AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Bass Ukuleles Under $500 2026
The top pick is Kala Journeyman U-Bass with F-Holes and Electronics 2018 ($481). Harley Benton UkeBass OPNT gives you the most for the money at $190. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 25 models across 6 brands, 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 ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale530 mm (20.87")
- Frets24 frets
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
You get a solid-body bass ukulele with an active Piezo pickup, so it is built to plug into an amp. The swamp ash body, maple neck and jatoba fingerboard make up a sturdy build. It suits you if you want an electric bass ukulele with simple volume, treble and bass controls.
Pros
- Solid-body American swamp ash body gives a sturdy build
- Active Piezo pickup system delivers an electric signal for amplification
- Three-piece maple neck with okume stripes for a stable, layered neck
Cons
- Only volume, treble and bass controls, with no other tone options
58AudioFu
Index↓ 10.6%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$212 · Aug 17$190 now$190€169 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale514.4 mm (20.25")
- Frets18 frets
- Fingerboard radius406.4 mm (16")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
The Fullerton PBass Uke is a bass ukulele with a spruce top and okoume back and sides. You get a Fender preamp with volume and tone controls, plus a built-in tuner, so it is easy to plug in and get going. It suits you if you want a bass ukulele with simple controls and a high-gloss Olympic White finish.
Pros
- Spruce top with okoume back and sides
- Maple neck with a walnut fingerboard and walnut bridge
- Fender preamp with volume and tone controls
Cons
- The built-in tuner and preamp run on battery, so keep spares on hand
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$268 now$268€239 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")
- 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")
- 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")
- 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 ↗ -
- 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")
- 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
- 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 25 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 Teak FrettedKala47Stable$335€299$335€299Check ↗
- 12
Kala U-Bass 4 Fret Paisley OrangeKala47Stable$380€339$380€339Check ↗
- 13
Harley Benton Solid UkeBass SunburstHarley Benton45Stable$133€119$133€119Check ↗
- 14
Harley Benton Solid U-Bass Sunburst w/BagHarley Benton45Stable$145€129$145€129Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton UkeBass Spalted MapleHarley Benton45Stable$167€149$167€149Check ↗
- 16
Flight Mini Bass Lite BKFlight44Stable$234€209$234€209Check ↗
- 17
Kala U-Bass Nomad 4 NTKala44Stable$313€279$313€279Check ↗
- 18
Kala U-Bass Scout Fretless 4 NTKala44Stable$358€319$358€319Check ↗
- 19
Flight Mini JB Bass SBFlight44Stable$437€390$437€390Check ↗
- 20
Ortega RUNAB-UBOrtega41Stable$331€295$331€295Check ↗
- 21
Ortega Lizzy Pro Bass UkuleleOrtega41Stable$481€429$481€429Check ↗
- 22
Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-Bass Ukulele BundleHarley Benton · 3 finishes38↓ 5.9%$178€159$178€159Check ↗
- 23
Flight DUBS Bass UkuleleFlight37Stable$290€259$290€259Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton Solid U-Bass Sunburst BundleHarley Benton29Stable$297€265$297€265Check ↗
- 25
Cascha Bass Ukulele SetCascha21↑ 15.9%$238€212$238€212Check ↗
Bass Ukuleles by the numbers
Measured across all 29 models we track, not a sample.
Median $313 — half of all bass ukuleles here cost less.
median of 16 models · 38.1 mm (1.5")–45 mm (1.77")
median of 21 models · 16–22
most common · 16 models
median of 26 models · 510 mm (20.08")–597 mm (23.5")
How to choose the best bass ukuleles
Scale Length
Most bass ukes are around 15-17 inches. Shorter scales offer a slinkier feel, but can compromise low-end definition - something to consider if you want a real thump.
Wood Choice
Mahogany is common, offering a warm, mid-focused tone. Koa can be beautiful and has a brighter, more articulate character, but expect to pay more for it at this price point.
Pickup Voicing
Many bass ukes use piezo pickups, which can be brittle and lack warmth. Look for models with attempts at EQ control or consider aftermarket upgrades if the built-in tone is harsh.
Neck Profile
A comfortable neck is crucial. Chunky necks can feel clunky, while thin necks might lack sustain. This is a personal preference, but something to test if possible.
Hardware Quality
Tuners are often the first thing to go on budget instruments. Stiff or inaccurate tuners will make keeping your bass in tune a constant battle, seriously impacting your gigging experience.
Buying guide
So, you're looking at a bass uke? Smart move. They're surprisingly versatile - great for adding a low-end foundation in folk, indie, or even rock settings. Finding a good one under $500 can be tricky, though; a lot of cheap instruments just sound...thin. Let's cut through the noise and find you something that actually cuts through the mix and has some usable character.
At this price range, you're making trade-offs. Expect some compromises on wood quality and hardware. Don't be fooled by pretty finishes - focus on the feel and the fundamental tone.
If the action is high or the neck feels awkward, it's not worth the money, even if it looks cool. A little extra for better tuners can save you a lot of frustration.
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 29 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 play?
Not inherently. The shorter scale length makes them easier to fret than a full-size bass, but the string tension can be higher, requiring a bit more finger strength. It's a gentle learning curve.
Can I plug a bass ukulele into an amp?
Absolutely. Most have built-in preamps and pickups, allowing you to plug into an amp or PA system. However, the pickup voicing can vary wildly - be prepared to tweak EQ to find a usable sound.
What's the difference between a bass ukulele and a baritone ukulele?
A baritone uke is tuned like a guitar, while a bass uke is tuned an octave lower - like a bass guitar. They have different scale lengths and tonal ranges.
Can I use standard bass guitar strings on a bass ukulele?
Technically, yes, but it's not recommended. The smaller body and scale length won't handle the increased tension well, potentially damaging the instrument. Use strings specifically designed for bass ukuleles.
Is a piezo pickup always going to sound bad?
Not always, but they often lack the warmth and dynamic response of magnetic pickups. EQ adjustments and careful amp settings can help, but don't expect miracles. It's a common upgrade path for serious players.





