Harley Benton Kahuna CLU-Bass Ukulele FL

I had been playing some acoustic shows with my band, and wanted to play something other than an electric bass. I suppose I really wanted a double bass, but I neither had the funds or any way of transporting such a beast! I did some research, and came across the Kala U-Bass - which I came close to ordering until I discovered this.

It cost me less than £100, and is amazing value for money. I've used it at several acoustic shows with my originals band, and also for a few numbers with my function band - for covers of songs where a double bass was used on the original recording.

The general feedback I've received is it doesn't sound at all how it looks. Expect some confused faces when you gig this!

I've used directly into a PA system and my regular bass guitar amp. In both cases I've had better results by using the 'Fishman' pre-amp model on my Zoom B3. This allows me to match its level to my bass guitar for easy mid-show switching.

There are two minor niggles - there is one 'fret' that is slightly raised at one side (The fingerboard still has slots cut for frets and these are filled with veneer or similar). It's really not noticeable when playing though! Secondly, the pre-amp seems a little bit hissy, especially with the tone turned up. This noticeable through headphones or when using a cab with a tweeter - though only when the room is silent. Can't hear it at all through a tweeterless Ampeg SVT cab.

Please don't let this put you off - it's a great bass and well worth the money. I may upgrade

I am beginner bass player. I ordered this bass because I wanted something acoustic, fretless and cheap. I always loved the sound of fretless basses.
Build quality is very good - it does have some small imperfections in finish which does not affect sound at all. I love the sound from this small bass! Like some reviewers stated - it sound like small double bass :) The tone is lovely. I use it mostly for practice unplugged and as it sounds great, it is also very smooth and easy for playing - certainly easier than my electric basses :) Strings does have some strange feeling at first but I get used to it. They resonate less after some 12-13th fret, and those frets are harder to reach because it doesnt have a cutout body.
When plugged into amplifier it sounds good... however it is best to leave the treble slider in middle... Preamp and tuner work Ok. Batteries for preamp in package were dead on arrival but this was no big problem to me ;) Strings settled in tuning after week or two.
Conclusion - great sounding small uke bass that is very easy to play!

Bought this uke as joined a local ukulele club with no intention of playing bass. I joined purely to learn ukulele. But once they found out I used to play bass in cabaret bands years ago and the club had no bass player then I was badgered into playing bass.
Thought I would give this little fella a try.
It arrived very quickly and I had all sorts of reservations until I plug it in to an amp. OMG it sounded like a classic 60's double bass. I immediately fell in love with it.
Stretching of the rubber strings made staying in tune impossible at first, having to tune after every 5 mins but no problem with the built in tuner.
All in all for the price I would recommend this as a good starting point for anyone wishing to give bass uke a try.
You won't be disappointed!!!

I had never played a Bass Ukulele, but wanted to try one without "breaking the bank," especially if it turned out that I didn't enjoy it. The Harley Benton Kahuna CLU Bass Ukulele arrived in excellent condition, as have all things I ordered from Thomann Music. Right out of the box, it was playable--only needing to be tuned up. The neck was adjusted perfectly and the action was great.
I was impressed with the quality of the construction, the tone, and the playability of this bass uke. The value was far more than the cost!
Great job, Harley Benton and great job, Thomann Music!