Years ago, I was in a trio consisting of a vocalist on the guitar, myself on mandolin, and another gentleman on the upright bass. We would mostly play smaller venues like breweries, restaurants and coffee shops. Sometimes, the spaces were so tight that we barely managed to cram ourselves with our instruments – let alone the PA system. When one of these gigs would come up, the bass player would bring this tiny ukulele-like instrument. We dubbed it the “U-bass.” With its big floppy, rubber-like strings on a tiny body (and a bass cabinet and amp), he would effortlessly produce the bass lines to the songs we played and even spruced them up a bit. Often regarded as a curious but very serious instrument, the bass ukulele has great versatility and playability. The question is not “what can you do with an electric bass ukulele”, but rather, “what can you NOT do with an electric bass ukulele?”
Electric Bass Ukulele Sound is a Valuable Low End Addition
Electric bass ukuleles are rare, at least in my world. But they are great at producing the low end needed in many bands. Boosted by an amp and speakers, they can be used in any setting, big or small. They are easy to transport and easy to play.
As small as a baritone ukulele and as smooth as playing a fretless bass, a player can reproduce bass lines easily. And even embellish on bass lines with normally hard-to-reach notes and figures. In other words, because of the small size of the instrument, a player can reach notes and play lines that are normally very difficult to play on an upright or even a standard electric bass.
Much like a concert ukulele is to a guitar, an electric bass ukulele is a relatively easy entree to learning bass in general. The tuning is the same standard tuning as a bass. From low to high – E – A – D – G. However, a standard ukulele bass is an octave higher than the bass guitar. If you want an instrument in the same register as the bass, then check out the contrabass ukulele.
Sharing the same tuning as a standard bass means learning on the uke bass transfers directly to finding the same notes and frets on a standard bass guitar. And even to the fretless upright bass. Because of its smaller size, it is easier to reach notes with the fretting hand. And it requires less strength and dexterity to press the strings down. Playing a uke bass compared to an upright bass is like hitting a wiffle ball with a plastic bat compared to hitting a hard ball pitched by a good pitcher. It’s just easier and more relaxing!
Can an Electric Bass Ukulele Replace a Standard Bass?
While an electric ukulele bass is a great option for easy transportation and sound, it does not fully replace the standard bass. It will work in a pinch, or if space is tight. But the range and tone of a standard electric bass is hard to replicate perfectly on the small body of the ukulele. Instead, think of the ukulele bass as its own instrument with its own unique sound and technique. As stated before, you can create more intricate and connected bass lines on the bass ukulele. That’s due to its smaller fretboard and ease of playing. You can also create unique tones using a combination of the instrument and the supplemental equipment to amplify it. That means the amplifier and the speaker(s). Those components are out of the scope for this article. However, we should mention that you’ll want to plug the bass ukulele into specialized amps and speakers designed for bass instruments in order to create a solid bass tone.
The Electric Bass Ukulele Is Small… But You Can Find Good Options
The market for electric bass ukuleles is not large. However, you do have some options. A quick search online will yield good results for your different choices.
They range from different wood types, different strings, different octave ranges (contrabass vs standard bass ukulele), and even different body style (solid body vs hollow body). Most of the models are meant purely to be plugged in, but there is at least 1 model that claims it can be played acoustically.
Ask Yourself… “What Do I Want to Do With My Uke?”
It is important to consider what you want to do with your electric bass ukulele. And also consider the context for its use. As a simple stand-in for a standard electric bass, it can definitely work. Albeit with a few modifications to your playing style.
It is best used as its own instrument. Experiment with the different tones, bass lines, and components to find a sound that works for you and your songs. The bass ukulele packs a big sound in a little package and will surprise even the most seasoned musicians at your next jam.
Justin Martinez