Mostly known for their high-quality ukuleles, the Kala story began in 2005 in Petaluma, CA as the most recent “uke craze” gained attention. Committed to producing high-quality instruments that offer exceptional value, beautiful aesthetics, superior sound, and sturdy construction, the acoustic Kala U-Bass was introduced in 2009. Billed as a Ukulele Bass, it’s small and portable, and has proved to be a popular, great-sounding, and reliable instrument for well over a decade.
Newly released, the Kala Solidbody 4-String U-Bass is the electric complement that fills out the model line. Much smaller than a standard electric bass, the U-Bass measures a total 33.25”, which is considerably smaller than an electric bass or even an electric guitar. Tuned the same as a standard bass, the U-Bass that MC received weighed 7.3 pounds, right in between what a Les Paul and a Strat weigh and shorter than each.
The U-Bass features a simple design with passive P-style pickups and durable construction, with high-quality tonewoods throughout. The body is Okoume, a wood often compared to mahogany, but considered to possess an even warmer and fatter tone. The neck is maple and the fingerboard is laurel, which is hard and dense and similar to rosewood. The bass plays nicely, and tuners and intonation are good. It comes strung with Kala Round Wound strings, which are designed for the 23.5” scale length. Despite its smaller size, the bass feels and sounds robust and substantial.
Its compact size, lightweight build, and straightforward controls make it accessible for beginners, while its playability and sound could also make it useful to experienced players looking for a portable bass option. If you close your eyes and listen to this bass, you would never know that it is not a full-sized instrument. For young players, the physicality of the size and weight of an instrument can often be daunting for beginners. The U-Bass would be a great choice for a young player to avert some of these encumbrances. Additionally, its compact size would make the U-Bass a great choice for buskers, street performers, and traveling musicians who require a reliable instrument that can withstand regular transport and handling without sacrificing tone and presence.
The U-Bass is an excellent choice for beginners, street performers, small ensembles, and anyone needing a dependable, compact, and portable electric bass instrument. Its great sound, playability, affordability, and durability make it a practical choice across different contexts and skill levels. Available in Surf Blue and Surf Green. $369
