stephencoxbass I'm an electronic player, and I pretty much put my own basses together, so I've had to take my fair share of blind jumps and hope that things work. Channels like yours help people like me make the jump without the fear of things not working out.

@chaoticcollagen794 4 года назад

Agree, this seems to be THE spot to learn U-Bass, and the only reason that I feel I can even try in the first place. Really appreciate the channel 👍🏻

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

@@chaoticcollagen794 Thank you so much!

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

@@EnforcerX I'm glad I can help! Cheers!

@kenstephanie8445 4 года назад

Thunder reds are high-tech. Formerly the only way to make a string deeper was to increase the diameter but these strings have in increased density by adding copper to the formula. They have a much more full sound, and are not sticky so they have less finger noise.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

I'll have to try them out sometime soon!

@richardletaw4068 2 месяца назад

@kenstephanie8445, the three factors in string pitch are diameter, mass, and tension. Change any of those and you change the pitch. Change any two or all three, and that math you said you’d never use after high school comes into play!

@henryschoolcraft686 3 года назад

you can really tell the time and effort you put into your videos and that you really care about giving us fair standpoints. thanks man

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

Thank you, Henry! I greatly appreciate the time you and everyone takes to watch my videos.

@henryschoolcraft686 3 года назад

@@stephencoxbass well I just bought the standard mahogany ubass stay comes with the rubber strings. I really like how the flatwounds sound and was wondering would it be a bad idea to put them on that ubass? I’m just worried it could be harmful to the pickup or fretboard since it was intended originally for the rubber strings.

@TJMunich 2 года назад

Great review. No story telling-bullshit upfront but an overview was given first and then you came up with some playable basslines that are then covered on each version of strings so that actual reproducable comparison was achieved. Thanks. Very helpful! If every review on youtube was so straight forward. Billions of GB on harddrives and a lot of time would have been saved. Best Regards

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful!

@AllbeeHivezChristianAllbee 4 года назад

I definitely liked the sound of the flats best. If I ever get a U-Bass (or any copy thereof), flats will be going on it.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

They've been a lot of fun so far! Totally worth the price in my opinion!

@narcolept14 3 года назад

I saw someone asked about "is it possible to change from Roundwound to Rubber Strings" then I have the same question, so I asked Kala's support, their answer is - "The only issue would be the size of the nut and the holes in the bridge. The rubber strings are larger and may need both the nut widened and the bridge holes drilled out. The neck can handle the tension of either but it may need truss rod adjustments." So I am just posting here and I hope this information is useful :)

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

It's very accurate info :) I haven't had to widen the holes on any of mine, but the grooves in the nut did need to be widened for the flat wounds. Thanks for watching!

@sailorelgee 2 года назад

Thanks! I came searching the comments for info about this because I ordered rubber strings and the luthier said he couldn’t fit them… which had me perplexed as to why Kala would sell strings that didn’t fit.

@andrewcollins3402 5 лет назад

Many thanks for the comparison. It's really helped me decide to stick (no pun intended) with the polyurethane strings originally fitted to my Laka ukulele bass, as they really are best for the upright bass tone I bought it for.

@stephencoxbass 5 лет назад

I'm glad I could help you stick to your strings! 😂

@pepperlipapp5765 4 года назад

Thank you for the effort and the time you have taken for this video! I like the sound of the flatwounds best!

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

Thanks for watching the video! I'm glad you got some value out of it!

@frien_d 3 года назад

I removed roundwounds from every actual bass I have and went for flatwounds, but now I'll be putting them on my rubber-stringed ubass. Because I crave that volume.

@cameronhirsch 4 года назад

I've got the striped ebony with round wound strings on the way, but I think flat wound will be my next purchase. Thanks for making informative videos, your channel helped me decide to purchase a u-bass to learn on.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

You're welcome!

@kentrussell4007 4 года назад

I have the rubber strings on my Ubass and I solved the "sticky" problem with String Fuel from Music Nomad. I like it better than Finger Ease because you don't spray it on the strings. I can slide without detuning the note.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

Awesome! I'll have to look into that. Thank you for sharing!

@Tanglangfa 3 года назад

I’ll check it out. The stickiness is the one thing I don’t like about my ubass.

@TimMilliken Год назад

String Fuel is awesome for any regular guitar or bass strings as well. If you use it regularly and wipe the strings they last about 3 times as long.

