When I first picked up a bass ukulele, I had no idea it’d become one of my favorite instruments. As someone who loves the deep tones of bass guitars but appreciates the portability of ukuleles, finding an instrument that combines the two was a dream come true. If you’re like me and want the best of both worlds, this article is for you.
I’ve made a list of the best bass ukuleles you can find on the market. No matter what your budget, skill level, or personal preference is, you’ll find your perfect match here!
| Ukulele | Price | |
| Best Overall | Kala Exotic Mahogany U-Bass | Check Price |
| Best Craftsmanship | Caramel UEM48 Electric Ukulele Bass | Check Price |
| Best Value for Money | Kala Nomad U-Bass | Check Price |
| Most Comfortable | Oscar Schmidt OUB200K | Check Price |
| Most Durable | Kala All Solid Bamboo U-Bass | Check Price |
1. Kala Exotic Mahogany U-Bass – Best Overall
The Kala Exotic Mahogany U-Bass blew me away with its deep, rich tone that highly resembles a bass guitar. Its body is entirely manufactured from mahogany wood, which gives it an authentic look and makes its melodies more resonant. As for the fingerboard and bridge, they’re made from durable rosewood.
One of my favorite features about this bass ukulele is its convenient size, which makes it easier to carry. Its dimensions are 32 (L) x 33 (W) x 12 (H) inches. Even better, it comes with a carrying bag to keep it safe while you’re outside.
The Kala ukulele has a built-in piezo pickup system that’ll come in handy if you have upcoming gigs. You can plug it in and enjoy the loud melodies. However, one thing I didn’t like about it is its polyurethane strings. They vibrate more than they should, but it’s a problem with an easy fix. You can easily replace them with your favorite set of strings.
What I Like About It
- Durable and high-quality manufacturing materials
- Built-in piezo pickup with active EQ
- Carrying bag included
What I Don’t Like About It
- The strings vibrate too much
2. Caramel UEM48 Electric Ukulele Bass – Best Craftsmanship
The Caramel UEM48 Electric Ukulele Bass is one of the most finely made instruments within its price range. Instead of the usual mass production, this ukulele is handmade with low-string action and polished edges. Its manufacturing material is laminated mahogany, which gives you a richer sound than usual.
The UEM48 has a built-in truss rod in its neck that you can adjust till you reach the string action you’re most comfortable with. It also comes with an adjusting wrench that you can use. The ukulele has a metal tuner that’s a bit finicky to adjust, and its strings are made from nylon for more softness and ease of use.
A point worth mentioning about Caramel is that they have superb customer service. They’re easily reachable if you have any issues while playing the uke bass, and they’ll help you in any way they can.
What I Like About It
- Handmade
- Built-in truss rod for more comfortable playing
- Highly responsive customer service
What I Don’t Like About It
- The tuners are a bit finicky
3. Kala Nomad U-Bass – Best Value for Money
The Kala Nomad U-Bass brings a lot of top-notch features to the table at a reasonable price, giving you excellent value for money. While it isn’t exactly cheap, it’s more affordable than most Kala instruments.
The bass ukulele features a mahogany top, sides, back, and neck with a satin finish that gives it a natural and polished look. The fretboard is made from dark rosewood for an elegant look and feel, and there are four metal tuner buttons. The strings on this uke are Aquila Thunderblack, which is one of the most renowned on the market.
I especially appreciate that this uke comes with a gig bag, saving you the hassle and extra cost of buying a separate one. However, in my opinion, it’s a pretty basic instrument without the usual Kala finesse. While it’s ideal for beginners, it might not be the best choice for pros.
What I Like About It
- Aquila Thunderblack strings
- Gig bag included
- High-quality satin finish
What I Don’t Like About It
- Too basic for professionals
4. Oscar Schmidt OUB200K – Most Comfortable
The Oscar Schmidt OUB200K is a bit pricier than the rest of my choices, but the ease of use and comfort it offers while playing are priceless. Its body is made from durable Mahogany wood, which gives it a full and resonant sound.
For an elegant look, it boasts a satin finish and rosewood binding. Even better, the uke comes with Aquila strings that are soft on the hands and produce bright melodies. The uke’s tuner is easy to use, and you can easily adjust it while playing without straining your fingers. Overall, you’ll have easy access to the instrument’s uppermost side, thanks to its cutaway design.
The OUB200K comes with a padded carrying bag for more portability. It also has an extra pocket on the front side where you can put your personal belongings.
