Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.0 (7)
$299.00
Guitar Center
4.5 (8)
$399.00
Amazon
3.1 (2)
$279.00
Reverb
4.0 (7)
$375.00 1 available Used
Musician's Friend
5.0 (10)
$399.00
Thomann
5.0 (3)
$338.00

Average Price: $348

Standard/Professional

$100

$401+

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Price History

Based on price data from 4 merchants for "Kala ubass rumbler fretless". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Experience the deep resonance and portability of the Kala U-Bass Rumbler Fretless, an acoustic-electric bass ukulele that defies its compact size with a rich and powerful sound. Perfect for musicians who crave the tones of a traditional bass in a size that fits comfortably in your travel gear, the Rumbler delivers an impressive low-end punch thanks to its proprietary polyurethane strings. These strings, custom-crafted by Aquila, provide a warm, woody sound akin to that of an upright bass, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned bassists and adventurous newcomers.

Featuring a laminate mahogany body, the Rumbler offers a balanced midrange with woody undertones, while its fretless design gives you the freedom to explore fluid, expressive playing styles. Equipped with custom Kala electronics, including a piezo pickup and active EQ, this U-Bass is ready to shine in any live setting. The onboard tuner ensures you're always in tune, whether you're jamming at home or performing on stage.

With its compact 21-inch scale and lightweight design, the Rumbler is incredibly portable, meeting most carry-on standards. Whether plugged in or played acoustically, this mini bass ukulele offers a surprisingly full-bodied sound that invites endless creativity.

Key Features:

  • Compact 21" scale with a fretless fingerboard for fluid, expressive playing
  • Laminate mahogany body for warm, balanced tones
  • Custom Kala electronics with piezo pickup and active EQ
  • Proprietary polyurethane strings by Aquila for deep bass resonance
  • Onboard tuner for convenience and precision
  • Includes a deluxe padded gig bag for easy transport

Product specs

Brand Kala
Model RMBL-FL Rumbler U-Bass Fretless with Bag
Finish Natural
Year 2010s
Categories Acoustic Bass Guitars, Short Scale Basses
Active / Passive Pickups Active Pickups
Active Preamp Active Preamp
Body Shape Mini
Color Family Natural
Fretboard Material Walnut
Frets Fretless
Number of Strings 4-String
Right / Left Handed Right Handed

FAQs

Is the Kala U-Bass Rumbler Fretless suitable for beginners?

The Kala U-Bass Rumbler Fretless is suitable for beginners who are interested in exploring fretless bass playing. Its short 21-inch scale and light weight make it comfortable to play, while the active electronics offer a range of tonal possibilities.

What kind of sound can I expect from the Kala U-Bass Rumbler Fretless?

The Kala U-Bass Rumbler Fretless produces a warm and rich tone, similar to an upright bass, thanks to its laminate mahogany construction and Silver Rumbler strings. The active EQ allows for further sound shaping.

Does the Kala U-Bass Rumbler Fretless come with a gig bag?

Yes, the Kala U-Bass Rumbler Fretless includes a Deluxe U-Bass Embroidered Gig Bag, which meets most airline carry-on requirements, making it convenient for travel.

How does the active EQ system in the Kala U-Bass Rumbler Fretless enhance its performance?

The active EQ system in the Kala U-Bass Rumbler Fretless provides players with the ability to adjust the bass, mid, and treble frequencies, allowing for a customized sound tailored to different musical styles and performance settings.

What materials are used in the construction of the Kala U-Bass Rumbler Fretless?

The Kala U-Bass Rumbler Fretless features a laminate mahogany body, a mahogany neck, and a walnut fingerboard, contributing to its warm tonal qualities and durability.

Are the strings on the Kala U-Bass Rumbler Fretless easy to replace?

Yes, the Kala U-Bass Rumbler Fretless uses Kala Silver Rumbler Strings, which are readily available and easy to replace, ensuring consistent sound quality and playability.