@user-jl2wn7bn8p 3 года назад

Flats sound great, no wonder they're more expensive. would like to see a review of the nylon wounds. Which is the perfect travel /camping/ beach bass???

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

If you're jamming with people, you at least want metal strings to project some. If not, any U-Bass should do fine.

@grp4l 2 года назад

Thanks for doing this comprehensive review on string types. My EKO Fretless U-bass came with Aquila Thunderguts and although it sounded warm and mellow, I had a couple of issues with them. As you said, sliding up on the strings affected the intonation, this seems to be unavoidable. The other issue for me was my fingers tended to stick on the strings. I had no intention of putting lubricant or powder on the strings, so I ended up wearing thin cotton gloves, a bit like Scott does. I play an Epiphone EB3 with Rotosound flatwound Jazz bass strings which slide and produce a warm tone. With that in mind, saved up and got a set of Galli black nylon wrapped flatwounds. They solved both my issues and play well, especially when amplified. The only downside is they are much quieter if unplugged.

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

I'm glad you found this helpful! I still enjoy my flat wounds. Cheers!

@andyswain9407 3 года назад

Think I'll still use my rubber strings, as they give the natural bass sound. If the price were lower, I might have tried the flatwound, to give a bit more of an electric bass sound, with less scratchiness than the round strings.

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

Price does play a big part. Flatwound and rubber are my two favorites. I seldom use the round wounds these days.

@Lovlygod Год назад

Thanks for the very analytical comparison. Finally someone that knows how to explain differences.

@stephencoxbass Год назад

You're welcome. Thanks for watching!

@NegativeReferral 3 года назад

I went with the roundwounds. My U-Bass came yesterday, and I can't believe how clear it sounds!

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

Awesome! The roundwounds are definitely the clearest sounding. They're the best for slap and harmonics. Congrats on your new U-Bass!

@andyduckering8731 2 года назад

I love this video Stephen, thank you. I like the Countryman bass body because of the jazz vibe of the f holes but I think I'd like the rubber strings the most because of the closer proximity to an upright bass sound.

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

Some people like the Journeyman that came with the rubber strings best. Thanks for watching, Andy!

@major7flat597 3 года назад

great review thanks for including the acoustic recordings

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

Thanks for watching!

@jinggaddi 9 месяцев назад

Thank you so much for this extensive discussion on the difference between these 3 types of strings. I just ordered my Aquila Thunderguts and am very excited to try them out.

@stephencoxbass 9 месяцев назад

You’re welcome! What strings did you have initially? Thanks for watching!

@jinggaddi 9 месяцев назад

@@stephencoxbass My micro bass had those bronze round wound acoustic bass strings strung from the shop. It's so hard to find a replacement set. However, when I tried the Aquilas, I discovered that the slats of my string pokes were too small and could accommodate the very thick E string. Oh well.

@selliantuttimusi6735 2 месяца назад

Now this is what I call informative content. Thank you!

@stephencoxbass 2 месяца назад

Glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

@RobVespa 5 месяцев назад

Thanks for this comparison. It's just what I was looking for. Each string type has it's own pros. This typed, what attracted me to this type of bass (ukulele) outside of the size is that with the "rubber" strings, it sounds akin to an upright bass... so those are my favorite sounding strings. As an aside, the coral colored Kala with the f-holes is nice. I've not seen that color before. All the best!

@lianemeek8414 Год назад

I use Aquila Thunder Reds and I am very pleased with them, they are not sticky and sound excellent.

@stephencoxbass Год назад

I still have yet to get a set, but I hear good things about them every time. I should get some soon! Thanks for watching!

@guidomoll3752 9 месяцев назад

@@stephencoxbass Unfortunately, the Thunder Reds dry out relatively quickly (few months) and then tear. That quickly becomes expensive to play Thunder Reds. ...sounding great and less sticky.

@xanderdaniels8284 3 года назад

Those flat wounds sound incredible, definitely gonna put some on mine when I get it

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

I think you will like them. I'm still enjoying them, for sure! Thanks for watching!

@A-Wa 3 года назад

I expected to like the flatwound but like the rubber one, mindblow

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

They sound cool for sure!

@seansher 4 года назад

Awesome comparison video thanks, and thank you for all your Ubass vids. Great work and a great talent you have! Cheers!

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

Thank you so much! Cheers!

@shireboundscribbles Год назад

This is actually more helpful that some of the bigger subscription channles who've commented on strings.

