AudioFuAudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 5-String Electric Double Basses for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Ibanez UB805-MOB ($1,237). NS Design CR5 Upright Bass Amber leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 10 models across 2 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 18, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Strings5-string
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
The UB805-MOB is a solid entry into the 5-string electric double bass market. It’s a great option for gigging musicians or students looking for a versatile, amplified instrument with a good feel and a decent acoustic foundation. The AeroSilk pickup system is a pleasant surprise, offering a surprisingly organic tone.
Pros
- Jatoba fingerboard offers a snappy, responsive feel for quick playing.
- AeroSilk piezo system delivers a surprisingly natural acoustic-like tone.
- Maple/Walnut neck-thru construction provides excellent sustain and resonance.
Cons
- The plastic nut can be a limiting factor for ultimate tuning stability.
- Mahogany Oil Burst finish might be prone to minor scratches and wear.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$1,237 now$1,237€1,099 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
The NS Design WAV5c-OB-AB is a fantastic option for gigging musicians wanting a compact, self-contained 5-string setup. Its piezo pickup offers surprising arco potential, and the rosewood board feels great under the fingers—perfect for a bassist who needs versatility and portability without sacrificing tonal quality.
Pros
- Rosewood fingerboard offers smooth playability and warm tone
- Self-powered piezo pickup simplifies amplification and offers arco capability
- Amberburst high-gloss finish is visually striking and protects the wood
Cons
- The piezo pickup, while versatile, can sound brittle without careful EQ
- The body construction, while lightweight for a 5-string, can still feel cumbersome
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$2,127 now$2,127€1,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
This NS Design WAV5c-OB-TR is a fantastic option for gigging bassists who want a 5-string without the amp haul. The built-in pickup system is surprisingly good, offering both pizzicato and arco capabilities, and the Coform neck makes it a joy to play – really a great all-rounder for a wide range of genres.
Pros
- Coform fingerboard offers exceptional comfort and speed for demanding players
- Self-powered piezo pickup delivers a surprisingly natural and versatile tone
- Boomerang strap provides excellent stability and comfort during extended playing
Cons
- The piezo pickup, while versatile, can lack the warmth of magnetic pickups in certain styles
- The body weight, typical for a 5-string, might be a concern for smaller players
42AudioFu
Index↑ 2.7%since Aug 14$2,071 · Aug 14$2,127 now$2,127€1,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
The NS Design WAV5c-OB-BK is a fantastic option for gigging musicians needing a versatile, amplified double bass. Its compact design, built-in preamp, and comfortable setup make it a great choice for smaller stages or players who want to avoid pedalboards. It’s particularly well-suited for folk, jazz, and contemporary styles.
Pros
- Rosewood fingerboard offers warm tone and comfortable playability
- Polar Piezo pickup delivers surprisingly natural and articulate amplified sound
- Boomerang strap provides excellent comfort for extended playing sessions
Cons
- The self-powered pickup might lack the nuance of a higher-end external preamp
- WAV basses are known to be a bit neck-heavy, requiring careful strap adjustment
42AudioFu
Index↑ 2.2%since Aug 14$2,082 · Aug 14$2,127 now$2,127€1,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- BodyMaple body
The CR5 is a fantastic option for gigging upright players wanting electric versatility. It’s surprisingly portable and the Polar pickups really shine in both acoustic and amplified settings. Ideal for players seeking a quality instrument without the full acoustic upright footprint.
Pros
- Richlite fingerboard provides a smooth, consistent playing experience.
- Polar pickup system delivers excellent clarity and dynamic response.
- Maple body offers a balanced, articulate tone with good projection.
Cons
- The 106 cm scale can feel a bit short for players accustomed to full-scale basses.
- Richlite, while durable, doesn’t offer the traditional ‘feel’ of wood.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$5,840 now$5,840€5,190 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
The NS Design WAV5c is a fantastic entry into the electric upright world. It’s surprisingly portable and sounds remarkably good both pizzicato and arco thanks to that piezo pickup. Ideal for gigging musicians needing a compact, self-contained, and versatile double bass solution, especially those in smaller spaces or needing quick setup times.
Pros
- Rosewood fingerboard provides excellent feel and sustain
- Polar piezo pickup delivers a surprisingly natural acoustic tone
- Self-powered design eliminates the need for external amplification
Cons
- Brilliant White Gloss finish can be prone to fingerprints and scratches
- The WAV series, while comfortable, can feel a bit 'compact' for larger players
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$2,306 now$2,306€2,049 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
The NXT5a-DB-SB is a fantastic option for gigging musicians who need a reliable and versatile electric double bass. The 5-string configuration expands your harmonic possibilities, and the active electronics give you a clean, amplified sound that cuts through any mix – it’s a real workhorse instrument for jazz, funk, and contemporary styles.
