diff --git a/beets/ui/commands.py b/beets/ui/commands.py
index 90896a357..995ff87e9 100644
--- a/beets/ui/commands.py
+++ b/beets/ui/commands.py
@@ -615,7 +615,7 @@ def choose_candidate(candidates, singleton, rec, cur_artist=None,
             require = True
         # Bell ring when user interaction is needed.
         if config['import']['bell']:
-            ui.print_('\a', end='')
+            ui.print_(u'\a', end=u'')
         sel = ui.input_options((u'Apply', u'More candidates') + choice_opts,
                                require=require, default=default)
         if sel == u'a':