AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Solid Double Basses 2026
The top pick is Meister Rubner Double Bass No.67 4/4 5-Str. ($15,073). Thomann 33 3/4 Europe Double Bass gives you the most for the money at $2,222. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 40 models across 9 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 7, 2026
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All Solid Double BassesTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Strings5-string
- Size4/4 size
You get a fully solid concert double bass in the viola da gamba shape, with a fine-grained German spruce top and a solid maple back. It has an ebony fingerboard, engraved brass machine heads, and Thomastik Belcanto strings. This one suits you if you want a solid, carefully built 5-string bass made in Germany.
Pros
- Fully solid construction, with a solid German spruce top and solid maple back
- Solid, selected, fine-grained German spruce top for a carefully chosen tonewood
- Double inlaid purfling and an ebony fingerboard give it a finished, detailed look
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$15,073 now$15,073€13,500 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- Size4/4 size
This is a 4/4 solo double bass with five strings, built in the shape of a viola da gamba. You get a solid spruce top, a solid arched build, flamed maple back and sides, and an ebony fingerboard, all finished in dark red hand-applied varnish. It suits you if you want a handmade German solo bass with a traditional look and build.
Pros
- Solid selected fine-grained German spruce top gives the bass a solid, traditional build
- Solid arched top paired with a beautifully flamed maple back
- Flamed maple sides and inlaid purfling add visual detail
Cons
- Viola da gamba body shape is a specialist choice rather than a standard double bass shape
64AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$17,752 now$17,752€15,900 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Size3/4 size
You get a 3/4 size bass with a solid spruce top and a solid maple back. It has a viola-shaped body, an ebony fingerboard, and Thomastik Belcanto strings. This one suits you if you want a smaller artist-style bass built from solid woods with a hand-applied finish.
Pros
- Solid spruce top gives the body a strong, proven wood base
- Arched solid maple back adds structure to the instrument
- Ebony fingerboard is a hard, durable wood for playing
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$8,139 now$8,139€7,290 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Size3/4 size
You get a 3/4 size double bass in the classic Gamba shape. It has a solid select spruce top, an arched poplar back, an ebony fingerboard, and Rubner machine heads, with an antique imitation finish. This one suits you if you want a traditional concert bass in a smaller size.
Pros
- Solid select spruce top gives the instrument a solid, traditional soundboard
- Arched poplar back adds to the instrument's construction
- Concert instrument in Gamba shape, a classic traditional design
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$9,144 now$9,144€8,190 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
- Weight12.3 kg
This Thomann 44A is a solid entry-level double bass, especially for students or players needing a smaller instrument. The spruce top gives it a pleasing warmth, and the European craftsmanship shows in the build quality. It’s a great way to get a traditionally-built bass without the premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Solid spruce top delivers a responsive, warm fundamental tone.
- Arched maple back provides projection and a refined aesthetic.
- Round ebony fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience, crucial for intonation.
Cons
- The 3/4 size may not suit taller players comfortably, limiting ergonomic reach.
- Antique imitation finish, while visually appealing, might lack the depth of true aging.
58AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,892 now$2,892€2,590 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
This is a 3/4 size double bass with a solid spruce top and a flat solid maple back. It has a round ebony fingerboard, Tyrolean machine heads, and an endpin you can adjust to height. Thomann sets each bass up in its workshop for a playing style, so tell them in the order comment whether you play jazz, classical, or rockabilly.
Pros
- Solid spruce top gives the instrument its top plate
- Flat solid maple back paired with the spruce top
- Round ebony fingerboard
Cons
- Delivery by freight carrier, and shipping takes two to three extra days for setup
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,222 now$2,222€1,990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Size3/4 size
You get a solid wood double bass in the style of Giovanni Battista Ceruti, made in the master workshop of Ioan Bucur. It has a solid spruce top, flamed maple back and sides, an ebony fingerboard, and Thomastik Belcanto strings. It suits you if you want a 3/4 size bass built in the traditional violin form.
Pros
- Made completely of solid wood, in a violin form style
- Solid spruce top with an arched shape
- Beautifully flamed maple back and sides
Cons
- Body is large, with a 69 cm lower bout and 115 cm body length
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,130 now$6,130€5,490 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Size3/4 size
You get a 3/4 size double bass made completely of solid wood in a violin shape, built in the style of Matteo Gofriller. It has a solid spruce top, flamed maple back and sides, and an ebony fingerboard. It suits you if you want a carefully made traditional bass from a master workshop.
