Bakithi Kumalo Signature Acoustic-Electric U•BASS®
$319 $299
Bakithi Kumalo has been a proud endorsee of the Kala U•BASS® for over a decade. Longtime collaborator and bassist for Paul Simon, Bakithi’s world-renowned work for 1985’s Graceland in South Africa launched his lifelong career as bassist, studio musician, and composer. As a new milestone, Bakithi and Kala have designed his very own Signature Acoustic-Electric U•BASS® to help share his unique sound and philosophy as a bassist with players of any level.
With this Signature U•BASS®, Kala & Bakithi set out to create the perfect U•BASS introduction for new and experienced bass players alike. This fretted bass pairs a Natural Mahogany build with the Kala Round Wound U•BASS® Strings for a clear and confident tone. Personal touches include Bakithi’s signature black pickguard and custom Zulu shield headstock artwork, hand-drawn by Bakithi’s own album cover artist, Gus Liberdade.
Bakithi’s Signature U•BASS® includes a Custom Gig Bag and access to free online companion lessons and bass line breakdowns specifically for the U•BASS®, featuring Bakithi and some of his most celebrated bass lines.
Bag and Case Information
Custom U•BASS® Gig Bag is included with purchase.
Fits ALL Kala BARITONE Ukulele Bags, UB-B, & Sonoma Coast BARITONE Cases
Fits U•BASS® specific bags and cases: UB-UBASS, DUB-UBASS, HCGT-UB, HC-UB, & HCT-UB
Specs
| Top: | Mahogany |
| Back & Sides: | Mahogany |
| Neck: | Mahogany |
| Finish: | Satin |
| Fingerboard: | Rosewood |
| Headstock: | Standard |
| Bridge: | Rosewood |
| Nut: | Graphtech TUSQ |
| Saddle: | Composite |
| Tuners: | Custom Black Die Cast |
| Truss Rod: | Yes |
| Strings: | Kala Round Wounds |
| Electronics: | U•BASS® Active EQ |
| Strap Button: | Black x1 |
| Includes: | Custom Bakithi Padded Gig Bag |
Measurements
Scale Length: 20.8125 inches, Overall Instrument Length: 29.375 inches, Body Length: 13.8125 inches, Number of Frets: 16, Width at Upper Bout: 7.625 inches, Width at Lower Bout: 10.5 inches, Width at Waist: 6.75 inches, Body Depth: 3.0 inches, Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1.75 inches, Fingerboard width at neck/body joint: 2.125 inches
- MGMartin G.Verified ReviewerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 month ago"Thoroughly Impressed: The Kala U-Bass Bakithi Kumalo Signature Acoustic-Electric"
As a guitarist and singer, I was looking for a bass to accompany certain songs during small acoustic duo gigs and for home recording. I bought the Kala U-Bass "Bakithi Kumalo Signature Acoustic-Electric" a few days ago and I am thoroughly impressed!
The instrument is a joy to play and incredibly fun. The short scale of the U-Bass is perfect for guitarists’ fingers. The wound strings of the Kumalo model produce a warm, round bass tone that is powerful when amplified through my Acus One-8, but also a delight when played acoustically. The built-in tuner works seamlessly, muting the output when activated, and the 3-band EQ effectively shapes the amplified sound.
The U-Bass is compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport. With its gig bag, it’s easy to carry alongside my acoustic guitar, no hassle at all. The instrument is small enough to fit easily on my ukulele stands. Wood and design are real eye-catchers, too. The Zulu shield on the headstock is a nod to Bakithi Kumalo’s South African roots, evoking pleasant "Graceland" associations. The gig bag is also adorned with this motif.
Unlike other acoustic KALA U-Basses, this model features a pickguard, which protects the wood (a bonus for me, as I’ll likely be playing with a pick). The pickguard also gives the Kumalo model a more serious look, matching its rich, resonant sound.
One minor drawback (if it is one): The bass comes with only one strap pin. If you plan to play standing up, you’ll need to install a second pin…
- MTMatt T.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars2 years agoBakithi Kumalo Signature U-BASS
This Bakithi Kumalo Signature Acoustic-Electric U-BASS is everything I hoped it would be, in fact, it exceeded my initial expectations. I'm struggling to avoid cliches, but this bass plays like a dream. I have enjoyed playing it unplugged. It's the perfect instrument to pick up and play anytime, no matter if the kids are asleep or I'm trying to keep the volume down in general. I can play it unplugged just below the camera during online meetings, which is a huge plus. I really love plugging the U-BASS into my amp and playing through my Way Huge Electronics Atreides pedal, as well as my Ibanez delay and DOD envelope filter. The Bakithi Kumalo U-BASS played through my Tech 21 dUg Pinnick dp-3x sans amp sounds incredible. I wish I had this bass years ago!
- PPaulRated 1 out of 5 stars4 months ago1 Star
Item arrived with obvious wear from a previous user including dead batteries and stripped screws on the electronics access panel. Returned and expecting a refund.
- CCarolynRated 5 out of 5 stars11 months ago5 Stars
Great sound love the built
in tuner.
- DTDee T.Verified BuyerRated 5 out of 5 stars1 year agou-bass
What fun!
