AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Kala Bass Ukuleles 2026
The top pick is Kala Journeyman U-Bass with F-Holes and Electronics 2018 ($481). Kala U-Bass Solid Body 4-String CAR gives you the most for the money at $335. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 14 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 11, 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
22 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Scale530 mm (20.87")
- Frets16 frets
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a bass ukulele with a built-in pickup, so you can plug it into an amp. It is made of mahogany with a rosewood fingerboard and a natural satin finish. It suits you if you want a small bass that is easy to carry, and it comes with a bag to keep it protected.
Pros
- Mahogany top, sides, back and neck give it a consistent all-wood build
- Kala UK-500B electronics are built in, so it plugs straight into an amp
- Graph Tech TUSQ nut and phenol saddle support clean string contact
81AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$481 now$481€429 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
If you want a bass ukulele with a striking look, this one is worth a close look. It has a striped ebony top, back and sides, a Fishman U-Bass EQ pickup, and a fretless neck with fret lines to guide your fingers. It suits players who like the feel of a fretless neck and want a built-in pickup for playing through an amp.
Pros
- Striped ebony top, back and sides give it a distinctive look
- Fishman U-Bass EQ pickup system is built in for amplified playing
- Fretless neck with 16 fret lines marked on the rosewood fingerboard
Cons
- Fretless neck takes practice to play in tune, unlike a fretted bass
54AudioFu
Index↓ 1.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$672 · Aug 17$663 now$663€591 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale597 mm (23.5")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings4-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This is an electric bass ukulele with an Okoume body, a bolt-on maple neck, and a split coil pickup. You get a volume knob and a tone knob, plus 22 nickel silver frets to play up the neck. It suits you if you want a compact electric bass that plugs in, and you don't mind the longer 23.5-inch scale.
Pros
- Solid body made from Okoume wood, a lightweight tonewood choice for a compact bass
- Bolt-on maple neck paired with a laurel fingerboard
- Split coil pickup with separate volume and tone controls
Cons
- Scale of 597 mm (23.5 inches) is longer than a standard ukulele, so it may feel large for small hands
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$335 now$335€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale597 mm (23.5")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This five-string fretless bass ukulele suits you if you want a compact bass with no frets to press. It has an okoume body, a maple neck, and one Kala humbucker with volume and tone controls. It comes with a gig bag and round wound strings, so you can start playing right away.
Pros
- Solid okoume body keeps the instrument lightweight and easy to carry
- Maple bolt-on neck paired with a laurel fingerboard
- Single Kala humbucker with its own volume and tone controls
Cons
- Only one pickup and two controls, so there is no switching between pickup sounds
52AudioFu
Index↓ 4.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$470 · Aug 17$447 now$447€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale597 mm (23.5")
- Frets22 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This is a five-string electric bass ukulele with a solid okoume body, a single Kala humbucker, and volume and tone knobs. It has a short 23.5 inch scale and comes with a gig bag, so it is easy to carry. It suits you if you want a small, portable electric bass for playing around, or if you like the idea of a bass that fits in a bag.
Pros
- Solid body made of okoume wood, which suits a plugged-in bass
- Single Kala humbucker pickup gives a full electric bass setup
- 22 nickel silver frets and a laurel fingerboard for a playable neck
Cons
- Only one volume and one tone control for shaping the sound
- Short 597 mm scale, so it feels different from a full-size bass
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$447 now$447€399 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale597 mm (23.5")
- Frets22 frets
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This is a solid body electric bass ukulele in a small size. If you want a compact bass with a simple setup, you will like its okoume body, maple neck, and split coil pickup. It also comes with a gig bag, so you can carry it to practice or to a gig right away.
Pros
- Solid body built with okoume body wood for a sturdy electric feel
- Maple bolt-on neck paired with a laurel fingerboard
- Kala split coil pickup with volume and tone controls on the body
Cons
- Short 597 mm scale may feel different if you are used to a full-size bass
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$335 now$335€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.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$335 now$335€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale597 mm (23.5")
- Strings4-string
- BodyOkoume body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This is a small electric bass in the ukulele style. It has an Okoume body, a maple bolt-on neck, and split coil pickups with simple volume and tone knobs. It suits you if you want a compact bass that is easy to carry, and it comes with a gig bag.
