AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Child / Youth Double Basses 2026
The top pick is Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-180-B Double Bass 1/2 ($1,664). Gewa Basic Line Laminated Bass 1/16 gives you the most for the money at $1,217. Stentor SR1438 Double Bass 1/2 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 23 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All Child/Youth Double BassesTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-180-B Double Bass 1/
2 Not on Reverb yet2 finishes at Thomann
- Size1/2 size
This is a half-size double bass, a good fit for a child or young player. It has a veneered spruce top, a veneered maple body, and a shape like a viola da gamba. You get ebony fittings and a height adjustable bridge, which make it easy to set up to your liking.
Pros
- Veneered spruce top paired with a veneered maple body
- Gold-brown hand-applied spirit varnish gives it a finished look
- Ebony fittings throughout the instrument
59AudioFu
Index↓ 16.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,999 · Aug 17$1,664 now$1,664€1,490 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Size1/2 size
This is a half-size double bass, sized for a young player. It has a solid spruce top, a solid maple back, an ebony fingerboard, and Daddario Prelude strings. If you are a young bassist or buying one for a young player, it is a good fit, and the workshop sets it up for the playing style you pick. Just tell the team your style in the comment field when you order.
Pros
- Solid spruce top gives the bass its top plate
- Solid maple back adds a sturdy base for the body
- Round ebony fingerboard, a classic choice for bass players
Cons
- Ships about 2-3 days later because of the workshop setup
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,954 now$1,954€1,750 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Size1/4 size
This is a 1/4 size double bass made for a child or young player. It has a solid spruce top, a solid maple flat back, and an ebony fingerboard, and it comes with Daddario Prelude strings. It is set up and made ready to play in Germany before it ships, and the endpin height can be adjusted. It suits a young student who is just starting out on the double bass.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for the sound board
- Solid maple flat back for the body
- Round ebony fingerboard
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,999 now$1,999€1,790 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size1/2 size
This is a half-size double bass for kids and smaller players who want a full solid wood instrument. You get a solid spruce top, solid maple back and sides, an ebony fingerboard, and brass tuners. It comes made ready to play in Germany, with a padded bag and a wooden bow, so you can start practicing right away.
Pros
- Completely made of solid wood, from top to sides
- Solid spruce top gives the body a solid, sturdy core
- Solid maple back and sides, with an ebony fingerboard
Cons
- Only a padded bag is included, not a hard case
57AudioFu
Index↓ 10.8%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$3,114 · Aug 17$2,779 now$2,779€2,489 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Size1/16 size
This is a 1/16 double bass, made for children and young players. It has a laminated wood top, back and sides, an ebony fingerboard and a viola da gamba body shape. If you are buying for a young student who is just starting out on bass, this is a good fit.
Pros
- Laminated wood top, back and sides for a sturdy build
- Ebony fingerboard for a smooth, dark playing surface
- Maple bridge and Tyrolean-style machine heads included
Cons
- Laminated wood is not solid wood, so it has no solid top or back
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,217 now$1,217€1,090 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size1/8 size
This Thomann 1/8 double bass is a solid entry point for young students or smaller players getting into the instrument. The German-made construction and spruce top give it a surprisingly good sound, and the setup process means it'll be playable right out of the box. It's a well-rounded package for a beginner, offering a good foundation for developing proper technique.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers surprisingly warm, resonant tone for its class
- German craftsmanship ensures good build quality and consistent playability
- Ebony fretboard offers a smooth playing surface, resisting wear
Cons
- Laminated back and sides limit potential for complex overtones and projection
- 1/8 size is strictly for younger or smaller players, limiting long-term use
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,329 now$1,329€1,190 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size1/10 size
This Thomann 1/10 Europa is a solid starter bass for younger students or those needing a smaller instrument. The European setup is a real bonus, meaning it's playable right away, and the laminated construction provides decent volume without being overly complex. It's a well-built option for those just starting their double bass journey.
Pros
- European workshop setup ensures a playable instrument out of the box
- Laminated maple back provides good projection for a student bass
- Ebony fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience and durability
Cons
- Laminated construction limits tonal complexity compared to solid wood models
- 1/10 size is restrictive for taller players or those needing a full-scale feel
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,440 now$1,440€1,290 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size1/8 size
This is a small 1/8 double bass, sized for a child or youth player. It has a solid spruce top, a solid maple back, and an ebony fingerboard, and it comes with Daddario Prelude strings. Each bass is set up in the workshop for your playing style, so expect a couple of extra days before it ships.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for a resonant, well-built acoustic body
- Flat, solid maple back paired with the spruce top
- Ebony fingerboard with a round profile
Cons
- Ships about 2-3 days later due to workshop setup
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,552 now$1,552€1,390 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size1/8 size
This is a 1/8 size double bass, built for a young player who wants a real acoustic instrument to learn on. It has a solid spruce top, an arched laminated maple back, an ebony fingerboard, and Daddario Prelude strings. If you are buying for a child or teen, this one is a solid base to grow into. Because it is set up in the workshop for a certain playing style, mention the style you want when you order.
Pros
- Solid spruce top, a traditional material for a resonant acoustic voice
- Arched laminated maple back gives the bass a sturdy body
- Round ebony fingerboard, a classic choice for comfortable playing
Cons
- Comes without a case or bag, so you will need to buy one separately
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,552 now$1,552€1,390 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size1/10 size
This is a 1/10 size double bass with a solid spruce top and an arched laminated maple back. It is made in Europe and set up in Germany at Thomann's string workshop. You can tell the shop your preferred string action when you order, so it suits a young player or someone who wants a small bass. Plan for a few extra days before it ships.
