Review: KLŌS Carbon-Fiber Basses

We tested the complete collection of carbon-fiber bass offerings from KLŌS

Review: KLŌS Carbon-Fiber Basses

We tested the complete collection of carbon-fiber bass offerings from KLŌS

If you’re anything like me, you’ve noticed a steady stream of targeted Instagram ads from a company called KLŌS. Well, I finally bit the bullet and reached out to KLŌS, and boy, am I glad I did. What I discovered was a company built from the ground up by the Klosowiak brothers, Ian and Adam. The brothers dove headfirst into creating durable, great-sounding carbon fiber instruments, at a very competitive price. In this article, we’re going to review the Apollo 4-string electric bass, the acoustic travel bass, and the Ukulele bass.

The KLŌS Apollo electric bass enters the scene with a unique twist—arriving, like all KLŌS instruments, with the neck detached. For those unaccustomed to assembling a bass, fear not. While it’s a bit daunting at first, following the instructions and watching the assembly videos makes the process straightforward. Attaching the neck and tightening the strings (this is key, as the loose strings initially flop against the neck) reveals a well-set instrument with impressively low action right out of the gate.

Once assembled, the Klos Apollo immediately feels like home. The carbon fiber neck offers a slick, fast-playing experience, and the bass delivers a natural growl when plugged in—perfect for both live performances and studio sessions. The tonal versatility is impressive, allowing you to dial in everything from tight, modern punch to a more vintage thump, all while maintaining clarity and bite throughout.

The Apollo series offers two versions: the standard Apollo and the Apollo Pro. Here’s the breakdown:

The Apollo comes equipped with a NuBone XB nut, a steel bridge, stock tuners, standard strings, and features a straightforward, no-fuss 3-knob passive setup with KLŌS Blackout Humbuckers.

The Apollo Pro steps things up with a TUSQ nut, an aluminum bridge, Ratio tuners, and coated strings. Pickup options include a 5-knob EQ or a 4-knob Fishman Fluence system, and it can be further customized with options like a Hipshot Drop Tuner or a personalized pickup and knob configuration.

The concept behind this split is simple: the Apollo is designed as an accessible, easy-to-play bass with a lower barrier to entry, perfect for players looking for something high-quality yet straightforward. On the other hand, the Pro Series caters to those who want to go all out with upgrades and customizations, tailoring the instrument to their unique playing style. Both versions are fantastic, but for many players, the extra Pro Series upgrades may feel unnecessary, while others will appreciate the added versatility. At this price point, both models offer excellent value, and you’ve got room to choose based on your needs.

Whether you’re locking down thick grooves or slicing through a dense mix, the KLŌS Apollo has got you covered.

Like all KLOS basses, the Travel Bass arrives with the neck detached. Assembly is pretty simple, but take note: don’t forget to place the bridge before tightening the strings. Trust me, you’ll avoid popping a string (learned that lesson the hard way). Follow the instructions closely, and you’ll have it set up in no time.

This compact bass uses short-scale strings, making it incredibly easy and comfortable to play. Despite its size, the sound is impressively balanced, with a tone that punches well above its weight. Plugged in, it delivers a warm and full-bodied acoustic sound, perfect for practice or those unplugged, laid-back performances.

What truly sets the KLOS Travel Bass apart is how fun and accessible it is—I find myself leaving it out on a stand just because it’s so inviting to pick up and play at any moment. And don’t be surprised if it turns heads—the all-carbon fiber body with its signature checkered pattern is a real show-stopper. It’s always a conversation piece whenever someone comes over.

My only real critique of the Travel Bass is that it features a Fishman Sonotone pickup inside the soundhole, rather than the more traditional volume and EQ knobs placed on the side for easy access. Additionally, the absence of a built-in tuner is worth mentioning. These aren’t deal breakers by any means, but they’re details to keep in mind should you decide to treat yourself to this otherwise exceptional instrument.

As its name suggests, the Travel Bass is the perfect companion for musicians on the go. Throw it in the car, and you’re ready to roll. With its blend of portability, playability, and looks, the KLŌS Travel Bass proves itself as a reliable, high-performing option for any bassist looking for the ultimate travel-friendly instrument.

KLOS has built a reputation for delivering durable, carbon-fiber instruments with a signature look, and their Ukelele Bass is no exception. At first glance, the KLŌS Ukulele Bass might seem like a novelty—its compact size is hard to ignore—but plug it in, and you’ll quickly realize that this little bass packs a serious punch.

The tone is remarkably full and rich for such a compact instrument, delivering a deep, resonant low end that more than holds its own in both live and recording situations. It’s impressive how much sound KLŌS has managed to extract from such a small body, making it ideal for players seeking portability without sacrificing tone. Adding to its appeal, the KLOS Ukulele Bass is equipped with an in-house volume and EQ section, along with a built-in tuner, all conveniently located on the side for easy access.

However, it’s worth noting that if you have large hands, you might find the short scale a bit challenging for extended play. The smaller fret spacing can be tricky to navigate for those used to full-sized basses, and it could cause some hand fatigue during longer sessions. That said, the Ukelele Bass still plays smoothly and comfortably, and with some adjustment, most players should find it quite enjoyable.

In terms of portability, the KLŌS Ukulele Bass is unbeatable. Whether you’re heading to a gig, practice, or just hanging out at home, this bass is easy to grab and go. Its carbon-fiber construction adds to its road-readiness, ensuring that it can take a few knocks without issue.

Overall, the KLŌS Ukulele Bass is an ideal choice for anyone looking for a highly portable bass with an unexpectedly rich sound. While it may not be your go-to for marathon playing sessions if you have larger hands, it’s a fantastic option for rehearsals, travel, and those moments when you need big tone in a small package.

For more on KLŌS: Click Here

Already a subscriber? Log in here.

This story is free for you

Create a free account and get more of the Bass Magazine's top stories directly to your inbox.

Or, subscribe for unlimited access
Ben Hyman   By: Ben Hyman