Not so much uke bass as a cigar box bass.
I'm using a resonator cone in a home built box to amplify the string vibrations and give a clearer low register. The cone is set under the bridge like a National steel guitar and works like a speaker cone.
I had a uBass for a while but found it disappointing without amplification. I've always wanted something loud enough to hear without an amp.
Regarding cost for uke bass - the cheapest I've seen is someone selling a do-it-yourself kit for £40 (strings, transducer etc) based on a half sized guitar.
I'll post a pic as soon as I have the strings on, I've just finished the nut and bridge, so maybe tomorrow.