Kala U-Bass

9.8

The fact that Bakithi Kumalo (Paul Simon Bassist) can make this thing sing is all we need to know.

$249.99
Last Amazon price update was: April 25, 2024 6:40 pm
× Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com (Amazon.in, Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.de, etc) at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.

The Kala U-Bass was made famous by Bakithi Kumalo of Paul Simon’s band so we wanted to review it when looking for the best bass ukuleles.  The portable bass guitar is constructed of solid spruce and mahogany with a rosewood fingerboard. If you don’t already know the basics about bass guitars, be sure to give our best bass guitar guide a read.

Features:

  • Unique Polyurethane Strings
  • Standard Bass Tuning
  • Acoustic Electric Hybrid Guitar
  • Gig Bag Included
  • 20″ Scale
  • 16 Frets
  • 21 Scales
  • Custom Die Cast Tuners
  • Proprietary Polyurethane strings
  • Kala electronic system
  • Active EQ with Built In Tuner

The solid spruce top and mahogany back and sides are a big part of what gives the Kala U-Bass its special tone.  

The combination of a mahogany neck and rosewood fingerboard make this bass guitar feel good in the hands of any bass player.  The size of the Kala U-Bass makes it great for travel. If you’re a fan of the rosewood material and also play acoustic guitar, the guitar we feature in our FG830 review is covered in beautiful rosewood.

The Bass Ukulele is one of the newest instruments to become popularized by the trend towards portable instruments.  The Ukulele Bass also known as the U-Bass is small enough to fit into a backpack and big enough to create a massive sound.

The Ukulele Bass was once considered to be a novelty item, until influential bass players began to use them in their shows. 

Bass players including Felix Pastorius and Bakithi Kumalo used the U-Bass in live performances.  Felix Pastorius with The Chase Brothers and Bakithi Kumalo with Paul Simon were both stand out performances with the U-Bass.


 

9.8 Expert Score

Kala U-Bass

These bizarre instruments look almost comically small & toy-like, but good LORD they sound enormous when amplified.  I first heard Bakithi Kumalo using one with Paul Simon, and I literally did not believe my eyes/ears.  Later I sought one out, and sure enough, this tiny little chihuahua of a bass does indeed make that enormous upright-like sound.  Astonishing.  It weighs like -10 ounces, fits in a backpack, sounds great unplugged, and when amplified has subs that have to be experienced to be believed.  Amazing.

Sound
9.8
Build
9.6
Look
9.9
PROS
  • This compact bass guitar has an enormous sound, especially while amplified
  • Fits into a backpack
  • Sounds great unplugged
CONS
  • The “D” string can buzz a little when the strings get old