@stephencoxbass Год назад

I'm glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

@jburtonca 5 лет назад

Hi Stephen. I have used the Thunder Reds on my Kala Acoustic for about five years and they are by far my favorite non-metallic string for the U-Bass. They are thinner than the Thunderguts, not as sticky and have a punchier tone that is still very upright-like. I use a plastic container with a sponge soaked with mineral oil that I dip my fingertips in. This virtually eliminates string noise and lets the fingertips of my right hand release the strings smoothly which greatly improves the tone. On my solid body SUB I use the Galli UXB 810 Blacknylon strings. They sound and feel great and really last. I've had them on since last December and there is still no wear on them. I found that the Kala roundwounds are to soft and thin and the frets and my acidic hands tear through them very quickly. I also want top say that both the Galli flat wound and Galli nylon roundwound contain steel and should work with magnetic pickups for those with the skills to install them in a Kala solidbody.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

Thank you for all the info! I never would have thought to use mineral oil. In the future I may have to see about trying to install the type of pickup you mentioned...that should reduce string to fret noise a bit, too.

@jillgeary1313 4 года назад

I agree - the Thunder Reds are less sticky than the Thunder Guts. Thinner too. I've had hand issues so, experimenting, I've used Gorilla Tips on my left hand fingertips, then wear a tight-fitting silk (or cotton) glove over that - I can slide easily on the Thunder Reds and my fingertips are protected (which I need b/c of my injury). I'm considering the Flats but the added tension concerns me....

@BarnabyWild13 4 года назад

Very thorough and comprehensive. Thanks for answering every question I had.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

You're very welcome! Thanks for watching!

@jellyfishinterrupted8085 3 года назад

Reality check: I have the red kala ubass with round wounds. If you already play a normal bass, in NO way are you going to 'rip your skin' with round wounds. The feel is in no way more rough than normal round wound bass strings. The round wounds are absolutely amazing. The sound is kinda like a hybrid between a very good Precision bass and a double bass

@stephencoxbass Год назад

I was speaking from experience. Sliding a lot on the E string in particular is a bit more effort on that slightly larger gauge string. Think of it like sliding on the B string on a five string a bunch. There also seemed to be something about the silver plating that may have caused more friction. I'm glad that you didn't have that experience, but this might be different for different people.

@jerihelyleal6552 2 года назад

This was really instructive, great work! I had my rubber ones, and it has been kind of difficult find them, I wanted to know about the other options that I was seeing out there and this was the perfect video. I still love the upright bass sound from my Kala, so I just bought those again after have watched your video. But now I know about the other ones. Thanks!

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

I'm glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

@DavidEsp1 Год назад

Fantastic review. I very much appreciate the consistently carried-out technical-factors demonstrations (exactly the kind of thing I do when visiting a guitar shop). And informative comments too.

@stephencoxbass Год назад

Thank you! I'm glad I could give an in depth review. Cheers!

@RuthMcDougal 9 месяцев назад

Love the comparisons especially because you play the same song on all the various strings.

@stephencoxbass 9 месяцев назад

Thanks, I do my best to make the comparison straightforward. Thanks for watching!

@VSchwarcz 4 года назад

Thank you. I needed that info. I bought a Ubass to noodle around on without having to pick up my full size bass. Mine came with the rubber strings, which to me feel so so weird. I’m having a hard time getting used to the feel of them. In your demo, as an alternative, I did like the sound of the flat wound strings and the warmth of the rubber strings.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

I like all of them, but the flats are the best of both worlds for me. Thanks for watching!

@pohjoinenkala9301 4 года назад

Thanks for the informative video, Stephen! I just bought the metal round wounds model, ebony as it was available. I wanted to buy the solid mahogany one - as long they are still available - but the store could not offer metal strings for it... My new Ubass works well with our garage rock band, the guys liked the sound and versatility of the acoustic model when amplified. No feedback issues so far, aside from the positive fact that the instrument has better sustain when amplified. I'm now considering to buy a mahogany and maybe change strings, or rather maybe not, now that I have the round wounds. Having many basses is... well, basic luxury :-)

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

I think the ebony model looks great, I'd love to get a fretless one! Congrats on the new U-bass!

@alyssawagner2386 4 года назад

This is a great and very informative video, you should totally have more subscribers!

