KalaNomad Acoustic-Electric U•BASS

I picked mine up to jam acoustically with my wife and brother on their Uke and Acoustic Guitar. Getting used to the rubber strings is easy, though the scale difference to a full scale bass is pretty jarring. I was able to play it just fine, but it took me a few jam sessions to get used to the size.Probably my favorite part of it is the incredulous looks I get from other bass players that hadn't heard of Uke Basses. It's a great conversation starter and fun to jam with people without having to lug heavy amps around just to be heard. You'll have to stick to the higher register to be heard acoustically with other instruments around, but it's got a great almost upright bass tone that's really unique that I love.Tuning is a bit of a challenge, as it seems like I have to turn the machine heads like 4 times as far to tune as a regular bass, but I figure the nature of the rubber strings just makes that the case. The built in tuner works well enough, and the piezo pickup works very well, giving it that warm, almost upright bass tone.I love playing on mine, if you like unique instruments this is a must buy.

This takes some getting use to but is pretty awesome. I’m a beginner but you can find you tubers who have helpful videos!This has the black thunder (rubber) strings unlike the round wound steel stings They each have their own sound but I think this works best for me! Slapping takes time but works. To me it sounds like a bass guitar without the heaviness and length.Could be great for younger teens wanting to play bass or someone with limitations too!But prepare to be wowed!Some cons I’ve found since I bought it less than a month ago is it takes getting use to, slapping isn’t as easy as a regular bass, the back has the screws in the opening on the back where the round wound Kala was magnetic, has to be tuned after a few plays and the a string takes a bit of adjusting on the built-in tuner. Yes it has a built in tuner!!Pros-fun,fun,fun! Built in tuner, set up for amp,it has bass, tremble, middle and volume knobs. Well made all around with the exceptions mentioned above. Beautiful and not pricey at all!! Price was very reasonable!!You get a nice padded black gig bag, as well. It is capable of being carried by hand or as a back pack.Enjoy!!! Again look up tutorials on how to play and have a blast!

I am so pleased I finally bought this. I play a number of instruments, including the uke. This is obviously a bass, not a ukulele. But it is easy on the hands (like a uke) and easy to carry. I love the sound. The built in tuner is a plus. It sounds good with an amp (and you need one to perform) but I usually play with it without one.It's very easy on the hands. You will not find a 'bass uke' book. Just buy a bass book.

Great instrument. Good quality nice sound.Beginners as well as advanced players will enjoy it

The electronic tuner in my Ubass will not turn off once turned on. problem is it stops output to amp when on. Really bad if your playing a gig and have to remove the batteries to turn it off. Have only played it twice in the three weeks I've owned it. Called and emailed the manufacturer KALA, No response as yet. will give another day then will return to amazon if they do not contact me. Hate it ,cause the UBass is a fun instrument.

Update...the pickup went out after 4 months. I am SadHaving fun with this. Loud enough without an amp to hear what you are doing and practice and it sounds pretty cool plugged in to a bass amp. Love having a tuner built in. Has sparked the interest of my kids, which was the goal.The A string was buzzing a lot out of the box. It needed a truss rod adjustment. There is no way to adjust the bridge or compensation so the intonation is not perfect, but fine for bass. For the price, nicely made. Wood is pretty and tastefully finished.

Sounds great. I’m just learning playing along with online tutorials and instructors. Connected it through a small practice amp with an aux connection to a small six inch speaker. Gives me the sound and volume I need to practice. I’m sure I could get more out of the instrument but I’m more than satisfied.

Great value, craftmanship to be expected for price. Bag pictured is NOT the one you get. The one I received was a basic one with a pocket that can barely hold a cable.