Graceland Legacy: Bakithi Kumalo Signature Acoustic-Electric U•BASS®

Step into the world of legendary bass mastery with the Bakithi Kumalo Signature Acoustic-Electric U•BASS®, an instrument that carries the musical DNA of one of the most celebrated bassists in modern music history. Bakithi Kumalo has been a proud endorsee of the Kala U•BASS® for over a decade, and his world-renowned work as Paul Simon's longtime collaborator and bassist reached legendary status with his groundbreaking contributions to the 1985 masterpiece Graceland, recorded in South Africa. This pivotal album launched Bakithi's lifelong career as bassist, studio musician, and composer, establishing him as one of the most influential bass players of his generation. As a new milestone in this remarkable journey, Bakithi and Kala have collaborated to design his very own signature U•BASS® that shares his unique sound and musical philosophy with bass players of any level, from beginners discovering their first bass to seasoned professionals seeking inspiration from a true master.

Engineered as the perfect U•BASS® introduction for both new and experienced players, this signature instrument represents the culmination of Bakithi and Kala's shared vision to create an accessible yet professional-quality bass that embodies the spirit of musical discovery. The natural mahogany construction throughout provides the warm, woody resonance that has made mahogany the gold standard for bass instruments, while the Kala Round Wound U•BASS® Strings deliver clear and confident tone that captures Bakithi's signature sound character. Personal touches make this instrument truly special, including Bakithi's signature black pickguard and the stunning custom Zulu shield headstock artwork, hand-drawn by Gus Liberdade, Bakithi's own album cover artist, creating a visual connection to his South African heritage and artistic legacy. The instrument comes complete with a custom gig bag and exclusive access to free online companion lessons and bass line breakdowns specifically designed for the U•BASS®, featuring Bakithi himself teaching some of his most celebrated bass lines. Premium components include a Graphtech TUSQ nut for optimal string performance, custom black die-cast tuners for reliable tuning stability, and the professional U•BASS® Active EQ system that ensures your sound translates perfectly whether you're learning at home, recording in the studio, or performing on stage. This signature U•BASS® represents more than just an instrument—it's a gateway to understanding the musical philosophy and technique of a bass legend, complete with the educational resources to help any player grow and develop their own unique voice.

• Legendary Artist Collaboration: Designed with Paul Simon's longtime bassist and Graceland contributor
• Over a Decade of Endorsement: Bakithi's proven commitment to and expertise with U•BASS® instruments
• Perfect Introduction Design: Ideal for both new and experienced bass players seeking inspiration
• Graceland Heritage: Connected to one of the most influential albums in music history
• Clear, Confident Tone: Mahogany construction with Kala Round Wound strings for signature sound
• Personal Artistic Touches: Signature black pickguard and custom Zulu shield headstock artwork
• Exclusive Educational Content: Free online lessons and bass line breakdowns featuring Bakithi
• Hand-Drawn Artwork: Custom headstock design by Bakithi's album cover artist Gus Liberdade
• Professional Hardware Package: Graphtech TUSQ nut, U•BASS® Active EQ, and premium components
• Complete Learning System: Instrument plus educational resources for musical growth and development