AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 5-String Double Basses 2026
The top pick is Thomann 44/5str 3/4 Europe Double Bass ($3,564). Thomann 11/5str 3/4 Europe Double Bass gives you the most for the money at $2,335. Meister Rubner Double Bass No.69 4/4 5-Str. leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 16 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
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All 5-String Double BassesTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Strings5-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Size3/4 size
This Thomann 3/4 double bass is a solid entry point for students and smaller-statured players looking for a 5-string instrument. The all-solid wood build and Pirastro strings give it a surprisingly mature voice, and the European workshop setup ensures it’s playable right out of the box. It's a great balance of quality and affordability for someone starting out or needing a travel bass.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a responsive, clear, and projecting tone.
- European craftsmanship ensures quality construction and attention to detail.
- The low H-string expands range and offers a richer bass foundation.
Cons
- 3/4 size may feel cramped for taller or larger players.
- Solid wood construction means it’s susceptible to humidity changes.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,564 now$3,564€3,190 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size3/4 size
This Thomann 3/4 double bass is a great entry point for aspiring bassists, especially those needing a smaller instrument. The build quality is surprisingly good for the price, offering a warm, full sound suitable for jazz, classical, and even rockabilly, thanks to that low B string. It's a solid, playable instrument ready to go.
Pros
- Solid European construction ensures quality and reliable intonation.
- Laminated maple back provides warmth and projection for varied styles.
- The 3/4 size is ideal for students and smaller players.
Cons
- Laminated top limits potential for exceptional high-end complexity and resonance.
- Tyrolean machine heads can feel a bit stiff compared to premium options.
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,335 now$2,335€2,090 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size3/4 size
This Thomann 22AS is a seriously well-equipped 5-string, especially considering the price. The 3/4 size makes it comfortable for younger players or those who prefer a more manageable instrument, while the spruce top and quality strings deliver a surprisingly mature tone – it’s a great option for students and gigging musicians alike.
Pros
- Solid spruce top provides a responsive, clear, and articulate tone.
- Tyrolean machine heads offer smooth, precise tuning stability.
- The 3/4 size is ideal for students and players with shorter arms.
Cons
- Semi-solid construction may lack the resonant depth of a fully hollow body.
- Satin antiqued finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can be prone to fingerprints.
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,447 now$2,447€2,190 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size3/4 size
This Thomann 33AS is a surprisingly capable 5-string bass for the price. The 3/4 size makes it a great choice for younger players or those who prefer a more compact instrument, and the solid wood construction gives it a mature, resonant tone. It's a solid entry point into the world of 5-string double basses.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a warm, resonant, and projecting tone.
- Tyrolean machine heads offer smooth, precise tuning stability.
- 3/4 size is ideal for students and players needing a more manageable instrument.
Cons
- The satin antiqued finish might not appeal to players wanting a glossier look.
- 3/4 size, while beneficial for some, may feel cramped for larger players.
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,782 now$2,782€2,490 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size3/4 size
This Thomann 33/5str is a solid entry point into the 5-string double bass world. The 3/4 size is a great option for students or players who prefer a more manageable instrument, and the all-solid wood construction provides a surprisingly mature sound for its class. It’s a well-built instrument ready to play, offering good value for the money.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a warm, responsive fundamental tone.
- European craftsmanship ensures consistent build quality and attention to detail.
- 3/4 size makes it ideal for younger or smaller players.
Cons
- Solid maple back may lack the projection of more figured woods.
- Tyrolean machine heads can feel a bit stiff compared to premium tuners.
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,894 now$2,894€2,590 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size3/4 size
This Thomann 44AS is a surprisingly capable 5-string bass, especially considering the price point. The solid construction and spruce top give it a nice warmth, while the 3/4 size makes it very manageable for younger or smaller players. It's a fantastic option for students or anyone needing a reliable, affordable 5-string without sacrificing too much in terms of tone and feel.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a warm, responsive fundamental tone.
- Tyrolean machine heads offer smooth, precise tuning stability.
- 3/4 size is ideal for students and smaller players.
Cons
- Satin antiqued finish might not appeal to players preferring a glossier aesthetic.
- Solid maple back can be a bit dense, potentially impacting sustain slightly.
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,564 now$3,564€3,190 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size4/4 size
This German-made bass sounds like a viola da gamba with a deep, rich tone thanks to its solid spruce top. The low B string lets you play lower notes than standard models. It is a fully solid instrument built to last, but you won't know how heavy it feels without a weight spec. It suits players who want that classic, resonant sound and need extra low range.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for strong fundamental tone
- Gamba shape offers unique resonance characteristics
- Rubber individual tuners ensure stable tuning
Cons
- No weight measurement provided for handling
- High price point limits buyer options
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,586 now$7,586€6,790 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size3/4 size
This Georg Walther 5-string is a seriously refined instrument. The viola da gamba design gives it a uniquely warm and complex tone, perfect for orchestral work or players seeking a more antique sound. It's a premium-priced option built for the discerning double bassist who prioritizes tone and craftsmanship.
Pros
- Solid European spruce top delivers exceptional projection and warmth
- Viola da gamba shape offers a unique, resonant tone and aesthetic
- Rubner tuners ensure precise and stable intonation, crucial for 5-string playing
Cons
- 3/4 size might be restrictive for taller players or those with longer arms
- The dark spirit varnish, while traditional, can be challenging to repair
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,586 now$7,586€6,790 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size4/4 size
The Meister Rubner No. 62 is a truly gorgeous instrument—the viola da gamba styling sets it apart, and the solid spruce top sings with a rich, resonant tone. This is a serious player’s bass, ideal for soloists or anyone wanting a historically-inspired voice. It's a statement piece for those who demand both beauty and exceptional performance.
