AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Bass Ukuleles for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Kala Journeyman U-Bass with F-Holes and Electronics 2018 ($482). Kala U-Bass Wanderer Fretted Mahogany Ukulele Bass Satin Natural gives you the most for the money at $393. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 27 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Kala Journeyman U-Bass with F-Holes and Electronics 2018
U-Bass Journeyman NT · Kala
24 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale530 mm (20.87")
- Frets16 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The Journeyman NT is a seriously fun instrument. Its mahogany build gives it a warm, woody tone that's surprisingly bassy for its size, and the onboard electronics make it gig-ready. This is perfect for songwriters, studio players, or anyone wanting a unique, portable bass sound.
Pros
- Solid mahogany top delivers warm, articulate tone with surprising projection.
- The UK-500B pickup system provides a clean, usable amplified signal.
- Rosewood fingerboard and Graph Tech nut enhance playability and intonation.
Cons
- Mahogany construction makes it a bit heavier than some other u-basses.
- The roundwound strings offer a modern tone, but some may prefer flats.
85AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$482 now$482€429 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale597 mm (23.5")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Kala U-Bass 5-String TB is a surprisingly versatile instrument—it’s got a solid feel, a good low end, and the humbucker gives it a real growl. It's a fantastic option for ukulele players wanting to explore bass lines or bassists looking for a lighter, more portable option without sacrificing too much sonic character. It's a great entry point into the world of bass ukuleles.
Pros
- Okoume body provides a warm, resonant tone with surprising sustain.
- 5-string configuration expands harmonic possibilities and low-end range.
- Bolt-on maple neck offers a snappy feel and easy playability.
Cons
- Okoume body can be slightly heavier than other ukulele bass materials.
- 597 mm scale length might feel cramped for experienced bass players.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$448 now$448€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala U-Bass Striped Ebony Fretless Ukulele Bass Natural
U-Bass Ebony Fretless · Kala
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale517 mm (20.35")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Kala U-Bass Ebony Fretless is a seriously cool instrument. The fretless feel combined with the ebony's warmth makes it ideal for players wanting a unique, upright bass vibe – think jazz, blues, or even mellow funk. It’s premium-priced, but the build quality and tone are truly exceptional for a bass ukulele.
Pros
- Ebony top delivers a warm, focused tone with surprising sustain.
- Fretless design allows for expressive slides and vibrato.
- Fishman U-Bass EQ provides clear amplification with useful tone shaping.
Cons
- The ebony construction makes it noticeably heavier than other U-basses.
- Fretless playing requires a different technique and a steeper learning curve.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$673 now$673€599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale597 mm (23.5")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Kala U-Bass is a seriously cool instrument for bassists wanting something different. The fretless design and humbucker pickup give it a really unique voice – think upright bass meets electric bass, but in a much more portable package. It’s a great option for gigging musicians or studio players looking for a novel tonal palette.
Pros
- Okoume body provides a warm, resonant tone with surprising projection.
- Fretless design encourages expressive slides and a unique bass timbre.
- Kala humbucker delivers a thick, punchy sound suitable for various genres.
Cons
- Okoume, while warm, can be a bit less articulate than denser hardwoods.
- 597mm scale feels shorter than a standard bass, requiring adjustment for some players.
54AudioFu
Index↓ 4.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$471 · Aug 17$448 now$448€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale518 mm (20.39")
- Frets16 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This Hutch Hutchinson bass ukelet is built for players who want a solid spruce top that sings with warmth. The mahogany back and sides keep the tone rich while the TUSQ nut stays true to the scale. It comes with a Fishman pickup and a gig bag, but you can't tell the weight from the notes. It suits anyone needing a compact, mid-range instrument that sounds big without the bulk.
Pros
- Solid spruce top drives strong, clear low-end response
- Mahogany back and sides add warmth and depth
- Graph Tech TUSQ nut ensures smooth fretboard action
Cons
- No listed weight makes handling feel uncertain
- Polyurethane strings may lack traditional string feel
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- Nut width38.1 mm (1.5")
- Frets20 frets
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
The Flight Mini JB Bass SB is a seriously fun little bass! It’s surprisingly versatile for its size, nailing that classic J-Bass tone with a modern, roasted wood twist. This is perfect for gigging musicians needing a travel-friendly instrument or beginners wanting a shorter scale for easier playing.
