AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Semi-Solid Double Basses 2026
The top pick is Thomann 22AS 3/4 Europe Double Bass ($2,110). Gewa Basic Line Semi Solid Bass 4/4 gives you the most for the money at $1,518. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 5 models across 2 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
Narrow the chart
All Semi-Solid Double BassesTop 5
Full detail for the 5 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
-
- Size3/4 size
The Thomann 22AS is a great entry point for students or players wanting a European-made bass without the premium price tag. Its solid spruce top gives it a surprisingly good voice, and the 3/4 size makes it manageable for younger or smaller players. It's a solid, reliable instrument perfect for classical, orchestral, or even some lighter jazz styles.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a surprisingly resonant and warm tone.
- Laminated maple back provides stability and controlled projection.
- Ebony fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience and good note definition.
Cons
- 3/4 size limits suitability for taller or experienced players.
- Matte lacquer finish can feel less refined than a gloss finish.
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,110 now$2,110€1,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size4/4 size
This is a semi-solid 4/4 double bass with a solid spruce top and laminated back and sides. It has an ebony fingerboard, a maple bridge, and Tyrolean-style machine heads. It suits you if you want a bass with a solid top and a traditional viola da gamba shape at a lower price than a fully solid instrument.
Pros
- Solid spruce top with inlaid purfling for a finished look
- Ebony fingerboard paired with a maple bridge
- Tyrolean-style machine heads for tuning
Cons
- Back and sides are laminated wood, not solid wood
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,518 now$1,518€1,360 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This is a 3/4 semi-solid double bass with a solid spruce top and laminated back and sides. It has an ebony fingerboard, a maple bridge, and a viola da gamba shape. You may like it if you want a smaller bass with a solid top and a traditional look.
Pros
- Solid spruce top with inlaid purfling for a finished look
- Laminated back and sides are part of the build
- Ebony fingerboard paired with a maple bridge
Cons
- Back and sides are laminated wood, not solid wood
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,518 now$1,518€1,360 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size4/4 size
This is a semi-solid double bass with a solid spruce top and a laminated maple back. It comes with Artino SN-180 strings and an ebony fretboard, and it is set up in Germany for the style you choose. If you want a bass that is ready to play and you can wait a few extra days for the setup, this could suit you.
Pros
- Solid spruce top for the bass's main tonewood
- Arched laminated maple back for sturdy construction
- Round ebony fretboard, Diospyros ebenum
Cons
- Ships about two to three days later for the workshop setup
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,110 now$2,110€1,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This is a 3/4 double bass with a solid spruce top, an ebony fingerboard, and brass tuners. If you are a smaller player who wants a bass that is ready to play, you should take a close look. The violin-shaped body and semi-massive build suit you if you want a real wooden top without going fully solid.
Pros
- Solid spruce top, a tonewood listed by the maker, gives this bass a real wooden top
- Laminated back and laminated frame make up a sturdy, practical build
- Individual tuners made of brass and an ebony fingerboard come as standard
Cons
- Only available in the 3/4 size, so it suits players of smaller stature
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,222 now$2,222€1,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Semi-Solid Double Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 6 models we track, not a sample.
most common · 6 models
How to choose the best semi-solid double basses
Body Construction
This is the big one. Typically, you're looking at a spruce top (for brightness and responsiveness) glued to a chambered or hollowed-out mahogany or maple body. The amount of solid wood versus air significantly impacts sustain, projection, and overall acoustic tone - more solid wood generally means more sustain and a more traditional acoustic feel, but can be heavier.
Acoustic Tone & Projection
Don't underestimate this. Even though you'll likely be plugging in, a semi-solid's acoustic voice is still a huge part of its character. Listen for a balanced tone; you want enough low-end thump to feel the vibrations, but also clarity in the mids so it doesn't get muddy. A weak acoustic sound will translate poorly through an amp.
Pickup Voicing & Placement
Pickups on semi-solids often sit within the soundhole or on the body. Soundhole pickups tend to be more natural-sounding, capturing more of the acoustic resonance, but can be prone to feedback at higher volumes. Body-mounted pickups can be brighter and more aggressive, but sometimes lack the warmth and complexity. Consider your genre - a rock player might prefer a hotter pickup, while a jazz bassist will want something more subtle.
Neck Profile & Playability
A comfortable neck is crucial. Semi-solids can range from thin, Fender-style profiles to thicker, more traditional upright necks. Factor in string spacing and action - a low action can improve playability, but too low can lead to fret buzz. The neck needs to be stable; check for straightness and any signs of warping.
Hardware & Build Quality
Pay attention to the tuners, bridge, and overall construction. Cheap hardware can lead to tuning instability and a generally flimsy feel. Solid hardware doesn't guarantee a great sound, but it does suggest a more thoughtful build and will hold up better to gigging.
Buying guide
So, you're looking at a semi-solid double bass? Smart move. They're the chameleons of the bass world - offering acoustic resonance with the convenience of amplification. Whether you're battling a loud drummer in a rock band, laying down a walking bassline in a jazz quartet, or just need something a bit more portable than a full-bodied acoustic, a semi-solid is worth a serious look. Let's break down what makes these instruments tick and what to look for before you drop your hard-earned cash.
Semi-solid basses represent a compromise - you're trading some acoustic depth for portability and amplification. Be wary of models that feel excessively lightweight; they've likely cut corners on the body construction. Spending a little more usually gets you better wood, more refined construction, and a pickup that doesn't sound like a tin can.
Ultimately, the best semi-solid is the one that feels right and sounds good through your amp.
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 semi-solid 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
How much does a decent semi-solid double bass cost?
You're looking at a range of $500 to $1500+ for something worthwhile. Below $500, expect compromises in wood quality and hardware. Higher end models can easily exceed $2000.
Are semi-solid basses suitable for recording?
Absolutely. They offer a good balance of acoustic character and the ability to dial in specific tones with effects. Just be mindful of any unwanted resonances and use good mic placement.
Can I use upright bass strings on a semi-solid?
Generally, yes, but be cautious. Upright strings are often heavier and might put more strain on the neck. Experiment carefully and monitor the neck for any signs of warping.
Do semi-solid basses tend to feedback?
Yes, they can. The hollowed body amplifies the sound, making them more prone to feedback at higher volumes. Proper amp placement, EQ adjustments, and potentially a feedback suppressor can help.
What's the difference between a semi-solid and a hollow body double bass?
A hollow body is almost entirely hollow, offering a very resonant and airy acoustic tone, but with less sustain. A semi-solid has a more substantial solid wood component, giving it more sustain and a more focused acoustic voice, but sacrificing some of that hollow body resonance.
