AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 4-String Electric Double Basses Under $800 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton DB02-LH/BK Elec. Double Bass ($668). Harley Benton DB01-BK Electric Double Bass gives you the most for the money at $496. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 2 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 2
Full detail for the 2 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 ↗ -
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 ↗
4-String Electric Double Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 9 models we track, not a sample.
Median $668 — half of all 4-String electric double basses here cost less.
How to choose the best 4-String electric double basses
Pickup Voicing
In this price range, expect compromises. Some pickups will lean toward a muddy low-end thump, others might be overly bright and thin. We're looking for something with a decent balance and some ability to articulate notes without sounding brittle.
Neck Profile & Setup
A comfortable neck is crucial, especially for longer gigs. Many affordable basses ship with a high action, so be prepared to either adjust it yourself or take it to a tech. Neck stability is also a factor - look for a truss rod you can adjust.
Hardware Quality
Tuners, bridge, and tailpiece are often the first things to fail on budget instruments. Expect some play in the tuners, and potentially some buzzing from a less-than-perfect bridge. Upgrading these later is a common upgrade path.
Body Wood & Construction
Don't expect mahogany or figured maple. Most will be nato or similar tonewoods. Construction is usually bolt-on, which isn't inherently bad, but it can impact sustain and resonance compared to a glued-in neck.
Overall Build Quality
Finish flaws, sharp fret edges, and sloppy hardware installation are common at this price point. These aren't deal-breakers, but they're indicators of overall attention to detail (or lack thereof).
Buying guide
So, you're looking for a 4-string electric double bass without breaking the bank? That's a smart move - you don't need to spend five figures to get something that'll cut through the mix in a rock band or lay down a solid foundation for a jazz ensemble. This list focuses on basses under $800 that actually deliver a usable, gig-worthy experience, not just a pretty picture on a website. We're talking about instruments you can rely on, even if they aren't perfect.
At this price point, you're making trade-offs. Don't expect boutique-level tone or flawless construction. Focus on the neck - a comfortable neck profile and a reasonable action will make a huge difference in your playing experience.
Upgrading the pickups later is an easy and relatively inexpensive way to improve the sound, but a bad neck is a pain to live with. Factor in the cost of a setup - it's almost always necessary.
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. 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
Will this bass sound like a Sadowsky?
Absolutely not. Those basses cost $3000+. This will get you a usable, giggable bass, but it's in a different league. Manage your expectations.
Can I record with this bass?
Yes, but you might want to experiment with EQ and compression to tame any harsh frequencies or lack of definition. A decent preamp can also make a big difference.
What about active vs. passive pickups?
Passive is generally the safer bet in this price range. Active pickups require batteries and can sometimes sound artificial. A good passive pickup with a quality preamp is often preferable to a cheap active system.
How important is the wood?
Less important than the neck and pickups. Tonewood's impact is often overstated, especially in the lower price brackets. A well-setup bass with decent pickups will sound better than a fancy wood bass with a bad neck and cheap electronics.
Should I buy used?
Definitely. You can often find much better deals on used instruments. Just be sure to inspect it carefully for neck issues and excessive wear.
