AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 4-String Electric Double Basses for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton DB02-LH/BK Elec. Double Bass ($668). NS Design NXT4A-CO-BK Active Series Electric Cello 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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- 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 ↗ -
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Size3/4 size
This is a 3/4 electric double bass with a paulownia top and back, a maple neck and an ebony fingerboard. It has a Shadow KB-Pro pickup with volume, mids, bass and presence controls, plus a sub-sonic filter and a battery indicator. It suits you if you want a bass you can plug in, and it comes with a bow, bag and rosin to get you started.
Pros
- Paulownia top and back give the body a lightweight build for a 3/4 bass
- Maple neck paired with an ebony fingerboard
- Active piezoceramic Shadow KB-Pro pickup with volume, mids, bass and presence controls
Cons
- Runs on two AA batteries, so you need to supply them before you can amplify it
47AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 1Oct 1$1,440 now$1,440€1,290 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
You get a four-string electric double bass with a maple body and a neck-through-body build. It has an Aero Silk Piezo pickup with active tone control, and it comes with D'Addario ECB81 strings, a Tama Roadpro stand, and a gig bag. It suits you if you want an electric double bass with built-in tone control and a ready-to-play package.
Pros
- Maple body with five-piece maple and walnut neck-through-body construction
- Jatoba conical fingerboard on a UB4 neck profile
- Aero Silk Piezo pickup with active tone control
Cons
- Active tone control means the pickup depends on a power source to run its electronics
46AudioFu
Index↓ 2.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,182 · Aug 17$1,149 now$1,149€1,029 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- FingerboardWenge fingerboard
- Size3/4 size
- Weight5.5 kg
This is a black electric double bass with a maple body and a wenge fingerboard. It has one passive piezo pickup, with volume and tone controls and passive MEC electronics. It suits you if you want a simple setup you can plug into an amp, and it comes with a gig bag, an Allen key for the truss rod and a cleaning cloth.
Pros
- Solid black high-gloss finish on a one-piece maple body
- Two-piece set-in laminated maple neck with wenge fingerboard
- Passive piezo pickup with passive MEC electronics and volume and tone controls
Cons
- Weighs approximately 5.5 kg, which is heavy to carry to gigs
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,004 now$1,004€899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings4-string
This is a 4-string electric omni bass with a self-powered polar piezo pickup. The Pizzicato / Arco switch lets you play plucked or bowed, and the boomerang strap and bag come with it. It suits you if you want an electric double bass that you can play both ways.
Pros
- Self-powered polar piezo pickup built into the bass
- Pizzicato / Arco switch lets you play plucked or bowed
- Coform fingerboard is built into the neck
Cons
- Self-powered pickup needs power to run
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,775 now$1,775€1,590 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
The DB01-CB is a seriously impressive entry-level electric double bass. It's fantastic for students, beginners, or anyone wanting a portable, amplified double bass experience without a premium-priced investment. The active pickups really shine for practice and smaller gigs.
Pros
- Paulownia body offers surprisingly resonant, warm low-end tones
- Birch fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing experience
- Active pickup system delivers a focused, amplified signal with reduced noise
Cons
- Paulownia body, while resonant, can feel less robust than mahogany or maple
- Carbon bow may require more frequent re-hairing compared to traditional bows
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$646 now$646€579 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 ↗ -
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 ↗
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
NS Design WAV4c Bass AmberburstNS Design · 3 finishes48Stable$2,110€1,890$2,110€1,890Check ↗
- 12
NS Design NXT4a-OB-SB Omni Bass E-GNS Design41Stable$3,182€2,850$3,182€2,850Check ↗
- 13
NS Design CR4 BassNS Design41Stable$5,460€4,890$5,460€4,890Check ↗
- 14
Yamaha SLB 300 Silent BassYamaha · 2 finishes35Stable$4,343€3,890$4,343€3,890Check ↗
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
Playability (Action & Neck Profile)
As an intermediate player, you need an instrument that won't fight you. A comfortable neck profile (C or D shapes are generally forgiving) and a manageable action - not too high, not too low - are critical for developing good technique and avoiding fatigue during long gigs or practice sessions. A bass with a skyscraper action is just going to reinforce bad habits.
Pickup Voicing & Response
Beginner basses often have harsh, brittle pickups that lack warmth or low-end thump. You're beyond that now. Look for pickups with a more natural voicing, something that captures the warmth of an acoustic double bass but with the added punch of electric amplification. It's about finding that sweet spot where you get clarity without ice-picky highs.
Construction & Hardware Quality
This is where cheap basses really fall down. Expect to see better bracing, a more stable neck joint, and decent tuners. Cheap hardware will lead to tuning instability and a generally sloppy feel, impacting your intonation and confidence.
Sustain & Resonance
You need a bass that sings. A well-constructed instrument with good wood density will sustain notes longer and have a more resonant tone. This isn't just about volume; it's about the character of the sound and how it sits in a mix. A dead bass just sounds... sad.
Versatility & Amplification Friendliness
You're likely playing with different bands and in various settings. A bass that doesn't get muddy with distortion or overly brittle when clean is a huge asset. Consider how the pickup responds to different amp settings and whether it can handle a range of musical styles - from jazz to rock.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're past the beginner phase with your 4-string electric upright - that's awesome. You're probably tired of feeling like your bass is holding you back, whether it's the muddy low-end, the stiff action, or the lack of sustain that makes gigs a pain. This guide isn't about the absolute cheapest options; it's about finding a solid, reliable instrument that'll let you actually play and grow as a bassist without breaking the bank. Let's find you something that'll cut through the mix and actually sound like a double bass, not a muffled mess.
Don't chase the 'vintage' look if it comes at the expense of playability. A bass that's beautiful but feels like a brick is useless. Pay attention to the neck profile - try before you buy if possible.
Solid wood bodies are generally preferable to laminate, but you'll pay a premium. Expect to spend at least $600-$1200 to get a bass that's truly gig-worthy and won't leave you wanting more. A good setup from a qualified luthier is always worth the investment.
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 deal with piezo vs. magnetic pickups?
Piezo pickups are common on electric doubles; they're sensitive to attack and can be quite dynamic. Magnetic pickups tend to be warmer and more consistent, but can sometimes lack the nuance of piezo. Many basses now combine both, giving you more tonal options. Experiment to see what you prefer - it's very subjective.
Should I be looking at a 5-string now?
Not yet. Master the 4-string first. Adding a low B string complicates things significantly - intonation becomes even more critical, and you need a bass and amp capable of handling it. Focus on getting your 4-string technique solid.
What's a 'setup' and why do I need one?
A setup is a luthier's adjustment of the bass - action, intonation, pickup height, etc. Even a brand new bass often needs a setup to play its best. It's like getting a car tuned up - it'll make a huge difference in feel and performance.
Are used basses a good option?
Absolutely! You can often find incredible deals on used instruments. Just be sure to inspect it carefully for neck warps, cracks, and other damage. Bring a friend who knows instruments if you're not experienced.
My bass sounds muddy. What's going on?
It's probably a combination of things - the bass itself, your amp settings, and your playing technique. Start by checking the action and pickup height. EQ adjustments on your amp can also make a big difference. Sometimes, it's just the bass - not everything is a miracle worker.
