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AudioFu Chart · November 2026

Best Premium Basses 2026

The top pick is Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 H ($3,125). Sadowsky Custom Shop 24-5 Cocobolo NT leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 92 models across 15 brands, prices checked every night.

Last updated: November 8, 2026

92models in this chart
15brands
$5,580median price
4price drops since Aug

Narrow the chart

All Premium Basses

Top 10

Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.

  1. Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 H

    Stingray 5 H Special VSB · Music Man

    72 for sale on Reverb3 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets22 frets
    • Strings5-string
    • FingerboardRosewood fingerboard

    This bass has a solid roasted maple neck that feels great to play. The neodymium pickup gives it a punchy low end that cuts through a mix. It suits players who want a bright, responsive voice with easy tone control.

    Pros

    • Roasted maple neck provides a stable, smooth playing feel.
    • Neodymium magnets deliver a tight, powerful low-end response.
    • Active 3-band preamp lets you shape tone on the fly.

    Cons

    • No specific weight rating listed in the provided specs.
    • String gauge details are missing from the description.
    87AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand90
    • Lineup100
    • Price88
    • Specs63
    • Maker84
    ↓ 12.5%since Aug 17 · lowest so far
    $3,572 · Aug 17$3,125 now
    $3,125€2,799 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  2. Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 H

    Stingray 5 HH Special OS · Music Man

    72 for sale on Reverb2 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets22 frets
    • Strings5-string
    • FingerboardEbony fingerboard

    This is a 5-string bass with a roasted maple neck, an ebony fingerboard and two Music Man humbuckers. Its active 3-band preamp gives you treble, mid and bass controls, plus a master volume, so you can shape your sound right on the bass. It suits players who want a premium, American-made five-string with a 34-inch scale and plenty of control options.

    Pros

    • Selected hardwood body with a roasted maple bolt-on neck
    • Ebony fingerboard with 11-inch radius and dot inlays
    • Two Music Man humbuckers with neodymium magnets

    Cons

    • The active preamp needs an 18 volt power source to run
    78AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand90
    • Lineup79
    • Price59
    • Specs63
    • Maker84
    ↓ 2.9%since Aug 17
    $3,794 · Aug 17$3,683 now
    $3,683€3,299 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  3. Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 4 H

    Stingray 4 H Special MBB · Music Man

    118 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Nut width41.3 mm (1.63")
    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets22 frets
    • FingerboardEbony fingerboard

    You get a premium bass with a roasted maple bolt-on neck, an ebony fingerboard, and one Music Man humbucker. The active 3-band preamp gives you treble, mid and bass controls plus a master volume. It suits you if you want a well-built, Made in USA bass with a 34-inch scale and a Mono cases gig bag included.

    Pros

    • Roasted maple bolt-on neck paired with an ebony fingerboard
    • Single Music Man humbucker with neodymium magnets
    • Active 3-band preamp with master volume and treble, mid and bass controls

    Cons

    • Its active preamplifier runs on 18 V, so it needs a power source to work
    73AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand100
    • Lineup50
    • Price50
    • Specs50
    • Maker84
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$3,348 now
    $3,348€2,999 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  4. Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 H

    Stingray 5 H Special P.B.Burst · Music Man

    72 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets22 frets
    • Strings5-string
    • FingerboardRosewood fingerboard

    You get a 5-string bass with a roasted maple neck, a rosewood fingerboard and one humbucker pickup. It has an active 3-band preamp with Master Volume, Treble and Bass controls, and it comes with a Mono case. This one suits you if you want a premium bass made in the USA with simple, direct controls.

    Pros

    • Roasted maple bolt-on neck paired with a rosewood fingerboard
    • One Music Man humbucker with neodymium magnets for the pickup
    • Active 3-band 18 volt preamp with Master Volume, Treble and Bass controls

    Cons

    • Active electronics need an 18 volt power source to run the preamp
    71AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand90
    • Lineup50
    • Price50
    • Specs63
    • Maker84
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$3,237 now
    $3,237€2,899 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  5. Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 H

    Stingray 5 HH Special Bruleé · Music Man

    72 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Nut width44.5 mm (1.75")
    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets22 frets
    • Strings5-string
    • FingerboardEbony fingerboard

    You get a five-string bass with a roasted maple neck, an ebony fingerboard and two Music Man humbuckers. The active 3-band preamp gives you master volume, treble and bass controls. It suits you if you want a premium bass made in the USA with a long 34 inch scale, and it comes with a mono case.