Pros
- Rich Lite fingerboard provides exceptionally fast and comfortable playing feel
- Polar pickup system delivers a remarkably natural and balanced amplified tone
- Dual mode switch offers versatile arco and pizzicato response for varied playing
Cons
- The composite construction, while durable, lacks the traditional resonance of a wood bass
- Satin sunburst finish, while attractive, can be prone to fingerprints and smudges
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$3,106 now$3,106€2,760 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
The NXT5a-DB-BK is a fantastic choice for gigging upright players wanting electric convenience. The 5-string range and active electronics make it incredibly versatile, and the maple/Richlite build feels solid and professional. It's a premium-priced instrument, but delivers serious bang for your buck for the quality and playability.
Pros
- Richlite fingerboard offers exceptional feel and stability.
- Polar pickup system delivers a surprisingly natural acoustic tone.
- Maple construction provides a balanced, resonant tonal foundation.
Cons
- The weight, while manageable, can still be tiring for extended gigs.
- Richlite, while excellent, lacks the traditional visual appeal of ebony.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$3,128 now$3,128€2,780 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
The NXT5a-OB-AB is a seriously well-thought-out 5-string. The Polar pickup system gives you a really articulate and present sound, perfect for modern pop, jazz, and anything needing clarity. It’s a great option for gigging musicians who want a reliable and versatile bass without the fuss of batteries.
Pros
- Richlite fingerboard offers exceptional playability and stability.
- Polar pickup system delivers a remarkably natural and balanced tone.
- Battery-less design simplifies setup and eliminates power concerns.
Cons
- The composite construction, while stable, lacks the warmth of traditional wood.
- The Omni Bass's versatility, while broad, might not suit extreme genres.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$3,308 now$3,308€2,940 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
The NXT5 Omni Bass is a seriously cool instrument. The B-G tuning unlocks a whole new range of possibilities, and the active electronics give you a powerful, defined sound that cuts through a mix. It's an excellent choice for players who want a versatile, modern electric double bass for a variety of genres – especially those who appreciate a lighter, more responsive feel.
Pros
- Richlite fingerboard offers a smooth, fast playing experience.
- Polar pickup system delivers a remarkably balanced and articulate tone.
- Battery-free design simplifies setup and eliminates charging hassle.
Cons
- The composite construction, while durable, lacks the traditional warmth of wood.
- The extended scale length (34 in) can be challenging for smaller players.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 14Aug 14$3,308 now$3,308€2,940 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
5-String Electric Double Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 15 models we track, not a sample.
Median $2,352 — 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
Playability
A lower action and a comfortable neck profile are absolutely crucial when you're building technique. High action and a thick neck will just make learning harder and more frustrating - trust me, I've been there.
Pickup Voicing
Beginners often get overwhelmed by tone, but the pickup's character really matters. We're looking for something that's versatile enough to cover a range of genres without sounding brittle or muddy. That ice-picky top end isn't your friend right now.
Body Wood & Construction
Solid wood bodies generally offer better resonance and sustain, but for a beginner, a well-built laminate body can be a perfectly acceptable compromise to keep the price down. Cheap construction, though, means buzzing and instability.
Hardware Quality
Tuners that hold pitch are non-negotiable. Cheap tuners will drive you insane, constantly needing to be retuned. A decent bridge and tailpiece contribute to sustain and intonation, too.
Scale Length & String Spacing
The longer scale length (typically 34") of a double bass can feel unwieldy at first. Wider string spacing gives your fingers more room to maneuver, which is a huge help when you're developing finger independence.
Buying guide
So, you're thinking about jumping into the 5-string electric double bass world? It's a serious upgrade from the 4-string, opening up a whole new range of possibilities, especially in jazz, funk, and fusion. But let's be real, a 5-string can be a beast to learn, and not all of them are created equal, especially for someone just starting out. We'll break down five solid options that won't completely destroy your budget or your technique.
Don't chase the 'pro' features right away. Focus on playability and a decent, usable tone. Many cheaper 5-strings will have compromises - the pickups might be a little dull, the finish might not be perfect, but a buzzing neck or poor intonation is a deal-breaker.
Consider buying used; you can often get a better instrument for your money, and someone else has already taken the risk of dealing with any manufacturing quirks. And seriously, get it set up by a luthier - it's the single best investment you can make.
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?
Absolutely. The extra string adds complexity and requires more finger dexterity and coordination. The wider neck can also feel a bit more cramped initially.
What kind of amp do I need for an electric double bass?
You'll want an amp with a decent amount of headroom. A small practice amp can work, but for band rehearsals or gigs, a 15-30 watt combo amp with a 10-12 inch speaker will give you a fuller, more articulate tone.
Do I need a piezo or magnetic pickup?
Piezo pickups are common and offer a more acoustic-like tone, but can be prone to 'quack' if not dialed back. Magnetic pickups are closer to an electric bass sound. Many basses use a combination of both.
What's the difference between a solid wood and a laminate body?
Solid wood generally resonates better and has a warmer tone, but it's more expensive and susceptible to temperature and humidity changes. Laminate bodies are more stable and affordable, but may lack some of the tonal complexity.
Should I buy a 5-string upright or a short-scale version?
Full-scale (34") is standard, but short-scale (30-32") can be easier on your hands and back. However, short-scale basses often have intonation issues and a less defined low-end thump.
