# Kala U-Bass Nomad Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar – Natural Satin Review
If you are looking for a compact, portable, and versatile bass instrument that can produce rich and deep tones, you might want to check out the Kala U-Bass Nomad Acoustic-Electric Bass Guitar – Natural Satin. This is a unique bass instrument that combines the features of a ukulele and a bass guitar, creating a new category of musical instruments called the ukulele bass or U-Bass.
What is a U-Bass?
A U-Bass is a small bass instrument that has a ukulele-sized body and a short scale length of 20.8 inches. It uses thick and elastic polyurethane strings that produce low frequencies when amplified by a piezo pickup system. The U-Bass can produce sounds similar to an upright bass or an electric bass, depending on the playing style and the tone settings.
The U-Bass was invented by Kala Brand Music Co., a company that specializes in ukuleles and related instruments. Kala launched the first U-Bass model in 2009, and since then, it has developed various models with different woods, electronics, and features. The U-Bass has gained popularity among bass players and ukulele players alike, as it offers a fun and convenient way to play bass in various musical settings.
What are the features of the Kala U-Bass Nomad?
The Kala U-Bass Nomad is one of the most affordable and accessible models in the U-Bass line. It has a solid mahogany body and neck, a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and a natural satin finish. It has 16 frets, custom black die-cast tuners, a Graph Tech NuBone nut, and a composite saddle. It comes with Aquila Thunderblack strings, which are specially designed for the U-Bass.
The Kala U-Bass Nomad also has an active EQ system with a built-in tuner, volume control, and tone control. The EQ system is powered by two CR2032 batteries, which are easy to replace. The endpin jack serves as both the output and the battery compartment. The EQ system allows you to adjust the sound of the U-Bass to suit your preference and the environment.
The Kala U-Bass Nomad comes with a padded gig bag that protects the instrument from dust and damage. It also has a strap button on the bottom of the body, so you can attach a strap for more comfort and stability. The Kala U-Bass Nomad weighs only 2.5 pounds and measures 29.375 inches in length, making it very easy to carry and store.
What are the benefits of the Kala U-Bass Nomad?
The Kala U-Bass Nomad offers many benefits for bass players and ukulele players who want to expand their musical horizons. Some of the benefits are:
– It has a rich and deep sound that can rival or complement an upright bass or an electric bass.
– It has a small size and light weight that make it ideal for traveling, practicing, jamming, or gigging.
– It has a simple and elegant design that appeals to both beginners and experienced players.
– It has an affordable price that makes it accessible to anyone who wants to try a new instrument.
– It has an active EQ system that gives you more control over your tone and tuning.
– It has a durable and quality construction that ensures its longevity and reliability.
Who is the Kala U-Bass Nomad for?
The Kala U-Bass Nomad is suitable for anyone who wants to play bass in a fun and convenient way. Whether you are a bass player who wants to have a portable backup instrument, or a ukulele player who wants to explore new sounds and genres, or simply someone who wants to learn a new instrument, the Kala U-Bass Nomad can be your perfect choice.
The Kala U-Bass Nomad can be used in various musical styles, such as jazz, blues, folk, rock, pop, reggae, country, and more. You can play it solo or with other instruments, such as guitars, keyboards, drums, or other ukuleles. You can also use it for recording or performing live, as it can be easily plugged into an amplifier or a PA system.
The Kala U-Bass Nomad is easy to play and learn, as it has a comfortable neck and fingerboard, low action, and clear fret markers. The polyurethane strings have a smooth feel and require less tension than steel strings. The short scale length reduces the distance between frets and makes it easier to reach notes. The active EQ system helps you tune accurately and adjust your sound accordingly.
How does the Kala U-Bass Nomad compare to other U-Basses?
There are many other models of U-Basses available on the market, each with its own features and characteristics. Here is a table that compares the Kala U-Bass Nomad with four other popular U-Basses:
| Model | Body | Neck | Fingerboard | Bridge | Electronics | Strings | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walnut with black saddle and white dot inlays | U-Bass Active EQ with tuner, volume, and tone controls; built-in piezo pickup; UK-500B preamp system | Aquila Thundergut or Road Toad Pahoehoe (depending on availability) | $299 |
| Kala U-Bass Rumbler | Laminate mahogany with satin finish and black binding
| Mahogany with black binding
| Laurel with white dot inlays and side markers
| Laurel with black saddle and white dot inlays
| U-Bass Active EQ with tuner, volume, and tone controls; built-in piezo pickup; UK-500B preamp system
| Aquila Silver Rumbler
| $349 |
As you can see from the table, the Kala U-Bass Nomad has the lowest price among the five models, but it does not compromise on the quality and performance. It has a solid wood body that enhances the resonance and sustain of the sound. It has a rosewood fingerboard and bridge that provide a smooth and warm feel. It has an active EQ system that gives you more options to shape your tone. It has Aquila Thunderblack strings that deliver a clear and punchy sound.
The other models have some advantages over the Kala U-Bass Nomad, such as the exotic wood grain of the Kala U-Bass Exotic Mahogany, the f-hole cutout of the Kala U-Bass Journeyman, or the laurel fingerboard and bridge of the Kala U-Bass Rumbler. However, these features also increase the price and may not be essential for your needs. The Kala U-Bass Nomad offers a great balance between quality, performance, and affordability.
What are some of the customer reviews of the Kala U-Bass Nomad?
The Kala U-Bass Nomad has received many positive reviews from customers who have purchased and played it. Here are some of the representative reviews:
– “I love this little bass! It sounds amazing and it’s so easy to play. It’s perfect for practicing at home or taking it to jam sessions. It’s also very well made and looks beautiful. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to try a new instrument or just have some fun.”
– “This is a fantastic bass instrument for anyone who loves ukuleles or bass guitars. It has a deep and rich sound that can fill a room or blend well with other instruments. It’s also very portable and comes with a nice gig bag. The active EQ system is very useful and the tuner is accurate. I’m very happy with my purchase.”
– “This is one of the best musical instruments I’ve ever owned. It’s so versatile and fun to play. It can produce sounds that range from mellow to funky, depending on how you pluck or strum the strings. It’s also very easy to learn and play, even for beginners. The quality is superb and the price is reasonable. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves music.”
How can you buy the Kala U-Bass Nomad?
If you are interested in buying the Kala U-Bass Nomad, you can order it online from Amazon.com by clicking [here]. You can also find it in some local music stores that carry Kala products. The Kala U-Bass Nomad is currently priced at $199, which is a great deal for such a unique and high-quality instrument.
Conclusion
The Kala U-Bass Nomad is a wonderful bass instrument that combines the features of a ukulele and a bass guitar. It has a solid mahogany body and neck, a rosewood fingerboard and bridge, and an active EQ system with a built-in tuner. It has a small size and light weight that make it ideal for traveling, practicing, jamming, or gigging. It has a rich and deep sound that can rival or complement an upright bass or an electric bass. It has a simple and elegant design that appeals to both beginners and experienced players. It has an affordable price that makes it accessible to anyone who wants to try a new instrument.
If you are looking for a compact, portable, and versatile bass instrument that can produce rich and deep tones, you might want to check out the Kala U-Bass Nomad. It is a fun and convenient way to play bass in various musical settings. You can order it online from Amazon.com by clicking [here] or find it in some local music stores that carry Kala products. You will not regret buying this amazing instrument.
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