AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Bass Ukuleles for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Fender Fullerton PBass Uke OWT ($268). Harley Benton UkeBass OPNT gives you the most for the money at $212. 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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- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale514.4 mm (20.25")
- Frets18 frets
- Fingerboard radius406.4 mm (16")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
This Fullerton PBass Uke is a surprisingly capable little instrument. It nails that Fender vibe – a little quirky, a little punchy – and the built-in tuner is a huge bonus for less experienced players. If you want a portable bass with a familiar feel and a bit of vintage character, this is a solid choice.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers bright, articulate tone with surprising projection.
- Okoume back and sides add warmth and sustain, balancing the brightness.
- Die-cast tuners ensure reliable tuning stability, a definite upgrade.
Cons
- Okoume, while nice, isn’t a premium tonewood like mahogany or koa.
- The 'C' neck profile might feel thick for players preferring a slimmer feel.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$268 now$268€239 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale530 mm (20.87")
- Frets24 frets
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
This is a solid-sounding bass uke with a thick swamp ash body. The active piezo pickup cuts through mix better than passive systems, but the heavy frets might feel tough for new players. It suits anyone needing a unique voice without the weight of a full bass.
Pros
- Solid swamp ash body offers strong resonance
- Active piezo system delivers clear low-end punch
- Wide 45mm nut fits large hands easily
Cons
- Heavy 24 frets feel stiff for beginners
- No battery compartment listed for power
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$212 now$212€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale597 mm (23.5")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings4-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
The Kala U-Bass Solid Body CAR is a fantastic gateway into the bass world, especially for ukulele players looking for a unique instrument. It nails that upright bass vibe without the bulk, offering a surprisingly powerful and punchy tone. It's perfect for gigging musicians needing a portable, versatile bass option or songwriters wanting a fresh, distinct low-end.
Pros
- Okoume body delivers a warm, resonant tone with surprising projection.
- Bolt-on maple neck provides stability and a comfortable, familiar feel.
- Kala split coil pickup offers a surprisingly full, bass-like tone.
Cons
- Okoume, while nice, isn't as tonally complex as more premium woods.
- The shorter scale limits low-end extension compared to a full-size bass.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$336 now$336€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale597 mm (23.5")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
The Kala U-Bass 4-Fret Solid Body is a neat little package. It’s fantastic for ukulele players looking to explore bass lines or for bassists wanting a super portable, unique instrument. The solid body construction gives it a surprisingly full sound, and the short scale makes it easy to handle.
Pros
- Okoume body delivers a surprisingly resonant, warm low-end for a solid body.
- Maple neck and laurel fingerboard offer smooth playability and comfortable feel.
- Kala split coil pickup provides a surprisingly robust and articulate tone.
Cons
- 597mm scale can feel cramped for bassists accustomed to longer scales.
- Okoume, while nice, isn't a premium tonewood, impacting ultimate sustain.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$336 now$336€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale597 mm (23.5")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This left-handed Kala U-Bass is a fun, affordable entry point into the world of bass ukulele. The solid body construction gives it a surprisingly robust tone, and the split coil pickup delivers a respectable low-end. It's a great option for ukulele players wanting to explore bass lines or for someone needing a compact, portable bass for practice or smaller gigs.
Pros
- Okoume body offers a warm, resonant tone with surprising sustain.
- Bolt-on maple neck provides a snappy, responsive feel for quick playing.
- Split coil pickup delivers a focused, punchy low-end with less hum.
Cons
- Okoume can be prone to dents and scratches; finish needs care.
- 597mm scale can feel cramped for bassists accustomed to longer scales.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$336 now$336€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale597 mm (23.5")
- Strings4-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
The Kala U-Bass SG is a seriously fun instrument for players wanting a portable, bass-like experience. It's surprisingly versatile, handling everything from mellow grooves to punchy funk. This is a great option for gigging musicians or apartment dwellers who need a bass that doesn’t take up too much space.
Pros
- Okoume body delivers a surprisingly warm, resonant tone for a U-Bass.
- Kala’s split-coil pickups provide a thick, focused low-end response.
- Maple neck and laurel fingerboard offer smooth playability and comfortable feel.
