AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 5-String Double Basses for Advanced 2026
The top pick is Meister Rubner Double Bass No.62 4/4 5-string ($9,597). Thomann 11/5str 3/4 Europe Double Bass gives you the most for the money at $2,335. Master Bucur Double Bass Bucur 5-S o.p.b. leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 16 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- 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 ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This is a seriously special instrument, folks. Ioan Bucur's one-off 5-string offers incredible depth and warmth thanks to that gorgeous one-piece ash back – a real investment for the serious solo bassist or someone wanting a unique voice. It's built to a very high standard, but that limited production run is something to consider.
Pros
- One-piece ash back delivers exceptional warmth and resonance.
- Solid spruce top provides clarity and projection across the spectrum.
- Antique-style Rubner tuners ensure precise and stable tuning.
Cons
- The 5-string configuration limits versatility for certain orchestral playing.
- One-off production means replacement parts and future servicing will be challenging.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$24,467 now$24,467€21,900 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This bass has a bright spruce top and fancy flamed maple. It comes with a low B-string for extra range. Only five tuners are on the neck. It is built by a famous luthier in Romania. Great for players who want more bass notes and a solid sound.
Pros
- Solid spruce top offers bright, articulate attack.
- Beautifully flamed arched maple back and sides.
- Low B-string extends range for modern players.
Cons
- No weight rating provided for player comfort.
- Single tuners on the neck may be less stable.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,798 now$7,798€6,980 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This Vilagio Ceruti 5-string is a gorgeous instrument, truly echoing the classic Italian sound. Ioan Bucur’s workshop has done an incredible job – the tone is rich and focused, with that deep, resonant low B adding serious depth. It’s ideal for serious students and seasoned players looking for a beautifully crafted, historically-inspired double bass.
Pros
- Ceruti-inspired design offers exceptional tonal projection and beauty.
- Solid spruce top provides clarity and responsiveness across the spectrum.
- Ebony fingerboard ensures smooth playability and precise intonation.
Cons
- The larger body size can be cumbersome for smaller players or those with limited space.
- Master workshop construction means a premium price point; a significant investment.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,798 now$7,798€6,980 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This Vilagio is a seriously impressive instrument, channeling the classic Rogeri sound with a modern 5-string twist. Ioan Bucur’s workshop delivers a refined, powerful bass – perfect for advanced players and orchestral musicians who want a rich, complex tone and expanded low-end capabilities.
Pros
- Rogeri model delivers a warm, resonant, and focused tone.
- Solid spruce top provides excellent projection and clarity.
- Ioan Bucur's craftsmanship ensures exceptional build quality and stability.
Cons
- Premium-priced, representing a significant investment for most players.
- Single machine heads can be less precise than double or geared tuners.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,698 now$7,698€6,890 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
- 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 ↗
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
Thomann 22AS/5str. 3/4 Europe BassThomann59Stable$2,447€2,190$2,447€2,190Check ↗
- 12
Thomann 33AS/5str. 3/4 Europe BassThomann59Stable$2,782€2,490$2,782€2,490Check ↗
- 13
Thomann 33/5str 3/4 Europe Double BassThomann59Stable$2,894€2,590$2,894€2,590Check ↗
- 14
Thomann 44AS/5str. 3/4 Europe BassThomann59Stable$3,564€3,190$3,564€3,190Check ↗
- 15
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Gamba 5-Str. IBScala Vilagio54Stable$7,362€6,590$7,362€6,590Check ↗
- 16
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Panormo 5-Str. IBScala Vilagio54Stable$7,474€6,690$7,474€6,690Check ↗
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
Neck Profile & Ergonomics
Advanced players need a neck that feels right. A thin, fast profile might be great for shredding, but it can compromise sustain and articulation. We're looking for something comfortable for long gigs, with a bit of heft that allows for controlled dynamics and nuanced bowing - a D-shape or a comfortable C-shape is often the sweet spot.
Low-End Response & Thump
A 5-string's value is in that extra low end, but it's easy to get muddy. We assessed how well each bass projects that fundamental low-end thump without sacrificing clarity or getting swallowed by the mix - crucial for cutting through a rock band or blending with a jazz quartet.
Top-End Articulation & Voicing
The top strings shouldn't be an afterthought. A balanced voicing across all strings is essential for seamless transitions and complex passages.
Construction & Wood Choices
Spruce top, maple back and sides - these aren't just buzzwords. The woods significantly impact the bass's tonal character and responsiveness.
Pickup Voicing & Electronics
Piezo pickups can be brittle; magnetic pickups can be muddy. The ideal pickup should capture the instrument's natural resonance without adding unwanted coloration.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking to step up to a 5-string double bass? That's a commitment - more strings mean more complexity, more nuance, and a whole new level of potential. This isn't a beginner's upgrade; it's a tool for serious players who want to explore extended range techniques, richer harmonic textures, and a deeper, more resonant low end. We're cutting through the marketing fluff and focusing on basses that actually deliver for gigging, recording, and pushing your playing forward.
Don't chase the 'extended range' hype if you're not ready for the commitment. A 5-string demands precise technique and a good ear. Be wary of basses that promise 'massive low end' at a budget price - those usually sacrifice clarity and sustain.
Pay attention to the neck profile; it's the most personal aspect, and what feels great in a shop can be torture after a two-hour gig. Spending a little more on a well-built instrument with quality hardware is almost always worth it.
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 5-string double bass harder to play than a 4-string?
Absolutely. The increased string tension requires more finger strength and a refined bowing technique. Intonation can also be trickier to dial in across the extended range.
What's the benefit of a 5-string over a 4-string, really?
It's about tonal possibilities. You get a deeper, more resonant low end for jazz walking, funk grooves, or even metal. It also opens up new melodic and harmonic avenues - you can play more complex basslines and explore extended chords.
Should I get a pickup for my 5-string?
It depends. For acoustic gigs or intimate settings, a natural acoustic tone is often preferred. However, for band rehearsals, recording, or any situation where you need to cut through the mix, a good pickup is essential - just be prepared to spend a bit more to get a decent voicing.
What's the deal with different string gauges for a 5-string?
String gauge is crucial for playability and tone. Heavier gauges offer more fundamental and sustain, but require more finger strength. Lighter gauges are easier to play, but can sound thin and lack projection - experimentation is key.
I'm worried about intonation issues with the low E. Is that a real concern?
It is. The longer scale length of the low E string makes it more susceptible to intonation problems. A well-setup bass with a properly compensated saddle is absolutely essential to ensure accurate tuning across the entire range.
