AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Multi-scale Basses for Professional 2026
The top pick is Dingwall NG3 Nolly Sig.6 Forest Custom ($3,567). Dingwall D-Roc Standard gives you the most for the money at $2,229. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 33 models across 7 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 28, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width66 mm (2.6")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius254 mm (10")
- Strings6-string
- BodyAlder body
This is Adam Getgood's six-string bass, built for heavy players who need that extra string. The 66mm nut is wide, so your fingers have room to stretch. The Darkglass controls let you tweak the sound without changing cables. It suits those who want Periphery power in one instrument.
Pros
- Adam Getgood signature model for Periphery fans
- 6-string capability with adjustable scale length
- Darkglass active electronics for tone shaping
Cons
- Heavy weight due to multi-scale design
- No string gauge options listed in specs
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,567 now$3,567€3,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius240 mm (9.45")
- Strings5-string
- BodyNyatoh body
The John Taylor Signature 5 Stealth is a seriously refined instrument. The multi-scale design and Rupert Neve preamp create a unique, powerful sound with incredible clarity and low-end definition. This bass is perfect for players seeking a distinctive voice and exceptional playability, especially those in a rock or pop context.
Pros
- Nyatoh body delivers a surprisingly resonant and warm tonal foundation.
- Rupert Neve preamp provides a uniquely musical and defined EQ curve.
- Multi-scale design allows for optimal string tension and intonation across all strings.
Cons
- Nyatoh body, while warm, can lack the sustain of more premium woods.
- The multi-scale design may require a slightly longer adjustment period.
48AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,846 now$3,846€3,449 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Strandberg Guitars Boden Bass Standard 4
Boden Bass Standard 4 Black · Strandberg
20 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius508 mm (20")
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This bass uses a headless design to make tuning easy and keeps the neck stable with roasted maple. The multi-scale length helps reach the higher frets without stretching your fingers. It plays nicely with its Fishman pickups, but it lacks a truss rod and extra EQ knobs.
Pros
- Headless design simplifies string tensioning for quick setup
- Multi-scale length improves fretting on the upper frets
- Fishman Fluence Soapbars offer balanced, low-output sound
Cons
- Bolt-on joint construction lacks a truss rod
- No built-in battery charging port for external power
63AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 26Sep 26$3,121 now$3,121€2,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Frets24 frets
- Strings6-string
- BodyAlder body
This bass plays like a thick wall of sound thanks to its three humbuckers and wide string spacing. The solid maple neck feels solid under your fingers while the ash top gives it a warm glow. It suits players who need extra reach and volume without sacrificing clarity. You get a premium feel but should watch your battery life with the active EQ.
Pros
- Wide 18mm string spacing makes tuning easy
- Solid maple bolt-on neck ensures stability
- Three Canadian-made humbuckers for thick tone
Cons
- Active electronics require battery power
- Heavy multi-scale design is hard to lift
41AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,013 now$4,013€3,599 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius240 mm (9.45")
- Strings5-string
- BodyAsh body
This bass feels great because the maple neck is easy to grip and the swamp ash body sounds full. The three EMG humbuckers give you a strong low end that cuts through any mix. It is a high-end choice for players who want extended range and a tight, aggressive tone.
Pros
- Swamp ash body with quilted maple top for solid resonance
- Medium thin C neck profile for comfortable playability
- Three EMG humbuckers for powerful low-end response
Cons
- No string gauge options listed in the description
- Missing a standard scale length specification
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,288 now$3,288€2,949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Frets24 frets
- Strings5-string
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardWenge fingerboard
This bass uses wide string spacing and a maple neck for a comfortable feel. The Canadian humbuckers provide a solid tone, and the active EQ lets you shape your sound. It is a great choice for players who need extra reach on longer strings.
Pros
- Wide string spacing makes fretting comfortable.
- Canadian-made humbuckers deliver strong output.
- Multi-scale design eases long string stretches.
Cons
- Weight is not listed in the description.
- String gauge range is not specified.
43AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,901 now$3,901€3,499 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Dingwall John Taylor Signature 4
John Taylor Signature 4 SFG · Dingwall
2 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius240 mm (9.45")
- BodyNyatoh body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This John Taylor Signature Dingwall is a seriously cool instrument. The multiscale design and Neve preamp give it a unique voice—modern punch with a vintage warmth. It's perfect for players wanting a refined, articulate tone and a comfortable, modern playing experience, especially suited for funk, pop, and progressive styles.
Pros
- Nyatoh body offers a surprisingly resonant and warm tonal foundation.
- Rupert Neve preamp delivers a uniquely smooth and musical EQ response.
- Multiscale design optimizes string tension for improved intonation and feel.
Cons
- Nyatoh, while resonant, isn't as tonally complex as some premium hardwoods.
