Pricing and availability

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

Sweetwater
4.5 (4)
$230.88
Amazon
4.3 (116)
$269.00
Thomann
4.5 (2)
$358.00 $353.00 $5.00 · All time low
Gear4Music
£279.99

Average Price: $282

Standard/Professional

$200

$601+

Price Tier

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Standard

High-end

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Kala Wanderer U-Bass Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

The Kala Wanderer U-Bass Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar is your ticket to a world of rich, deep tones wrapped in a compact and stylish package. Crafted entirely from mahogany, this portable powerhouse offers the kind of full-bodied, resonant sound you'd expect from a much larger instrument. Inspired by the iconic U-Bass line, the Wanderer delivers an impressive low-end voice that mirrors the depth of an upright bass. Whether you're jamming at home or performing live, the UK-500B electronics ensure that your sound is consistently vibrant and true.

The Wanderer is perfect for both beginners and seasoned bassists, thanks to its intuitive design and traditional bass tuning. The satin finish offers a sleek, understated look, while the rosewood fingerboard and bridge add a touch of elegance. With 16 frets and a 530mm scale, this U-Bass is incredibly playable, making it an excellent choice for musicians on the go. The custom black die-cast machine heads and Graph Tech TUSQ nut ensure reliable tuning stability, while the included padded gig bag makes transportation a breeze.

Key Features:

  • Top, back, and sides made of mahogany for a warm, rich tone
  • 16-fret rosewood fingerboard with a 530mm scale
  • Graph Tech TUSQ nut for enhanced sustain and clarity
  • Kala UK-500B electronics with active EQ and onboard tuner
  • Custom black die-cast machine heads
  • Kala Metal Roundwound factory strings
  • Satin finish for a sleek look
  • Includes a padded gig bag for easy transport

Product specs

Number of Strings 4
String Type Roundwound
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 20.875"
Nut Width 1.75"
Nut/Saddle Material Plastic nut
Bridge Material Walnut
Tuning Machines Custom Black Die-cast
Electronics UK-500B Preamp
Strings Nylon Core, Silver-plated Wound
Case/Gig Bag Gig Bag
Body Length 13.93"
Body Width 7.87" (upper bout), 10.5" (lower bout)
Body Depth 3.12"
Overall Length 29.62"

FAQs

What tuning is used for the Kala Wanderer U-Bass Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar?

The Kala Wanderer U-Bass is tuned to standard bass tuning, EADG, similar to a traditional bass guitar.

Is the Kala Wanderer U-Bass suitable for live performances?

Yes, the Kala Wanderer U-Bass is equipped with a UK-500B preamp, making it suitable for live performances when connected to an amplifier or PA system.

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

The Kala Wanderer U-Bass features a mahogany top, back, sides, and neck, with a walnut bridge and a satin finish.

How portable is the Kala Wanderer U-Bass Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar?

With an overall length of 29.62 inches and a gig bag included, the Kala Wanderer U-Bass is highly portable and ideal for musicians on the go.

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

Yes, the Kala Wanderer U-Bass comes with a gig bag for easy transportation and protection.

stephencoxbass

stephencoxbass

Cheapest U-Bass: Kala Wanderer Review and Demo

Video thumbnail for Cheapest U-Bass: Kala Wanderer Review and Demo by stephencoxbass

Cheapest U-Bass: Kala Wanderer Review and Demo

stephencoxbass

stephencoxbass

Video thumbnail for Kala Wanderer U-Bass - Loop Pedal Jam Demo by stephencoxbass

Kala Wanderer U-Bass - Loop Pedal Jam Demo

stephencoxbass

stephencoxbass

Video thumbnail for Wanderer U•BASS® Demo with Alex Castro by kalabrandmusic

Wanderer U•BASS® Demo with Alex Castro

kalabrandmusic

kalabrandmusic

Video thumbnail for Kala Wanderer Bass by Bryan Abel Bassist

Kala Wanderer Bass

Bryan Abel Bassist

Bryan Abel Bassist

Video thumbnail for Kala Wanderer U-Bass Acoustic/Electric. by Newark Musical Merchandise co.

Kala Wanderer U-Bass Acoustic/Electric.

Newark Musical Merchandise co.

Newark Musical Merchandise co.

Reviews

PROS

  • Compact size offers portability for travel and small practice spaces

  • Produces a surprisingly big sound for its size, similar to a full-size bass

  • Great for players with smaller hands, including children

  • Built-in tuner and included batteries add convenience

  • Versatile sound with EQ adjustments; can emulate upright bass tones

  • Quick tuning stability; stays in tune well

  • Solid construction with a reliable truss rod for adjustments

  • Good value for beginners seeking quality on a budget

  • Light string tension and low action enhance playability

  • Can be used unplugged with sufficient volume for practice

CONS

  • Some units shipped with incorrect strings, requiring replacement

  • Case is too tight, making it difficult to store accessories

  • Initial harsh tone from Piezo pickups; requires EQ tweaking

  • Preamp issues reported, impacting reliability over time

  • Thin wood construction may feel less durable

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Kala Wanderer U-Bass Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar.

Setup and maintenance

  • Strings require significant break-in time; tuning stability improves with frequent play, but pre-tensioning the strings can help initially.

    Source
  • Owners mention switching to LaBella Silverbacks strings improves intonation and overall playability on similar small-scale basses.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Aquila Thunder Reds strings are recommended for a unique tone and waxy feel, though some owners report poor customer service experiences.

    Source
  • Some users recommend replacing the stock preamp if experiencing hiss at high treble settings, especially when using Tanglewood acoustic basses.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Kala Wanderer U-Bass sounds like an upright bass when amped, offering a distinctive sound compared to other travel bass options like the Harley-Benton U-Bass.

    Source

User experience

  • Some users experience high action and buzzing with flatwound strings, necessitating adjustments or filing the nut to fit certain string types.

    Source
  • A user highlights using the Kala U-Bass comfortably during road trips, emphasizing its lightweight build and ease of play in confined spaces.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • Highly portable, ideal for travel, casual play on the couch, and situations where an upright bass sound is desired in a compact form.

    Source
  • The Kala U-Bass is praised for its portability, making it ideal for travel and casual settings, similar to experiences shared with the Cordoba Mini Bass.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • Some users note the Kala Wanderer U-Bass with roundwound strings delivers a powerful, authentic bass punch when amplified.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Uke Review: Kala Wanderer and Striped Ebony U-Basses | Ukulele Magazine

ukulelemagazine.com

With its understated charm and impressive sound, the Kala Wanderer U-Bass delivers a rich, upright bass tone that suits both jam sessions and gigs. Its build quality feels solid, and the piezo pickup effectively amplifies its character. However, the fat strings may take some getting used to, as they can hinder quick tuning and speed playing. While the Wanderer shines with its robust sound, its plastic components and cumbersome back plate for string access might not resonate with every player. Overall, this U-Bass is a delightful choice for uke lovers ready to explore deeper tones, but it’s not without its quirks.

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