AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best NS Design 4-String Electric Double Basses 2026
The top pick is NS Design NXT4A-CO-BK Active Series Electric Cello ($2,960). NS Design WAV4c Bass Translucent Red gives you the most for the money at $2,023. NS Design CR4 Bass leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 7 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 18, 2026
Top 7
Full detail for the 7 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
The NXT4a-DB-SB is a solid choice for gigging upright players wanting a reliable, amplified sound. It's got a comfortable neck, a warm tone, and the dual-mode pickup makes it versatile for both arco and pizzicato styles. This is a great option for players looking for a premium-priced, portable electric double bass without the high-end boutique price tag.
Pros
- Richlite fingerboard offers a smooth, consistent playing experience.
- Polar pickup system delivers a balanced, natural amplified tone.
- Maple construction provides a warm, resonant foundation.
Cons
- The satin burst finish, while attractive, can show fingerprints easily.
- Maple body contributes to a relatively heavy instrument for extended playing.
63AudioFu
Index↑ 1.9%since Aug 14$2,903 · Aug 14$2,960 now$2,960€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
The NS Design NXT4a-DB-BK is a fantastic entry point into the world of electric double basses. It's incredibly versatile, handling both bowed and plucked styles beautifully, and the active electronics really boost its stage presence. Ideal for gigging musicians or students looking for a premium-priced, professional-grade instrument.
Pros
- Richlite fingerboard offers exceptional playability and consistent feel.
- Polar pickup system delivers a remarkably balanced arco and pizzicato tone.
- Maple body provides a responsive, articulate foundation for the instrument's sound.
Cons
- The satin black finish, while attractive, can show fingerprints easily.
- The weight, typical for a double bass, can be fatiguing for extended playing sessions.
62AudioFu
Index↑ 3.9%since Aug 14$2,903 · Aug 14$3,016 now$3,016€2,680 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings4-string
The NS Design WAV4c is a fantastic option for gigging upright bass players who want a self-contained, amplified sound. It’s surprisingly portable and easy to set up, making it ideal for smaller venues and studio work. The translucent red finish is a real bonus, giving it a premium look and feel.
Pros
- The translucent red finish is gorgeous, showcasing the bass’s construction.
- Polar Piezo pickup delivers a remarkably natural and warm acoustic-electric tone.
- Coform fingerboard offers a comfortable playing experience, reducing fatigue during long sessions.
Cons
- The body, while lightweight for an electric upright, still demands upper-body strength.
- The piezo pickup, while good, lacks the nuanced dynamic range of a magnetic system.
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$2,023 now$2,023€1,798 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings4-string
The NS Design WAV4c-OB-BK is a seriously convenient and surprisingly capable bass. It’s a great option for gigging musicians needing a portable, self-contained setup, or for those exploring arco techniques without a traditional acoustic double bass. The build quality is solid for the price point and the sound is surprisingly versatile.
Pros
- Excellent intonation thanks to the Coform fingerboard design.
- The self-powered piezo pickup offers surprising versatility for arco and pizzicato.
- High-gloss black finish looks sharp and is surprisingly durable.
Cons
- The body, while resonant, can feel a little 'plastic-y' compared to wood basses.
- Limited tonal shaping options beyond the pizz/arco switch.
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$1,789 now$1,789€1,590 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 14Aug 14$5,503 now$5,503€4,890 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.
40AudioFu
Index↑ 2.5%since Aug 14$3,128 · Aug 14$3,207 now$3,207€2,850 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
35AudioFu
Index↑ 1.9%since Aug 14$1,789 · Aug 14$1,823 now$1,823€1,620 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
4-String Electric Double Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 25 models we track, not a sample.
Median $2,136 — 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 & Ergonomics
NS Design really nailed the neck. It's consistently comfortable - not too thick, not too thin - making long gigs far less fatiguing. The shoulder cutaway is well-executed, giving you access to those lower frets without feeling like you're wrestling the instrument.
Pickup Voicing & Tone
Their Shadow pickups are a signature. You get a really natural, woody tone that's surprisingly responsive to dynamics. It's not going to give you a scooped, overly-processed sound unless you really dial it in that way - which is a plus for preserving that upright vibe. You can get a nice, warm thump or push it into a gritty breakup with some overdrive, but it's not inherently 'ice-picky'.
Construction & Build Quality
They're built in Indonesia, which means you're trading some of the prestige of a European-made bass, but you're gaining in affordability. The hardware is generally solid; the tuners hold well, and the finish is durable enough for gigging. Don't expect heirloom-quality craftsmanship, but they're built to withstand the rigors of regular use.
String Resonance & Sustain
The extended scale length (34" or 35" depending on the model) contributes to impressive sustain and a clear, fundamental tone. The body design, often incorporating a chambered construction, also helps to project the low-end frequencies while keeping the weight manageable. It really cuts through a band mix.
Electronics & Headroom
The onboard preamps are generally clean and transparent. They offer enough headroom to handle a decent amount of gain without getting muddy. The lack of extensive EQ controls is a trade-off - you'll likely be relying more on your amp and effects for tonal shaping, but it keeps the signal path simple and avoids unwanted coloration.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk NS Design 4-string electric double basses. For years, they've been the go-to for players needing a solid, reliable, and surprisingly versatile electric double bass without breaking the bank - and for good reason. They've carved out a real niche, especially for players who want that upright feel with the amplified convenience, and a little less of the traditional European craftsmanship price tag. Whether you're gigging with a rockabilly band or laying down serious low-end in a recording studio, NS Design deserves a close look.
NS Design 4-strings are a fantastic value, but be realistic. The lower-end models might have slightly less refined finishes and a bit more fret sprout, but they're still playable. Spending a bit more for a higher-grade wood like flamed maple will improve the aesthetics and slightly enhance the tone.
Pay close attention to the neck relief and action - a good setup from a qualified tech is essential for any bass, but especially important for an instrument with this long scale.
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 9 4-String electric double basses from the Thomann catalogue (of 25 in the category). 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
Are NS Design basses easy to transport?
They're surprisingly manageable, especially the chambered models. Still, a 34" or 35" bass isn't a ukulele - a gig bag or a decent hard case is a must.
How do NS Design pickups compare to Lahey pickups?
Laheys are often considered a premium upgrade, offering a more aggressive, vintage-style tone. NS Design's Shadows are more natural and balanced, preserving the acoustic character of the bass better. It's a matter of preference - Laheys are great for rockabilly and blues, NS Designs are more versatile.
Can I use roundwound strings on an NS Design?
Absolutely. They handle roundwounds just fine, although you might need to adjust the string spacing slightly. Flatwounds will give you a smoother, more mellow tone.
What's the difference between the 34" and 35" scale basses?
The 35" scale offers a bit more string tension and a slightly deeper low-end thump. It's a subtle difference, but some players prefer the feel and response of the longer scale.
Do I need an amp to play an NS Design?
While you can technically play it acoustically, you'll be missing out on the electric qualities. You'll need an amplifier - a full-range bass amp is ideal, but even a decent keyboard amp will do the job.