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

Thank you! I think this channel will grow as more people get U-Basses :)

@cgrovespsyd 3 года назад

Thank you! Best string review I’ve ever heard! I am a round wound fan on my electric basses as they are bright and punchy but on a Ubass, the flat wound are almost as bright and punchy but seem a little smoother.

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the review!

@j.r.4627 4 года назад

I play uke and have been looking for a ubass for while. I wanted one with flat wound strings standard but got a Hadean with rubber strings 'cause the price was right. I thought I changed the strings but you make the rubber sound great. Gives me something to work towards.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

Thanks! Both strings are great. I'm really enjoying the flats the most, but rubbber do have a certain vibe you can't get from either metal string.

@BigDogDaddyD 2 года назад

Just got a short-scale acoustic bass. it came with D’Addario EXPPBB190GS nylon core strings. Of course, now I have to go get other options just to hear the difference. Thanks for the great video.

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

Congrats on the bass! Have fun trying different options!

@anthoniusalphaproject1588 4 месяца назад

Excellent video, very comprehensive and complete comparison!!!

@stephencoxbass 3 месяца назад

Thanks, and thank you for watching!

@Lanternamagika 4 года назад

Great tutorial, thanks a million. But please, folks, stop calling Aquila strings "Aqueela" with the accent on the double ee. It's 'Ah-kwilah, accent on the A. 'A-kwilah. Means eagle, in italian. Thank you

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

Thanks for the info! I never knew that's what it meant.

@e.miller8943 4 года назад

Aquila "a-keela" means eagle in spanish.

@Lanternamagika 4 года назад

@@e.miller8943 Aquila is not spanish, where eagle is aguila pronounced ['a-gwilah], but italian, pronounced ['akwilah]. Akeela pronounced like tequila is wrong and does not exist neither in spanish nor in italian, trust me, I am 100% certified italian, and guitarist. Aquila strings are 100 italian made in Vicenza, Italy. So please Aaron don't think you are smarter, do your own research on Google, and please simply call them by their name: 'Akwilah. What do you mean with "I don't believe you" ... Cose da pazzi ci tocca leggere, mannaggia, il primo che passa si inventa qualunque fesseria e monta in cattedra!

@jean-pierrek5207 3 года назад

@@Lanternamagika Lol vero

@catfishcooler1566 3 месяца назад

@@Lanternamagika How do you say DOUCHEBAG in italian? Just look at your driver's license. I'm sure it's on there somewhere.

@jreid641 2 года назад

This is interesting. There's not as much difference according to what I'm hearing as I expected. It's cool that there are string choices now for these things. Thanks for sharing this.

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

There are some big differences, but the playing is the biggest difference. I find the flat wounds easiest to play. Thanks for watching!

@tommilton6775 2 года назад

@@stephencoxbass Great comparison video, and this comment about flat wounds being easiest to play is also very helpful. Flat wounds are not available as a stock choice on a new instrument, so between round wounds and the Pahoehoe black strings which would be easier for a beginner to play (a beginner that has to order a UBass from one of the big online retailers without being able to audition it).

@kohanmike 4 года назад

It's pronounced pah-ho-eh-ho-eh, every vowel in Hawaiian is always pronounced, no silent vowels.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

Thank you. I had no idea, and have never heard it properly pronounced.

@smdias65 4 года назад

Thanks for the detailed info! I have a Hadean U-bass and I like the polyurethane strings, but some things (like slapping) just sound better with metal strings, IMO.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

I agree, each have their strengths. That's why I have all 3 :)

@Cederuiter 8 месяцев назад

Personally I preferred the sound of the rubber strings, although I also liked the flatwounds. I own too U-basses, one fretted and one fretless. The fretted one has rubber strings and the fretless bass has roundwound strings. I found the action too high to play comfortably with the flatwound strings. A local luthier (at Max Guitar Scheveningen, they are the best) did some filing on the nut and lowered the action. It is now my favourite bass. Thank you so much for this very helpful video!

@stephencoxbass 8 месяцев назад

Thanks for watching! All of the string types have their own personalities for sure! I still like each depending on what genre I’m playing.

@markwogulis4556 4 года назад

Awesome comparison. Thanks for posting. It's really helpful to hear the difference

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

You're welcome! Thanks for watching!

@dean-orochester7374 4 года назад

Just got my Galli Kala flat wounds. Love them. I’m an upright player and liked the rubber strings but the flat wounds are the bomb. Thanks for sharing about them.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

You're welcome! They're great for sure!