    Pros

    • Roasted maple bolt-on neck paired with an ebony fingerboard
    • Two Music Man humbuckers with neodymium magnets
    • Active 3-band 18 volt preamp with master volume, treble and bass controls
    71AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand90
    • Lineup50
    • Price50
    • Specs63
    • Maker84
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$3,348 now
    $3,348€2,999 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  6. Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 H

    Stingray 5 H Special Candyman · Music Man

    72 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets22 frets
    • Strings5-string
    • FingerboardMaple fingerboard

    You get a five-string bass with a roasted maple neck and fingerboard, one humbucker pickup, and a three-band active preamp. It suits you if you want a premium, US-made bass with a long 34-inch scale and a gig bag in the box. It is a good pick if you like simple, direct controls on a well-built instrument.

    Pros

    • Roasted maple neck and roasted maple fingerboard give you a sturdy, stable base
    • Three-band 18 V active preamp with master volume, treble, mid and bass controls
    • Neodymium-magnet humbucker pickup gives you one pickup with a powerful magnet design

    Cons

    • The 18 V active preamp needs a battery or other power source to run
    69AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand90
    • Lineup50
    • Price50
    • Specs50
    • Maker84
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$3,348 now
    $3,348€2,999 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  7. Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 H

    Stingray 5 HH Special Jackpot · Music Man

    72 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets22 frets
    • Strings5-string
    • FingerboardMaple fingerboard

    You get a five-string bass with two Music Man humbuckers and an active 3-band preamp, so you can shape your tone with bass, mid and treble knobs. The roasted maple neck and fingerboard, along with 22 stainless steel frets, make it a premium choice built in the USA. It suits you if you want a high-end five-string with plenty of control and a gig bag included.

    Pros

    • Roasted maple neck and fingerboard, with 22 stainless steel frets
    • Two Music Man humbuckers with neodymium magnets
    • Active 3-band preamp with master volume, treble, mid and bass controls

    Cons

    • Includes no strings, so you will need to supply your own set
    69AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand90
    • Lineup50
    • Price50
    • Specs50
    • Maker84
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$3,460 now
    $3,460€3,099 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  8. Fender Custom Shop '60 Reissue Stratocaster Journeyman Relic

    60 P-Bass SFG Journeyman Relic · Fender

    70 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann

    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • BodyAlder body
    • FingerboardRosewood fingerboard

    This is a Custom Shop bass built in the style of a 1960s P-Bass. It has an alder body, a maple neck, a rosewood fingerboard, and one hand-wound split coil pickup. It suits you if you want a vintage-style bass with a long scale and a relic finish, and you are ready for a premium-priced instrument.

    Pros

    • Two-piece alder body paired with a maple neck and rosewood fingerboard
    • Custom Shop hand-wound Josefina '62 P-Bass split coil pickup
    • 60s style oval C neck profile with a 7.25" fingerboard radius

    Cons

    • Only one pickup, so there is no second pickup to switch to or blend with
    66AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand89
    • Lineup50
    • Price50
    • Specs38
    • Maker76
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$7,144 now
    $7,144€6,399 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  9. Sadowsky Custom Shop 24-5 Cocobolo NT

    Sadowsky

    Not on Reverb yet3 finishes at Thomann

    • Nut width47.6 mm (1.87")
    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • Frets24 frets
    • Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
    • Neck profileC-shape neck

    You get a 5-string bass with a cocobolo top, a swamp ash body, and a roasted maple neck and fingerboard. It has two Soapbar pickups and a preamp, so you can shape your tone with the controls on the bass itself. It suits players who want a custom-built, Made in Germany instrument with a road bag included, and it is a good fit if you are ready for a heavier, premium-priced bass.