Pros
- Solid spruce top
- Arched laminated maple back
- Round ebony fingerboard
Cons
- String action must be requested in the order comment field
- Shipping takes about two to three extra days for finishing and set-up
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,552 now$1,552€1,390 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 23 child / youth double basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Thomann 11 1/4 Europe Double BassThomann50Stable$1,664€1,490$1,664€1,490Check ↗
- 12
Thomann 11 1/2 Europe Double BassThomann50Stable$1,775€1,590$1,775€1,590Check ↗
- 13
Thomann 22 1/4 Europe Double BassThomann50Stable$1,887€1,690$1,887€1,690Check ↗
- 14
Thomann 22 1/2 Europe Double BassThomann50Stable$1,954€1,750$1,954€1,750Check ↗
- 15
Gewa Basic Line Laminated Bass 1/8Gewa49Stable$1,217€1,090$1,217€1,090Check ↗
- 16
Gewa Basic Line Laminated Bass 1/2Gewa49Stable$1,217€1,090$1,217€1,090Check ↗
- 17
Gewa Basic Line Laminated Bass 1/4Gewa49Stable$1,217€1,090$1,217€1,090Check ↗
- 18
Gewa Basic Line Semi Solid Bass 1/2Gewa49Stable$1,518€1,360$1,518€1,360Check ↗
- 19
Gewa Basic Line Semi Solid Bass 1/8Gewa49Stable$1,518€1,360$1,518€1,360Check ↗
- 20
Gewa Basic Line Semi Solid Bass 1/4Gewa49Stable$1,518€1,360$1,518€1,360Check ↗
- 21
Gewa Premium Line Solid Top DB 1/4Gewa49Stable$2,110€1,890$2,110€1,890Check ↗
- 22
Gewa Premium Line Solid Top DB 1/2Gewa49Stable$2,222€1,990$2,222€1,990Check ↗
- 23
Stentor SR1950 Double Bass Stud.1/16Stentor45Stable$2,064€1,849$2,064€1,849Check ↗
Child/Youth Double Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 25 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,664 — half of all child/youth double basses here cost less.
most common · 25 models
How to choose the best child/youth double basses
Size/Scale Length
This is paramount. Too big, and they'll struggle. Too small, and they'll outgrow it quickly. Common sizes are 3/4, 1/2, and 1/4, but measure their arm reach - a tape measure is your friend. A 3/4 might be a good fit for a 10-12 year old, but it's not a guarantee.
Top Material
Spruce is the standard for a reason - it offers a good balance of responsiveness and projection. Lower-priced basses often use softer woods like poplar or basswood, which will be darker sounding and less lively, though not necessarily 'bad' - just different. Expect less sustain and a more muted response.
Back & Sides Material
Maple tends to be brighter and more articulate, while mahogany offers a warmer, more mellow tone. Again, cheaper basses will use less desirable woods like sapele or meranti, which will soften the overall sound. This impacts how easily the bass cuts through a band - a critical factor for young players.
Action & Neck Profile
High action (string height) makes it a struggle to play, especially for smaller hands. A thick, unwieldy neck profile can also be a problem. Ideally, the action should be comfortably low without excessive buzzing - something that's often overlooked on cheaper instruments.
Construction/Setup
A bass that's poorly constructed or hasn't been properly set up will be a nightmare to play. Check for sharp fret ends, uneven seams, and a neck that's bowed excessively. A proper setup - including a bridge adjustment and string leveling - can make a huge difference.
Buying guide
So, your kiddo wants to play upright bass? Fantastic! It's a beast of an instrument, and getting them started right is key to avoiding frustration and fostering a genuine love for the bass. Finding the right size and build quality is more critical than with a guitar - a poorly sized bass can seriously hinder their development. This isn't about finding the prettiest instrument; it's about finding one that's playable, sounds decent, and won't have them wrestling with it every time they pick it up.
Don't be swayed by flashy finishes or low prices alone. Cheap basses often cut corners on wood quality and construction, leading to a muddy tone and a frustrating playing experience. Spending a little more on a reputable brand with a solid spruce top and a decent setup is worth it.
Remember, a playable bass encourages practice and fosters a love for the instrument - a struggling player is less likely to stick with 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 25 child/youth 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
What's the difference between a 3/4 and a 1/2 size bass?
Scale length is the main difference. 3/4 is around 32-33.5 inches, 1/2 is around 30-32 inches. The shorter scale of a 1/2 size makes it easier to reach notes, but it can also result in a slightly 'floppy' feel and a less defined tone. It's really about the player's size and comfort.
Can I upgrade the strings on a cheaper bass?
Absolutely! Strings are the easiest and most impactful upgrade you can make. A set of decent D'Addario or Pirastro Universal strings can dramatically improve the tone and playability of even a budget instrument.
Are electric upright basses a good option for a beginner?
They can be, but it adds another layer of complexity. A pickup can be helpful for cutting through a band, but it also introduces electronics that can fail. A purely acoustic bass is a better starting point to learn the fundamentals.
What about composite basses (carbon fiber)?
They're incredibly durable and lightweight, which is a plus for younger players. However, they often lack the warmth and resonance of a traditional wood bass, and they come with a significant price tag. Probably not the best choice for a first bass.
Should I buy used?
Definitely! You can often find a much better quality instrument for the same price as a new, lower-end model. Just be sure to inspect it carefully for cracks, warping, and other damage, and ideally have a luthier check it out.