@dean-orochester7374 4 года назад

stephencoxbass I’ve been playing with them for a bit, but they are noisy. Slightest touching makes a tapping kind of noise. Wasn’t expecting that. Thoughts? Also the D and G string don’t pickup as well as the A and E

@adrenalinegroove 4 года назад

I picked up my Kala Journeyman and it came with round wounds. Since I needed it for a gig the next day, the tone and feel were a selling point. The rubber strings are cool, but not for the gigs I'm playing. I would be interested in checking the flats out

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

The flats are the best of both worlds for me, but slap sounds better on the rounds. Cheers!

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

I'm a huge fan of the flat wounds. They feel and sound great. Cheers!

@Nikosi9 2 года назад

@@stephencoxbass Slap sounds better on nothing...

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

@@Nikosi9 Slapping nothing seems like a waste of effort, though 🤷‍♂️

@Nikosi9 2 года назад

@@stephencoxbass At least, you don't get to hear slapping... :-)

@OttosTheName 3 года назад

During normal playing where I never really slide up more than 2 semitones I've never really noticed the intonation/sliding problem on Rubber strings. I'm using the ThunderGuts btw on a Harley Benton, I don't know if the 21" scale makes much of a difference (longer scale = more tension, so in theory it could help). If I get sweaty hands the strings do get hella sticky, so it might be an issue then, but for casual 30 minute couch sessions it's not a problem for me. Oh yeah the red Aquila strings have a bit more brightness to them according to the website. And according to some reviews they're also less sticky than the thunderguts. Sorry for spamming your channel full of comments, as you can tell I've been binging a lot of your content :P

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

I think the longer scale does help, but it's also only super noticeable on long slides. Thanks for the info on Thunder Reds...I knew about the stickiness, but not the brightness. Thanks again for watching. Cheers!

@StringsOfBrian 4 года назад

Thunderguts for me! Awesome video. Super helpful

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

I keep hearing good things about the Thunder reds. Have you tried those? Thanks for watching!

@troythompson1621 Месяц назад

What a well done comparison, thanks. I'm thinking about building my own resonator bass, but want to go shorter scale if I can make it work.

@stephencoxbass Месяц назад

Thank you! Good luck with the build!

@maakatipa4613 Год назад

Nice review. Have seen another vid showing the thunder reds and they sounded great.

@stephencoxbass Год назад

Thank you! I still need to try those and the thunder browns. Thanks for watching!

@beckichaplin1974 3 года назад

I have always loved how flats sound and feel but I did notice they almost sounded muted compared to the other two on this video. I love the ticking on the frets with the round wounds but that doesn’t work for all songs. And they are just too rough for my tender fingers. The rubber strings, I have no experience with but I really like that upright sound. I may give those a try since they’re so affordable. Thanks for the help!

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

The flats do sound a bit more muted, but I prefer them over all. The polyurethane strings are great, but the rubbery feel takes some getting used to. Thanks for watching!

@richardletaw4068 2 месяца назад

Your Personal Linguist sez: Every letter in Hawai’ian words is pronounced. So “pahoeho” (which is a type of lava) is pronounced “pa-HO-ay-HO-ay,” NOT “pa-ho-ho.” Otherwise, this video ROCKED. Have played bass since 1970, but am brand new to the uke and looking for guidance. You have answered one question already: It’s round-wound strings for me, on my Hadean cutaway fretless ukulele bass!

@AnemicLeechC00M4L07 4 года назад

Every time i hear one of these i feel like they'd sound better fretless.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

I finally got a fretless bass uke! more videos to come soon, but there is an unboxing video up already. Cheers!

@luckypierre1957 3 года назад

Really helpful, thanks. I have the black Aquila strings on the U-Bass I bought second- hand . I'm looking to replace them and this video has helped me know what is available and how the different strings sound.

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

I'm glad I could help! Thanks for watching!

@countzero1972 2 года назад

best ubass string vid on youtube.. thanks!

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

Thanks for watching!

@0777coco 4 года назад

thanks for uploading this. i'm planning to get u-bass some time this month and since it comes with round wounds i wasn't sure whether to leave them on the bass, but after watching this, i think i will. keeping in mind that, if i ever happen to purchase a fretless one, i might as well use flatwounds for that full-on upright sound :)

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

Cool! Which model are you looking at?

