Kala Ubass Zebrawood

The Character of Zebrawood in the Kala U-BASS Range

The Kala U-BASS Zebrawood fretted belongs to the family of electro-acoustic basses that offer a different way to approach bass lines. Its identity is rooted in zebrawood, a wood recognisable by its natural stripes, whose alternation of light and dark tones evokes a zebra’s coat. This grain gives the instrument a strong visual presence without relying on elaborate decoration.

In this version, zebrawood is used for the top, back and sides. Rosewood binding highlights the body’s outline, while the satin finishing complements the wood’s natural appearance. The walnut key and bridge complete the design, with a consistent presentation extending to the black tuners.

A Fretted Bass for Exploring New Sensations

This U-BASS is aimed at bassists who want to discover an instrument that differs from their usual electric bass, as well as guitarists and ukulele players looking to explore the lower register. The fretted key provides precise reference points for positioning notes, working on intonation and gradually building accompaniment patterns. It also offers a familiar point of reference for musicians already accustomed to fretted instruments.

Its character naturally suits acoustic arrangements, folk, pop and intimate accompaniment. It can also encourage players to explore reggae lines or more rhythmic patterns, depending on their attack and note placement. Whether used by beginners or experienced musicians looking to expand their practice, its appeal lies in offering a bass with a distinctive personality rather than simply reproducing the feel of a traditional electric bass.

The included padded gig bag makes it easy to travel to lessons, rehearsals or sessions with other musicians. For playing with a louder ensemble, the active electronics allow connection to an amplifier, while the acoustic volume remains a useful complement for practising alone without having to set up all of your equipment every time.

A Present Low End and Balanced Response

Zebrawood is featured here for its ability to deliver well-defined lows and highs, combined with good volume and an appealing overall balance. Used for the top, back and sides, it contributes to this U-BASS’s acoustic identity. The desired result combines the solid foundation expected from a bass with sufficient note clarity to support an accompaniment without blurring its contours.

Aquila Thunderblack strings are an integral part of this configuration. Their response and feel under the fingers require a different approach from that of the metal strings found on an electric bass. Playing can therefore be built around a measured attack, allowing each note to find its place. Right-hand precision remains essential for articulating patterns and controlling dynamic variations.

The U-BASS Active EQ system handles amplified playing and provides active equalisation to adapt the sound. This is an advantage when adjusting the bass’s balance to suit the accompaniment and the sound system being used. As the detailed control layout is not specified, it is best to note only the presence of this active electronics system, without attributing any additional controls to it.

Recommended Compatible Accessories

A custom-fit padded U-BASS gig bag is included, so no additional purchase is necessary to have basic transport protection. For another storage solution, this bass is compatible with all Kala baritone ukulele gig bags, including the UB-B, as well as Sonoma Coast BARITONE cases. The dedicated U-BASS gig bags and cases UB-UBASS, DUB-UBASS, HCGT-UB, HC-UB and HCT-UB are also compatible.

Technical specifications

Category	Ukulele	Electroacoustic	Yes
Format	Bass	Color	Natural
Left handed	No	Finishing	Satin
Strings	Composite	Hardware	Black
Fingerboard	Walnut

Instrument type	electro-acoustic U-BASS, fretted version	Nut	Graph Tech NuBone
Top	zebrawood	Bridge saddle	composite
Back and sides	zebrawood	Tuners	die-cast, custom model, Black finishing
Binding	rosewood	Strap button	1, Black
Neck	mahogany	System	U-BASS Active EQ
Key	walnut	Equalization	active
Headstock	standard	Included accessory	padded U-BASS-specific gig bag
Truss rod	included	Transport compatibility	all Kala BARITONE, UB-B gig bags and Sonoma Coast BARITONE cases
Bridge	walnut	Compatible U-BASS gig bags and cases	UB-UBASS, DUB-UBASS, HCGT-UB, HC-UB and HCT-UB