Are bass ukuleles "legit"?

Carrots

 

sure. i used to own a kala ubass and played it all the time. sounded great plugged in.

 

I'm no pro, so I couldn't comment on how they'd sound in a mix. But I think they're a great buy for a hobbyist. I have a low-end Kala Rumbler, and it only cost a bit more than a Fender Squier. The thing is LOUD when amped up, and makes enough noise to be played acoustically. I want to say it sounds like an upright -- but what would I know? I recently moved my Ubass from home to my work, so I can jam a bit during lunch when the mood strikes.

 

I don't see why not, if one can get by the lillipution aesthetics. Personally, I don't think I would take to it, I gotta have my arms wrapped around a jumbo ABG body and a 34" string length.

 

A solid 'Sometimes' from me. Usually sound great, but not really versatile. I think they're weird to play, but I know someone who swears by them to cop a faux upright tone.

 

Somewhat, but why would I need one for myself when my acoustic sounds like this?

 

If you’re Hawaiian

 

TBH a u-bass would suit the gigging needs of most players.

 

I used to gig my Kala pretty frequently. It more than paid for itself is a pseudo-acoustic group I play with... Haven't had it out too much in the past few years though.

-robert

 

Sound amazing plugged in. I used a SansAmp ParaDriver with mine. It really made the passive preamp come alive. Perfect for acoustic gigs and as a tiny backup to take to my DB gigs.

Sold it coz it was my fifth Fretless bass and preferred/felt I should be playing my Rob Allen Mouse (justify price, more versatile). Also swapping between four different scale length for fretlii was messing with me.

 

they make non-rubbery strings for them, and i imagine they would be a more versatile playing experience. unfortunately i didn't know they existed when i sold my ubass. had i tried them, i might still have it.

 

You post this video a lot. Is there, perhaps, a less arty version you could post instead? Preferably one that's easier to see.

 

Kala U-Basses are fantastic. Addictive to play... just so much fun... they sound incredible... and yes, those big rubber strings are good things in this world!

 

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/KABass4--kala-u-bass-metal-round-wound-strings-4-string

 

Of course they're legit. Why wouldn't they be? They're as legit as any other instrument in the bass range.

 

Absolutely.

 

Sorry, I can't find the original.
It was on my old phone and no longer exists...that I know of, that is.
Just searching now, I'm surprised I found a still shot.