Cons
- Okoume, while nice sounding, can be prone to dents and scratches.
- The shorter scale length limits low-end extension compared to a full-size bass.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$336 now$336€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale514.4 mm (20.25")
- Frets16 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a great option for players who want a bass ukulele that sounds full and warm right out of the box. The teak body gives it a rich, acoustic tone while the active pickups help it cut through any mix. It comes with a nice bag and plenty of frets for complex playing, but you might wonder how heavy it feels without a weight listed. It suits anyone looking for a portable, versatile instrument that bridges the gap between traditional bass and ukulele styles.
Pros
- Solid teak top and sides provide a warm, resonant acoustic base.
- Active EQ pickups let you shape tone without losing clarity.
- Fretted neck offers precise intonation across all 16 frets.
Cons
- Composite plastic saddle may lack the sustain of a metal alternative.
- No weight is listed, so heaviness is uncertain for long plays.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$336 now$336€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale597 mm (23.5")
- Frets22 frets
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Kala U-Bass Solid Body is a surprisingly versatile instrument, offering a unique blend of ukulele portability and bass-like tone. The solid body construction and split coil pickup give it a robust sound perfect for gigging musicians or anyone wanting a compact, powerful bass alternative. It's a great entry point into the world of bass ukuleles, especially for those looking for something a little different.
Pros
- Okoume body provides a surprisingly resonant and warm tonal foundation.
- Bolt-on maple neck offers a snappy response and comfortable playing feel.
- Split coil pickup delivers a thick, punchy tone with unexpected clarity.
Cons
- Okoume body, while warm, lacks the projection of denser woods like mahogany.
- 597mm scale feels cramped for experienced bassists accustomed to longer scales.
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$336 now$336€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width40 mm (1.57")
- Scale584 mm (22.99")
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
The Flight Mini Bass Lite BK is a fantastic entry point into the world of bass, especially for beginners or those needing a travel-friendly instrument. Its compact size and surprisingly powerful pickups make it a blast to play, offering a surprisingly authentic P-bass vibe in a miniature package. It's a really fun and portable option for gigging or just jamming around the house.
Pros
- Solid basswood body delivers a surprisingly warm and punchy low-end.
- Alnico 5 P-style pickups provide a classic, aggressive tone ideal for rock.
- Maple neck offers smooth playability and fast action, surprisingly comfortable.
Cons
- Basswood, while warm, lacks the complexity of more premium tonewoods.
- Limited controls (volume & tone) restrict tonal shaping options.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$235 now$235€209 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale528 mm (20.79")
- Frets16 frets
The Nomad 4 NT is a surprisingly capable bass ukulele, perfect for gigging musicians needing portability or beginners exploring bass tones. The mahogany body provides a warm, woody character, while the active electronics give you plenty of punch for various genres. It's a fun, unique instrument that bridges the gap between ukulele and bass.
Pros
- Mahogany construction delivers warm, resonant low-end tones.
- Graph Tech NuBone nut enhances sustain and tuning stability.
- Active U-Bass electronics provide substantial, amplified bass response.
Cons
- The all-mahogany build can sound slightly 'boxy' without careful EQ’ing.