Pros
- Roasted maple top delivers a surprisingly articulate and warm tonal character.
- Alnico 5 J-style pickups provide a punchy, aggressive tone ideal for rock and funk.
- Roasted poplar body offers a lightweight feel and good resonance for its size.
Cons
- 23” scale limits low-end extension; may feel cramped for larger hands.
- Single-coil pickups are prone to hum, especially in noisy environments.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$438 now$438€390 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Kala U-Bass Wanderer Fretted Mahogany Ukulele Bass Satin Natural
U-Bass Wanderer · Kala
4 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Scale530 mm (20.87")
- Frets16 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The Wanderer is a seriously cool, portable bass option. Its mahogany construction gives it a surprisingly full tone, and the built-in electronics make it gig-ready. It's fantastic for bassists wanting a unique, travel-friendly instrument or ukulele players looking to explore a new low-end territory.
Pros
- Mahogany top delivers a warm, woody tone with surprising sustain.
- Graph Tech TUSQ nut improves tuning stability and enhances clarity.
- Kala UK-500B electronics offer a respectable amplified sound for stage or recording.
Cons
- The satin finish, while attractive, can feel a little plasticky to the touch.
- Limited fretboard space restricts advanced playing techniques and higher-register runs.
60AudioFu
Index↓ 5.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$415 · Aug 17$393 now$393€350 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale625 mm (24.61")
- Frets17 frets
The Lizzy Pro is a seriously cool instrument—a bass ukulele done right. The solid woods give it a rich, mellow voice that’s surprisingly punchy, and the longer scale makes it feel more like a short-scale bass than a ukulele. This is perfect for bassists looking for a portable, unique voice, or ukulele players wanting a deeper, more versatile tone.
Pros
- Solid mahogany construction delivers a warm, resonant, and surprisingly full tone.
- The Ortega MagusUkebass pickup provides a usable, amplified signal with decent clarity.
- Longer 625mm scale improves string tension, offering more defined low-end response.
Cons
- Mahogany can be prone to feedback at higher volumes without careful EQing.
- The solid construction makes it noticeably heavier than many other ukulele models.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$482 now$482€429 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale597 mm (23.5")
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This small bass ukulele feels like a fun, cheap alternative to a real electric bass. The maple neck is sturdy and the sealed tuners stay in tune well. However, the Okoume body might feel light compared to woodier instruments, and we do not know exactly how it sounds. It works well for players who want a compact, low-cost option without needing deep technical specs.
Pros
- Affordable price point for solid entry-level bass ukulele play.
- Maple bolt-on neck offers strong connection and stability.
- Sealed bass machine heads ensure reliable tuning stability.
Cons
- Okoume body wood is not as dense as rosewood or mahogany.
- No specific pickup brand or tone profile details provided.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$381 now$381€339 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale539 mm (21.22")
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The Kala Scout Fretless is a seriously cool, portable bass option. Its fretless design and active electronics deliver a surprising amount of thump, and the mahogany body gives it a warm, organic tone. It's perfect for gigging musicians needing a travel-friendly bass or anyone wanting a unique, expressive instrument.
Pros
- Mahogany construction delivers warm, woody tones ideal for soulful genres
- Fretless design enables smooth slides and expressive vibrato
- Active U-Bass electronics provide surprisingly powerful low-end response
Cons
- Mahogany can be susceptible to humidity changes affecting intonation
- Fretless learning curve can be steep for players accustomed to frets
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$358 now$358€319 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 27 bass ukuleles
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Fender Fullerton PBass Uke OWTFender · 2 finishes58Stable$268€239$268€239Check ↗
- 12
Harley Benton UkeBass OPNTHarley Benton · 2 finishes57Stable$212€189$212€189Check ↗
- 13
Kala U-Bass Solid Body 4-String CARKala55Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 14
Kala U-Bass Solid Body 4 Fret BlueKala52Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 15
Kala U-Bass Solid Body 4-Str LH TBGKala52Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 16
Kala U-Bass 4 Surf Green FrettedKala52Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 17
Kala U-Bass Teak FrettedKala50Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 18
Kala U-Bass Solid Body Jet BlackKala50Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton Solid UkeBass SunburstHarley Benton47Stable$134€119$134€119Check ↗
- 20
Harley Benton Solid U-Bass Sunburst w/BagHarley Benton47Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton UkeBass Spalted MapleHarley Benton47Stable$167€149$167€149Check ↗
- 22
Flight Mini Bass Lite BKFlight47Stable$235€209$235€209Check ↗
- 23
Kala U-Bass Nomad 4 NTKala47Stable$313€279$313€279Check ↗
- 24
Ortega RUNAB-UBOrtega43Stable$331€295$331€295Check ↗
- 25
Flight DUBS Bass UkuleleFlight40Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
- 26
Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-Bass Ukulele BundleHarley Benton · 2 finishes37↓ 5.9%$179€159$179€159Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton Solid U-Bass Sunburst BundleHarley Benton30Stable$298€265$298€265Check ↗
Bass Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 31 models we track, not a sample.
