AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Thomann Child / Youth Double Basses 2026
The top pick is Thomann 33 1/2 Europe Double Bass ($1,954). Thomann 11 1/8 Europe Double Bass gives you the most for the money at $1,329. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 11 models, 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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- 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 ↗ -
- Size1/8 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 ↗ -
- Size1/4 size
This Thomann 1/4 size double bass is a solid starting point for younger or smaller students. The laminated construction keeps the price affordable while the German workshop setup ensures it’s ready to play. It's a dependable choice for those just beginning their double bass journey and needing a manageable size and weight.
Pros
- Laminated top offers surprising projection for a student bass
- European workshop setup ensures a playable, consistent instrument out of the box
- Tyrolean machine heads provide reliable tuning stability for beginners
Cons
- Laminated construction limits tonal complexity compared to solid wood basses
- 1/4 size may feel restrictive for taller or more experienced players
50AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,664 now$1,664€1,490 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 ↗
All 11 child / youth double basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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
Build Quality
Let's be honest, these are plywood instruments. The bracing isn't as sophisticated as you'd find on a higher-end bass, so you'll notice a slight lack of resonance and sustain compared to solid wood. However, Thomann's construction is generally clean, with decent varnish jobs - no glaring structural issues.
Tone Characteristics
Expect a fairly even tone across the strings, leaning slightly towards a warmer, rounder character. They lack that aggressive, cutting edge you'd find on a professional instrument, but that can actually be a good thing for younger players still developing their technique - less harshness to contend with. The low-end thump is present, but won't rattle a room.
Playability
Thomann consistently gets the neck profiles right on their youth basses. They're comfortable to hold and play, even for smaller hands. The action is often a little higher than ideal straight out of the box, but easily adjustable - a good opportunity to teach a young player about setup.
Setup & Intonation
Intonation is usually passable, but a professional setup is almost mandatory. The nut slots and bridge saddles often need tweaking to ensure accurate tuning up and down the neck. It's a common trade-off with instruments in this price bracket.
Value for Money
Considering the price point, Thomann offers a surprisingly good value. You're getting a full-size double bass that's playable and reasonably well-made. It's a significant step above the absolute cheapest options, and a good foundation for future upgrades.
Buying guide
So, you're looking for a double bass for a young player? That's awesome - starting early is a huge advantage. Thomann's stepped up their game in the youth bass market, offering surprisingly decent instruments at prices that won't bankrupt your family. We're not talking heirloom-quality here, but they're a solid entry point for serious students and budding bassists who need something more substantial than a toy.
Don't expect miracles. These basses are built to a price, and that means compromises. Prioritize playability - a comfortable neck is more important than a pristine varnish job.
Budget for a setup by a qualified luthier; it will dramatically improve the instrument's performance. And remember, a good student is more important than a good bass - this is a starting point, not a lifetime instrument.
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 11 child/youth double basses from the Thomann catalogue (of 25 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 Thomann youth basses suitable for orchestral playing?
They're fine for school orchestras and beginner ensembles, but they won't have the projection and tonal complexity of a professional bass. They'll hold their own in a less demanding setting.
What's the difference between the different Thomann youth bass sizes?
They offer 1/8, 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 sizes. Measure the student's arm length to determine the correct size - a bass that's too big will be difficult and frustrating to play.
Can I upgrade the strings on a Thomann youth bass?
Absolutely! Upgrading to a better set of strings (like Pirastro Tonica or D'Addario Activa) will make a noticeable difference in tone and playability. It's one of the easiest and most cost-effective upgrades you can do.
Do I need to buy a bow and case separately?
Yes, most Thomann youth bass packages don't include a bow or case. Factor those into your budget - a decent bow is essential for producing a good sound, and a case will protect the instrument from damage.
What's the warranty like on Thomann instruments?
Thomann offers a standard warranty covering manufacturing defects. Read the fine print; it doesn't cover damage from misuse or wear and tear. A good setup from a local luthier is a better investment than relying solely on the warranty.
