Today, I am going to review the Caramel CUB402 Electric 30-inch All Solid Wood Mahogany Ukulele Bass.
Having a quite a large collection of ukulele, I have to admit that I have not had any ukulele bass in my collection. But after watching Davie504 and Charles Berthoud jam on one, it made it more interesting for me of wanting to learn and try one.
Granted, those who know how to play bass, can immediately start jamming, but for me, it’s a different style of playing as many people tend to slap on the bass, so it’s a different style, but I love the sound and willing to give it a go.
Before I go into my review, let me first preface that the ukulele bass is one that has plenty of competition in the market. There are numerous ukulele bass, but my feeling is that if its a mahogany bass targeted to consumers, then there is no reason to spend a lot because they are essentially made in the same country and what people end up paying more for, is the brand name.
Caramel is a well-known name. Seen as one of the budget-friendly companies, their ukuleles are used in schools and used by people who are not in the market for anything made out of koa wood or are not selective if a brand name is attached to it.
Ukulele basses tend to go for $185-$450. Caramel CUB402 is an electric ukulele bass that is sold for under $140.
Not just that, but the company includes a padded gig bag, EQ cable, strap, wall hanger and cleaning cloth with a black leather storage case.
The ukulele is made of solid mahogany with rosewood fretboard and bridge. The freboard does include side frets which is great for beginners. Also, with a buffalo bone nut and saddle, adjustable truss rod.
I love the design around the sound hole, while the rear features a compartment that can be opened.
The three band EQ features a built-in tuner with an LCD display, with knobs for treble, middle, bass and volume slider and LED light. Battery compartment is near the plug in area and requires two CR2032 batteries.
During my inspection of the EQ tuners, these are well-affixed to the body, as well as the plug in area, which some companies don’t tighten and call fall in side the ukulele, but saw no problems with the tuner.
As for the headstock, I do like the metal machine tuners used on this model. Tuning this bass ukulele to E-A-D-G wasn’t difficult.
I also like the Aquila bass strings used, but wouldn’t mind switching them out for Aquila Thunderblacks or even trying the D’Addario Bass Ukulele Nyltech strings.
I was able to plug into my ukulele amp and had no problems whatsoever.
For the most part, this is a well-built ukulele bass for the price. There is no doubt that Caramel is taking on other brands of the same or less quality (and charges way more for their ukulele bass).
The Caramel CUB402 Electric 30-inch All Solid Wood Mahogany Ukulele Bass is a wonderful bass for its pricepoint and quality and at under $140, I highly recommend it!
