Kala Solid Body U-BASS

A compact electric bass that’s affordable and easy to play.

July 30, 2025

The Kala Brand Music Co. is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Founded by Northern California bass player and ukulele enthusiast Mike Upton, the company has grown into the world’s most popular ukulele brand, and it offers just about any style of ukulele. In 2009, the company introduced the U-BASS concept. Built on what is essentially a baritone ukulele body and scale, the original U-BASS uses a special set of rubber-like polyurethane strings that deliver a surprisingly rich bass sound despite the instrument’s compact size. The original U-BASS is available in many different configurations, including a new hybrid version combining a short scale with regular electric bass strings on a solid body. Besides being a fun option for actual bass players, all of the instruments in the U-BASS line are good choices for folks who play other fretted instruments and want to include a bass in their arsenal. I had fun checking out an original U-BASS in a previous Peghead Nation demo, and in this video, I introduce the new Solid Body U-BASS.

The Solid Body U-BASS is like a small Fender Precision Bass. Its 23.5 inch scale is shorter than most guitars, and a 2+2 tuner configuration at the peghead makes it even more compact overall than a Fender-style peghead would be. The solid body is built from okouma, an African hardwood frequently compared to mahogany. The bolt-on maple neck has a laurel fingerboard with 22 frets. The Solid Body U-BASS has a standard P-Bass electronics configuration passive split-coil magnetic pickup passes through basic volume and tone controls (with chrome knobs) to a standard output jack in the instrument’s lower bout. A top-loaded four-saddle chrome bridge allows for action and intonation adjustments for each string. The stock nickel-wound electric bass strings are designed for the extra-short scale. The craftsmanship throughout is tidy, and Kala includes a well-padded gigbag.

Although bass is not my main instrument, I’ve owned various electric basses. They are great tools when working out arrangements, recording, and playing live when a bass would balance the mix. The Solid Body U-BASS is a superb choice for occasional bass players like me. It’s easy to play, delivers rich bass sounds, is easily transported, and doesn’t cost an arm and a leg. I found the Solid Body U-BASS most comfortable to play with a strap, even when sitting down. A dedicated bass amp would be best for playing in a loud rock band, but for playing along with acoustic instruments, a typical acoustic guitar amp delivers plenty of sound at lower volumes. I played the Solid Body U-BASS though our Fishman Loudbox Mini Charge, and I experienced plenty of punch, definition, and sparkle. The overall sound would be hard to distinguish from a full-size P-Bass. And compared with a rubber strings-equipped U-BASS, I found it easier to play with accurate intonation on the Solid Body U-BASS.

Overall, the Solid Body U-BASS would be a great choice for anyone looking to add a bass to their instrument collection. Inviting to play, easy to tote, and very affordable. Playing a U-BASS will expand your tonal variety, and with a little practice, you just might end up being a “real” bass player!

Kala Solid Body U-BASS Specs