AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Child / Youth Double Basses for Professional 2026
The top pick is Stentor SR1438 Double Bass 1/4 ($3,227). Alfred Stingl by Höfner AS-180-B Double Bass 1/2 gives you the most for the money at $1,664. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 23 models across 4 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Size1/4 size
The Stentor SR1438 is a fantastic starting point for younger, smaller double bass students. Being entirely solid wood, it offers a surprisingly mature sound and feel that you often don't find in entry-level instruments. It’s a solid investment for those serious about learning the double bass and progressing beyond a fiberglass model.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a surprisingly resonant, warm tone for a student bass.
- Maple back and sides contribute to a focused, clear projection.
- Ebony fingerboard provides a smooth playing surface, crucial for developing technique.
Cons
- 1/4 size can feel cramped for taller students, limiting long-term growth.
- Included bow is functional but basic; an upgrade will significantly improve tone.
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,227 now$3,227€2,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size1/2 size
This Gewa 1/2 size is a fantastic option for young players or adults who prefer a smaller, more comfortable bass. The solid spruce top provides a surprisingly mature sound, and the build quality is excellent for a semi-solid instrument. It's a great balance of playability, tone, and value for students and casual players.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a surprisingly rich, resonant tone for its class
- Individual brass machine heads offer precise and smooth tuning stability
- Hand-applied dark brown varnish adds aesthetic appeal and protects the wood
Cons
- Laminated back and sides limit the overall tonal complexity compared to all-solid instruments
- The slightly antique finish might not appeal to players seeking a modern aesthetic
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,222 now$2,222€1,990 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 solid 1/2 size bass built for kids who need a reliable instrument. It arrives ready to play after being carefully set up in Germany for any style you prefer. The maple back is sturdy and the endpin adjusts easily for different heights. Just remember you will need to order a bow separately and wait a few days for the final tuning.
Pros
- Ready to play from the German specialist workshop
- Individual setup for jazz, classical, or rockabilly styles
- Laminated maple back provides strong structural integrity
Cons
- No bow included in the box
- Shipping requires heavy freight carrier delivery
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,775 now$1,775€1,590 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size1/4 size
This is a 1/4 size double bass with a solid spruce top and a laminated maple arched back. It comes with Daddario Prelude strings and is set up in Thomann's workshop in Germany. When you order, you can tell the shop your playing style, such as jazz or classical, in the comment box, so the bass is set up for how you play. It suits a young player who is starting out on upright bass.
Pros
- Solid spruce top with laminated maple arched back
- Ebony round fingerboard, made of Diospyros ebenum
- Tyrolean machine heads and height-adjustable endpin
Cons
- Shipping is delayed by about two to three days for setup
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,887 now$1,887€1,690 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size1/2 size
If you need a half-size double bass for a young player, this one has a solid spruce top and an arched maple back. It comes with Daddario Prelude strings, an ebony fingerboard and Tyrolean machine heads. Each bass is set up in the Thomann workshop in Germany for the style you choose, so it is ready to play when it arrives. It suits a child or youth who wants a real acoustic bass to learn on.
Pros
- Solid spruce top gives the bass a traditional acoustic build
- Arched laminated maple back suits a real double bass construction
- Round ebony fingerboard, a classic choice for a double bass neck
Cons
- Its 1/2 size suits young or smaller players, not full-size adults
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,954 now$1,954€1,750 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size1/4 size
This Gewa 1/4 size is a solid choice for younger or smaller students stepping up from fractional sizes. The solid top gives it a surprisingly rich tone, and the overall build quality is excellent for an instrument in this category – it's ready to play and sounds much more mature than you'd expect for a student model.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a surprisingly resonant and mature tone.
- Individual brass machine heads offer smooth, precise tuning adjustments.
- Ebony fretboard provides a comfortable playing surface and excellent note definition.
Cons
- 1/4 size limits its suitability for taller or more experienced players.
- Laminated back and sides, while cost-effective, slightly dampen high-end projection.
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,110 now$2,110€1,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
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 ↗ -
- Size1/16 size
The Stentor SR1950 is a solid starting point for young double bass students. Its spruce top gives a good initial projection, and the German workshop setup is a nice touch. It’s a well-made, dependable instrument for those just beginning their double bass journey, providing a good balance of affordability and playability.