Pros
- Made completely of solid wood in a violin shape
- Solid spruce top paired with beautifully flamed maple back and sides
- Ebony fingerboard and Rubner single tuners
Cons
- Body is large at 111.5 cm long with a 68 cm lower bout
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,353 now$6,353€5,690 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Size3/4 size
This is a solid wood double bass in the style of Giuseppe Tarantini, made in the master workshop of Ioan Bucur. You get a solid spruce top, flamed maple back and sides, and an ebony fingerboard. It suits you if you want a carefully built bass with a classic violin-shaped body.
Pros
- Solid wood construction, with a solid spruce top and beautifully flamed maple back and sides
- Made in the master workshop of Ioan Bucur
- Violin-shaped body in the style of Giuseppe Tarantini
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$6,465 now$6,465€5,790 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Size3/4 size
If you want a fully solid 3/4 concert double bass with a viola da gamba shape, this one is worth a look. It has a solid spruce top, a solid maple back, an ebony fingerboard, and a height-adjustable bridge, all made in Germany. It suits you if you want a traditional, solid instrument in a smaller size.
Pros
- Fully solid model with a solid European spruce top
- Solid curved European maple back in a traditional build
- Made in Germany with a dark brown hand-applied spirit varnish
Cons
- Scale of 104.8 cm and body length of 110 cm call for a player comfortable with a 3/4 size bass
53AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$7,246 now$7,246€6,490 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 40 solid double basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Meister Rubner Double Bass No.69 3/4Meister Rubner · 2 finishes53Stable$14,961€13,400$14,961€13,400Check ↗
- 12
Karl Höfner H5/7-B3/4 Orchestra Bass 3/4Karl Höfner · 2 finishes50↓ 7.1%$7,246€6,490$7,246€6,490Check ↗
- 13
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Tarantini PiccoloScala Vilagio49↓ 5.3%$6,018€5,390$6,018€5,390Check ↗
- 14
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Bernardel IBScala Vilagio47Stable$6,018€5,390$6,018€5,390Check ↗
- 15
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Busan 3/4 IBScala Vilagio47Stable$6,130€5,490$6,130€5,490Check ↗
- 16
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Marcucci IBScala Vilagio47Stable$6,241€5,590$6,241€5,590Check ↗
- 17
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Panormo IBScala Vilagio47Stable$6,353€5,690$6,353€5,690Check ↗
- 18
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Rogeri IBScala Vilagio47Stable$6,465€5,790$6,465€5,790Check ↗
- 19
Meister Rubner Solo Double Bass Lady`s HeadMeister Rubner47Stable$17,752€15,900$17,752€15,900Check ↗
- 20
Meister Rubner Solo Double Bass Scroll HeadMeister Rubner47Stable$21,102€18,900$21,102€18,900Check ↗
- 21
Meister Rubner Solo Double Bass Lion`s HeadMeister Rubner47Stable$21,102€18,900$21,102€18,900Check ↗
- 22
Gewa Basic Line Solid Bass 4/4Gewa44Stable$2,110€1,890$2,110€1,890Check ↗
- 23
Gewa Basic Line Solid Bass 3/4Gewa44Stable$2,110€1,890$2,110€1,890Check ↗
- 24
Thomann 33NA 4/4 Europe Double BassThomann44Stable$2,557€2,290$2,557€2,290Check ↗
- 25
Thomann 44 4/4 Europe Double BassThomann44Stable$2,780€2,490$2,780€2,490Check ↗
- 26
Gewa Europe Double Bass 3/4Gewa44Stable$3,115€2,790$3,115€2,790Check ↗
- 27
Gewa Premium Line Solid Bass 3/4Gewa44Stable$3,338€2,990$3,338€2,990Check ↗
- 28
Gewa Germania Bass Rom Antik 3/4Gewa44Stable$5,236€4,690$5,236€4,690Check ↗
- 29
Gewa Germania Bass Berlin Antik 3/4Gewa44Stable$5,460€4,890$5,460€4,890Check ↗
- 30
Georg Walther Concert Double Bass 4/4 DBGeorg Walther43Stable$7,246€6,490$7,246€6,490Check ↗
- 31
Georg Walther Solo Double Bass 3/4 AMGeorg Walther43Stable$9,256€8,290$9,256€8,290Check ↗
- 32
Master Bucur Double Bass Busseto o.p.b.Master Bucur42Stable$24,451€21,900$24,451€21,900Check ↗
- 33
Master Bucur Double Bass Rogeri 5-S o.p.b.Master Bucur42Stable$24,451€21,900$24,451€21,900Check ↗
- 34
Stentor SR1438 Double Bass 4/4Stentor39Stable$3,227€2,890$3,227€2,890Check ↗
- 35
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Gamba IBScala Vilagio39Stable$6,241€5,590$6,241€5,590Check ↗
- 36
Scala Vilagio Double Bass French Model IBScala Vilagio39Stable$6,241€5,590$6,241€5,590Check ↗
- 37
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Bucur IBScala Vilagio39Stable$6,353€5,690$6,353€5,690Check ↗
- 38
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Busseto IBScala Vilagio39Stable$6,465€5,790$6,465€5,790Check ↗
- 39
Roth & Junius Europe Orchestra Bass 3/4Roth & Junius39Stable$9,479€8,490$9,479€8,490Check ↗
- 40
Master Bucur Double Bass Rogeri Lion`s HeadMaster Bucur34Stable$21,102€18,900$21,102€18,900Check ↗
Solid Double Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 59 models we track, not a sample.