Median $336 — half of all bass ukuleles here cost less.
median of 14 models · 38.1 mm (1.5")–45 mm (1.77")
median of 22 models · 16–22
most common · 20 models
median of 28 models · 510 mm (20.08")–597 mm (23.5")
How to choose the best bass ukuleles
Playability (Neck Profile & Action)
A thick, unwieldy neck will kill your chops. We're looking for a comfortable profile - something that allows for fast runs and clean articulation - and an action that's low enough to play without feeling like you're wrestling a log, but not so low that you get fret buzz. This is critical for complex lines.
Pickup Voicing & Output Level
That 'low-end thump' needs to be defined. Some pickups are muddy and lack clarity, while others are brittle and harsh. We're prioritizing pickups that offer a balanced frequency response, enough output to cut through a mix without needing excessive gain, and a usable EQ curve.
Scale Length & String Tension
The shorter scale of most bass ukes means higher string tension for a given tuning. This affects playability and tone. Longer scale lengths (like those found on some Kala models) provide more sustain and a more upright-bass-like feel, but can be harder on the fingers.
Body Wood & Construction
Mahogany tends to be warmer and more fundamental, while maple offers more clarity and a brighter response. Solid wood construction generally provides better resonance and sustain than laminate, but comes at a price. The construction needs to be stable - no excessive flex or rattling.
Hardware Quality & Tuning Stability
Cheap tuners are a nightmare. They'll drift out of tune mid-gig, making it impossible to lock in with the drummer. We're looking for solid, reliable hardware that holds its tuning under playing pressure and provides smooth, accurate adjustments.
Buying guide
So, you've mastered the standard ukulele and you're craving something with more low-end grunt? A bass ukulele can be a game-changer, but not all of them are created equal. This isn't your beginner's instrument - we're talking about tools for players who need nuanced tone, responsive playability, and the headroom to really lock in with a band or track. Let's find the right one for your needs.
Don't be fooled by the novelty factor. A cheap bass ukulele often means compromises in wood quality, pickup voicing, and hardware. It's worth investing in a model with a solid wood top and decent pickups if you want a usable tone.
Consider the scale length carefully - longer scales are generally better for serious players, but require more finger strength. Ultimately, try before you buy if possible; the feel is paramount.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 31 bass ukuleles from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Can a bass ukulele really replace an electric bass?
Not entirely. It's a different beast. A bass uke excels in certain situations - acoustic ensembles, adding a unique texture to a recording - but lacks the sheer power and headroom of a full-sized bass. Think of it as a complementary instrument, not a direct replacement.
What tuning do most bass ukulele players use?
The most common tuning is GCEA, an octave below a standard ukulele. Some players use DGBE, which is the same as a standard bass guitar's lowest four strings. Experiment to see what works best for your style.
Are bass ukulele strings hard to find?
Yes and no. Standard GCEA strings are readily available. DGBE strings are less common, but can be sourced from specialty retailers or by combining different gauges.
I have small hands - will a bass ukulele be too big?
It depends. The body size is similar to a standard ukulele, but the neck can feel thicker. Try holding it before you buy. Some manufacturers offer smaller-bodied models that might be more comfortable.
What's the deal with piezo vs. magnetic pickups?
Piezo pickups tend to be brighter and more articulate, but can be prone to a 'quacky' sound. Magnetic pickups offer a warmer, rounder tone, but might lack some of the clarity. It's a matter of personal preference and the desired tone.