    Pros

    • Cocobolo top over an American swamp ash chambered body
    • Roasted maple bolt-on neck with a roasted maple fingerboard and dot inlays
    • Two Sadowsky Soapbar pickups with a Sadowsky Mid-Boost Preamp and switchable Mid-Boost

    Cons

    • Weighs approximately 3.86 kg, which is heavy for a 5-string bass
    63AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup100
    • Price50
    • Specs100
    • Maker82
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$7,814 now
    $7,814€6,999 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗
  10. Marleaux Diva 4 Chestnut

    Marleaux

    Not on Reverb yet3 finishes at Thomann

    • Scale864 mm (34.02")
    • BodyMaple body
    • FingerboardEbony fingerboard

    This is a fretless bass with a neck that runs all the way through the body, a flamed chestnut top, and an ebony fingerboard. You get one bridge pickup with a switch to change its voice, plus simple volume and tone knobs. It suits you if you want a premium fretless bass with a simple setup and a gig bag to carry it in.

    Pros

    • Flamed chestnut top over a maple body gives this bass a distinctive build
    • Neck-through-body maple construction paired with an ebony fingerboard
    • Delano X-Tender bridge pickup with a pickup voice switch gives you two options

    Cons

    • Passive electronics with only volume and tone controls, no other control options listed
    55AudioFu
    Index
    • Demand30
    • Lineup100
    • Price50
    • Specs38
    • Maker100
    Stableno change since Aug 17
    Aug 17$5,805 now
    $5,805€5,199 at Thomann · in stock
    Check price ↗

All 92 premium basses

Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.