Median $6,465 — half of all solid double basses here cost less.
most common · 47 models
most common · 11 models
How to choose the best solid double basses
Wood Type
Spruce tends towards bright, airy tones with good projection - great for pizzicato and arco. Maple is generally punchier, more focused, and cuts through a mix better; a workhorse for rock and funk. Mahogany delivers a warmer, woodier sound with a rounder low-end, often favored for jazz and blues.
Top Carving/Grading
A hand-carved top (especially spruce) is a sign of more attention to detail and often translates to more complex overtones and a more responsive instrument. The grading of the spruce (how tight the grain is) also matters; tighter grain generally means better projection and clarity.
Neck Profile & Setup
This is huge. A poorly shaped neck or a bad setup will ruin even the best wood. A comfortable neck profile (C, D, or U shape) is key for long gigs, and a proper setup - low action, intonation - makes a world of difference in playability and tone. Don't be afraid to have a luthier check it.
Bassbar (Soundbar)
The bassbar is a strip of wood glued down the center of the top - it's critical for tone and projection. A poorly fitted or weak bassbar will result in a dull, lifeless sound. It's a subtle detail, but experienced players can often hear the difference.
Corner Bracing & Construction
Look for solid corner bracing, not just glued-in blocks. Solid construction contributes to better resonance and sustain. Cheaper basses often cut corners here, leading to a weaker, less responsive instrument - you'll feel it in the lack of sustain and overall 'liveliness'.
Buying guide
So, you're looking at a solid double bass? Good choice. Unlike those laminate instruments, a solid wood bass - spruce, maple, mahogany - will actually breathe and develop a real voice over time. But it's a bigger investment, and you need to know what you're getting. Let's break down what makes a solid double bass worth the money and what pitfalls to avoid so you don't end up with a glorified firewood log.
Solid basses start around $800 and climb fast. Don't chase the most expensive name; focus on the feel and sound. Watch out for overly bright, ice-picky highs - that often means a thin top or a poorly fitted bassbar.
Spending a bit more on a setup from a reputable luthier is almost always worth it; a well-set-up budget bass can often outperform a poorly set-up expensive one.
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 53 solid double basses from the Thomann catalogue (of 59 in the category). 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
Is a spruce top always better than a maple top?
Not necessarily. Spruce is generally brighter and more articulate, but maple can be punchier and cut through a mix better, especially in rock or funk. It depends on the tone you're after.
What's the deal with 'European' vs. 'American' spruce?
European spruce, particularly Carpathian spruce, is often considered to be more resonant due to its slower growth and tighter grain. It can sound better, but it's not a guarantee; the carving and overall construction are still paramount.
Can I upgrade the strings on a solid bass?
Absolutely! Strings make a huge difference. Experiment with different gauges and materials (steel, gut, synthetic) to find what works best for your playing style and desired tone. D'Addario, Pirastro, and Thomastik-Infeld are popular choices.
Should I worry about the bass's finish?
A thick, glossy finish can dampen the instrument's resonance. A thinner, more open finish (like a French polish) generally allows the wood to breathe more, but it's also more susceptible to damage. It's a trade-off.
I'm a beginner, should I buy a solid bass?
It's a bigger investment, but if you're serious about playing, a solid bass will be more rewarding in the long run. Just make sure it's comfortable to play and sounds good - don't get hung up on fancy features you won't use.
