Bakithi Kumalo has been a proud endorsee of the Kala U•BASS® for over a decade. Longtime collaborator and bassist for Paul Simon, Bakithi’s world-renowned work for 1985’s Graceland in South Africa launched his lifelong career as bassist, studio musician, and composer. As a new milestone, Bakithi and Kala have designed his very own Signature Acoustic-Electric U•BASS® to help share his unique sound and philosophy as a bassist with players of any level.
With this Signature U•BASS®, Kala & Bakithi set out to create the perfect U•BASS introduction for new and experienced bass players alike. This fretted bass pairs a Natural Mahogany build with the Kala Round Wound U•BASS® Strings for a clear and confident tone. Personal touches include Bakithi’s signature black pickguard and custom Zulu shield headstock artwork, hand-drawn by Bakithi’s own album cover artist, Gus Liberdade.
Bakithi’s Signature U•BASS® includes a Custom Gig-bag and access to free online companion lessons and bass line breakdowns specifically for the U•BASS®, featuring Bakithi and some of his most celebrated bass lines.
Specs
| Top: | Mahogany |
| Back & Sides: | Mahogany |
| Neck: | Mahogany |
| Finish: | Satin |
| Fingerboard: | Rosewood |
| Headstock: | Standard |
| Bridge: | Rosewood |
| Nut: | Graph Tech NuBone® |
| Saddle: | Composite |
| Tuners: | Custom Black Die Cast |
| Strings: | Kala Round Wound |
| Electronics: | U•BASS® Active EQ |
| Includes: | Custom Bakithi Padded Gig Bag |
| Strap Button: | Black x1 |
Measurements
Scale Length: 20.8125 inches, Overall Instrument Length: 29.375 inches, Body Length: 13.8125 inches, Number of Frets: 16, Width at Upper Bout: 7.625 inches, Width at Lower Bout: 10.5 inches, Width at Waist: 6.75 inches, Body Depth: 3.0 inches, Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1.75 inches, Fingerboard width at neck/body joint: 2.125 inches