  1. 11
    Marleaux Tiuz 5 Poplar Burl IMMarleaux · 2 finishes
    Index 53Stable
    53
    Stable$7,144€6,399
    $7,144€6,399Check ↗
  2. 12
    Fodera Emperor 5 StandardEmperor Standard 5 Classic FR · Fodera
    Index 53Stable
    53
    Stable$9,154€8,199
    $9,154€8,199Check ↗
  3. 13
    Fodera Emperor 5 Standard Special BEMFodera · 2 finishes
    Index 52Stable
    52
    Stable$8,317€7,449
    $8,317€7,449Check ↗
  4. 14
    Sadowsky MetroLine JJ 4 LTD 2023 MRSSadowsky
    Index 51Stable
    51
    Stable$4,130€3,699
    $4,130€3,699Check ↗
  5. 15
    Fender 53 P-Bass Relic A2CS LTDFender · 2 finishes
    Index 51↓ 10.0%
    51
    ↓ 10.0%$7,033€6,299
    $7,033€6,299Check ↗
  6. 16
    Sadowsky MasterBuilt 21 MJ LTD 4 NTSSadowsky
    Index 51Stable
    51
    Stable$7,479€6,699
    $7,479€6,699Check ↗
  7. 17
    Music Man Bongo 4 HH Mantis GreenMusic Man
    Index 49Stable
    49
    Stable$4,130€3,699
    $4,130€3,699Check ↗
  8. 18
    Mayones Guitars Jabba Custom 5 Blue BurstMayones Guitars
    Index 49Stable
    49
    Stable$4,800€4,299
    $4,800€4,299Check ↗
  9. 19
    Marleaux Consat Custom 4 BubingaMarleaux
    Index 49Stable
    49
    Stable$5,135€4,599
    $5,135€4,599Check ↗
  10. 20
    Marleaux Votan 5 Black BurstMarleaux
    Index 49Stable
    49
    Stable$5,805€5,199
    $5,805€5,199Check ↗
  11. 21
    Sadowsky MetroLine Vintage LTD 4 NBNSadowsky
    Index 49Stable
    49
    Stable$6,465€5,790
    $6,465€5,790Check ↗
  12. 22
    Marleaux MBass 5 Worn Spruce LtdMarleaux
    Index 48↓ 1.8%
    48
    ↓ 1.8%$6,140€5,499
    $6,140€5,499Check ↗
  13. 23
    Fodera Emperor Standard 4 Classic CFMFodera · 2 finishes
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$8,931€7,999
    $8,931€7,999Check ↗
  14. 24
    Fodera Yin Yang Std 4 WH SD LTDFodera · 2 finishes
    Index 48Stable
    48
    Stable$11,042€9,890
    $11,042€9,890Check ↗
  15. 25
    Vincent Metropol 5 MarrakeschVincent
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$3,728€3,339
    $3,728€3,339Check ↗
  16. 26
    Music Man Bongo 4 HH Stealth BlackMusic Man
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$3,739€3,349
    $3,739€3,349Check ↗
  17. 27
    Vincent Akkurat 5 Deep OceanVincent
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$3,907€3,499
    $3,907€3,499Check ↗
  18. 28
    Mayones Guitars Ori Enji 5 Gunmetal GreyMayones Guitars
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$4,186€3,749
    $4,186€3,749Check ↗
  19. 29
    Vincent Metropol 5 GoldVincent
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$4,353€3,899
    $4,353€3,899Check ↗
  20. 30
    Marleaux Votan XS 4 CopperMarleaux
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$4,688€4,199
    $4,688€4,199Check ↗
  21. 31
    Mayones Guitars Comodous Svara 5 Mohini DeyMayones Guitars
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$4,789€4,289
    $4,789€4,289Check ↗
  22. 32
    Sadowsky MetroLine 24-5 Fret Modern BUSadowsky
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$4,800€4,299
    $4,800€4,299Check ↗
  23. 33
    Marleaux Consat Custom 5 ZiricoteMarleaux
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$5,135€4,599
    $5,135€4,599Check ↗
  24. 34
    Marleaux Votan 5 Chestnut "32Marleaux
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$5,246€4,699
    $5,246€4,699Check ↗
  25. 35
    Sadowsky MetroLine 24-LTD 4 Fretless NTSadowsky
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$5,246€4,699
    $5,246€4,699Check ↗
  26. 36
    Marleaux Consat Custom 4 FM RPMarleaux
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$5,581€4,999
    $5,581€4,999Check ↗
  27. 37
    Marleaux MBass 5 ChestnutMarleaux
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$6,130€5,490
    $6,130€5,490Check ↗
  28. 38
    Fender LTD Custom Jazz Bass Jmr AOWFender
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$6,251€5,599
    $6,251€5,599Check ↗
  29. 39
    Marleaux Consat Custom 5 NT BlackburstMarleaux
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$6,698€5,999
    $6,698€5,999Check ↗
  30. 40
    Marleaux Artio 5 Darkside GreyMarleaux
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$7,368€6,599
    $7,368€6,599Check ↗
  31. 41
    Marleaux Artio 5 FirestormMarleaux
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$7,368€6,599
    $7,368€6,599Check ↗
  32. 42
    Fender 1962 Bass VI SH Relic SFOTFender
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$7,703€6,899
    $7,703€6,899Check ↗
  33. 43
    Fender LTD Jazz Bass Rel Pink PaisleyFender
    Index 47Stable
    47
    Stable$8,596€7,699
    $8,596€7,699Check ↗
  34. 44
    Warwick Teambuilt Corvette $$ 5 NTSWarwick
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$3,460€3,099
    $3,460€3,099Check ↗
  35. 45
    Vincent Tribute PJ 4 MKII TerracottaVincent
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$3,795€3,399
    $3,795€3,399Check ↗
  36. 46
    Vincent Akkurat 4 AnthrazitVincent
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$3,795€3,399
    $3,795€3,399Check ↗
  37. 47
    Vincent Akkurat 4 WillowVincent
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$4,018€3,599
    $4,018€3,599Check ↗
  38. 48
    Warwick Masterbuilt Thumb 6 NTWarwick
    Index 46Stable
    46
    Stable$9,601€8,599
    $9,601€8,599Check ↗
  39. 49
    Sandberg California VM2 BKSandberg
    Index 45Stable
    45
    Stable$2,623€2,349
    $2,623€2,349Check ↗
  40. 50
    Marleaux Soprano Flamed Maple AquaMarleaux
    Index 45Stable
    45
    Stable$3,125€2,799
    $3,125€2,799Check ↗

Premium Basses by the numbers

Measured across all 104 models we track, not a sample.

