AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Harley Benton Bass Ukuleles 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton UkeBass OPNT ($212). Harley Benton Solid UkeBass Sunburst gives you the most for the money at $134. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 22, 2026
Top 6
Full detail for the 6 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- 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 ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale510 mm (20.08")
- Frets20 frets
This Harley Benton UkeBass is a fantastic entry point into the world of bass ukulele. The solid construction gives it a surprisingly full sound, and the build quality is impressive for the price. It's perfect for beginners or anyone wanting a quirky, portable bass tone for practice or casual gigs.
Pros
- Okoume body offers a surprisingly warm, resonant tone for a solid-body.
- Maple neck provides smooth playability and excellent note clarity across the fretboard.
- GraphTech nut minimizes friction and improves tuning stability, a welcome touch.
Cons
- Piezo pickup system can sound a bit 'quacky' without careful EQ adjustments.
- 510mm scale feels shorter than a standard bass, potentially awkward for some.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$134 now$134€119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale510 mm (20.08")
- Frets20 frets
This Harley Benton U-Bass is a clever way to get a deep, upright-like bass tone in a surprisingly compact package. The solid wood construction gives it a decent amount of warmth, and the setup is surprisingly playable. It’s perfect for gigging musicians or songwriters wanting a unique, portable bass voice, especially in situations where space is at a premium.
Pros
- Solid okoume body provides a surprisingly resonant and warm tone.
- GraphTech nut improves tuning stability and reduces friction.
- Purpleheart fretboard offers a smooth playing experience and visual appeal.
Cons
- Piezo pickup system can sound somewhat brittle and lacks the warmth of magnetic pickups.
- 510mm scale feels compact; might be challenging for bassists with larger hands.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$145 now$145€129 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale512 mm (20.16")
- BodyMaple body
This Harley Benton UkeBass is a fun, budget-friendly option for bassists looking for something different. The spalted maple looks gorgeous, and the built-in tuner is a real convenience. It’s perfect for casual players, songwriters, or anyone wanting a quirky, portable bass sound.
Pros
- Spalted maple top offers unique, attractive grain patterns.
- Meranti neck provides a surprisingly stable and resonant platform.
- Graph Tech nut improves tuning stability and reduces friction.
Cons
- Spalted maple can be prone to cracking with significant humidity changes.
- Piezo pickup system delivers a somewhat 'quacky' tone, less organic than magnetic.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$167 now$167€149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale534 mm (21.02")
- Frets20 frets
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyMahogany body
This Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-Bass is a surprisingly capable little instrument. It delivers a solid bass tone with a decent amount of clarity thanks to that spruce top, and the built-in tuner is a real time-saver. It's a great entry point for bassists wanting ukulele portability or ukulele players looking to expand their sonic palette.
Pros
- Spruce top provides a bright, articulate fundamental tone.
- Mahogany body offers warmth and a pleasing midrange focus.
- The built-in tuner is surprisingly accurate and convenient for gigging.
Cons
- The arched back, while aesthetically pleasing, might slightly compromise sustain.
- Gig bag is very basic, offering minimal protection for travel.
37AudioFu
Index↓ 5.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$190 · Aug 17$179 now$179€159 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale510 mm (20.08")
- Frets20 frets
- Weight9 kg
This Harley Benton U-Bass bundle is a great entry point for ukulele players wanting to explore bass lines, or for bassists seeking a lighter, more portable instrument. The included Warwick amp is a surprisingly competent pairing, offering a decent foundation for practice and small gigs – though don't expect high-end studio tones. It’s a fun, affordable package with a few sonic limitations.
Pros
- Okoume body offers a surprisingly warm and resonant tone for a U-Bass.
- GraphTech nut minimizes friction and improves tuning stability, a nice touch.
- The Warwick BC20 amp delivers surprisingly full sound for its size and wattage.
Cons
- The HB piezo pickup system can be a bit 'boxy' and lacks nuanced dynamics.
- Limited 2-band EQ offers restricted tonal shaping compared to full-range EQs.
30AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$298 now$298€265 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Bass Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 31 models we track, not a sample.
Median $167 — 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
Tone Voicing
The pickups on these basses tend to lean towards a warmer, rounder tone. You're not getting ice-picky highs; it's more of a fat midrange honk, which can be great for locking in with a drummer or adding a subtle sub-bass presence to a mix. However, that warmth can sometimes muddy things up if you're trying to cut through a loud band - it's a trade-off.
Build Quality
Let's be honest, they're not handmade masterpieces. The finish can be a little rough around the edges, and the hardware isn't top-tier. But the necks are generally straight, the intonation is usually decent (though a setup is almost always recommended), and the overall construction is surprisingly solid for the price point.
Neck Profile
Harley Benton offers a variety of neck profiles, but the 'C' shape is the most common. It's comfortable and familiar, making it easy to play for extended periods. The action can sometimes be a little high straight out of the box, but it's easily adjustable - a quick trip to a tech will solve most issues.
Sustain & Articulation
Don't expect the sustain of a Fender Precision, but these basses hold their own. The construction, while basic, still allows for reasonable resonance, and the pickup voicing helps to maintain decent articulation, especially when playing clean. However, pushing them into breakup can get a little muddy.
Portability & Versatility
This is where these basses really shine. They're small, light, and easy to transport - perfect for gigging musicians who need a backup bass or want a portable practice instrument. They're also surprisingly versatile, capable of producing surprisingly usable tones in a variety of genres.
Buying guide
Look, you're looking at Harley Benton bass ukuleles. You're probably thinking 'budget,' and yeah, they are. But they're also surprisingly good for the money, offering a lot of thump and surprisingly decent articulation for instruments you can snag for under $150. If you need a portable bass option for rehearsals, a quirky recording tool, or just want to mess around, these deserve a serious look - they're not just toys.
These are great value, but manage expectations. The tuners are often a weak point - consider upgrading them if you play regularly. A professional setup is almost a must to get the action comfortable and the intonation dialed in.
Don't expect premium wood or hardware, but for the price, you're getting a surprisingly playable and versatile bass instrument.
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 8 bass ukuleles from the Thomann catalogue (of 31 in the category). 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 Harley Benton bass ukuleles any good?
For the price, absolutely. They offer surprising value and a decent playing experience, but they're not going to compete with high-end instruments.
Do I need to upgrade the tuners?
Honestly, it's highly recommended. The stock tuners can be a little finicky and make it difficult to stay in tune, especially during gigs.
What kind of amp should I use?
Anything from a small practice amp to a full-range bass amp will work. Just be mindful of the pickup voicing - a brighter amp will help cut through the mix.
Can I record with a Harley Benton bass ukulele?
Definitely! They can add a unique low-end texture to your recordings, especially in genres like indie pop or experimental music. DI recording is generally best to control the tone.
What's the difference between the different Harley Benton bass ukulele models?
Mostly it comes down to wood types (often laminate) and pickup configurations. The tonal differences are subtle, so I'd recommend choosing the one that feels best in your hands.