- The minimalist bridge, while aesthetically pleasing, might be less adjustable for some setups.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,734 now$3,734€3,349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Strandberg Guitars Boden Bass Standard 4
Boden Bass Standard 4 Blue Aur · Strandberg
20 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius508 mm (20")
- BodyBasswood body
- FingerboardMaple fingerboard
This bass is a great choice for players who want a fast, stable instrument without fiddly knobs. The roasted maple neck stays true to shape, and the multi-scale length makes stretching long notes feel natural. It suits anyone looking for a solid, headless design that plays well right out of the box.
Pros
- Headless design makes tuning fast and easy for everyone
- Roasted maple neck offers a stable, comfortable playing feel
- Multi-scale length improves string tension and intonation across the range
Cons
- No built-in battery power required for active electronics
- Limited to only two-band EQ controls on the front panel
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Sep 26Sep 26$3,121 now$3,121€2,799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Frets20 frets
- BodyMahogany body
The D-Roc Standard is a serious contender for players seeking a versatile, high-quality bass with a modern edge. Its multiscale design and powerful pickups make it a joy to play and record, especially for those leaning towards rock, funk, and progressive styles. This bass is perfect for the gigging musician who wants premium tone and feel without the ultra-high-end price tag.
Pros
- Mahogany body delivers a warm, resonant, and powerful low-end foundation.
- Multiscale design significantly enhances intonation across the extended range.
- FD-3N humbuckers offer a punchy, articulate tone suitable for diverse genres.
Cons
- Passive electronics limit tonal shaping versatility compared to active systems.
- Mahogany body contributes to a potentially heavier overall instrument weight.
76AudioFu
Index↓ 14.9%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$2,619 · Aug 17$2,229 now$2,229€1,999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Dingwall John Taylor Signature 5
John Taylor Signature 5 BK · Dingwall
1 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Frets24 frets
- Fingerboard radius240 mm (9.45")
- Strings5-string
- BodyNyatoh body
This John Taylor Signature Dingwall is a serious instrument, built for players who demand precision and a unique voice. The multi-scale design and Rupert Neve preamp combo really shines for modern funk, rock, and progressive styles. It's a high-end bass that'll elevate your game, especially if you're after a defined, articulate low-end.
Pros
- Rupert Neve preamp delivers exceptional clarity and warmth, a signature sound.
- Multi-scale design optimizes string tension for improved intonation and feel.
- Nyatoh body offers a surprisingly resonant and balanced tonal foundation.
Cons
- Nyatoh body, while resonant, lacks the prestige of more exotic hardwoods.
- Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, isn't favored by some for sustain.
39AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,734 now$3,734€3,349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 33 multi-scale basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Strandberg Guitars Boden Bass Standard 5Boden Bass Standard 5 Blue Aur · Strandberg48Stable$3,232€2,899$3,232€2,899Check ↗
- 12
Strandberg Guitars Boden Bass Standard 5Boden Bass Standard 5 Black · Strandberg48Stable$3,232€2,899$3,232€2,899Check ↗
- 13
Dingwall John Taylor Sign. 4 Stealth BKDingwall48↓ 9.4%$3,232€2,899$3,232€2,899Check ↗
- 14
Dingwall SP1 5 Bass VBDingwall · 8 finishes59↓ 9.8%$2,563€2,299$2,563€2,299Check ↗
- 15
Dingwall D-Roc Standard 5 Ducati WhiteDingwall48Stable$2,619€2,349$2,619€2,349Check ↗
- 16
Dingwall D-Roc Standard 5 Black MatteDingwall48Stable$2,619€2,349$2,619€2,349Check ↗
- 17
Dingwall D-Roc Std 5 Blue to PurpleDingwall45Stable$2,731€2,449$2,731€2,449Check ↗
- 18
Dingwall D-Roc Standard Ducati WhiteDingwall48Stable$2,508€2,249$2,508€2,249Check ↗
- 19
Dingwall D-Roc Std 5 Vintage BurstDingwall43Stable$2,619€2,349$2,619€2,349Check ↗
- 20
Dingwall D-Roc Standard 5 AquamarineDingwall43Stable$2,452€2,199$2,452€2,199Check ↗
- 21
Ibanez EHB1506MS-BIFIbanez37Stable$1,861€1,669$1,861€1,669Check ↗
- 22
Ibanez EHB1005MS Bass WorkshopEHB1005MS-SFM · Ibanez63Stable$1,462€1,311$1,462€1,311Check ↗
- 23
Ibanez SRMS720 Bass Workshop Multi-Scale SoundgearSRMS720-BCM · Ibanez62Stable$1,438€1,290$1,438€1,290Check ↗
- 24
Hils HNB5 Gun Metal GreyHils · 5 finishes60↓ 21.5%$612€549$612€549Check ↗
- 25
Ibanez SRC6MS Bass Workshop Multi-Scale SoundgearSRC6MS-BLL · Ibanez57Stable$891€799$891€799Check ↗
- 26
