This small bass is light and very easy to take anywhere. Unplugged it makes enough volume for practice without a headphone amp, so if you need a portable bass for unplugged practice, this one can do the job.
When first plugging in, the tone sounded harsh and picked up a lot of string noise. Clicks, clunks and squeaks from pushing and moving the fingers on the strings was quite pronounced and kind of ugly and distracting. I was thinking the U-bass was going to be useful for unplugged practice, but not much else. I assume the excessive treble is due to the Piezo-style pickups.
However, adjusting out most of the treble and half the mids on the built-in EQ made all the difference, producing a surprisingly deep, warm tone and killing most of the annoying finger noise. After bumping up the gain on the amp for a little more sustain, this tiny instrument sounds very much like my full-size, vintage, Peavy, T-40. I almost found myself looking around for whoever was playing the "real" bass.
In addition to being light, easy to transport, and great-sounding, the Kala U-Bass is easy to play with a nice low action and light string tension. Also the short scale makes for less hand-stretching when playing runs and walking bass lines. I've been enjoying playing this bass on weekly gigs for several months now. I've gotten a few jokes and comments when setting up (did you borrow that thing from Tiny Tim, or did it shrink from being in the dryer too long-- or left out in the rain, and etc), but the critics tend to change their tune when the hear the deep, rich tone.
If you are looking for a tiny instrument for practice or travel that also sounds surprisingly big when plugged in you can't go wrong with the Kala U-bass.
Kala Brand Music Co., 4-String Ukulele, Natural, Ubass WNDR-FS
4 | 110 ratings
Price: 269
Last update: 06-12-2024
About this item
Kala Ukulele, known for high-quality instruments, is the most recognized and sought after ukulele brand in the world. Kala ukuleles are the instrument of choice for schools - more people learn to play on a Kala than any other ukulele brand
Product information
| Item Weight | 3 pounds |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 34 x 14 x 5 inches |
| ASIN | B07BGBYYDG |
| Item model number | UBASS-WNDR-FS |
| Batteries | 1 9V batteries required. (included) |
| Customer Reviews |
4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars
110 ratings
4.0 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #23,134 in Musical Instruments (See Top 100 in Musical Instruments) #61 in Electric Bass Guitars #469 in Guitars (Musical Instruments) |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | March 14, 2018 |
| Back Material | Mahogany |
| Body Material | Mahogany Wood |
| Color Name | Natural |
| Fretboard Material | Rose Wood |
| String Gauge | Light |
| String Material | Kala Round Wound |
| Top Material | Mahogany |
| Neck Material Type | Mahogany Wood |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Guitar Bridge System | Fixed Bridge |
| Instrument Key | c |
| Size | Ubass |
| Battery type | Lithium Metal |
Top reviews from the United States
fgr33n
Tiny Bass -- Sounds Big Plugged In
Reviewed in the United States on July 24, 2020Brian
Great u-bass, but not the advertised strings attached
Reviewed in the United States on June 29, 2020brian shea
I’m retuning this u bass, I think mine might be defective defective
Reviewed in the United States on June 17, 2020
Liko Puha
Get one before they are gone!
Reviewed in the United States on April 28, 2020Sayit right
Kala Brand states they aren’t the seller
Reviewed in the United States on February 13, 2024Amazon Customer
Decent for the money
Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2019
Taylor
If you play bluegrass music, this bass is great!
Reviewed in the United States on June 24, 2020kyle delnegro
Awesome bass!
Reviewed in the United States on April 8, 2019