Pros
- Solid body made of Okoume wood for a compact electric bass build
- Maple bolt-on neck paired with a laurel fingerboard
- 22 nickel-silver frets give a long playing surface
Cons
- Only one volume and one tone control, with no extra tone options
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$335 now$335€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.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$335 now$335€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.
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$335 now$335€299 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 14 bass ukuleles
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
Bass Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 32 models we track, not a sample.
Median $358 — half of all bass ukuleles here cost less.
median of 16 models · 38.1 mm (1.5")–45 mm (1.77")
median of 23 models · 16–22
most common · 19 models
median of 29 models · 510 mm (20.08")–597 mm (23.5")
How to choose the best bass ukuleles
Heritage & Design
Kala's early designs set the standard. They weren't the first to build a bass uke, but their focus on playability and a comfortable neck profile - often a 'C' shape - really resonated with players. You can feel that design DNA across their lineup.
Tone Characteristics
Expect a warmth that's more wood than ice. While some competitors go for a scooped, overly-bright sound, Kalas generally have a more balanced response, offering a usable low-end thump without getting muddy. The mahogany models are particularly known for that fat midrange honk that cuts through a mix.
Build Quality & Materials
Kala offers a wide range, from laminate to solid wood construction. Laminates are durable and gig-ready, but solid wood (like their Koa basses) breathes more and offers more complex overtones - a noticeable improvement in sustain and articulation. Pay attention to fretwork; even on higher-end models, it can sometimes need a little tweaking.
Pickup Voicing & Electronics
Kala's pickups are generally well-voiced for the instrument, aiming for a natural, acoustic tone. They don't always have a ton of headroom for distortion, but they're surprisingly versatile for a range of genres - from jazz to blues to indie rock. The onboard EQ is usually straightforward and effective for basic tone shaping.
Scale Length & Action
The shorter scale length (typically 19-21 inches) is what gives the bass uke its unique feel, but it also means you need to be mindful of string tension and action. Kala generally sets the action reasonably low, but it's something to check and adjust if needed to avoid fret buzz and ensure comfortable playing.
Buying guide
So, you're thinking about a Kala bass uke? Smart move. They've really become the go-to for a lot of players looking for that upright-esque low end without the bulk and complexity. Kala pretty much defined the modern bass uke market, and for good reason - they nailed the ergonomics and tone early on. Let's break down what makes their basses tick and which model might be right for your gig or studio setup.
Don't chase the flashiest wood; focus on the feel and the electronics. A laminate model with good fretwork will gig just as well as a pricier solid wood version with poorly dressed frets. Watch out for excessively low action - it can lead to fret buzz and a flabby low end.
Spend a little more for a model with a solid top; the difference in resonance and sustain is significant.
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 15 bass ukuleles from the Thomann catalogue (of 32 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 Kala bass ukuleles easy to learn?
Relatively! The shorter scale length makes them easier on the fingers than a bass guitar, but you still need to develop finger strength and coordination. It's a great entry point into the bass world.
Can I use a regular bass guitar amp with a Kala bass uke?
Yes, but be careful with the EQ. Bass ukes often respond better to a cleaner amp setting. Too much gain or a scooped EQ can make them sound boxy and undefined.
What's the difference between a mahogany and a Koa Kala bass uke?
Mahogany tends to be warmer and more mid-focused, while Koa offers a brighter, more articulate tone with a more complex harmonic profile. Koa also looks gorgeous, but it comes at a premium.
Do I need to tune a Kala bass uke differently?
Typically, they're tuned E-A-D-G, like a bass guitar, an octave below a standard ukulele. However, string tension can vary, so check your tuning frequently, especially with new strings.
Are Kala bass ukes good for recording?
Absolutely. Their warm, balanced tone sits well in a mix, but a good condenser mic and a little bit of EQ can really bring out their character. DI recording is also very usable.





