AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Kala Bass Ukuleles 2026
The top pick is Kala Journeyman U-Bass with F-Holes and Electronics 2018 ($482). Kala U-Bass Solid Body 4-String CAR gives you the most for the money at $336. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 15 models, 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 ↗ -
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")
- 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 ↗ -
- 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 ↗
All 15 bass ukuleles
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Kala U-Bass Solid Body Jet BlackKala50Stable$336€299$336€299Check ↗
- 12
Kala U-Bass 4 Fret Paisley OrangeKala50Stable$381€339$381€339Check ↗
- 13
Kala U-BASS Hutch Hutchinson Sign.Kala48↑ 4.2%$701€624$701€624Check ↗
- 14
Kala U-Bass Nomad 4 NTKala47Stable$313€279$313€279Check ↗
- 15
Kala U-Bass Scout Fretless 4 NTKala47Stable$358€319$358€319Check ↗
Bass Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 31 models we track, not a sample.
Median $381 — 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
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 16 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 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.