Jordan Kiener

Jordan Kiener

Kala Fretless Rumbler U-Bass

Video thumbnail for Kala Fretless Rumbler U-Bass by Jordan Kiener

Kala Fretless Rumbler U-Bass

Jordan Kiener

Jordan Kiener

Video thumbnail for Kala Rumbler U-Bass Fretless by Jazz Goa

Kala Rumbler U-Bass Fretless

Jazz Goa

Jazz Goa

Video thumbnail for Kala U-Bass Rumbler -  Fingerstyle Demo by Maarten Plukker

Kala U-Bass Rumbler - Fingerstyle Demo

Maarten Plukker

Maarten Plukker

Reviews

PROS

  • Impressive deep tone comparable to an upright bass

  • Highly portable, ideal for travel and practice

  • Amplified sound blends well in a mix

  • Adds unique dimension to bass selection for gigs

  • Pleasant feel of large rubbery strings enhances playability

  • Excellent for both practice and live performance settings

  • Surprisingly effective in projecting sound even when unamplified

CONS

  • Demanding finger placement to avoid fret buzzing

  • Intonation issues on higher frets

  • Strings may detune over long performances

  • Quiet unamplified, requires amplification for group settings

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kala ubass rumbler fretless.

User experience

  • Fretless models are favored for avoiding the mild buzzing sound commonly found in fretted U-Basses.

    Source
  • Users describe the sound when amplified as similar to an upright bass, providing a unique tonal character when used with a good amp.

    Source
  • Switching between a standard bass and the 20" U-Bass scale is reportedly smooth, even for those used to 34" basses.

    Source
  • Some users experience fretless models curing "fretless-phobia," suggesting a positive transition for those hesitant about fretless instruments.

    Source
  • E string buzzing is a noted problem; owners suggest adjusting the truss rod for potential fixes.

    Source

Other

  • The Kala U-Bass pairs well with a Phil Jones Double Four amp, which can be powered by a laptop battery, enhancing portability for amplified play.

    Source

Comparisons

  • Compared to standard acoustic bass guitars, the Kala U-Bass is quieter but more portable, making it a fun and convenient practice tool.

    Source
  • Owners compare the Kala U-Bass favorably to Harley-Benton and Goldtone models, noting upright-like sound, but highlight tuning stability as a key difference.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Ideal for couch practice or quiet personal play; not suitable for acoustic jamming without amplification.

    Source
  • The U-Bass is often picked up for couch play due to its simplicity and ease of use without amplification.

    Source
  • The Kala U-Bass is praised for its portability, making it ideal for tight stage spaces during gigs.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Owners have upgraded to Silver Plated Round Wounds for improved unplugged sound clarity in intimate settings, though not suitable for outdoor environments.

    Source
  • Aquila Thunder Reds offer a waxier feel than stock rubber strings, enhancing tone; LaBella Silverbacks improve intonation without bridge modifications.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The Kala U-Bass is particularly noted for its portability and ease of play in confined spaces, such as cars and small rooms.

    Source
  • The U-Bass produces a tone that blends stand-up bass smoothness with some electric bass attack but lacks the punch for punk styles.

    Source

Build quality

  • Some users report issues with fretwork quality on Kala U-Basses, yet still find them enjoyable for casual play.

    Source

Setup and maintenance

  • Tuning stability is a common issue; pre-tension strings with minimal wraps and secure knots to improve stability over time.

    Source
  • Owners have found the need to remove, trim, and reinstall strings due to continuous stretching.

    Source
  • Truss rod adjustments can address high action issues; roundwound strings might require filing the nut for proper fit.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Kala U-Bass Review - Ultimate Buying Guide (2019) - Idogo Music

idogomusic.com

The Kala U-Bass Rumbler Fretless is a fun, compact instrument that delivers surprising low-end power, making it a great choice for those seeking an alternative to traditional basses. However, it comes with some caveats: the tuning keys are of lower quality, and the unique strings can feel unconventional, which might deter some players. While its affordability and portability are definite advantages, the sound quality may not significantly surpass higher-end models. Overall, the Rumbler is a solid entry point for those curious about the U-Bass concept, but more experienced musicians might find themselves wanting more refinement.

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