What is the primary body material of this U-Bass?

The instrument is constructed using Exotic Mahogany, which is chosen for its deep, resonant acoustic properties and unique wood grain appearance.

Does this model have frets?

Yes, this is the fretted version of the U-Bass, which allows for precise note placement and a familiar feel for traditional bass players.

What type of strings are installed on this instrument?

It comes equipped with Kala Metal Round Wound strings, which provide excellent intonation and a warm, booming tone compared to rubber-style strings.

Can this instrument be plugged into an amplifier?

Yes, it features a custom piezo pickup system specifically designed to deliver superior sound for both live performances and studio recordings.

What is the typical price range for the Kala Exotic Mahogany U-Bass?

The instrument is typically priced around £500, reflecting its status as a high-quality professional acoustic-electric instrument.

Is a case included with the purchase?

Yes, this model comes complete with a deluxe padded gig bag to ensure the instrument is protected during travel.

How does the sound of this U-Bass compare to a standard ukulele?

Unlike standard soprano or concert ukuleles that occupy a higher register, the U-Bass produces a rich, warm, and booming bass tone similar to a full-sized bass guitar.

Who is the manufacturer of this bass ukulele?

The instrument is manufactured by Kala, a leading brand in the ukulele industry known for models ranging from the Surfboard series to professional U-Basses.

Is this U-Bass suitable for studio recording?

Yes, the combination of the resonant mahogany body and the custom piezo pickup makes it an excellent choice for capturing high-quality bass tracks in the studio.

How does the exotic mahogany affect the sound?

Exotic mahogany provides a rich and warm tonal profile with deep resonance, helping the compact instrument achieve a larger-than-life bass sound.

Is this instrument portable?

Yes, its compact size and included padded gig bag make it highly portable and suitable for musicians who travel frequently.

Does Kala offer other types of ukuleles?

Yes, Kala produces a wide variety of ukuleles including the Ukadelic Soprano series and the Surfboard Concert 'Dawn Patrol' models.

Gear article

Kala Fretted U-Bass Electro-Acoustic Ukulele Exotic Mahogany

The Kala Exotic Mahogany U-Bass is a professional-grade acoustic-electric bass ukulele designed for maximum portability without sacrificing low-end resonance. It features a fretted exotic mahogany body and custom piezo electronics, providing a scale-appropriate alternative to traditional bass guitars.

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Overview

The Kala Fretted U-Bass Exotic Mahogany represents a specialized segment of the ukulele market, bridging the gap between small-bodied acoustic instruments and standard bass guitars. Built by Kala, a brand known for diverse offerings ranging from the entry-level Ukadelic series to high-end performance models, this U-Bass is constructed with exotic mahogany to enhance both aesthetic appeal and acoustic resonance. It serves as a compact solution for bassists who require a lightweight instrument for travel, studio work, or live performance.

Construction and Playability

The primary structural feature of this model is its exotic mahogany body, which is selected for its ability to produce deep, resonant tones despite the instrument's diminutive size. Unlike fretless variants, this specific U-Bass utilizes a fretted fingerboard, ensuring precise intonation and providing a playing experience familiar to standard electric bassists. The instrument is equipped with Kala Metal Round Wound strings, which offer a different tactile response and brighter clarity compared to traditional polyurethane strings often found on smaller ukuleles.

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Electronics and Sound Character

For amplified use, the U-Bass is fitted with a custom piezo pickup system. This electronics suite is designed to capture the 'booming' low-end characteristics of the mahogany body while maintaining clarity for studio recording and live reinforcement. The sonic character is defined by its warmth and depth, successfully mimicking the presence of a much larger upright or electric bass. The round wound strings contribute to a focused attack and improved sustain.

Target Audience and Portability

This instrument is primarily aimed at gigging musicians and recording artists who need a high-quality portable bass. Its size makes it significantly more manageable than a full-sized bass guitar or a bulky upright bass. To support this portable nature, the instrument is sold with a deluxe padded gig bag, providing protection for the exotic mahogany finish during transport. It is a suitable step-up for players moving beyond entry-level models like the Kala Surfboard or Flight Travel series.

Market Comparison

Within the wider ukulele market, the U-Bass occupies a professional niche. While brands like Flight offer specialized soprano and concert models such as the TUS-65 or the Zebrawood DUC325, the U-Bass is distinct in its function as a dedicated bass instrument. At a price point of approximately £500, it is positioned as a serious musical tool rather than a novelty or starter instrument, offering more robust construction and advanced electronics than basic accessory-heavy packs.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the primary body material of this U-Bass?: The instrument is constructed using Exotic Mahogany, which is chosen for its deep, resonant acoustic properties and unique wood grain appearance.
Does this model have frets?: Yes, this is the fretted version of the U-Bass, which allows for precise note placement and a familiar feel for traditional bass players.
What type of strings are installed on this instrument?: It comes equipped with Kala Metal Round Wound strings, which provide excellent intonation and a warm, booming tone compared to rubber-style strings.
Can this instrument be plugged into an amplifier?: Yes, it features a custom piezo pickup system specifically designed to deliver superior sound for both live performances and studio recordings.
What is the typical price range for the Kala Exotic Mahogany U-Bass?: The instrument is typically priced around £500, reflecting its status as a high-quality professional acoustic-electric instrument.
Is a case included with the purchase?: Yes, this model comes complete with a deluxe padded gig bag to ensure the instrument is protected during travel.
How does the sound of this U-Bass compare to a standard ukulele?: Unlike standard soprano or concert ukuleles that occupy a higher register, the U-Bass produces a rich, warm, and booming bass tone similar to a full-sized bass guitar.
Who is the manufacturer of this bass ukulele?: The instrument is manufactured by Kala, a leading brand in the ukulele industry known for models ranging from the Surfboard series to professional U-Basses.
Is this U-Bass suitable for studio recording?: Yes, the combination of the resonant mahogany body and the custom piezo pickup makes it an excellent choice for capturing high-quality bass tracks in the studio.
How does the exotic mahogany affect the sound?: Exotic mahogany provides a rich and warm tonal profile with deep resonance, helping the compact instrument achieve a larger-than-life bass sound.
Is this instrument portable?: Yes, its compact size and included padded gig bag make it highly portable and suitable for musicians who travel frequently.
Does Kala offer other types of ukuleles?: Yes, Kala produces a wide variety of ukuleles including the Ukadelic Soprano series and the Surfboard Concert 'Dawn Patrol' models.