The retro gold version of Kala’s solid body bass ukulele, the UBASS-SB-GLD-FS is a short-scale bass that combines the compact feel of a ukulele with a proper, punchy bass sound. With a 23.5-inch scale length and an overall length of 33.25 inches, it’s only a little larger than a baritone ukulele, making it an especially good fit for a ukulele group where a conventional bass guitar might look a little out of place.

This fretted model has a striking retro gold gloss finish, complemented by a tactile satin-finished maple neck and laurel fingerboard. The body is shaped and contoured to make it comfortable to play, while the smooth-turning geared tuners keep tuning straightforward.

Kala fit the UBASS-SB-GLD-FS with their Roundwound strings and a split-coil pickup. The pickup delivers a rich, rolling bass tone with plenty of definition, so you get that unmistakably deep bass character without the sound becoming muddy or indistinct. The 40mm nut width gives it a familiar, comfortable feel too.

Kala also include a good-quality gig bag, making this a particularly practical package for taking to rehearsals, gigs and ukulele groups.

Kala have been making bass ukuleles for years, and the solid-body UBASS range shows that they know exactly what they’re doing. The UBASS-SB-GLD-FS offers a lot of instrument for the money, with its eye-catching retro finish giving it a bit of extra character.

If you click on Additional Info below, you’ll find a video demo. I’ve used Kala’s own video because it’s a good, straightforward representation of the instrument. And, if I’m honest, it’s probably best that I let them demonstrate the bass rather than attempting it myself! The bass is considerably better at it than I am.