Pros
- Solid German spruce top delivers exceptional projection and warmth.
- Rubner individual tuners ensure precise and stable intonation.
- Viola da gamba shape offers a unique aesthetic and comfortable playing experience.
Cons
- The spirit varnish, while beautiful, can be sensitive to humidity changes.
- 5-string configuration limits versatility for certain orchestral passages.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$9,597 now$9,597€8,590 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size4/4 size
This Meister Rubner No. 69 is a serious instrument – the viola da gamba shape and 5-string setup give it a unique voice. It’s ideal for advanced players and soloists seeking a rich, nuanced sound with exceptional projection; the build quality is truly top-tier, justifying the investment for the discerning double bassist.
Pros
- Exceptional spruce top yields a warm, responsive, and complex tone.
- Hand-applied spirit varnish enhances the wood’s resonance and beauty.
- Rubner tuners offer precise and stable tuning, critical for 5-string work.
Cons
- The spirit varnish, while beautiful, can be sensitive to humidity changes.
- The 5-string configuration limits versatility for certain orchestral passages.
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$16,088 now$16,088€14,400 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 16 5-String double basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Gamba 5-Str. IBScala Vilagio54Stable$7,362€6,590$7,362€6,590Check ↗
- 12
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Panormo 5-Str. IBScala Vilagio54Stable$7,474€6,690$7,474€6,690Check ↗
- 13
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Rogeri 5-Str. IBScala Vilagio54Stable$7,698€6,890$7,698€6,890Check ↗
- 14
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Bucur 5-Str. IBScala Vilagio54Stable$7,798€6,980$7,798€6,980Check ↗
- 15
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Ceruti 5-Str. IBScala Vilagio54Stable$7,798€6,980$7,798€6,980Check ↗
- 16
Master Bucur Double Bass Bucur 5-S o.p.b.Master Bucur53Stable$24,467€21,900$24,467€21,900Check ↗
5-String Double Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 16 models we track, not a sample.
Median $7,586 — half of all 5-String double basses here cost less.
median of 16 models · 5-string–5-string
most common · 10 models
How to choose the best 5-String double basses
Scale Length
The standard 3/4 size is common, but a full 4/4 will offer more sustain and a deeper low-end response - crucial if you're aiming for that sub-bass thump. Shorter scales are easier to manage for smaller hands but sacrifice some of that low-end authority.
Wood Selection
Spruce tops are bright and responsive, ideal for recording and cutting through a band. Maple backs and sides offer a warmer, more focused tone, while walnut brings a bit of that 'fat midrange honk' that's great for jazz. These aren't just marketing terms; they sound different.
Neck Profile & Setup
A comfortable neck is paramount, especially when you're navigating those extra strings. Look for a profile that fits your hand, and pay close attention to the action - a high action will make those low strings feel like wrestling alligators. A good setup makes all the difference.
Bridge & Tailpiece
The bridge is where the strings' vibrations transfer to the body. A well-fitted bridge, ideally ebony or rosewood, contributes to even tone and sustain. The tailpiece affects the bass's responsiveness and intonation; cheap tailpieces can introduce unwanted overtones and buzz.
Pickup Voicing (if applicable)
Many 5-string basses are amplified. The pickup voicing drastically alters the sound. Some pickups are scooped and aggressive, perfect for funk, while others aim for a more natural acoustic tone - listen for how they handle dynamics and breakup; do they get muddy when pushed?
Buying guide
So, you're thinking about adding a 5-string double bass to your arsenal? Smart move - that extra string unlocks a whole new world of low-end possibilities, from jazz walking lines to slapping funk grooves. But jumping into a 5-string isn't like grabbing a new amp; it's a different beast. This isn't just about more notes; it's about a different balance of tension, projection, and that fundamental growl that needs to cut through the mix without sounding muddy.
A 5-string double bass is a serious investment. Don't chase the 'bling' - focus on the fundamentals: a comfortable neck, a solid setup, and a wood combination that suits your playing style. Corners get cut on cheap basses in the form of inferior wood, sloppy construction, and pickups that sound sterile.
It's often worth stretching your budget for a bass that feels and sounds right, as it'll inspire you to play more and sound better in the long run.
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 16 5-String 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
Is a 3/4 size 5-string enough?
It depends. For younger players or those with smaller hands, a 3/4 is perfectly fine and easier to handle. But if you want that full, resonant low-end and a more traditional feel, a 4/4 is the way to go. It's a trade-off between portability and tonal depth.
What's the deal with fanned frets?
Fanned frets are designed to improve intonation across the extended range. They're a modern innovation, and some players love them, while others find them awkward. Try one before you buy - it's not a universal solution.
How important is the finish?
The finish primarily affects the bass's aesthetics and how it breathes. A thicker, glossy finish can dampen the tone slightly, while an open-pore finish allows more resonance. It's a subtle difference, but worth considering if you're a tone purist.
Can I easily switch from a 4-string to a 5-string?
There's an adjustment period. The increased string tension and wider neck require more finger strength and a slightly different technique. It's not a massive leap, but be prepared to practice.
What about amplification? Do I need a special preamp?
Not necessarily, but a preamp designed for double basses can really help shape the tone and provide more headroom. Many modern pickups have built-in preamps, so do your research and listen to demos before committing.