- Its compact size limits low-end extension compared to full-scale basses.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$313 now$313€279 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
Ortega RUNAB-UBOrtega43Stable$331€295$331€295Check ↗
- 12
Flight DUBS Bass UkuleleFlight40Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
- 13
Kala Journeyman U-Bass with F-Holes and Electronics 2018U-Bass Journeyman NT · Kala · 2 finishes85Stable$482€429$482€429Check ↗
- 14
Harley Benton Solid U-Bass Sunburst BundleHarley Benton30Stable$298€265$298€265Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton UkeBass Spalted MapleHarley Benton47Stable$167€149$167€149Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-Bass Ukulele BundleHarley Benton · 2 finishes37↓ 5.9%$179€159$179€159Check ↗
- 17
Kala U-Bass Wanderer Fretted Mahogany Ukulele Bass Satin NaturalU-Bass Wanderer · Kala60↓ 5.1%$393€350$393€350Check ↗
- 18
Kala U-Bass Solid Body 5-String TBKala55Stable$448€399$448€399Check ↗
- 19
Kala U-Bass Striped Ebony Fretless Ukulele Bass NaturalU-Bass Ebony Fretless · Kala55Stable$673€599$673€599Check ↗
- 20
Kala U-Bass Solid Body 5-Str FL TBKala54↓ 4.8%$448€399$448€399Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton Solid U-Bass Sunburst w/BagHarley Benton47Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 22
Kala U-Bass 4 Fret Paisley OrangeKala50Stable$381€339$381€339Check ↗
- 23
Kala U-BASS Hutch Hutchinson Sign.Kala48↑ 4.2%$701€624$701€624Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton Solid UkeBass SunburstHarley Benton47Stable$134€119$134€119Check ↗
- 25
Kala U-Bass Scout Fretless 4 NTKala47Stable$358€319$358€319Check ↗
- 26
Flight Mini JB Bass SBFlight47Stable$438€390$438€390Check ↗
- 27
Ortega Lizzy Pro Bass UkuleleOrtega43Stable$482€429$482€429Check ↗
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)
Intermediate players need something comfortable for longer sessions. A thin, fast neck is great for speed, but a chunkier profile can offer more stability and a better feel for nuanced phrasing. Action that's low enough to be easy on the fingers but not so low it buzzes is crucial.
Pickup Voicing & EQ Options
A bright, brittle pickup is a nightmare for bass. You want something with a warm, round low-end and a usable EQ to sculpt the tone - a little mid-range honk can really help it cut through a mix. Some onboard EQ is a huge bonus for adapting to different recording or gigging environments.
Intonation & Tuning Stability
Nothing's worse than a bass uke that goes out of tune every other chord. Solid hardware and a well-set-up neck are non-negotiable; check intonation across the entire fretboard. A poorly intonated bass uke will sound awful, even with a great pickup.
Body Wood & Construction Quality
Solid wood bodies generally offer better resonance and sustain, but laminate construction is often more stable and resistant to humidity changes. The construction needs to be tight - no rattles or buzzing when you hit the strings hard. This affects sustain and overall clarity.
Sustain & Articulation
A bass uke needs to thump, but it also needs to articulate cleanly. You want enough sustain to let notes ring, but enough clarity to distinguish individual notes, especially when playing complex lines or fingerstyle patterns.
Buying guide
Alright, so you've been strumming a soprano uke for a while and you're craving some serious low-end rumble? Stepping up to a bass uke is a smart move, but not all of them are created equal, especially if you're past the beginner stage. We're not talking about toy instruments here; we're looking at instruments that can actually hold up in a band, record well, and offer some nuanced playing experiences. Let's find you a bass uke that won't leave you frustrated and will actually inspire you to groove.
Don't fall for the hype. A lot of bass ukes on the market are built to look the part, not to be the part. Watch out for overly bright pickups, poor intonation, and flimsy hardware.
Paying a bit more for a solid wood construction and decent electronics is worth it; those corners cut to save a few bucks will haunt you in a band rehearsal or recording session. Focus on feel and tone above all else.
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
What's the difference between a 4-string and a 5-string bass uke?
4-string is the standard, offering a familiar bass range. 5-string adds a lower B note, extending the range but often at the expense of string spacing and added complexity. As an intermediate player, stick with 4-string until you're comfortable.
Can I use my existing bass amp with a bass uke?
Absolutely, but be mindful of headroom. Bass ukes don't need a ton of power, so a smaller practice amp or even a bass combo with a master volume knob is ideal. Too much power can lead to unwanted breakup and muddiness.
What's the best wood for a bass uke tone?
Mahogany tends to be warm and mellow, Koa offers a brighter, more complex tone, and Sapele sits somewhere in between. Ultimately, it's the pickup and electronics that have the biggest impact on the final sound.
I'm struggling to be heard in a band. What can I do?
EQ is your friend. Cut some of the low-mids (around 250-500Hz) and boost a little in the upper mids (around 1kHz) to help it cut through. Also, practice your dynamics - subtle changes in volume can make a big difference.
How important is onboard EQ?
Onboard EQ is very helpful. It lets you dial in a tone that works in different situations - a recording booth, a noisy bar, or a practice room. Without it, you're stuck with what the pickup delivers, which can be limiting.