Price distribution

Median $5,580 — half of all premium basses here cost less.

2
42
37
13
10
<$3k$3k–5k$5k–7.5k$7.5k–10k$10k+
Scale864 mm (34.02")

median of 85 models · 768 mm (30.24")–876 mm (34.49")

Strings5-string

median of 61 models · 5-string–6-string

Bodyalder, ash

most common · 67 models

Fingerboardebony, maple

most common · 78 models

How to choose the best premium basses

Wood Selection & Construction

This isn't just about ash vs. alder; it's about the density, grain, and resonance of the wood. A figured maple body might look gorgeous, but if it's dead and lifeless, it's just a pretty face. Premium basses often feature multi-piece bodies or unique construction techniques to manipulate tone and weight.

Neck Profile & Feel

A comfortable neck is non-negotiable. We're talking about the shape, thickness, and finish of the neck - does it feel like an old friend or a clumsy handshake? A well-executed neck profile will improve your playing speed and accuracy, and it's something you'll appreciate for years.

Pickup Voicing & Electronics

Cheap pickups often sound brittle and lack low-end warmth. Premium pickups offer a more nuanced response, with a better balance of frequencies and a more defined character. Active electronics can offer versatility, but passive electronics often provide a more organic and classic tone.

Hardware Quality

Tuners, bridges, and knobs aren't just cosmetic details; they affect tuning stability, sustain, and overall feel. Premium hardware will hold up to gigging and offer a smoother, more refined playing experience - those cheap plastic tuner keys will snap eventually.

Finish & Craftsmanship

While aesthetics are subjective, a well-executed finish isn't just about looks. A thin, even finish allows the wood to breathe and resonate more freely. Pay attention to the details - clean fretwork, consistent sanding, and overall attention to detail are signs of a quality instrument.

Buying guide

Okay, so you're ready to step up your bass game. We're not talking about your first bass here; this is about instruments that breathe a little easier, offer a level of detail you haven't heard before, and just feel different in your hands. A premium bass isn't just about prestige - it's about unlocking a new level of articulation, sustain, and sonic character for your playing, whether you're laying down a solid foundation in a rock band or crafting nuanced lines in a jazz trio.

Buying a premium bass is an investment, so be smart about it. Don't get caught up in flashy aesthetics; focus on the feel and tone. A bass with incredible specs on paper can still feel awful in your hands.

Try before you buy if possible, and don't be afraid to walk away - there are plenty of great basses out there, but finding the bass is personal.

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 104 premium 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 premium basses really worth the money?

That's entirely subjective. If you're primarily a bedroom player, maybe not. But if you're serious about your tone, need an instrument that can cut through a loud band, or want something that inspires you to play more, then absolutely.

What's the deal with figured tops? Do they actually affect the tone?

Mostly no. A figured top is purely cosmetic. The wood underneath is what matters. Sometimes figured tops are made from less dense wood to achieve the look, which can negatively impact the tone, but it's not a given.

Should I go active or passive?

It depends on your style and needs. Active basses offer more tonal flexibility and higher output, but passive basses are often considered to have a more classic and organic tone. There's no right or wrong answer - try both and see what resonates with you.

What about neck profiles? Which one is best?

There's no 'best' neck profile. It's all about personal preference. Some players prefer a thin, fast neck, while others prefer a thicker, more substantial feel. Try as many as you can to find what's comfortable for you.

I'm worried about the bass being too heavy. What can I do?

Premium basses often use heavier woods, so weight can be an issue. Look for basses with chambered bodies or graphite reinforcement rods in the neck to reduce weight. A good quality strap and proper playing technique can also help.

Related charts

#1 · AudioFu Index 87Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay Special 5 H · $3,125€2,799
Check price ↗
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