The Bakithi Kumalo Signature California U•BASS® was born from a collaboration with our friend, music legend, and Paul Simon bassist, Bakithi Kumalo. Paul Simon and Bakithi Kumalo formed a relationship over 30 years ago when Bakithi, who was working as a mechanic in South Africa, came to the U.S. to record the 1986 hit album, Graceland. They have been playing together ever since.

Bakithi was one of the first musicians to champion the U•BASS when it was first released in 2009 and was the first Kala Artist to have a signature model made to his specifications. In 2013, we collaborated with Bakithi to create his Signature California U•BASS®. This model is the same U•BASS that Bakithi Kumalo plays today.

This four-string, fretless California U•BASS® comes in with a rich espresso brown stain over a Swamp Ash body with a custom pickguard that sets the look of this instrument apart from other basses. One of the most stand-out features about the California U•BASS Series is the custom LR Baggs EQ system which we developed specifically for this collection. By customizing our pickup system, we have dialed in the sound on these basses to a science, and the huge low end this U•BASS can produce as a result is perfect for unique high-quality studio recordings or stage performances. The smooth, easy-to-tune custom Hipshot Ultralite™ tuners are the icing on the cake for this beast of a U•BASS.

The California U•BASS® Series is played by legends around the world. With the California Solid Body U•BASS you have all the tools you need to stand out and sound amazing, all that’s left is to go out and create something awesome!

Our completely redesigned California U•BASS® is now available! With every California U•BASS® order you'll receive:

FREE Deluxe U•BASS® Gig Bag

Signature California U•BASS®

Bakithi Kumalo Signature California U•BASS®

UBASS-4BKSM-FL

$1,299.99 MSRP $999.99