Ibanez SRMS625EX Iron Label Multi-Scale SoundgearSRMS625EX-BKF · Ibanez55Stable$1,147€1,029$1,147€1,029Check ↗
- 27
Ibanez BTB805MS Bass WorkshopBTB805MS-TGF · Ibanez53Stable$1,493€1,339$1,493€1,339Check ↗
- 28
Harley Benton MSB-5 ESPHarley Benton · 4 finishes51Stable$333€299$333€299Check ↗
- 29
Ibanez BTB866MS Bass WorkshopBTB866MS-BRF · Ibanez51↓ 2.0%$1,616€1,449$1,616€1,449Check ↗
- 30
Ibanez BTB7MS Bass WorkshopBTB7MS-NML · Ibanez50Stable$1,393€1,249$1,393€1,249Check ↗
- 31
Warwick RB Corvette Multi 5 SBSWarwick39Stable$1,337€1,199$1,337€1,199Check ↗
- 32
Cort A5 Beyond, Open PoreCort37Stable$1,058€949$1,058€949Check ↗
- 33
Ibanez EHB1505SMS-FNLIbanez37Stable$1,609€1,443$1,609€1,443Check ↗
Multi-scale Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 71 models we track, not a sample.
Median $2,786 — half of all multi-scale basses here cost less.
median of 54 models · 42 mm (1.65")–55 mm (2.17")
median of 61 models · 20–24
most common · 65 models
most common · 51 models
How to choose the best multi-scale basses
Ergonomics & Playability
A multi-scale bass should feel more comfortable, reducing fatigue during long gigs or tracking sessions. We're evaluating neck profiles, string tension balance, and how the body shape interacts with the fanned fret design - a poorly implemented fan can feel awkward and hinder your playing.
String Choice & Intonation
The wider string spacing and varied scale lengths make string choice critical. Some basses are strung with oddball gauges to compensate - we're assessing how each model handles different string sets and how well it maintains intonation across the entire range, especially in lower tunings.
Pickup Voicing & Response
A fanned fret bass amplifies any tonal shortcomings. We're listening for clarity and articulation in the low end, a defined midrange, and a clean high end without ice-pick harshness - the goal is a balanced, powerful tone that cuts through the mix without sounding muddy.
Construction & Hardware
Pro instruments need to withstand the rigors of touring. We're scrutinizing the build quality, hardware reliability (tuners, bridge), and overall feel - cheap hardware will let you down onstage, plain and simple.
Learning Curve & Adaptability
Playing a multi-scale bass takes practice. We're evaluating how intuitive each instrument is to learn and how easily it adapts to different playing styles - from fingerstyle and slap to pick playing and orchestral passages.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk multi-scale bass. You're past the point of slapping on a beginner's instrument - you need something that elevates your playing and your sound. The fanned fret design isn't just a visual gimmick; it's a serious tool for unlocking a wider range of tones and improved ergonomics, but it demands a higher level of understanding and a willingness to adapt. We're focusing on instruments that'll hold up to the demands of a pro's gigging and studio work, not just look cool on a wall.
Don't be swayed by aesthetics alone. The learning curve is real - be prepared to adjust your technique. While the extended range is cool, make sure the bass still delivers a solid fundamental tone; a thin, brittle sound across those extra notes is useless.
Paying extra for a well-implemented fan and quality hardware is an investment in your sound and your sanity - a poorly built multi-scale is just an expensive headache.
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 71 multi-scale 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 multi-scale basses harder to restring?
Generally, yes. String spacing varies, so you'll need to be more careful with string alignment and potentially use different stringing methods. It's not rocket science, but it takes a little more attention.
Do I need a multi-scale bass?
No. But if you're seeking expanded range, improved ergonomics, and a unique tonal palette, it's a worthwhile exploration. Just be honest with yourself about your skill level and commitment.
What about amp compatibility?
A wider frequency range demands a more capable amp. Make sure your amp has enough headroom to handle the low-end extension without getting muddy. A good preamp can also help shape the tone and compensate for any amp limitations.
Can I use standard bass techniques on a multi-scale?
Absolutely. Slap, pop, fingerstyle - it all works. However, you'll likely need to adjust your technique slightly to account for the varied string spacing and tension. Expect a slightly different feel and response.
What's the deal with the bridge design?
Bridges on multi-scale basses are complex. Intonation adjustments are more critical, so ensure the bridge is robust and allows for precise tweaking. Cheap bridges often use flimsy materials and inconsistent spacing, leading to intonation headaches.