What I Like About It
- Comfortable cutaway design
- Padded carrying bag with an extra storage pocket
- Durable build
What I Don’t Like About It
- Pricey
5. Kala All Solid Bamboo U-Bass – Most Durable
While I prefer hardwood ukuleles because of the deep tones they produce, bamboo ukes hold a special place in my heart because of their sustainability and high-volume melodies. The Kala All Solid Bamboo U-Bass is my favorite in the category, and I’ll tell you why.
The uke’s body is extremely durable and doesn’t easily show signs of wear and tear. The tuners are made from metal and are insanely easy to use. Better still, the strings are Aquila Thunderblack, guaranteeing you bright melodies with minimal vibrations.
The Kala uke’s length is about 30 inches and the fingerboard’s maximum width is 2.2 inches, making for a comfortable grip without straining your arm. While it’s pricier than I’d like, Kala’s reputation in the musical world made me more willing to pay for it.
What I Like About It
- Eco-friendly choice
- Strong and durable build
- Comfortable size
What I Don’t Like About It
- Pricey
What Is a Bass Ukulele?
A bass ukulele, also known as a U-bass, is a hybrid instrument that combines the convenient size of ukuleles with the deep, resonant tones of bass guitars. It’s about the same size as a baritone ukulele, and it’s tuned in E-A-D-G like a basic bass guitar, with E being the lowest note.
The strings on a bass uke are often made from synthetic materials, like polyurethane. They’re denser than nylon and metal strings and make for richer sounds. Bass ukes are most commonly used to play folk, jazz, pop, and rock.
While you aren’t guaranteed to like bass ukuleles if you’re a bass guitar player, ukulele players are fond of this instrument because it widens their musical scope. I think they’re worth trying for their ease of use and the full melodies they produce.
Features You Need to Consider While Buying a Bass Ukulele
Here are some features you should keep in mind while shopping for a bass ukulele to guarantee you get the best one for your needs!
Scale Length
Bass ukuleles come with various scale lengths, ranging from 18 to 21 inches. Longer lengths are more comfortable to play and give you more controlled tones. However, shorter lengths are more portable and easier to carry around. Before making your purchase, you should try various lengths till you find your ideal match.
Manufacturing Material
The most famous manufacturing materials of bass ukes are mahogany, bamboo, solid wood, and exotic wood. Mahogany is the most cost-effective, while bamboo is the most durable. Meanwhile, solid and exotic woods give you deeper tones. Ideally, you should choose based on your budget, as their prices vary significantly.
Electronics
Some bass ukes come with built-in electronics, like preamps and pickups, which come in handy if you often go to gigs. They amplify the melodies you play and make them sound more professional, making them a wise choice for recording sessions and live concerts. However, they come at high prices, so approach them wisely!
Playability
A bass uke’s playability is determined according to its size, nut width, neck length, and overall setup. It’s challenging to assess without actually playing the instrument. That’s why I always recommend you try an instrument before you buy it. To make sure it’s a perfect fit, try playing it and see if it’s comfortable and responsive under your hands.
Frequently Asked Questions!
Is it easy to transition from playing a bass guitar to a bass ukulele?
Yes, it is. The transition from playing a bass guitar to a bass ukulele is much easier than the transition from a ukulele. The only differences you’ll feel at the start are the more compact size and the tuning. However, you’ll get the hang of it in a short time if you practice.
Is the bass ukulele suitable for beginners?
Absolutely! The bass ukulele is easier to play than many instruments thanks to its compact size and comfortable playability. It’s also more affordable than bass guitars, so it won’t burn a hole through your pockets. Overall, it’s a wise starting point for beginner bass or uke players.
Can I use bass guitar strings on a bass ukulele?
No, you can’t. Bass guitar strings have different scale lengths and tension, so they won’t give you proper melodies or playability. For better results, stick to bass ukulele strings.
To Wrap Up
If you’re on the lookout for a bass ukulele, here’s my take on the top models on the market. The Kala Exotic Mahogany U-Bass is my favorite choice because of its durable manufacturing materials and pack of convenient features. It’s also affordable, considering it comes with a carrying bag for gigs.
The Caramel UEM48 Electric Ukulele Bass comes a close second. It’s finely made from laminated mahogany and has a built-in truss rod for more comfortable playing.
Finally, the Kala Nomad U-Bass offers the best value for money, considering its reasonable price and practical features.
