Best 5-String Double Basses 2025

Top-rated 5-string double basses 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

Thomann 11/5str 3/4 Europe Double Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Thomann 11/5str 3/4 Europe Double Bass

Orchestra Jazz Modern Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Extended low range with C extension
✓ PROS
  • • Greater versatility in repertoire
  • • Modern orchestral requirement
✗ CONS
  • • Requires extended technique
  • • More complex fingerboard navigation

Thomann 11/5str 3/4 Europa Double Bass5-String Double Bass with Low B-stringSize: 3/4With a laminated top and arched...

4.9/5 (8 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
6/10
Meister Rubner Double Bass No.69 4/4 5-Str. - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Meister Rubner Double Bass No.69 4/4 5-Str.

Contemporary Classical Modern Ensemble Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Enhanced solo capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low range with C extension
  • • Enhanced solo capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Additional string maintenance
  • • Requires extended technique

Meister Rubner Double Bass No.69 4/4 5-Str.5-String Double BassSize: 4/4Fully solid solo instrument in the shape of a...

4.9/5 (30 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Thomann 33/5str 3/4 Europe Double Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Thomann 33/5str 3/4 Europe Double Bass

Modern Ensemble Solo Performance Contemporary Classical
Key Feature:
• Professional standard feature
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low range with C extension
  • • Greater versatility in repertoire
✗ CONS
  • • Additional string maintenance
  • • More complex fingerboard navigation

Thomann 33/5str 3/4 Europe Double BassBuilt Completely Out of Solid Wood 5-String Double Bass with Low B StringSize:...

4.8/5 (42 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Ceruti 5-Str. IB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Scala Vilagio Double Bass Ceruti 5-Str. IB

Orchestra Jazz Contemporary Classical
Key Feature:
• Modern orchestral requirement
✓ PROS
  • • Enhanced solo capabilities
  • • Greater versatility in repertoire
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string
  • • Heavier instrument overall

Scala Vilagio Double Bass Ceruti 5-Str. IB5-String Double BassWith low B-stringBeautiful full solid double bass in a...

4.5/5 (27 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Rogeri 5-Str. IB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Scala Vilagio Double Bass Rogeri 5-Str. IB

Orchestra Jazz Modern Ensemble
Key Feature:
• Extended low range with C extension
✓ PROS
  • • Greater versatility in repertoire
  • • Professional standard feature
✗ CONS
  • • Additional string maintenance
  • • Heavier instrument overall

Scala Vilagio Double Bass Rogeri 5-Str. IB5-String Double BassWith low B stringBeautiful full solid double bass in...

4.7/5 (24 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Thomann 44AS/5str. 3/4 Europe Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Thomann 44AS/5str. 3/4 Europe Bass

Orchestra Contemporary Classical Jazz
Key Feature:
• Extended low range with C extension
✓ PROS
  • • Modern orchestral requirement
  • • Greater versatility in repertoire
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier instrument overall
  • • More expensive than 4-string

Thomann 44AS/5str. 3/4 Europe Bass5-String Double Bass With Low B-StringSolid 3/4 double bass with solid spruce top and...

5.0/5 (2 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Meister Rubner Double Bass No.62 4/4 5-string - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Meister Rubner Double Bass No.62 4/4 5-string

Solo Performance Jazz Contemporary Classical
Key Feature:
• Extended low range with C extension
✓ PROS
  • • Greater versatility in repertoire
  • • Enhanced solo capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string
  • • Requires extended technique

Meister Rubner Double Bass No.62 4/4 5-string5-String Double BassSize: 4/4Artist instrument in the shape of a viola da...

4.6/5 (19 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Georg Walther Concert Double Bass 3/4 5S DB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Georg Walther Concert Double Bass 3/4 5S DB

Jazz Orchestra Contemporary Classical
Key Feature:
• Enhanced solo capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Greater versatility in repertoire
  • • Professional standard feature
✗ CONS
  • • More complex fingerboard navigation
  • • Additional string maintenance

Georg Walther Concert Double Bass 3/4 5S DB5-String Double BassSize: 3/4Concert instrumentWith low B stringFully solid...

4.4/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Panormo 5-Str. IB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

Scala Vilagio Double Bass Panormo 5-Str. IB

Orchestra Modern Ensemble Solo Performance
Key Feature:
• Greater versatility in repertoire
✓ PROS
  • • Greater versatility in repertoire
  • • Enhanced solo capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • Requires extended technique
  • • Heavier instrument overall

Scala Vilagio Double Bass Panormo 5-Str. IBSolid 5-String Double BassWith low B stringFull solid double bass in violin...

4.8/5 (46 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Thomann 44/5str 3/4 Europe Double Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Thomann 44/5str 3/4 Europe Double Bass

Modern Ensemble Jazz Solo Performance
Key Feature:
• Enhanced solo capabilities
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low range with C extension
  • • Enhanced solo capabilities
✗ CONS
  • • More complex fingerboard navigation
  • • More expensive than 4-string

Thomann 44/5-str 3/4 Europa Double BassDouble BassSize: 3/45-String Double Bass with Low H-string3/4 double bassmade...

4.4/5 (29 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
6/10
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Gamba 5-Str. IB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Scala Vilagio Double Bass Gamba 5-Str. IB

Contemporary Classical Modern Ensemble Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Extended low range with C extension
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low range with C extension
  • • Modern orchestral requirement
✗ CONS
  • • More expensive than 4-string
  • • More complex fingerboard navigation

Scala Vilagio Double Bass Gamba 5-Str. IB5-String Double BassWith low B-stringBeautiful full solid double bass in viola...

4.7/5 (51 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Thomann 22AS/5str. 3/4 Europe Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Thomann 22AS/5str. 3/4 Europe Bass

Contemporary Classical Solo Performance Jazz
Key Feature:
• Greater versatility in repertoire
✓ PROS
  • • Modern orchestral requirement
  • • Greater versatility in repertoire
✗ CONS
  • • Additional string maintenance
  • • Heavier instrument overall

Thomann 22AS/5str. 3/4 Europe Bass5-String Double Bass With Low B-StringSemi-solid 3/4 double bass with solid spruce...

4.6/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Master Bucur Double Bass Bucur 5-S o.p.b. - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Master Bucur Double Bass Bucur 5-S o.p.b.

Solo Performance Jazz Orchestra
Key Feature:
• Greater versatility in repertoire
✓ PROS
  • • Enhanced solo capabilities
  • • Greater versatility in repertoire
✗ CONS
  • • More complex fingerboard navigation
  • • Requires extended technique

Master Bucur Double Bass Bucur 5-S o.p.b.5-String Double BassLimited Edition - one-off productionWith one-piece ash...

4.5/5 (49 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
7/10
Thomann 33AS/5str. 3/4 Europe Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Thomann 33AS/5str. 3/4 Europe Bass

Jazz Contemporary Classical Solo Performance
Key Feature:
• Extended low range with C extension
✓ PROS
  • • Extended low range with C extension
  • • Modern orchestral requirement
✗ CONS
  • • Heavier instrument overall
  • • More expensive than 4-string

Thomann 33AS/5str. 3/4 Europe Bass5-String Double Bass With Low B-StringSolid 3/4 double bass with solid spruce top and...

4.7/5 (15 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10

How to Choose the Best 5-String Double Basses

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced 5-string double basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

We use cookies to improve your experience. Learn more