@0777coco 4 года назад

@@stephencoxbass either the exotic mahogany or the wanderer, not quite sure yet

@timskaggs1940 4 года назад

The acoustic comparison provided some info, but the basses being significantly different (sound hole vs. “f” hole top) was bound to be making a big difference in the sound we the viewers were hearing. Three identical basses each strung with one of string types would have provided a more sonically equal test.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

True. For the rubber and the round wound's I have a video where I was able to compare strings on the same model (exotic mahogany): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-AXaHMow4fxQ.html . However, I don't know anyone with one with flats. It's hard to just change the strings, as the nut has to be altered For The different strings. If you're curious about rounds verses flats I have videos of the journeyman with round wounds like this one: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-1JIDpxeguSw.html that you can compare with the flat wound demo in the current video. I hope that can answer a few questions.

@Daantjer 4 года назад

wow the flatwounds rock!

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

I agree! They even sound pretty cool slapped: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-qfF26SUjDfc.html

@bjamminsincebirth3494 3 года назад

I like them all. The flatwound are my favorites though.

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

I go back and forth, but I'm also still enjoying the flat wounds a lot.

@Bhuyakasha 2 месяца назад

Love the rubber strings!

@stephencoxbass 2 месяца назад

They are cool! Thanks for watching!

@ReaganLopez 4 года назад

Thank you so much for this detailed video.. so useful..

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

I'm glad I could help. Thank you for watching!

@Mudder-eq2wv Год назад

very informative, very clear explanation. thank you

@stephencoxbass Год назад

Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful!

@TRKelley 4 месяца назад

thank you for this! contemplating getting one of these but comparing string sounds isa big part of it.

@stephencoxbass 3 месяца назад

Which strings did you like best? Thanks for watching!

@TRKelley 3 месяца назад

I got the fretted model (Nomad a/e) with the rubbery strings - i'll be using this bass mainly for emulating the upright sound, which it does very well. Busking with my string band and not hauling the doghouse, yay! Sounds great through my old battery-powered Pignose, will be upgrading to a smaller better amp this year.

@rexmoore4418 Год назад

Flatwounds went hard tapping round wounds sounded sweet n tangy with slapping and rubber strings seem like a lot of fun

@stephencoxbass Год назад

That's why I have multiple U-Basses, they all have their strengths! Thanks for watching!

@CasoGrave 2 года назад

man, i’m from Brazil, and i’m thinking about buying some uBass, thanks for the review!

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

I'm glad you enjoyed it. Thank you for watching the live stream, too!

@gsharpslayer3287 3 года назад

Some people may want to know when the term “warm” is used sometimes the string gauge is increased and the sustain can suffer a little especially higher up the fretboard. Other than that I think those flatwounds are a real winner!

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

I enjoy them a lot, depending on the tone I'm after. I suppose I could have said less high end/punchy and supports low to lower mids well instead of warm. I agree about the sustain. Thanks for watching!

@martyforrer9146 3 года назад

I've got Thomastik Infeld Jazz Flat flatwounds on my 23" GoldTone. Love 'em. Much better than the rubbery stock things.

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

Very cool! I knew they made double bass strings, but had no clue they made ones that were short scale. Thanks for watching!

@jdandan8931 4 года назад

Subscribed today from Philippines. Hard to get a Ubass in these times hopefully i could get one.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

I hope you can soon! Maybe someone is making bass ukuleles there?

@jdandan8931 4 года назад

@@stephencoxbass yeah but its hard to get one now because of this covid19 issue all essentials are closed now except only food and medicine.

@sailingsvsalacia8398 4 года назад

Unplugged, I like thewarmer sound produced by the poly strings. Pugged in they all have their advantages and disadvantages that can be either accentuated or overcome with amps and what not. I've been looking for a little bass of some sorts to use as an accompanyment on a boat when we're hanging out on the water. A little Kala with rubber strings appears to be the ticket. Cool comparison, thanks.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

The one downside with the rubber is that they are much quieter than the others unplugged. Keep that in mind if you plan to play acoustically. Cheers!

@mal2ksc 4 года назад

Honestly, I can see a use case for all three even at a professional level. They all sound like different instruments, at least through the pickup, and if I have to take three instruments to the gig, I'd rather it be three of these...

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

Agreed! I had to get all three because of the versatility. Well said!

@rcala1980 4 года назад

Sliding on the roundwounds was so funny lol. Great reviews! Your content is also informative!

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

It can hurt a bit sliding on the E string on the rounds for sure! Thanks for watching!

