AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 4-String Electric Double Basses for Advanced 2026
The top pick is NS Design NXT4A-CO-BK Active Series Electric Cello ($2,936). Harley Benton DB01-BK Electric Double Bass gives you the most for the money at $496. NS Design CR4 Bass leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 14 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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NS Design NXT4A-CO-BK Active Series Electric Cello
NXT4a-DB-SB Double Bass · NS Design
5 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This is an electric upright bass with a maple neck and body and a Richlite composite fingerboard. You get a switch for arco and pizzicato playing, plus volume and tone controls, and it comes with a charger, gig bag and stand. It may suit you if you want an upright you can play with a bow or with your fingers and take along to a gig.
Pros
- Dual mode active output lets you switch between arco and pizzicato playing
- Polar pickup system is built into the instrument
- Maple neck and body with a Richlite composite fingerboard
Cons
- Its active electronics need the included charger to keep them running
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,936 now$2,936€2,630 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
NS Design NXT4A-CO-BK Active Series Electric Cello
NXT4a-DB-BK Electric Bass · NS Design
5 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
This NS Design electric bass is made for players who want to switch between bowing and plucking. A selector switch covers arco and pizzicato modes, and volume and tone controls sit on the body. If you want a bass with a gig bag and tripod stand included, this one suits you well.
Pros
- Maple neck and body make up the build
- Polar pickup system feeds an active dual mode output
- Selector switch lets you switch between arco and pizzicato playing
Cons
- Active electronics need the included charger to power the preamp
62AudioFu
Index↑ 3.9%since Aug 17$2,881 · Aug 17$2,992 now$2,992€2,680 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings4-string
This NS Design Omni Bass is a fantastic choice for gigging musicians needing a reliable, portable double bass. The E-G tuning provides a unique voice, and the lack of batteries is a huge plus. It’s a great option for pizzicato and arco players wanting a compact, high-quality instrument.
Pros
- Richlite fingerboard offers exceptional playability and stability.
- Polar pickup system delivers a surprisingly natural and warm tone.
- Concept design eliminates battery hassles for reliable performance.
Cons
- Satin Sunburst finish may show fingerprints and handling marks.
- 34in scale might feel long for players with shorter arms.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,182 now$3,182€2,850 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings4-string
The CR4 is a fantastic option for gigging upright players wanting electric amplification without the full-size footprint. Its compact scale makes it surprisingly manageable, and the Polar pickups are incredibly versatile, handling arco and pizzicato with impressive clarity. Ideal for smaller stages or players who want upright tone in a more portable package.
Pros
- Richlite fingerboard offers exceptional smoothness and consistent feel.
- Polar pickup system delivers remarkably versatile tonal options, from arco to pizzicato.
- Maple body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good projection.
Cons
- The CR4’s compact scale can feel a little cramped for players accustomed to full-scale basses.
- Richlite, while durable, lacks the traditional feel of a wood fingerboard for some.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,460 now$5,460€4,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The SLB 300 is a seriously impressive evolution of the Silent Bass concept. The improved resonance and SRT technology make it feel surprisingly organic, and the build quality is top-notch. It's a fantastic option for gigging bassists or students needing quiet practice, without sacrificing too much of that double bass feel.
Pros
- Improved resonance chamber yields a richer, more natural acoustic tone
- SRT Studio Response Technology delivers remarkably realistic amp simulation
- Maple neck and ebony top nut provide excellent playability and sustain
Cons
- The Silent Bass design inherently limits acoustic projection compared to a traditional DB
- The 'antique' finish may not appeal to players seeking a modern aesthetic
35AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,343 now$4,343€3,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings4-string
The NS Design WAV4c is a fantastic entry point into the electric upright bass world. It’s surprisingly lightweight and offers a really natural amplified sound thanks to the Polar Piezo pickup, perfect for gigging musicians needing a portable, stage-ready instrument. The Coform fingerboard is a real win for stability and playability.
Pros
- Coform fingerboard offers exceptional stability and smooth playing feel
- Polar Piezo pickup delivers a natural, amplified acoustic tone
- NXT body construction provides excellent resonance and reduces weight
Cons
- The Coform fingerboard, while stable, lacks the traditional warmth of ebony
- Polar Piezo pickups can be prone to feedback at higher volumes
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,119 now$2,119€1,898 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The NS Design WAV4c-OB-AB Omni is a seriously versatile instrument, great for players wanting an amplified acoustic double bass feel without the bulk. The self-powered pickup is a game-changer for stage volume, and the CoForm neck makes it surprisingly easy to play, especially for those transitioning from electric bass. Ideal for gigging musicians needing a portable, amplified double bass solution.
Pros
- Excellent intonation thanks to the CoForm composite fretboard
- Polar piezo pickup delivers a surprisingly natural acoustic tone
- Lightweight alder body offers comfortable playing for extended gigs
Cons
- Self-powered pickup requires external power or battery pack
- Amberburst finish can appear a little 'orange' under certain lighting
36AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,809 now$1,809€1,620 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- BodyPaulownia body
- FingerboardBirch fingerboard
This left-handed electric double bass has a birch fingerboard, maple neck and paulownia body. It has an active pick-up system with tone and volume controls, plus a headphone socket so you can play quietly. If you play left-handed and want an electric double bass that comes with a bag and carbon bow, this one is worth a look.
