Kala U-Bass Striped Ebony Fretless Acoustic-Electric Bass
- 21 inch scale in a compact acoustic-electric bass body
- Fretless neck with striped ebony top, back and sides
- 4 strings, set of 4 nylon strings included
- 1/4 inch jack output for amplified playing
- 33 x 13 x 6 inches, 2 kg listed
- Unfinished natural ebony finish
- 2-year warranty
Updated 20 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.
A travel-sized bass with a fretless voice and an amp output, suited to players who can hear their own intonation. Electronics details are missing from the listing, so plan on checking the preamp in person.
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ASIN: B07BL47ZR2Category: Ukuleles
Overview
A bassist who travels or plays small rooms gets a full low end from a body compact enough for an airplane overhead bin. The Kala U-Bass pairs a striped ebony top, back and sides with a fretless neck, and it plays acoustically or through an amp via its output jack.
Kala built the U-Bass to deliver a big bass sound from a small instrument, and the description likens its tone to an upright. The fretless neck allows smooth slides between notes but leaves pitch entirely to the player's ear. Electronics specifics such as controls or a tuner are not described.
Who it's for
Players who fly to gigs or work small venues get a bass voice from an instrument that fits in an overhead bin. Newcomers still learning where notes fall on the neck should look for a fretted version instead.
Pros and cons
- Small enough for airplane overhead bins
- Striped ebony top, back and sides
- Plays acoustic or plugged into an amp
- Tone likened to an upright bass
- Electronics and controls not listed
- Fretless neck demands accurate ear and hands
- String material listed two different ways
- Only strings listed in the box
Performance notes
Tone comes from the short-scale strings driving the ebony body, and the description credits that combination with a full, upright-like low end. Without frets, each note's pitch depends on exactly where the fingertip stops the string, so intonation tracks the player's accuracy. Plugged in, the output jack hands the signal to an amp, so amplified tone depends on that amp and on onboard electronics the listing does not detail.
Specifications
| Brand | Kala |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & fit | |
| Item weight | 4.41 pounds |
| Item dimensions | 33 × 13 × 6 inches |
| Scale Length | 21 inches |
| Construction & materials | |
| String Material Type | Proprietary Polyurethane |
| Top Material Type | Ebony |
| Back Material Type | Ebony |
| Body Material Type | Ebony |
| Color | Natural |
| Finish Type | Unfinished |
| Included components | |
| Included Components | Set Of 4 Nylon Strings |
| Warranty & support | |
| Warranty Description | 2 years |
| Other details | |
| Number of Strings | 4 |
| Operation Mode | Acoustic, Electric |
| Sound Profile | Warm, resonant, low-frequency focused |
| Connector Type | 1/4 inch jack |
| Fret configuration | Fretless |
Frequently asked questions
How do I connect the Kala U-Bass Fretless to an amplifier?
The listing gives it both acoustic and electric operation, with a 1/4 inch jack output. Plug an instrument cable into that jack to run it through an amp; no cable is listed, and the onboard preamp and controls are not described.
Is the Kala UBASS-EBY-FL fretted?
No. This is the fretless version, so pitch depends on where the finger presses the string, not on frets.
What strings come with the Kala U-Bass Fretless?
The included components list a set of 4 nylon strings, while the string material is given as proprietary polyurethane. Confirm the string type with the seller if replacements matter to you.
Can the Kala U-Bass go on a plane as carry-on?
The description says it is small enough to fit in a plane's overhead compartment. Listed dimensions are 33 x 13 x 6 inches; airline limits vary, and no case is listed.