AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best 5-String Electric Double Basses Under $5,000 2026
The top pick is NS Design WAV5c Bass Brilliant White ($2,289). Ibanez UB805-MOB gives you the most for the money at $1,228. NS Design NXT5a-OB-BK Omni Bass B-G leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 9 models across 2 brands, 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.
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- 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
- 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 17Aug 17$1,228 now$1,228€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 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 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
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 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
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 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 12 models we track, not a sample.
Median $2,335 — half of all 5-String electric double basses here cost less.
median of 12 models · 5-string–5-string
How to choose the best 5-String electric double basses
Neck Profile & Action
A comfortable neck is non-negotiable. A thick, unwieldy neck will kill your playing, and an action that's too high will make it sound buzzy and feel like a chore. We're looking for something manageable, even for smaller hands.
Pickup Voicing
5-string basses are notorious for muddy low-B strings. Good pickups will articulate the low end without losing definition, and offer some tonal versatility. Expect some compromises - a truly 'clean' sound is rare at this price.
Hardware Quality (Tuners & Bridge)
Cheap tuners will make staying in tune a constant battle, and a flimsy bridge will kill sustain and transfer vibrations negatively. Solid, reliable hardware is a must, even if it's not fancy.
Body Wood & Construction
While exotic tonewoods are out of the question, the body wood still influences the bass's resonance and sustain. Look for solid wood bodies where possible - laminate bodies can feel and sound a bit 'dead'.
Electronics & Noise Floor
At this price point, you're likely to encounter some inherent hum. Good shielding and quality pots (potentiometers) can minimize noise, but don't expect absolute silence. A low noise floor allows for more headroom when pushing the amp.
Buying guide
So, you're hunting for a 5-string electric double bass without breaking the bank? It's a sweet spot - you want that extended range for serious low-end thump and melodic possibilities, but $5000 isn't unlimited. Forget the boutique custom shops for now; we're focusing on instruments that deliver real performance and a usable sound for gigs, rehearsals, and tracking, without leaving you eating ramen for a month. Let's find you something that actually plays and sounds decent.
Realistically, at this budget, you're making trade-offs. Expect some compromises in finish quality - small blemishes are common. The biggest corner cut is often in the preamp - don't expect a ton of tonal shaping options.
Focus on finding a bass with a comfortable neck and a pickup that doesn't completely bury the low B. A good setup from a qualified tech is essential - even a great bass can be made unplayable with a poor setup.
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 12 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 piezo pickup better than a magnetic pickup on a 5-string?
It's not a simple answer. Piezo pickups offer a more acoustic-like tone with good transient response, but can be prone to 'wolf tones' and lack low-end warmth. Magnetic pickups are generally warmer and more consistent, but can lack articulation. Many basses now use hybrid systems to get the best of both worlds.
What's the deal with 'extended range' basses? Does it really make a difference?
Extended range (35-36.5" scale) helps minimize string buzz and improves intonation on the lower strings. It's a noticeable improvement, especially if you're playing low-tuned music or need that sub-bass presence. But be aware, shorter scale basses will feel easier to play.
Can I realistically expect a 5-string under $5000 to cut through a live band mix?
It's possible, but it'll require careful EQing and a decent amp with some headroom. A bass with a brighter pickup voicing and a responsive preamp will have an easier time. Don't expect miracles - you'll still need to be mindful of your playing dynamics.
What should I look for in a preamp?
Focus on clean gain and a usable EQ section - bass, mid, treble controls are the basics. Don't get hung up on fancy effects or complex routing. A simple, functional preamp that doesn't add excessive noise is a win.
Should I buy new or used?
Used is almost always the better value. You can often snag a higher-spec instrument for the same price. Just be sure to carefully inspect it for any damage or setup issues before you buy.
