Dimwit Posted March 10, 2013 Share Posted March 10, 2013 Hi, not sure if this is the right forum so apologies if not. Just found out that a Baritone Ukulele is the same size as a Kala U-bass and am wondering whether it would be possible to convert one to the other? Presumably could change the nut & bridge somehow so the strings would fit, but I'm not sure whether the neck would stand it, thought maybe it could be reinforced in some way? Or is the U Bass the same size, but a completely different beast and I'm just clutching at straws as I'm too tight to buy a proper one? Might have a go anyway but before I spend any cash wondered if anyone had played both and had any thoughts? Thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlapbassSteve Posted March 15, 2013 Share Posted March 15, 2013 I remember years ago wondering if it was viable to convert a cheap guitar to a short-scale bass. Didn't end well... [size=4] [/size] In this case I'll hazard a guess the neck on a baritone wouldn't be able to handle it- girthwise if nothing else because of how thick ubass strings are. I've played a U-Bass a few times now and personally can't stand playing it, absolutely no tension on a floppy set of rubber strings... however its very portable and has a nice upright bass-ish sound. I'd be be more inclined to tune a regular baritone with regular strings like a bass, and put it through an octave pedal... or just get a cheapo acoustic bass... depends what you need it for! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tauzero Posted March 17, 2013 Share Posted March 17, 2013 I keep an eye out for very very cheap baritones with the vague idea of doing this. AIUI, the fretboard width on a U-Bass is greater than that of a normal baritone uke. I don't know what the tension on the strings used on a U-Bass is like but I would think it's similar to Ashbory strings, which aren't very high tension at all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BetaFunk Posted October 28, 2013 Share Posted October 28, 2013 [quote name='tauzero' timestamp='1363561263' post='2014224'] I keep an eye out for very very cheap baritones with the vague idea of doing this. AIUI, the fretboard width on a U-Bass is greater than that of a normal baritone uke. I don't know what the tension on the strings used on a U-Bass is like but I would think it's similar to Ashbory strings, which aren't very high tension at all. [/quote] Did you ever do this? I've just picked up a Baritone Ukulele and i'm thinking about doing this. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tauzero Posted October 30, 2013 Share Posted October 30, 2013 No, I still keep an eye out but haven't found anything ridiculously cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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