AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best 5-String Electric Double Basses 2026
The top pick is NS Design CR5 Upright Bass Amber ($5,795). Ibanez UB805-MOB gives you the most for the money at $1,227. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 10 models across 2 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All 5-String Electric Double BassesTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Strings5-string
- BodyMaple body
If you want an electric upright bass that you can play with a bow or with your fingers, this one is built for that. It has a maple body, a Richlite fingerboard, and a bridge you can raise or lower. It comes with a tripod and bag, so you can set it up and carry it easily.
Pros
- Maple body gives this bass a sturdy build for you to play
- Polar bridge pickup system works in both arco and pizzicato modes
- Height adjustable bridge lets you set the bridge height to suit your playing
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$5,795 now$5,795€5,190 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This is a five-string electric upright bass with a self-powered polar piezo pickup and a Pizz. / Arco switch, so you can play plucked or bowed. It comes with a NXT / WAV tripod stand and a gig bag, so you have what you need to carry and set it up. It suits you if you want an electric upright with a rosewood fingerboard and a Brilliant White Gloss finish.
Pros
- Five-string setup adds a low extra string for wider range
- Self-powered polar piezo pickup built into the instrument
- Pizz. / Arco switch lets you change between plucked and bowed playing
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,288 now$2,288€2,049 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
You get a 5-string electric double bass with a maple body and a maple and walnut neck-thru build. It has an AeroSilk piezo pickup system with active EQ, volume, and tone controls, and it comes with a Tama Roadpro stand and gigbag. This suits you if you want an electric upright with hands-on control over your sound and a ready-to-go package.
Pros
- Maple body with a maple and walnut neck-thru construction
- AeroSilk piezo pickup system with active sound control
- Active EQ plus volume and tone controls for shaping your sound
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,227 now$1,227€1,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This is a 5-string electric double bass in a high-gloss amberburst finish. It has a self-powered polar piezo pickup and a Pizzicato / Arco switch, so you can pluck it or bow it. It suits you if you want a bass that is ready to plug in and comes with a strap and bag.
Pros
- Self-powered polar piezo pickup is built into the instrument, so it is ready to plug in
- Pizzicato / Arco switch lets you move between plucking and bowing
- Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) fingerboard gives you a fingerboard made from that wood
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,110 now$2,110€1,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This is a 5-string electric upright bass with a maple neck and body, a Rich Lite composite fingerboard, and a polar pickup system. You get a selector to switch between arco (bowed) and pizzicato (plucked) playing, plus volume and tone controls. It comes with a charger, gigbag and tripod stand, so it suits you if you want an electric upright that is ready to take to a gig.
Pros
- Dual mode active output lets you switch between arco bowing and pizzicato plucking
- Polar pickup system with volume and tone controls to shape your amplified sound
- Maple neck and body paired with a Rich Lite composite fingerboard
Cons
- Active electronics need the included charger, so keep it handy before a gig
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,082 now$3,082€2,760 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This is a 5-string electric omni bass with a 34" scale and a Richlite fingerboard. It has a pizzicato and arco switch, so you can pluck it or bow it. It suits you if you want a bass that handles both plucked and bowed playing, and it comes with a gig bag and boomerang strap to carry it.
Pros
- Polar pickup system picks up the bass from the instrument's body
- Active dual mode output gives you two ways to plug into your setup
- Battery-less design means you never have to swap batteries
Cons
- Active electronics need a power supply, since there are no batteries
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,283 now$3,283€2,940 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This is a five-string electric double bass tuned B, E, A, D, G, so it reaches lower notes than a standard four-string bass. It has a polar pickup system, a Pizzicato and Arco switch for plucking or bowing, and comes with a bag, charger and boomerang strap. It suits you if you want a double bass you can carry and plug in with less setup than a traditional acoustic instrument.
Pros
- Polar pickup system is built into the instrument for plugging in
- Active dual mode output gives you two ways to connect
- Battery free concept means no batteries to swap during a gig
Cons
- Charger is included, so you will need a power source to keep it charged
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,283 now$3,283€2,940 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This is a 5-string electric omni bass with a self-powered polar piezo pickup and a Pizzicato / Arco switch, so you can pluck or bow. It comes with a Boomerang strap and bag, which makes it a handy pick if you want an electric bass that is ready to go in a trans red high-gloss finish.
Pros
- Self-powered polar piezo pickup gives you a built-in signal for amplification
- Pizzicato / Arco switch lets you move between plucked and bowed playing
- Coform fingerboard is a synthetic material that holds up well over time
42AudioFu
Index↑ 2.7%since Aug 17$2,054 · Aug 17$2,110 now$2,110€1,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
You get a 5-string electric double bass with a self-powered Polar Piezo pickup and a Pizzicato / Arco switch, so you can play plucked or bowed. It has a rosewood fingerboard and a high-gloss black finish, and it comes with a Boomerang strap and a bag. This suits you if you want a bass with a built-in pickup that is ready to play out of the box.
