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Average Price: $299

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$100

$401+

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Price History

Based on price data from 1 merchant for "Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Step into the groove with the Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature model, a tribute to the legendary bassist whose iconic solo on Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al" continues to resonate with music lovers worldwide. This acoustic-electric ukulele bass captures Bakithi's unique flair, offering a compact yet powerful instrument that bridges the gap between the conventional bass guitar and the ukulele.

Crafted from rich mahogany, the U-Bass provides a full-bodied, warm sound that is both deep and resonant. The rosewood fingerboard and bridge further enhance its tonal depth, adding a touch of dark warmth to each note. Whether you're a seasoned musician or a budding enthusiast, you'll appreciate the ease of playability offered by its 20.8125-inch scale and 16-fret fingerboard. The signature roundwound strings boast a nylon core and silver-plated winding, delivering a traditional yet booming low end that feels delightful under your fingers.

Plug in and let the custom Kala electronics take center stage with an active EQ system that ensures your sound is vibrant and true, perfect for live performances. Personal touches like the distinctive black pickguard and custom Zulu shield headstock artwork imbue the instrument with Bakithi's unmistakable style, making it as visually striking as it is sonically impressive.

Key Features:

  • Signature model of acclaimed bassist Bakithi Kumalo
  • Compact 20.8125-inch scale with 16-fret fingerboard
  • Mahogany body with rosewood fingerboard and bridge
  • Nylon-core roundwound strings for deep, resonant tone
  • Onboard piezo pickup with Kala Active EQ
  • Custom Zulu shield headstock artwork and black pickguard

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
String Type Nylon
Body Type Acoustic Bass
Body Shape U-Bass
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Finish Satin
Top Wood Mahogany
Back & Sides Wood Mahogany
Neck Material Mahogany
Fingerboard Inlay White Dots
Number of Frets 16
Scale Length 20.8125"
Nut Width 1.75"
Bridge Material Rosewood
Tuning Machines Black Open Geared
Electronics U-Bass Active EQ
Strings KA-BASS Metal Round Wound
Case/Gig Bag Gig Bag

FAQs

What kind of wood is used in the Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature?

The Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature features a body made of mahogany, providing a warm and resonant tone ideal for acoustic bass playing.

How many strings does the Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature have?

The Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature is equipped with four nylon strings, offering a unique feel and sound compared to traditional metal bass strings.

Does the Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature come with electronics for amplification?

Yes, this U-Bass includes a U-Bass Active EQ system, allowing you to amplify the instrument and shape its tone for live performances or studio recordings.

Is the Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature suitable for live performances?

Absolutely, thanks to its built-in U-Bass Active EQ electronics, this U-Bass is well-suited for live performances where amplification is necessary.

What is the scale length of the Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature?

The scale length of this U-Bass is 20.8125 inches, which contributes to its unique playability and compact size, making it easy to handle and transport.

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Kala Bakithi Signature U-BASS Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Video thumbnail for Kala Bakithi Signature U-BASS Demo - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Kala Bakithi Signature U-BASS Demo - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Bakithi Kumalo Workshop Presented by Kala U Bass - Sweetwater Sound by Sweetwater

Bakithi Kumalo Workshop Presented by Kala U Bass - Sweetwater Sound

Sweetwater

Sweetwater

Video thumbnail for Kala U-Basses: The SSMHG-FS and Bakithi Kumalo Signature 4-strings by Ukulele

Kala U-Basses: The SSMHG-FS and Bakithi Kumalo Signature 4-strings

Ukulele

Ukulele

Video thumbnail for Kala Brand Bakithi Kumalo Signature UBASS by Studio Jams

Kala Brand Bakithi Kumalo Signature UBASS

Studio Jams

Studio Jams

Video thumbnail for Bakithi Kumalo U-Bass demo by Gladesville Guitar Factory

Bakithi Kumalo U-Bass demo

Gladesville Guitar Factory

Gladesville Guitar Factory

Reviews

PROS

  • Beautifully crafted with spalted maple for a high-quality appearance

  • Great tone both acoustically and when amplified

  • Built-in electronics efficient and easy to use

  • Comfortable to play even for beginners or guitar players transitioning

  • Compact size makes it highly portable

  • Offers a unique "upright bass" sound when amplified

  • Nylon and silver round wound strings enhance playability

  • Comes with a quality padded bag for protection

  • Fun and easy to experiment with different bass sounds

CONS

  • Some units have sharp fret ends needing additional filing

  • Inconsistent quality control; some units have buzzing or rattling issues

  • Acoustic volume may be too low for group play without amplification

  • Some strings may require reseating or adjustments

  • Possible issues with onboard electronics, like faulty pickups or tuner problems

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature.

Setup and maintenance

  • The nut may require adjustment when switching to Road Toad Pahoehoe rubber strings, as they aren't compatible with magnetic pickups and need a specific setup for metal string models.

    Source
  • Users have had to frequently retune due to string stretching and recommend trimming and reinstalling strings after initial use.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature uses a piezo pickup, enabling it to work effectively with rubber strings, maintaining amplification capabilities.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Gallo flatwound strings offer a similar tension to the original metal strings but provide a more upright bass sound for those seeking an acoustic vibe.

    Source
  • Some owners find the fretless models preferable due to the absence of fret buzz, which can be present in fretted versions.

    Source

User experience

  • Owners mention consistent intonation issues, particularly starting around fret 9, with it becoming more noticeable above fret 12.

    Source
  • Players transitioning from standard basses report no significant difficulty adapting to the 20" scale of the Kala U-Bass.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • The U-Bass is praised for its portability and suitability for tight stage spaces, being ideal for small gigs and travel.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Transitioning to roundwound strings from rubber requires a nut change, which some users have done to replicate an electric bass feel.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Kala UBASS-SSMHG-FS and Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass | Ukulele Magazine

ukulelemagazine.com

Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass – MMR Magazine

mmrmagazine.com

5.0 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 1 Rating

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Bakhiti Khumalo uses Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature

Bakhiti Khumalo

Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

Bakhiti talks about this bass and how he uses it for recording, the one shown in the video is a fretless version

See how Bakithi Kumalo uses Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature

Bakithi Kumalo

Singer, Bassist

...
Verified via YouTube

In a video by Studio Jams, Bakithi Kumalo is shown using the Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature model, highlighting his collaboration with the brand.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

Fender Jazz Bass
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1

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