Pros
- Birch fingerboard and maple neck make up the playing surface and neck
- Active pick-up system with tone and volume controls lets you shape your sound
- Height-adjustable bridge lets you set the height to suit how you play
Cons
- Active pick-up system needs a 9 V battery supply to run
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$668 now$668€598 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- BodyPoplar body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Size3/4 size
This is a 3/4 electric double bass with a poplar body, maple neck and ebony fingerboard. The Shadow KB-Pro pickup gives you volume, mids, bass and presence controls, plus a sub-sonic filter, so you can shape your sound. It suits you if you want an electric upright with a height-adjustable bridge, an adjustable tripod stand, and a bow, gig bag and rosin included.
Pros
- Poplar body and maple neck give it a lightweight-sounding wood build
- Ebony fingerboard and brass double bass machine heads
- Shadow KB-Pro active piezo pickup with volume, mids, bass and presence controls
Cons
- Pickup runs on two AA batteries, so keep spares handy
58AudioFu
Index↓ 13.4%since Oct 1 · lowest so far$1,094 · Oct 1$948 now$948€849 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
If you want an electric double bass that is easy to carry and quiet to practice on, this one could suit you. It has a tone knob, a volume knob, and a headphone connector, and it comes with a gigbag and a carbon bow. It runs on a 9 V battery, so keep a spare on hand for gigs.
Pros
- Body made of Paulownia, a light wood, keeps the bass easy to carry
- Birch fingerboard paired with a maple neck
- Active pickup system with tone and volume knobs for quick control
Cons
- Active pickups need a 9 V battery to run
51AudioFu
Index↓ 23.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$646 · Aug 17$496 now$496€444 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 14 4-String electric double basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Harley Benton Artist Solo El. Upright BassHarley Benton47Stable$1,440€1,290$1,440€1,290Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez UB804-BULIbanez · 2 finishes46↓ 2.8%$1,149€1,029$1,149€1,029Check ↗
- 13
Warwick Triumph Lite Bass Solid BK/HPWarwick44Stable$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 14
NS Design WAV4c-OB-BK Omni BassNS Design41Stable$1,775€1,590$1,775€1,590Check ↗
4-String Electric Double Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 25 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,149 — half of all 4-String electric double basses here cost less.
most common · 5 models
median of 6 models · 4-string–4-string
How to choose the best 4-String electric double basses
Neck Profile & Playability
Advanced players need a neck that feels like an extension of their hand. A comfortable profile (think D, C, or even a more modern asymmetrical shape) is crucial for navigating complex passages and fast runs without fatigue. Thin, overly-flat necks can feel flimsy, while thick necks can be a wrestling match.
Pickup Voicing & Response
Forget generic 'warm' or 'bright'. We're looking for pickups that capture the wood's natural resonance - a nuanced low-end thump, a clear upper midrange without ice-pick harshness, and dynamic response that reacts to your playing. A passive pickup can offer a more natural, vintage vibe, while active pickups might give you more headroom and tonal shaping options.
Body Wood & Construction
The wood choice significantly impacts the bass's resonance and sustain. Mahogany offers warmth and sustain, maple provides clarity and attack, and combinations can balance those characteristics. Solid wood construction is a must for serious tone; laminate bodies often sound 'dead' and lack character.
Hardware Quality & Intonation
Sloppy hardware kills sustain and tuning stability. Look for quality tuners, a well-fitted bridge (essential for accurate intonation), and a comfortable string spacing - too narrow and you'll be muting strings; too wide and it's awkward. Upgrading hardware is always an option, but it's a sign of a corner cut on the original build.
Electronics & Controls
Simple volume and tone controls might be fine for some, but advanced players often want more tonal flexibility. Consider basses with onboard EQ, blend controls for pickup mixing, or even preamp options for shaping your sound in the studio or on stage.
Buying guide
So, you've mastered the basics on the upright and you're ready to electrify? A 4-string electric double bass opens up a whole new world - amplification, effects, and the ability to really cut through a band mix. But slapping just any EBass won't do; advanced players need something with nuanced response, a comfortable neck for those complex lines, and a pickup that captures the instrument's unique character without sounding sterile. This isn't a beginner's guide - we're talking serious instruments for serious players.
Don't chase the 'expensive' label. A bass that feels great in your hands and delivers the tone you need is worth more than a fancy brand name. Pay attention to the neck profile - that's the most personal aspect.
Be wary of basses with overly-aggressive pickup voicings; a little restraint goes a long way. And remember, a good setup is non-negotiable - even the best basses need a professional setup to play their best.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 25 4-String electric double basses from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the difference between a piezo and magnetic pickup on an EBass?
Piezo pickups are contact mics, so they're incredibly sensitive to string vibration and body resonance - great for acoustic-like tone but can be prone to string noise. Magnetic pickups read the string's magnetic field, offering a more focused and often punchier sound, better suited for amplified performance.
Should I go with a 4-string or 5-string EBass?
For advanced players, a 4-string offers more clarity and definition - it's easier to articulate individual notes and avoid muddiness. 5-strings add range but require more precise technique and can compromise low-end clarity if not handled well.
What kind of amp is best for an electric double bass?
A bass amp with a clean, flat frequency response is key. Avoid overly-colored amps that will mask the bass's natural tone. Tube amps often provide a warmer, more responsive feel, but solid-state amps can offer more headroom for louder gigs.
How important is the bridge on an EBass?
Hugely important. The bridge directly affects sustain, intonation, and string vibration transfer. A poorly fitted or cheap bridge will negatively impact every aspect of the bass's performance.
I'm used to playing upright. What adjustments do I need to make when switching to an EBass?
The shorter scale length of an EBass (typically 34" or 35") will require adjusting your fingerboard technique. You'll also need to adapt to the amplified sound and the effects you can use - experimenting with EQ and compression is essential.
