AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best NS Design 5-String Electric Double Basses 2026
The top pick is NS Design CR5 Upright Bass Amber ($5,798). NS Design WAV5c Bass Brilliant White gives you the most for the money at $2,289. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 9 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 31, 2026
Top 9
Full detail for the 9 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
- 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 17Aug 17$5,798 now$5,798€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 17Aug 17$2,289 now$2,289€2,049 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 17Aug 17$2,112 now$2,112€1,890 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 17Aug 17$3,083 now$3,083€2,760 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 17Aug 17$3,285 now$3,285€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 17Aug 17$3,285 now$3,285€2,940 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 17$2,056 · Aug 17$2,112 now$2,112€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 17$2,067 · Aug 17$2,112 now$2,112€1,890 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.
41AudioFu
Index↑ 4.0%since Aug 17$3,106 · Aug 17$3,229 now$3,229€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 $3,083 — 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
Construction (Bolt-on/3-ply)
NS Design's bolt-on neck construction and unique 3-ply composite body is their signature. It's lighter than traditional wood, which makes for a more comfortable playing experience, especially for longer gigs. The composite body is also incredibly stable - no worrying about humidity warping your neck or top.
Pickup Voicing (Shadow/Seymour Duncan)
The Shadow pickups are the standard, known for a clean, amplified acoustic tone. They're incredibly responsive to dynamics, letting you coax a surprising amount of nuance out of the instrument. Some models come with Seymour Duncan Magnavox pickups, which add a bit more grit and punch-great for rock or funk.
Ergonomics & Neck Profile
NS Design basses are notoriously comfortable. The neck profile is usually a comfortable C-shape, and the weight reduction really makes a difference when you're standing for hours. The body contours are well-thought-out; you can actually play for a long time without fatigue.
Intonation & Action
Bolt-on necks, while having their detractors, often make intonation easier to dial in than set-necks. NS Design basses generally play well right out of the box, but a little setup work - adjusting the action and string spacing - can really elevate the playing experience.
Overall Tone
They don't have that classic 'woody' warmth you get from a traditional double bass. Instead, you get a very direct, articulate tone with a surprising amount of sustain. It's a very 'modern' sound, which can be a huge advantage in a dense mix - you'll cut through without being muddy.
Buying guide
So, you're looking at a 5-string NS Design? Smart move. They've carved out a really unique niche in the electric double bass world, and for good reason. They're not your grandpa's hollowbody, and they're not trying to be. If you need something that cuts through a rock band, or records cleanly without a ton of mic'ing, an NS Design 5-string is absolutely worth a serious look.
NS Designs are a bit of an investment, but they hold their value well. The biggest trade-off is that they lack the vintage vibe and tonal complexity of a high-end wooden bass. Pay attention to the pickup configuration - Shadow for a more acoustic-leaning tone, Seymour Duncan for more rock/funk.
Don't cheap out on strings; good strings will make a massive difference in how these basses sing.
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 14 5-String electric double basses from the Thomann catalogue (of 15 in the category). 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
Are NS Designs good for jazz?
They can be, but they're not a direct replacement for a traditional acoustic double bass. Their clarity and articulation are fantastic for modern jazz styles, but you'll miss that woody warmth. A preamp with some added warmth can help bridge the gap.
How do I get a 'woody' sound from an NS Design?
It's tough. You can try different strings (rounder, more vintage-style windings), a warmer preamp, or even EQ sculpting, but fundamentally, the composite body isn't going to mimic wood. It's a different sonic character.
Are NS Design basses easy to set up?
Relatively. The bolt-on neck makes adjustments straightforward, but the string spacing can take some getting used to, especially if you're coming from a 4-string bass. A professional setup is always a good idea.
What's the difference between the 'Show' and 'Stage' series?
The Stage series are generally considered a step up, with nicer finishes and sometimes upgraded hardware. The difference in tone is subtle, though - more about aesthetics than sound.
Can I use a standard double bass gig bag with an NS Design?
Probably not. The body shape is a bit different, so a standard double bass gig bag might not fit properly. You'll need a dedicated gig bag or hard case designed for electric double basses.