@RetiredGeezer 3 года назад

Excellent, informative video. Liked and Subscribed.

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

Thanks for watching!

@jesusconcristo 4 года назад

Great video. I think I'll buy one for me and my son

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

They are fun! I'm not sure how young your son is, but kids seem to love the rubber strings!

@tashamcmanus 10 месяцев назад

This is very helpful. Thank you.

@stephencoxbass 10 месяцев назад

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching!

@bassimprovjams3772 5 лет назад

Great video. I like the rubber better

@stephencoxbass 5 лет назад

Thank you! I like all three in different contexts. Rubber definitely gets a more classic vibe, though.

@acidwizzardbastard 2 года назад

I've been thinking about getting a solid-body U-Bass soon (probably a Mahalo), so this was a good guide! I might try the Pahoehoes or Thunder Reds, if it turns out I can't use flats on the Mahalo.

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

I wish I knew more about the Mahalo string options...maybe someone on the ubass freaks Facebook page has tried that and has an answer on if the flats will work. Thanks for watching!

@acidwizzardbastard 2 года назад

@@stephencoxbass I think the one I'm planning on getting would have Aquila Thunderguts based on the store page, and it looks to have a 20'' scale as with most uke-basses, so I think anything will work.

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

@@acidwizzardbastard Cool! I'd still check with a few others to see if they ran into any issues with metal strings just in case.

@f1948s 4 года назад

Thanks for the video. Very informative. Those galli strings are definitely not cheap. Wow! I think I would have to go with the Kala metal rounds. Still not a bargain but a little more than half the cost of the galli flat wound strings.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

I hear you, they aren't cheap! But they are so worth it to me! The round wounds are still great, though!

@chipsnegativeharmonyrips7187 4 года назад

I chose the roundwound strings so that I could combine them with classical guitar strings for a GDAE tuning. I definitely want to give flatwounds a try, I think I would prefer a softer, darker tone.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

I enjoy the flatwounds a lot. They are definitely better for a soft/darker tone.

@skitzoid8202 4 года назад

"however the round wound strings sound" thats a tongue twister

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

indeed it is!

@vickielawson3114 8 месяцев назад

Put the flatwound strings on the one with the pretty figured wood, and you have the perfect one.

@stephencoxbass 8 месяцев назад

I’m sure that would have a good tone. For now I’m keeping the round wounds on that one, but maybe one day… Thanks for watching!

@jimparfitt2330 3 года назад

Both the roundwound and flatwound 'metal' strings are metal windings around a nylon core. ..Reading on the Kala website... This is the same as the lower strings on a classical guitar; as opposed to a regular guitar or electric bass strings with a metal core and metal windings. (This is why a magnetic pickup won't work on classical guitar strings; no metal core). Kala also says that since the metal strings are lots thinner than the 'rubber' ones, one has to change out the nut, because the grooves are huge for the rubber strings. But that's pretty easy to do; or maybe i'd be lazy and just put a bit of folded up business card in the nut slot. I love the sound of the rubber strings on my Hadean (aquila nylaguts?), but the stickiness on the low E drives me a bit crazy. I can't slide on it much. But otherwise, i love the solid body hadean. So i may one of the metal strings. But great review!!

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

Thank you for watching! What did you end up doing?

@davidkusterer8981 Год назад

Hi Steven ,I have had all three strings however I tryed the ThunderReds. And found them much less "sticky" than the other non metalic strings. The tone is good.On fretless ubasses even better, vibrato sounds terrific. Bottom line:4.5 of5

@stephencoxbass Год назад

I still haven't tried them for some reason, though I often hear people say they are some of the best strings. Thanks for sharing! Cheers!

@marioplaysbass8507 3 года назад

Thanks! That's a perfect comparison video! I'd go for the flats :-)

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

I'm glad I could help. Cheers!

@MiaHessMusic 3 года назад

Excellent video!!! I'd love to change out the strings on my Oscar UBass.

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

Thank you! I'm not sure if they are the same scale, but I'm sure there are multiple options for it either way. Thanks for watching!

@Adrian-dl9nb 5 лет назад

Great comparison!

@stephencoxbass 5 лет назад

Thank you, Adrián!

@JoolsGManKelly 3 месяца назад

For some reason I cannot fit the white Thundergut 68 U, thru the bridge holes of my Kaka Bakhiti Kumalo. By any chance do you use any other gages /brands or did you use a drill and make those string "cavities" bigger? thanks 🙏

@jimcummings4712 8 месяцев назад

Great review

@stephencoxbass 8 месяцев назад

Thank you, Jim!

