AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Lefthanded Double Basses 2026
The top pick is Thomann 44AS/5str/LH 3/4 Europe Bass ($3,140). Thomann 11 3/4 LH Europe Double Bass gives you the most for the money at $2,014. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 6 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 18, 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
This Thomann 44AS is a surprisingly solid option for a student or hobbyist bassist looking for a 5-string and left-handed. The 3/4 size makes it manageable for younger players, and the German setup ensures it’s ready to play. It offers a good foundation for developing technique and exploring a wider range of musical styles.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a warm, resonant tone with good projection
- 5-string configuration expands harmonic possibilities and low-end range
- Pirastro Flexocor Deluxe strings offer a balanced, responsive playing feel
Cons
- 3/4 size may feel cramped for taller or larger players
- Matte antiqued finish, while attractive, can be susceptible to fingerprints
68AudioFu
Index↓ 6.7%since Aug 14 · lowest so far$3,365 · Aug 14$3,140 now$3,140€2,790 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size3/4 size
This Thomann 33AS is a surprisingly capable left-handed 5-string double bass, especially for students or players needing a smaller instrument. The solid wood construction gives it a mature sound, and the German setup really makes it a joy to play. It's a solid entry point into the world of double bass playing without a premium price tag.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a warm, resonant, and responsive tone.
- 5-string configuration expands harmonic possibilities and low-end range.
- Pirastro Flexocor Deluxe strings offer excellent clarity and projection.
Cons
- 3/4 size might be restrictive for taller players or those with longer arms.
- Matte antiqued finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can be prone to fingerprints.
59AudioFu
Index↑ 13.1%since Aug 14$2,577 · Aug 14$2,915 now$2,915€2,590 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size3/4 size
This Thomann 22AS is a really solid entry point into the 5-string double bass world, especially for left-handed players. The 3/4 size makes it manageable for students or those who find full-size basses unwieldy, and the included Pirastro Flexocor strings provide a surprisingly warm and professional sound right out of the box. It’s a well-built instrument offering great value for the money.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a clear, resonant fundamental tone
- 5-string configuration expands harmonic possibilities and low-end range
- Tyrolean machine heads offer smooth, reliable tuning stability
Cons
- Semi-solid construction might lack the sustain of a fully hollow body
- Satin antiqued finish, while attractive, is susceptible to fingerprints
57AudioFu
Index↑ 26.5%since Aug 14$2,127 · Aug 14$2,689 now$2,689€2,390 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This Thomann 33 3/4 LH is a solid, affordable option for left-handed bass players starting out or needing a reliable practice instrument. The spruce top provides a decent fundamental tone, and the ebony fingerboard makes for a playable neck. The adjustable endpin is a nice touch, but be prepared for a slightly longer delivery time due to the custom setup.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a warm, responsive, and projecting tone.
- European craftsmanship ensures generally good build quality and attention to detail.
- Round ebony fingerboard provides a comfortable and fast playing experience.
Cons
- The 3/4 size might feel cramped for taller or larger players.
- While adjustable, the Thomann workshop’s setup delays shipping.
55AudioFu
Index↑ 4.8%since Aug 14$2,352 · Aug 14$2,464 now$2,464€2,190 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This Thomann double bass is a really solid entry point for left-handed players looking for a traditional sound without a huge investment. The build is surprisingly good for a European-made, laminated instrument, and the adjustable spine is a nice touch for comfort. It's ideal for students, beginners, or anyone wanting a dependable, affordable bass for practice and casual gigs.
Pros
- European craftsmanship delivers solid build quality and consistent tone.
- Laminated construction provides surprising resonance for its price point.
- Height-adjustable spine offers comfortable playing for a range of body types.
Cons
- Laminated top limits the ultimate dynamic range compared to solid wood basses.
- Scale length of ~105cm might feel short for experienced, larger-handed players.
54AudioFu
Index↑ 5.9%since Aug 14$1,902 · Aug 14$2,014 now$2,014€1,790 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This Thomann 22 3/4 LH is a solid starting point for left-handed bassists, especially those venturing into genres like rockabilly or folk where a warmer, slightly less refined tone is desirable. The European build quality and adjustable action are real pluses, and the price point makes it an accessible option for serious students or gigging musicians.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a responsive, warm, and projecting tone.
- European craftsmanship suggests a higher standard of construction and material selection.
- Adjustable action allows for customization to suit various playing styles and string gauges.
Cons
- Semi-solid construction may lack the complex tonal resonance of a fully solid instrument.
- Forwarding agent delivery can lead to longer wait times and potential handling concerns.
54AudioFu
Index↑ 5.6%since Aug 14$2,014 · Aug 14$2,127 now$2,127€1,890 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.
