Sponsored By
 
Kala U-Bass Demo
 
Kala’s unique ukulele-size bass has convincing amplified bass tones.
February 3, 2015

Besides featuring a full line of standard ukuleles, Northern California’s Kala Brand has had incredible success with its unusual U-Bass concept, which brings surprisingly deep bass tones to a tiny instrument. Using a special set of thick, soft polyurethane strings, U-Basses (which are available in acoustic and solid-body electric versions) are extremely comfortable to play, and when amplified with piezo pickups, could easily pass for a full-size electric or even upright bass.

The U-BASS-SMHG-FS we checked out is an acoustic-electric instrument with an all-mahogany body, a 21-inch scale, and a custom electronics package that includes a piezo pickup mounted under the saddle, a preamp with controls for volume and tone, and an onboard tuner, built into the instrument’s side.

Played acoustically, the U-BASS-SMHG-FS is a relatively quiet instrument, but it has enough volume to be useful for practicing. But when played through an amp (we checked it out through an AER Compact 60 acoustic instrument amp), it has a low thump that belies its small size. Whether you’re looking for a simple and easy-to-play solution for adding bass sounds in a home studio setting or want to have a convenient bass to bring to a jam, the U-BASS-SMHG-FS is definitely worth investigating.

SPECS: U-Bass with polyurethane strings. Solid mahogany top, back, and sides. Mahogany neck. Rosewood fingerboard and bridge. 21-inch scale. Grover tuners. Kala electronics with built-in tuner. Made in China. $550 street. kalabrand.com

Related Instrument Demos Posts
 

Welcome to the World of Ukuleles

Marcy Marxer explains different ukulele sizes, tunings, and sounds.

Read More

 

Kala Marcy Marxer Signature Model Uke

Peghead Nation instructor demonstrates her tenor ukulele built with acacia back and sides.

Read More

 

Taylor GS Mini-e Maple Bass

The maple version of Taylor’s short-scale bass packs a punch.

Read More

 

Martin 0XK Concert Uke

An affordable ukulele with a great sound and a koa photo finish.

Read More

 

Larrivée UT-40KK0

A tenor ukulele built from top-grade flamed koa.

Read More

 

Kala JTE/2TS Tenor Sunburst Ukulele

Kala's archtop uke is inspired by jazz guitar designs

Read More

 
Sponsored By
 
 
 
Peghead Partners
 
Shubb Violet Sky C1vs 50th Anniversary Edition
A beautifully etched capo with a lush finish and iridescent hardware, celebrating 50 years of creating the worlds” finest capos.
 
 
 
 
 
  Follow Us:  
 
  About Us       Shop         Support         Contact Us         Email Sign up         Advertise         Sitemap         FAQ         Privacy         Terms         Subscribe   Sign In  
 
    ● Courses
    ● Live Workshops
    ● Instructors
    ● Sample Lessons
    ● Notation Guide
    ● For Beginners
 
    ● Workshops
    ● Advice
    ● Repertoire
 
    ● Vintage Vault
    ● New Gear
    ● Fine Lutherie
 
    ● Recordings
    ● Events
    ● Breaking News
 
    ● In The Studio
    ● Live Onstage
    ● Backroom
 
    ● New Products
    ● Inside Look
    ● Performances
    ● Partner Pages
 
 
© Copyright 2020 PegheadNation.com
 
 
    ● Courses
    ● Live Workshops
    ● Instructors
    ● Sample Lessons
    ● Notation Guide
    ● For Beginners
 
 
    ● Vintage Vault
    ● New Gear
    ● Fine Lutherie
 
 
    ● Workshops
    ● Advice
    ● Repertoire
 
 
    ● Recordings
    ● Events
    ● Breaking News
 
 
    ● In The Studio
    ● Live Onstage
    ● Backroom
 
 
    ● New Products
    ● Inside Look
    ● Performances
    ● Partner Pages
 
 
© Copyright 2020 PegheadNation.com