Bass Videos
Video Interview: Bakithi Kumalo Talks Kala Basses
Bakithi Kumalo and His Kala Basses…
The Bakithi Kumalo Signature California U•BASS® was born from a collaboration with our friend, music legend, and Paul Simon bassist, Bakithi Kumalo. Paul Simon and Bakithi Kumalo formed a relationship over 30 years ago when Bakithi, who was working as a mechanic in South Africa, came to the U.S. to record the 1986 hit album, Graceland. They have been playing together ever since.
Bakithi was one of the first musicians to champion the U•BASS when it was first released in 2009 and was the first Kala Artist to have a signature model made to his specifications.
In 2013, he collaborated with Bakithi to create his Signature California U•BASS®. This model is the same U•BASS that Bakithi Kumalo plays today.
This four-string, fretless California U•BASS® comes in with a rich espresso brown stain over a Swamp Ash body with a custom pickguard that sets the look of this instrument apart from other basses. One of the most stand-out features about the California U•BASS Series is the custom LR Baggs EQ system which we developed specifically for this collection. By customizing our pickup system, we have dialed in the sound on these basses to a science, and the huge low end this U•BASS can produce as a result is perfect for unique high-quality studio recordings or stage performances. The smooth, easy-to-tune custom Hipshot Ultralite™ tuners are the icing on the cake for this beast of a U•BASS.
The California U•BASS® Series is played by legends around the world. With the California Solid Body U•BASS you have all the tools you need to stand out and sound amazing, all that’s left is to go out and create something awesome!
The completely redesigned California U•BASS® is now available! With every California U•BASS® order you’ll receive:
SPECS
| BODY: | Swamp Ash |
| NECK: | Straight Grain Maple |
| FINISH: | UV-Cured Satin |
| FINGERBOARD: | Roasted Maple |
| BRIDGE: | Richlite |
| NUT: | Graph Tech Black TUSQ® |
| SADDLE: | Richlite |
| TUNERS: | Custom Hipshot Ultralite™ |
| STRINGS: | Road Toad Pahoehoe |
| ELECTRONICS: | LR Baggs Custom EQ |
| STAIN: | Espresso Brown |
| STRAP BUTTON: | Black x2 |
MEASUREMENTS
Scale Length: 20.375 inches, Overall Instrument Length: 29.375 inches, Body Length: 14.031 inches, Number of Frets: 16, Width at Upper Bout: 7.75 inches, Width at Lower Bout: 10.25 inches, Width at Waist: 6.625 inches, Body Depth: 3.25 inches, Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1.75 inches, Fingerboard width at neck/body joint: 2.125 inches
The beautiful Striped Ebony U•BASS® has a deep brown color with reddish-brown striping. One of the finest woods for instruments, Striped Ebony is a high-density wood that has superior tonal qualities. The light Maple binding creates a striking contrast with the dark Ebony body, that makes the variants in the striping stand out. Comes in a Fretless model with Proprietary Polyurethane Strings, Custom Hipshot® Ultralite Tuners, GraphTech TUSQ® Nut, Custom U•BASS® Pick-up, and a Deluxe Padded Gig Bag.
BAG AND CASE INFORMATION
- Fits ALL Kala BARITONE Ukulele Bags, UB-B, & Sonoma Coast BARITONE Cases
- Fits U•BASS specific bags and cases: UB-UBASS, DUB-UBASS, HC-UB
The beautiful Striped Ebony U•BASS® has a deep brown color with reddish-brown striping.
One of the finest woods for instruments, Striped Ebony is a high-density wood that has superior tonal qualities. The light Maple binding creates a striking contrast with the dark Ebony body, which makes the variants in the striping stand out. Comes in a Fretless model with Proprietary Polyurethane Strings, Custom Hipshot® Ultralite Tuners, GraphTech TUSQ® Nut, Custom U•BASS® Pick-up, and a Deluxe Padded Gig Bag.
BAG AND CASE INFORMATION
- Fits ALL Kala BARITONE Ukulele Bags, UB-B, & Sonoma Coast BARITONE Cases
- Fits U•BASS specific bags and cases: UB-UBASS, DUB-UBASS, HC-UB, & HCT-UB
SPEC MEASUREMENTS
Scale Length: 20.375 inches, Overall Instrument Length: 29.375 inches, Body Length: 14.031 inches, Number of Frets: 16, Width at Upper Bout: 7.75 inches, Width at Lower Bout: 10.25 inches, Width at Waist: 6.625 inches, Body Depth: 3.25 , Fingerboard Width at Nut: 1.75 inches, Fingerboard width at neck/body joint: 2.125 inches
For more information on Kala Basses, visit online at kalabrand.com
Oteil Burbridge & Lamar Williams Jr. Champion Love Over Hate in New Single “Hush” | New Album ‘The Offering’ Out May 1.
