AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Lefthanded Double Basses 2026
The top pick is Thomann 22AS/5str/LH 3/4 Europe Bass ($2,668). Thomann 11 3/4 LH Europe Double Bass gives you the most for the money at $1,999. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All Lefthanded Double BassesTop 6
Full detail for the 6 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Strings5-string
- Size3/4 size
If you play bass and need a left-handed five-string, this one is built for you. It has a solid spruce top, a laminated maple back, an ebony fretboard, and Pirastro strings, and it comes ready to play. It suits players who want a 3/4 size double bass with a low B-string and an endpin you can adjust to your height.
Pros
- Solid spruce top paired with an arched laminated maple back
- Round ebony fretboard fitted with Tyrolean machine heads
- Five strings with a low B-string for extended range
Cons
- Scale length of approx. 105 cm makes it a large instrument to carry around
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,668 now$2,668€2,390 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size3/4 size
You get a fully solid 3/4 double bass with five strings and a low B-string, so it suits you if you need extra low notes. It is left-handed, has a solid spruce top and a solid maple back, and comes ready to play with Pirastro Flexocor Deluxe strings. It makes sense if you want a solid, ready-to-play left-handed bass in a smaller size.
Pros
- Fully solid construction with a solid spruce top and flat solid maple back
- Five strings, including a low B-string for extra low range
- Pirastro Flexocor Deluxe stringing, made ready to play in Germany
Cons
- At a scale of approx. 105 cm, it is a 3/4 size bass, so it suits smaller players or tighter spaces
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,892 now$2,892€2,590 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size3/4 size
You get a solid 3/4 five-string double bass with a low B-string, strung and ready to play. It suits left-handed players who want a smaller bass with a wider low range. The solid spruce top and maple back make it a good choice if you want an all-wood instrument.
Pros
- Solid spruce top and arched solid maple back give it an all-wood build.
- Five strings with a low B-string extend the range below standard four-string basses.
- Pirastro Flexocor Deluxe strings come fitted, so it is made ready to play.
Cons
- Left-handed build means it only suits players who play left-handed.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,115 now$3,115€2,790 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This is a 3/4 size left-handed double bass with a laminated top and an arched laminated maple back. You get a round ebony fingerboard, Tyrolean tuners, and a height adjustable spine. If you play left-handed and want a smaller bass, this one is worth a close look.
Pros
- Laminated top and arched laminated maple back for a sturdy build
- Round ebony fingerboard
- Tyrolean tuners included
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,999 now$1,999€1,790 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This is a left-handed 3/4 double bass with a solid spruce top and a maple back. You can tell the shop the string height you want when you order, and it will be set up for your style, such as jazz or classical. It suits you if you play left-handed and want a bass that is adjusted to how you play before it ships.
Pros
- Made in Europe, with final work done in Thomann's German string workshop
- Solid spruce top paired with an arch laminated maple back
- Round ebony fingerboard with tuners in the Tyrolean style
Cons
- Left-handed model, so fewer teachers and players may be set up to use it
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,110 now$2,110€1,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
You get a 3/4 size double bass with a solid spruce top and a flat solid maple back. It is made for left-handed players and has a round ebony fingerboard. Each bass is set up in the workshop for your playing style, so tell the shop how you want the string action when you order.
Pros
- Solid spruce top gives the bass a strong, stable base
- Flat solid maple back paired with the spruce top
- Round ebony fingerboard with a classic feel
Cons
- Each bass is adjusted to order, so shipping takes two to three extra days
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,445 now$2,445€2,190 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Lefthanded Double Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 6 models we track, not a sample.
most common · 6 models
How to choose the best lefthanded double basses
Size & Scale Length
A full-size (4/4) is standard, but smaller sizes (3/4, 1/2) exist for younger or smaller players. Scale length (typically 33.5" for full-size) directly impacts string tension and ease of playing; shorter scales are easier to manage but can sacrifice some low-end thump.
Wood & Construction
Spruce tops are common for brightness and projection, while maple backs and sides offer warmth and sustain. Laminated woods are cheaper, but solid wood generally offers better resonance and tonal complexity - a critical factor if you're recording.
Neck Profile & Action
A comfortable neck is paramount. Thicker 'C' shapes are common, but try before you buy. Action (string height) significantly impacts playability; too high, and it's a wrestling match; too low, and you'll get buzzing. A good setup is ESSENTIAL.
Bridge & Soundpost
The bridge transfers string vibrations to the body; a poorly fitted bridge will kill the tone. The soundpost, a small wooden dowel inside the bass, is crucial for tone and projection - a misplaced soundpost will make the bass sound thin and lifeless.
Pickup Voicing (if applicable)
If you need to amplify, the pickup's voicing is key. Cheap piezo pickups can sound brittle and lack low-end. Better pickups attempt to replicate the acoustic tone, but often introduce their own character - listen carefully and consider your gigging needs.
Buying guide
Finding a lefty double bass can be a real pain - the market's smaller, and options often feel limited. You're not just looking for a reversed instrument; you want something that resonates with that deep, fundamental low-end and offers comfortable playability. Whether you're laying down walking basslines in a jazz quartet, anchoring a bluegrass band, or just practicing in your basement, the right bass makes all the difference.
Buying a lefty double bass is about more than just flipping an existing design. Expect to pay a premium for genuinely good instruments - corners get cut on wood quality, bracing, and setup. Don't be afraid to buy used; a well-maintained older bass can be a steal.
Ultimately, the best bass is the one that feels right and inspires you to play.
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 6 lefthanded 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 left-handed basses just flipped right-handed ones?
Essentially, yes, but a good lefty bass is built specifically for left-handed players, with proper bracing and string tension. A simply flipped bass will likely have poor tone and be uncomfortable to play.
What's the difference between a 3/4 and a full-size bass?
3/4 basses have a shorter scale length (around 30"), making them easier for smaller players or beginners. They have less low-end and projection than a full-size, so consider your needs.
How important is a setup?
Critically important. A bass fresh from the factory often needs a professional setup - bridge adjustment, soundpost placement, action adjustment. This alone can transform a mediocre bass into a playable instrument.
I'm on a budget - what should I look for?
Focus on playability over aesthetics. Look for a solid wood top if possible, and be prepared to spend money on a setup. Don't expect incredible tone from a budget instrument - prioritize functionality.
Can I easily switch a right-handed bass to left-handed?
While technically possible, it's generally not recommended. It involves significant modifications and can compromise the instrument's structural integrity and tone. It's almost always better to buy a dedicated left-handed bass.