Pros
- Solid spruce top offers a responsive, bright tone for developing players
- Laminated maple back provides stability and a warm counterpoint to the top
- Height-adjustable pegbox simplifies setup and caters to varying arm lengths
Cons
- The included French bow is a basic model, needing upgrades for serious study
- Laminated construction limits the potential for long-term tonal complexity
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,064 now$2,064€1,849 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 33 1/8 Europe Double BassThomann50Stable$1,552€1,390$1,552€1,390Check ↗
- 13
Thomann 22 1/8 Europe Double BassThomann50Stable$1,552€1,390$1,552€1,390Check ↗
- 14
Thomann 22 1/10 Europe Double BassThomann50Stable$1,552€1,390$1,552€1,390Check ↗
- 15
Gewa Basic Line Semi Solid Bass 1/2Gewa49Stable$1,518€1,360$1,518€1,360Check ↗
- 16
Gewa Basic Line Semi Solid Bass 1/8Gewa49Stable$1,518€1,360$1,518€1,360Check ↗
- 17
Gewa Basic Line Semi Solid Bass 1/4Gewa49Stable$1,518€1,360$1,518€1,360Check ↗
- 18
Gewa Basic Line Laminated Bass 1/16Gewa56Stable$1,217€1,090$1,217€1,090Check ↗
- 19
Thomann 11 1/8 Europe Double BassThomann50Stable$1,329€1,190$1,329€1,190Check ↗
- 20
Thomann 11 1/10 Europe Double BassThomann50Stable$1,440€1,290$1,440€1,290Check ↗
- 21
Gewa Basic Line Laminated Bass 1/8Gewa49Stable$1,217€1,090$1,217€1,090Check ↗
- 22
Gewa Basic Line Laminated Bass 1/2Gewa49Stable$1,217€1,090$1,217€1,090Check ↗
- 23
Gewa Basic Line Laminated Bass 1/4Gewa49Stable$1,217€1,090$1,217€1,090Check ↗
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
Scale Length & Neck Profile
A shorter scale (3/4 or even 7/8) can be manageable, but the neck profile must feel comfortable and allow for clean articulation at speed. A thick, unwieldy neck will kill technique, regardless of size. We're looking for something that mimics a full-size neck as closely as possible, offering comfortable access to the upper registers.
Top Wood & Soundpost Placement
The top wood significantly impacts the bass's responsiveness and tonal character. Spruce is standard, but the quality matters - look for a tight grain and even figure. Soundpost placement is crucial for projection and sustain; a poorly placed post will choke the low-end thump.
Bassbar & Rib Construction
The bassbar transfers vibrations from the top to the back, influencing tone and projection. A weak bassbar will result in a muddy, lifeless sound. Similarly, robust rib construction contributes to structural integrity and resonance - flimsy ribs mean a bass that won't hold up to serious playing.
Action & Setup
A low action is critical for fast playing, but too low and you'll get fret buzz. A proper setup from a qualified luthier is absolutely essential, regardless of the manufacturer. Expect to spend some money here - a good setup is an investment.
Headroom & Dynamic Range
A professional player demands a bass that can handle a wide range of dynamics, from a whisper-quiet pizzicato to a powerful arco swell. The instrument needs to articulate cleanly across the entire spectrum, without collapsing under pressure or exhibiting unwanted breakup.
Buying guide
So, you've got a prodigy on your hands - a young bassist with the chops of a seasoned pro. But finding a double bass that can keep up with that level of skill and ambition isn't easy. Forget those entry-level instruments designed for beginners; we're talking about basses that can handle demanding repertoire, gigging scenarios, and the sheer physicality of a serious player. This isn't about size, it's about capability.
Don't be swayed by cute aesthetics or marketing fluff. This isn't a toy; it's a serious instrument. Expect to pay a premium for quality construction and materials - corners are always cut on youth-sized instruments, but you want to minimize those compromises.
Prioritize a bass with a responsive top, a comfortable neck, and the potential for a professional-level setup; you'll thank yourself later when you're recording a session or holding down a gig.
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
Are 3/4 basses suitable for teenagers?
It depends entirely on the player's height and hand size. A taller teenager with larger hands might still benefit from a 7/8 size. Always have the player try several sizes before committing.
What's the difference between a student bass and a 'professional' youth bass?
Student basses often use cheaper woods and simpler construction techniques, sacrificing tonal complexity and responsiveness. Professional youth basses aim to replicate the characteristics of full-size instruments, using higher-quality materials and more meticulous craftsmanship.
Can a youth bass be upgraded?
Certain components, like the soundpost and strings, can be upgraded to improve tone. However, fundamental limitations in the top wood or bassbar are difficult to overcome.
What about electric pickups? Are they a worthwhile addition?
If the player needs to cut through a band mix or record with amplified tones, a quality pickup is essential. Just be aware that pickup voicing can significantly alter the instrument's character - choose carefully.
How much should I expect to spend?
A truly professional-grade youth double bass starts around $2000 and can easily exceed $4000. Don't be tempted by cheaper options - you'll likely end up replacing it sooner than you think.