Bassist Oteil Burbridge and vocalist Lamar Williams Jr. continue the rollout of their forthcoming collaborative album The Offering, with the release of its second single, “Hush”. A slow-burning Southern soul meditation rooted in love, peace, and emotional clarity, the track is a centerpiece on the album with a potent, thematic statement, in Williams’ words to “block out all of that nonsense” and “remember that there is more love in the world than hate.” The full-length album arrives May 1 via Flóki Studios, recorded on Iceland’s northern coast and produced by drummer, engineer, and Soulive co-founder Alan Evans.
While much of The Offering grew out of Burbridge’s banjo-based writing, “Hush” emerged from he and Williams’ shaping a deliberate sonic vision. Burbridge says they were “trying to capture a more old school Memphis, Macon, Muscle Shoals vibe,” leaning into a Southern soul feel that fits Williams’s phrasing. The end result is a song that is unhurried with a deep pocket that allows the groove and the song’s message breathe and stand at the forefront.
The album features an all-star lineup of drummer John Morgan Kimock, percussionist Weedie Braimah, organist Melvin Seals of the Jerry Garcia Band, pianist and violinist Jason Crosby, guitarists Tom Guarna and Jaden Lehman — musicians whose overlapping histories connect the Allman Brothers Band, Dead & Company, the Jerry Garcia Band, Soulive, and West African percussion traditions.
CONNECT WITH OTEIL BURBRIDGE
Website // YouTube // Instagram // Facebook
When I heard that American Vanity, formerly known as Burn the Jukebox, was gearing up to release a new album this summer, it felt like the perfect moment to catch up with bassist and vocalist Virginia Franks.
With a fresh name unveiled just this past January and a clear shift in musical direction, the band is entering an exciting new chapter, one defined by both sonic evolution and a deeper, more focused message.
In this conversation, Virginia opens up about the inspiration behind the upcoming record, how she crafts her distinctive bass tone, what fans can expect from their upcoming tour, and where she sees both herself and the band heading next.
Join me as we dive into it all.
Here is Virginia Franks.
Photo, Devin Kasparian
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For decades, we’ve had the privilege of following the remarkable career of Nathan East, listening closely to his albums, tracking his milestones with Yamaha Instruments, and watching his evolving partnership with Laney Amplification with great interest. Along the way, we’ve talked gear, tone, and technique, while hearing his unmistakable musical “voice” woven into the work of more iconic artists than we could possibly list.
Today, we’re thrilled to reconnect with this true giant of the bass world following the release of a very special new album, Father Son, produced by Nathan alongside his son, Noah East. It’s a deeply personal project that showcases not only extraordinary musicianship but also a powerful family bond.
Join us as we dive into the making of this outstanding record, explore the new Laney Nathan East Signature Bass Preamp, and look ahead to what the future holds for one of music’s most respected and influential bassists.
Here is the one and only… Mr. Nathan East.
Photos, John Abbott @johnabbottphoto
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Disclaimer: This bass strap was kindly provided by Italia Leather Straps for the purpose of this review. However, this does not influence our opinions or the content of our reviews. We strive to provide honest, unbiased, and accurate assessments to ensure that our readers receive truthful and helpful information.
I’ve spent years searching for the perfect wide bass strap, something that delivers both comfort and durability without compromising on style. That search ended nearly two decades ago when I discovered Italia Leather Straps.
Handcrafted in the USA from premium Italian leather, Italia Straps offers an impressive range of straps for both bass and guitar players. What immediately stood out to me was the exceptional craftsmanship; every detail, from stitching to material selection, reflects a commitment to quality. These aren’t just accessories… they’re long-term investments for serious musicians.
After more than 19 years of consistent use with my original strap, I can confidently speak to its longevity and comfort. Even under the demands of extended performances, the support provided by a 4” wide strap makes a noticeable difference.
In this review, I’m taking a closer look at the 4” Elite Series Leather Backed Bass Strap, now available in a sleek new Slate Black finish. It’s a refined addition to an already outstanding lineup, combining aesthetic appeal with the same trusted performance.
For more information, visit www.italiastraps.com.
Since 2012, Tom Doyle has been holding down the low end for UK alt-rock heavyweights Don Broco, helping to shape the band’s groove-driven, genre-blurring sound into one of the most distinctive in modern British rock. With thunderous tone, razor-sharp precision, and an instinct for hooks that hit just as hard as the riffs, Doyle has become a crucial force behind the band’s ever-evolving sonic identity.
As Don Broco gear up to unleash their highly anticipated new album, Nightmare Tripping, this feels like the perfect moment to dive into the mind of the man anchoring the chaos. From his musical roots and influences to the gear and techniques that craft his signature sound, Doyle opens up about the journey so far and what lies ahead.
Join me as we explore Tom’s evolution as a musician, the creative process behind Nightmare Tripping, and his vision for the future in a band that refuses to stand still.
Here is Tom Doyle.
Photos by Ton Pullen