AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Lefthanded Double Basses for Professional 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
Top 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
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$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.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$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
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$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.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,464 now$2,464€2,190 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.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,127 now$2,127€1,890 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.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,014 now$2,014€1,790 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
Neck Profile & Setup
A comfortable, responsive neck is non-negotiable. We're looking for consistent grain, smooth finishes (no sticky lacquer!), and a setup that allows for low action without fret buzz - vital for speed and articulation. A chunky, uneven neck will kill your chops.
Top Wood & Voicing
Spruce is the standard for a reason - it offers a broad dynamic range and a clear, focused tone. But the grade of spruce matters; a tight-grained, quarter-sawn top will project better and have more sustain. We're listening for that fundamental low-end thump alongside a clear, singing upper register.
Bassbar & Soundpost
These are the heart of the bass's voice. A poorly fitted bassbar will result in a dull, lifeless tone. The soundpost's placement is critical for resonance and projection - it's what translates the vibrations into something you can actually hear and feel.
Construction Quality & Seams
Cheap basses often have sloppy construction - uneven seams, poorly fitted purfling, and a generally flimsy feel. These compromises directly impact the instrument's stability and tone. Look for tight, clean joints and a solid feel overall.
Bridge & Tailpiece
The bridge is your point of contact with the top, and a poorly designed bridge will choke the sound. A quality ebony bridge provides sustain and transmits vibrations effectively. The tailpiece should be stable and contribute to the overall tonal balance - avoid anything that feels flimsy or cheap.
Buying guide
Finding a lefty double bass that truly sings at a professional level is a genuine pain - most are either slapped-together student instruments or ridiculously overpriced museum pieces. Forget the marketing hype; this is about instruments that'll hold up to the demands of serious playing, whether you're laying down walking bass in a jazz quartet or getting gritty with a rock band.
Don't chase the prettiest finish; focus on playability and tone. A bass that looks gorgeous but feels like a brick is useless. Be wary of basses claiming 'handcrafted' quality at budget prices - it's often a marketing gimmick.
Paying more can get you a better instrument, especially when it comes to the quality of the wood and the precision of the setup, but always play before you buy - even the most expensive bass can be a dud.
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 carbon fiber basses a viable option for a lefty pro?
They offer incredible consistency and projection, but the tone can be sterile and lack the warmth of a traditional wood bass. It's a trade-off - great for recording where you want a controlled sound, but less soulful for live performance.
What's the deal with 'French' vs. 'German' basses?
Generally, French basses tend to have a warmer, more focused tone with a quicker response, while German basses are known for their powerful projection and deeper low-end. It's a broad generalization, but it's a good starting point for tonal preferences.
I'm having trouble getting my bass to project in a band setting. What's the problem?
It's likely a combination of factors - setup, bassbar/soundpost placement, and even your playing technique. A professional setup is crucial, and you might need to experiment with different strings to find a balance between low-end thump and clarity.
Should I consider a bass with a pickup for recording?
Absolutely. A quality pickup system (K&M, Fulltone, Realist) can dramatically improve your recorded sound, especially when you need to cut through a dense mix. Just be mindful of pickup voicing - some can sound harsh or unnatural.
What's the best way to care for my double bass?
Humidity control is paramount - keep it between 45-55% relative humidity to prevent cracks and warping. Wipe it down after each playing session, and have a luthier perform regular maintenance (bridge adjustments, soundpost checks). It's an investment, treat it like one.
