AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Bass Ukuleles for Professional 2026
The top pick is Kala U-Bass Striped Ebony Fretless Ukulele Bass Natural ($673). Kala Journeyman U-Bass with F-Holes and Electronics 2018 gives you the most for the money at $516. 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 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 ↗ -
- 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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Kala Journeyman U-Bass with F-Holes and Electronics 2018
U-Bass Journeyman BLK · Kala
24 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale530 mm (20.87")
- Frets16 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
The Kala Journeyman U-Bass is a seriously cool instrument, blending the portability of a uke with the low-end thump of a bass. It’s fantastic for gigging musicians who want a compact, amplified bass sound, or for songwriters looking for a unique tonal palette. Just be prepared to tweak your EQ to really dial in that sweet spot.
Pros
- Mahogany top delivers warm, woody tones with surprising sustain.
- UK-500B pickup system provides a clear, amplified signal with decent EQ control.
- Rosewood fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience and good note definition.
Cons
- All-mahogany construction can sound a bit 'boxy' without careful EQ adjustments.
- The longer scale (530mm) can feel unwieldy for smaller hands or ukulele players.
85AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$516 now$516€459 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
- 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")
- 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗
All 27 bass ukuleles
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Kala U-Bass Solid Body 4-Str LH TBGKala52Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 12
Kala U-Bass 4 Surf Green FrettedKala52Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 13
Kala U-Bass Teak FrettedKala50Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 14
Kala U-Bass Solid Body Jet BlackKala50Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 15
Kala U-Bass Scout Fretless 4 NTKala47Stable$358€319$358€319Check ↗
- 16
Flight Mini JB Bass SBFlight47Stable$438€390$438€390Check ↗
- 17
Fender Fullerton PBass Uke OWTFender · 2 finishes58Stable$268€239$268€239Check ↗
- 18
Kala U-Bass Nomad 4 NTKala47Stable$313€279$313€279Check ↗
- 19
Ortega RUNAB-UBOrtega43Stable$331€295$331€295Check ↗
- 20
Flight DUBS Bass UkuleleFlight40Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton UkeBass OPNTHarley Benton · 2 finishes57Stable$212€189$212€189Check ↗
- 22
Flight Mini Bass Lite BKFlight47Stable$235€209$235€209Check ↗
- 23
Harley Benton Solid U-Bass Sunburst BundleHarley Benton30Stable$298€265$298€265Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton Solid UkeBass SunburstHarley Benton47Stable$134€119$134€119Check ↗
- 25
Harley Benton Solid U-Bass Sunburst w/BagHarley Benton47Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 26
Harley Benton UkeBass Spalted MapleHarley Benton47Stable$167€149$167€149Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-Bass Ukulele BundleHarley Benton · 2 finishes37↓ 5.9%$179€159$179€159Check ↗
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 is critical. A thick, unwieldy neck will fight you, especially when you're trying to navigate complex lines. We're looking for something comfortable for extended playing, ideally with a smooth, consistent feel across the fretboard.
Pickup Voicing
A bright, ice-picky top end isn't what you want. We're after a pickup that delivers a warm, defined low-end with enough clarity to articulate individual notes - something that translates well to both direct in and miked cabs.
Sustain
Small body, short scale - sustain is always a challenge. Construction materials and bracing play a huge role. Solid wood construction, especially mahogany or koa, generally offers better sustain than laminate, but it's a trade-off in price.
Intonation
A bass uke needs to stay in tune, especially when you're playing lower notes. Poor intonation will make your life miserable on stage and in the studio; it's a deal-breaker. Check it carefully across the entire fretboard.
Headroom/Clean Breakup
A pro needs some headroom. A cheap pickup will just distort easily; a good one will handle a decent amount of gain before things get muddy. The ability to get a subtle, musical breakup is a bonus, but clean clarity is the priority.
Buying guide
So, you're a pro looking to add a bass uke to your arsenal? Smart move. They're not just novelty instruments; a good one can lay down serious low-end thump and cut through a mix surprisingly well. But a cheap one? Forget about it - it'll just be a tiny, buzzy mess. Let's cut through the noise and find you a bass uke that'll actually hold up to the demands of gigging and tracking.
Don't be fooled by flashy aesthetics. Solid wood construction is worth the investment if you're serious. Cheaper models often cut corners on the hardware - the tuners will be sloppy, the nut will be poorly cut, and intonation will suffer.
Pay attention to the neck profile; it's a very personal thing. And remember, a bass uke will never replace a bass, but it can be a fantastic addition to your toolkit for adding a unique sonic texture.
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
Are bass ukuleles hard to learn if I already play bass?
Not inherently, but the shorter scale length and different tuning (usually GCEA or DGBE) will require some adjustment. Your muscle memory will transfer, but expect a slight learning curve to get comfortable with the feel and spacing.
What's the difference between a laminate and a solid wood bass uke?
Laminate is layers of wood glued together - cheaper to produce, more resistant to changes in humidity, but generally lacks the tonal complexity and sustain of solid wood. Solid wood sounds better, but requires more care.
Can I use a bass uke to record serious tracks?
Absolutely! With the right pickup and preamp, a bass uke can deliver a surprisingly full and articulate low-end. It's great for adding a unique flavor to funk, jazz, or even rock tracks.
What's the best pickup type for a bass uke?
Piezo pickups are common and can be bright, but often lack warmth. Magnetic pickups are generally preferred for a more natural and full tone. Active preamps can boost the signal and shape the EQ, but be careful not to overdo it.
Do I need a preamp for my bass uke?
It depends. Some bass ukes have built-in preamps, but even with one, a separate preamp can give you more control over the EQ and output level, especially when gigging or recording.





