Kala Exotic Mahogony U•BASS

^# 61

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$449.00 to $582.00 Price Tier: High-end

4.0 (1)

1 Critic Review

0 wishlisted

5 saved

Page last updated Jul 05, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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Reviews

Price

4.5 (35)

$449.00

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4.5 (7)

$449.00

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4.0 (85)

$449.00 New

$359.00 Used (Like New)

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5.0 (12)

$460.05 2 available New

$273.27 2 available Used

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4.0 (3)

$583.00 $582.00 $1.00 · All time low

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£449.99

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Average Price: $444

High-end/Boutique

$100

$401+

Price Tier

In the Ukuleles category, Kala Exotic Mahogony U•BASS is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

Budget

Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Kala Exotic Mahogony U•BASS". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

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The Kala Exotic Mahogany U•BASS is an incredible blend of portability and rich, resonant sound that defies its compact size. This acoustic-electric marvel is more than just a travel-friendly instrument; it's a powerhouse of bass tone, thanks to its proprietary polyurethane strings and exotic mahogany construction. Designed for musicians on the go, this U-BASS fits snugly in an airplane's overhead compartment yet delivers a sound that rivals full-sized bass guitars.

Crafted with a mahogany top, back, and sides, the U•BASS exudes a warm, full-bodied tone that complements its visually stunning appearance. The rosewood fingerboard and Graph Tech TUSQ nut and bridge add to its tonal depth, while the custom Hipshot Ultralite tuners offer rock-solid tuning stability. Whether you're jamming in a small club or recording in the studio, the built-in Fishman U-Bass EQ electronics ensure your sound is nothing short of spectacular.

Perfect for both seasoned bassists and ukulele enthusiasts, the Kala Exotic Mahogany U•BASS offers an inviting playing experience with its 16-fret fingerboard and 20 3/8-inch scale length. The included deluxe gig bag makes it easy to take your music wherever you go, ensuring you're always ready to play.

Key Features:

Exotic mahogany top, back, and sides
Mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard
20 3/8" scale length with 16 frets
Custom Hipshot Ultralite tuners
Graph Tech TUSQ nut and bridge
Fishman U-Bass EQ electronics with built-in tuner
Proprietary polyurethane strings
Deluxe U-Bass bag included

Product specs

Number of Strings	4
String Type	Proprietary Polyurethane
Body Type	Acoustic Bass
Body Shape	U-Bass
Left-/Right-handed	Right-handed
Finish	Polyurethane Satin
Top Wood	Exotic Mahogany
Back & Sides Wood	Exotic mahogany
Body Bracing	U-Bass
Binding	Black
Neck Material	Mahogany
Neck Shape	U-Bass
Fingerboard Inlay	Dots
Number of Frets	16
Scale Length	20.375"
Nut Width	1.75"
Nut/Saddle Material	GraphTech Tusq/Composite
Bridge Material	Rosewood
Tuning Machines	Custom Hipshot Ultralite
Electronics	Fishman U-Bass EQ
Strings	Road Toad Strings, Proprietary Polyurethane
Case/Gig Bag	Gig Bag
Body Length	14"
Body Width	10.25" lower bout, 7.75" upper bout
Body Depth	3.25"
Overall Length	29.37"

FAQs

What is the tuning of the Kala Exotic Mahogany U•BASS?: The Kala Exotic Mahogany U•BASS is tuned to the standard bass tuning of EADG, similar to a traditional bass guitar.
What type of strings does the Kala Exotic Mahogany U•BASS use?: The U•BASS uses proprietary polyurethane strings, known for their unique feel and ability to produce deep, resonant bass tones in a compact size.
Is the Kala Exotic Mahogany U•BASS suitable for live performances?: Yes, the Kala Exotic Mahogany U•BASS is equipped with Fishman U-Bass EQ electronics, making it suitable for both acoustic and amplified performances.
How portable is the Kala Exotic Mahogany U•BASS?: With an overall length of 29.37 inches and a lightweight design, the Kala Exotic Mahogany U•BASS is highly portable and comes with a gig bag for easy transport.
What is the scale length of the Kala Exotic Mahogany U•BASS?: The Kala Exotic Mahogany U•BASS has a scale length of 20.375 inches, offering a comfortable playing experience similar to a full-sized bass guitar.

