Kala Bakithi Kumalo Signature Acoustic-electric U-Bass - Natural Reviews
Bakithi Kumalo has been a proud endorsee of the Kala U-Bass for over a decade, so he's long overdue for a signature U-Bass. Enter the Kala Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass. This short-scale, acoustic-electric ukulele bass is ideal for new and experience players alike, boasting rich-sounding roundwound strings and the perfect tonewood recipe for a warm, woody tone. You also get a U-Bass Active EQ for outstanding plugged-in tone. The Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass features plenty of Bakithi's personal touches, including a distinctive black pickguard and custom Zulu shield headstock artwork. Ever since he unleashed his memorable bass solo on Paul Simon's "You Can Call Me Al," Bakithi's name has been synonymous with excellence, and the Bakithi Kumalo Signature U-Bass reflects the acclaimed bassist's one-of-a-kind approach to the instrument.
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Highest Rated Reviews
Awesome and fun little bass!
I'm a long-time guitar player who also played bass guitar in a rock band about 22 yrs ago. I sold my bass a couple years ago and kinda regretted getting rid of it. I followed the U-Bass for a couple years but didn't like the rubber strings. When I saw the Bakithi Kumalo model with the nylon and silver round wound strings, I ordered one. I've had it for a week and love it! Hard to put it down! Sounds big plugged in and fun to play acoustically.
The only negative I have about it is that the fret ends are rather sharp. I guess, at this price point, it's hard to spend time dressing the frets. I'll probably do it myself!
Anyway...worth every penny! I had $ worth of fun the 1st week!
Two Instruments Had Problems
Tried 2 separate Bakithi Kumalo Signature U basses, but both had issues. The first had a bad E-string pickup. No sound from that string when played through an amp. Sweetwater sent a replacement. That one had a terribly loud rattle / buzz when playing the E-string acoustically. Sounded like something was loose inside the bass. Sweetwater was great about taking that one back too.
I tried the Kala Nomad U Bass it it had 2 problems with the electronics - bad G-string pickup and the Tuner button got stuck on the ON position.
That was 3 Kala U Basses and all 3 had quality control problems that made them impossible to play.
Too bad, because I liked the feel and sound of them. They get good reviews, so some folks must be getting good ones without problems.
