AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best NS Design 4-String Electric Double Basses 2026
The top pick is NS Design NXT4A-CO-BK Active Series Electric Cello ($2,936). NS Design WAV4c-OB-BK Omni Bass gives you the most for the money at $1,775. NS Design CR4 Bass leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 7 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 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
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
The NS Design WAV4c Bass Amberburst is a 4-string WAV electric upright bass with a gloss Amberburst finish. It has a self-powered Polar Piezo pickup and a Pizz/Arco switch, so you can pluck it or bow it. It suits you if you want an electric upright that comes with a tripod stand and gig bag, ready to take to your next gig.
Pros
- Self-powered Polar Piezo pickup built into the bass
- Pizz/Arco switch lets you switch between plucked and bowed playing
- Coform fingerboard gives you a smooth playing surface for everyday practice
Cons
- The Polar Piezo pickup is self-powered, so it needs its own power source to run
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,110 now$2,110€1,890 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 ↗ -
- 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 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 ↗
4-String Electric Double Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 25 models we track, not a sample.
Median $2,119 — 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.