@rahiemtaylor4695 9 месяцев назад

Amazing review! Would love to see you use the flat wounds on the violin u bass you were using in that one video you made a while back. Wanted to know if that made any difference in the tuning and play ability of that bass in particular. I’ve looked around and haven’t really seen any other comprehensive videos about that bass. Keep it going you sound great !

@stephencoxbass 9 месяцев назад

I’m not sure if you mean the Hadean that looks like a Hofner, or the fretless Chinese bass. If you mean the 2nd one, I did put Flatwounds on that one and have a couple of videos with it. Thanks for watching!

@Sin00b 2 года назад

This video is fantastic, thanks for sharing -- lots of good info here. I have a nomad with stock thunderguts, but I bought roundwounds + nut to see how it'll go (huge fan of the sound and it makes it feel like my other bass)

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

I hope you enjoy the new strings! I'm glad you found the video helpful. Cheers!

@rossinisilva1302 2 года назад

Hi, thanks for the infos. I'm a beginner to intermediate player. Is it cool to change from rubber to metal strings on the same ubass? Do they come with a truss rod?

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

Most bass ukuleles (and all Kala acoustic/electric U-Basses) have truss rods in the neck already. Rubber to metal should be fine, although most people recommend replacing the nut with one suited for those strings specifically. Thanks for watching!

@AlfonsoValdebenito3r Год назад

👍 *6:00** Coat round wound strings with vaseline to avoid hurting your fingers*

@stephencoxbass Год назад

They have all sorts of products that can help, too: Finger ease and fast fret are 2 I've heard of. Thanks for watching!

@hazmatite 3 года назад

Hey Stephen, thanks for these. Question: you mention EQ'ing out the finger noises on the rubber strings. Do you have a video where you talk more specifically about how you do that?

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

I'm not sure...it might be in a live stream somewhere. Basically it's just taking the treble out as much as possible. If you had an eq pedal with "8 bands" or "16 bands" you could find the specific frequencies that are causing the noise, but with just a bass and an amp, turn the hi or treble down and that should reduce the noise a bit.

@crevisb1969 3 года назад

Turning down the treble took out all the weird noise in mine. Boosted the mid a bit

@hoanghuynh4034 5 месяцев назад

Poly strings for warm jazz sound my taste.... Thank you

@stephencoxbass 4 месяца назад

Great choice for that vibe! Cheers!

@thechronicnoizeco.6675 4 года назад

Flat wound made the best sound.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

I've been really enjoying them lately.

@FloriManning 2 года назад

Thanks so much for this video, very informative! Question: if you plan to switch string types, are there limitations/issues regarding how they fit with a setup originally designed for a different kind of string set? For instance, the Kala round wound are considerably thinner than the ‘rubber’ style strings… does it affect tone and playability switching up on the same instrument?

@stephencoxbass 2 года назад

It takes some work: when I put flat wounds on, I had to widen the groove on the nut under the E string. Once I did that, they played great. Thanks for watching!

@jon_rome_143 4 года назад

Your videos are incredibly helpful! I'm really hoping to get a Journeyman Ubass(I love the look of the mahogany with the f-holes), but you can only seem to buy them with round wound strings these days, and I really want to use Thunderguts. Do you know if it's easy to switch the strings? I've heard the bridge needs some modification, and I'm not sure I'd trust myself to make any modifications haha.

@stephencoxbass 4 года назад

I think you can switch them out fairly easily, but you'll probably have to replace the nut...I don't think the bridge needs anything. I hope that helps!

@carlaeskelsen 3 года назад

Just a pronunciation tip: Pahoehoe sounds like: pa-hoy-hoy NOT like Santa laughing, pa-ho-ho Very nice comparison video, altogether. Very helpful. Thank you.

@stephencoxbass Год назад

Thanks, I thought it was "Pa ho-eh ho-eh," but I wasn't sure.

@kamakane73 3 года назад

I really appreciate your review of the different types of strings. I play Hawaiian music mostly and some American Pop music. I really wanted strings that sounded more like an upright bass. I use the black Pahoehoe strings and I think I will continue to use them based on your review. Thank you again. 🤙🏽

@stephencoxbass 3 года назад

To me those are the most similar to upright that I have played on so far. Thank you for watching the video. Cheers!