Pros
- Self-powered Polar Piezo pickup built into the instrument
- Pizzicato / Arco switch lets you play plucked or bowed
- Rosewood (Dalbergia latifolia) fingerboard
42AudioFu
Index↑ 2.2%since Aug 17$2,066 · Aug 17$2,110 now$2,110€1,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This is a 5-string electric upright bass with a maple body and neck and a Richlite fingerboard. It has a polar pickup system, a selector for arco and pizzicato playing, and volume and tone controls. It comes with a charger, gigbag and tripod stand, so it suits you if you want an electric upright that is ready to take along.
Pros
- Active dual mode output with a polar pickup system for amplified sound
- Selector switch lets you switch between arco and pizzicato playing
- Maple body and maple neck with a Richlite composite fingerboard
Cons
- Volume and tone controls are the only controls it has
41AudioFu
Index↑ 4.0%since Aug 17$3,104 · Aug 17$3,227 now$3,227€2,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
5-String Electric Double Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 15 models we track, not a sample.
Median $2,342 — half of all 5-String electric double basses here cost less.
median of 15 models · 5-string–5-string
How to choose the best 5-String electric double basses
Neck Profile & Width
A wider neck is almost mandatory on a 5-string, especially if you're coming from a 4-string. You need space for your fingers! Different profiles - C, D, V - will affect your hand comfort and speed; try before you buy if possible. A thin neck on a 5-string is a recipe for frustration.
Scale Length
Standard scale (34") is common, but some builders offer longer scales (36" or even 38") to tighten up that low B and improve definition. A longer scale helps prevent that muddy, undefined low-end that can plague 5-strings. It's a trade-off though - longer scale means higher string tension.
Pickup Voicing
The pickup is everything on an electric upright. A bright, ice-picky pickup will sound harsh, especially when amplified. You want something with a warm, woody tone and a good amount of headroom - the ability to get dirty without completely falling apart. Consider whether you need a piezo, magnetic, or hybrid system depending on your desired tone.
Body Wood & Construction
While not as critical as the neck and pickup, the body wood does affect the overall tone and resonance. Spruce is common for its responsiveness, but maple or mahogany can add warmth. Construction - laminated vs. solid - affects sustain and resonance; solid bodies generally offer better tone, but are more expensive.
Bridge & Tailpiece
A well-designed bridge and tailpiece are crucial for intonation and sustain. Cheap hardware can rattle and buzz, killing your tone. Look for bridges with adjustable saddles for fine-tuning intonation, especially important with the added string tension.
Buying guide
So, you're looking to add a fifth string to your upright game? Smart move - that extra low B opens up a whole world of possibilities, from slapping funk to laying down serious low-end in a jazz ensemble. But jumping to a 5-string isn't just about adding a string; it's a different beast. Let's break down what you need to know to find a 5-string electric double bass that'll actually work for you, whether you're gigging, recording, or just jamming in your basement.
Don't chase the cheapest option - corners get cut somewhere, usually in neck stability, hardware quality, or pickup voicing. A poorly made 5-string will be a constant frustration. Pay attention to the neck - a straight neck and good action are non-negotiable.
And honestly, try before you buy if you can; the feel of the neck is incredibly personal.
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 15 5-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
Is a 5-string double bass harder to play than a 4-string?
Yes, generally. The wider neck and increased string tension demand more finger strength and dexterity. It's a learning curve, but the tonal rewards are worth it.
What's the deal with the low B string? Is it just a gimmick?
Not at all. The low B adds serious low-end thump and opens up a whole new world of musical possibilities. It's essential for funk, jazz fusion, and anything where you need that deep, resonant foundation.
Can I just add a 5th string to my existing 4-string bass?
Technically, yes, but it's not recommended. You'll likely need to modify the neck, bridge, and potentially the tailpiece, and the results are rarely good. It's better to buy a bass specifically designed for a 5th string.
What kind of amp do I need for a 5-string electric upright?
You'll want an amp with plenty of headroom and a warm, round tone. Solid-state amps can work, but a tube amp often delivers a more authentic upright sound. Don't skimp on the speaker - a 12" or 15" speaker will handle the low frequencies better.
What's the best string gauge for a 5-string upright?
It depends on your scale length and preferred tension, but generally, you'll need heavier gauge strings than on a 4-string to maintain proper intonation and avoid a floppy feel. Experiment to find what works best for you - start with a medium-heavy gauge and adjust from there.
