AudioFu

Best Multi-scale Basses Under $800 2026

Affordable multi-scale basses under $800 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: September 7, 2026

⚡ The best multi-scale basses in 2026 are Hils HNB5 Ivory (top pick), Harley Benton MSB-5 Flip Flop Blue for tighter budgets, and Harley Benton MSB-5 ASP for pros — selected from 5 options across 2 brands, priced $347–$775, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
PRICE RANGES: Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000
SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced
BRANDS: Dingwall Ibanez Hils
Hils HNB5 Ivory - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

Hils HNB5 Ivory

by Hils
Nut width 47 mm (1.85") Frets 24 frets Fingerboard radius 320 mm (12.6") Neck profile C-shape neck Strings 5-string Body Mahogany body Fingerboard Walnut fingerboard
Technical Performance Professional Use Progressive Music
Key Feature:
This bass uses active electronics so you can cut bass, mids, and treble separately. The multi-scale body reaches long strings without stretching your fingers too far. It suits players who want a warm tone but need extra range.
PROS
  • • Active pickups let you shape sound with dedicated controls.
  • • Multi-scale length offers extended reach for long strings.
  • • Mahogany body provides warm, resonant fundamental tone.
  • • Headless design simplifies tuning and string changes.
CONS
  • • Heavy string gauge may feel stiff for some players.
  • • No weight spec means carrying burden is unknown.
  • • Active electronics require fresh batteries to function.
⭐ 4.9/5 AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 608742
$775
Check Price
Harley Benton MSB-5 Flip Flop Blue - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Harley Benton MSB-5 Flip Flop Blue

by Harley Benton
Nut width 45 mm (1.77") Frets 24 frets Fingerboard radius 400 mm (15.75") Neck profile C-shape neck Strings 5-string Body Okoume body Fingerboard Maple fingerboard
Extended Range Technical Performance Ergonomic Playing
Key Feature:
This bass gives you real five-string reach without breaking the bank. The roasted maple neck feels solid, and the active pickups let you shape your tone exactly how you want. It suits players needing that extra string for jazz or fusion but who want a budget-friendly workhorse.
PROS
  • • Robust 5-piece roasted maple neck construction
  • • True 5-string capability with extended scale
  • • Active preamp offers precise EQ control
  • • Affordable price point for 5-string bass
CONS
  • • No stated weight makes balance uncertain
  • • Lacks specific string gauge recommendations
  • • Okoume body may lack resonance depth
⭐ 5.0/5 AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 568968
$348
Check Price
Harley Benton MSB-5 ASP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Harley Benton MSB-5 ASP

by Harley Benton
Nut width 45 mm (1.77") Frets 24 frets Fingerboard radius 400 mm (15.75") Neck profile C-shape neck Strings 5-string Body Okoume body Fingerboard Maple fingerboard
Professional Use Extended Range Ergonomic Playing
Key Feature:
This budget-friendly five-string has a solid roasted maple neck and active humbuckers for a punchy tone. It features a long scale length for extra string tension and an active preamp for shaping your sound. Great for players who want extended range without breaking the bank.
PROS
  • • Five-piece roasted maple neck offers stability and durability.
CONS
  • • No weight specification listed makes the instrument feel uncertain.
⭐ 5.0/5 AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 593885
$348
Check Price
Harley Benton MSB-5 ESP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Harley Benton MSB-5 ESP

by Harley Benton
Nut width 45 mm (1.77") Frets 24 frets Fingerboard radius 400 mm (15.75") Neck profile C-shape neck Strings 5-string Body Okoume body Fingerboard Maple fingerboard
Extended Range Modern Design Progressive Music
Key Feature:
This bass uses roasted maple for a neck that won't warp easily. It has active pickups so you can shape the tone with the built-in EQ. It suits players who want a stable neck but don't want to pay top dollar.
PROS
  • • Roasted maple necks stay stable in hot or cold rooms.
CONS
  • • Okoume body may warp if you leave it in direct sun.
⭐ 5.0/5 AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 593886
$348
Check Price
Harley Benton MSB-5 Black Flame Burl - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Harley Benton MSB-5 Black Flame Burl

by Harley Benton
Nut width 45 mm (1.77") Frets 24 frets Fingerboard radius 400 mm (15.75") Neck profile C-shape neck Strings 5-string Body Okoume body
Modern Design Technical Performance Extended Range
Key Feature:
This bass has a cool flame wood top and five strings for big hands. The active preamp lets you control bass, mid, and treble easily. It feels solid with a roasted maple neck, but you won't know how heavy it is until you hold it. Great for players who need extra string room and clear tone control.
PROS
  • • Real flame burl wood on the top looks cool
  • • Five strings fit huge hands and big songs
  • • Active preamp lets you shape every tone
  • • Stainless steel frets stay bright for years
CONS
  • • Okoume body can warp if humidity changes
  • • No weight listed makes lifting hard to guess
  • • Only two pickups limits stereo setups
⭐ 5.0/5 AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 568963
$371
Check Price

Multi-scale Basses by the numbers

Measured across all 5 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.

Price
median $348
from $348 to $371
Nut width
median 45 mm (1.77")
from 45 mm (1.77") to 45 mm (1.77") · 5 models
Frets
median 24
from 24 to 24 · 5 models
Fingerboard radius
median 400 mm (15.75")
from 320 mm (12.6") to 400 mm (15.75") · 5 models
Neck profile
C
most common · 5 models
Strings
median 5-string
from 5-string to 5-string · 5 models
Body
okoume, mahogany
most common · 5 models

How This List Is Built

We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 5 multi-scale basses from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 5 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.

Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.

What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.

How to Choose the Best Multi-scale Basses

Budget Planning

  • • Under $200: Entry-level
  • • $200-$500: Intermediate
  • • $500-$1000: Advanced
  • • $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

  • • Sound clarity & tone
  • • Build materials & finish
  • • Hardware durability
  • • Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

  • • Your musical style
  • • Skill level match
  • • Intended use case
  • • Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.
Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.
Higher-priced multi-scale basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.
Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.
Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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