Reviews

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PROS

Compact and portable, perfect for travel or small spaces
Provides a rich, upright bass tone when amplified
Beautiful exotic mahogany finish, aesthetically pleasing
Built-in tuner and controls enhance convenience
Polyurethane strings are easy on fingers, ideal for extended play
Excellent for recording and live performances with electric output
Quick setup, ready to play out of the box
Offers unique sound options from double bass to electric bass tones
Lightweight, easy to handle for players of all ages
High-quality craftsmanship and construction

CONS

Uneven string volume, especially E and G strings, affects sound balance
Requires frequent tuning initially due to string stretching
Limited acoustic volume, not suitable for noisy environments
Short scale may limit fret range and finger positioning
Incompatible with some wireless systems due to input placement
Intonation issues reported, especially on higher frets
Built-in tuner lacks precision, could be more detailed
Unstable intonation with certain string types over time
Requires specific strap due to single strap button placement
Placement of input jack restricts ability to stand instrument upright

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kala Exotic Mahogony U•BASS.

Features and functionality

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The Kala Exotic Mahogany U-Bass is recommended for its acoustic volume when using the standard ukulele-shaped models with a sound hole.
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Fretless U-Bass models avoid the mild buzzing sound present in fretted versions, offering a smoother sound reminiscent of a stand-up bass.
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Comparisons

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Some owners prefer the acoustic bass for similar quiet practice applications due to its full-sized neck, despite the U-Bass's unique tone.
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Compared to the Rondo (Hadean) U-Bass, the Kala is seen as gig-worthy with more consistent tuning accuracy.
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Mods and upgrades

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Users suggest experimenting with rubber strings for the U-Bass, with some preferring brown and cream sets over the stock black Road Toad strings.
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Use cases and applications

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The U-Bass is favored for its portability, making it popular for travel and discreet practice sessions at work or home.
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Despite the U-Bass's limitations in high-pitched notes above the 12th fret, it remains a favorite for compact stage setups and travel.
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Despite build concerns, it's noted for its unique sound and suitability for travel, with one user having performed with it in a band pre-quarantine.
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Setup and maintenance

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Rubber strings often require trimming and reinstalling as they continue to stretch, with tuning needed more often upwards than downwards.
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Fret buzz issues have been noted, particularly on left-handed models, with some users required to return their instruments under warranty due to unresolved neck relief adjustments.
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User experience

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For those transitioning from 34” basses, the 20” scale of the U-Bass can be a seamless adjustment after regular play.
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Owners prefer using a pick for better articulation with black rubber strings, despite the tactile preference for finger play.
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Owners with blemished models report tolerating minor buzz, accepting it as part of the discounted purchase experience.
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Build quality

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Some owners report that the Indian laurel fretboard lacks durability and may require additional work, like rolling and filing the fret ends.
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Value and pricing

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The exotic mahogany model is considered overpriced by some, with one owner regretting the $500 purchase price, suggesting a base model as a better value.
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Critic Reviews

Kala Exotic Mahogany - U-Bass & Strings Review - Rock Class 101Kala Exotic Mahogany - U-Bass & Strings Review - Rock Class 101

rockclass101.com

The Kala Exotic Mahogany U-Bass is a visually stunning instrument that excels in playability, particularly for those transitioning from electric bass. With options for both round wound and rubber strings, it caters to varying tonal preferences, delivering a warm sound with rich low-end support. However, it’s not without flaws: the round wound strings can be tricky to manipulate, and the pickup lacks midrange presence, causing a thin tone in live settings. Despite these quirks, it remains a solid choice for bass players and beginners alike, offering versatility and an upright bass quality for a street price of $399.

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