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Catalog

5-String Double Basses

16 instruments available · See the ranking

Scala Vilagio Double Bass Bucur 5-Str. IB

5-String Double Basses

$7,822€6,980Check ↗

Georg Walther Concert Double Bass 4/4 5S DB

5-String Double Basses

$7,609€6,790Check ↗

Master Bucur Double Bass Bucur 5-S o.p.b.

5-String Double Basses

$24,541€21,900Check ↗

Thomann 44AS/5str. 3/4 Europe Bass

5-String Double Basses

$3,575€3,190Check ↗

Scala Vilagio Double Bass Gamba 5-Str. IB

5-String Double Basses

$7,385€6,590Check ↗

Scala Vilagio Double Bass Rogeri 5-Str. IB

5-String Double Basses

$7,721€6,890Check ↗

Scala Vilagio Double Bass Ceruti 5-Str. IB

5-String Double Basses

$7,822€6,980Check ↗

Meister Rubner Double Bass No.62 4/4 5-string

5-String Double Basses

$9,626€8,590Check ↗

Thomann 44/5str 3/4 Europe Double Bass

5-String Double Basses

$3,575€3,190Check ↗

Thomann 33AS/5str. 3/4 Europe Bass

5-String Double Basses

$2,790€2,490Check ↗

Thomann 22AS/5str. 3/4 Europe Bass

5-String Double Basses

$2,454€2,190Check ↗

Georg Walther Concert Double Bass 3/4 5S DB

5-String Double Basses

$7,609€6,790Check ↗

Scala Vilagio Double Bass Panormo 5-Str. IB

5-String Double Basses

$7,497€6,690Check ↗

Thomann 33/5str 3/4 Europe Double Bass

5-String Double Basses

$2,902€2,590Check ↗

Thomann 11/5str 3/4 Europe Double Bass

5-String Double Basses

$2,342€2,090Check ↗

Meister Rubner Double Bass No.69 4/4 5-Str.

5-String Double Basses

$16,137€14,400Check ↗

About 5-String Double Basses

5-string double basses expand the sonic possibilities of the instrument, adding a lower register for extended range and unique harmonic textures. Primarily favored by soloists, jazz bassists, and contemporary composers, these basses offer a wider tonal palette and increased versatility. The extra string fundamentally alters the instrument's ergonomics and requires adjustments to playing technique.

Best for

Solo performanceorchestral extensionsjazzcontemporary classicalexperimental musicstudio recording

What to look for

String spacing and neck widthoverall balance and projectionwood quality and seasoningbridge placement and suitabilityneck profile and hand comfortintonation across all five strings

5-String Double Basses — pros & cons

Pros
  • Expanded tonal range allows for deeper, richer low-end frequencies.
  • Increased harmonic possibilities for more complex and nuanced playing.
  • Offers a unique voice distinct from standard 4-string basses.
  • Greater flexibility for composition and improvisation across genres.
Cons
  • Increased string tension can demand greater physical strength and stamina.
  • Intonation can be more challenging to master across all five strings.
  • The wider neck can be less comfortable for players accustomed to 4-string basses.
  • Setup and maintenance can be more complex due to the extra string.

Questions about 5-String Double Basses

How does the extra string affect the overall bass response?

The added string introduces a fundamental shift in the instrument's resonance, often requiring adjustments to the bass's setup to maintain evenness and clarity across all strings.

Are 5-string basses significantly harder to learn than 4-string models?

While the fundamental techniques remain the same, mastering intonation and developing the necessary finger strength for the increased string tension requires dedicated practice and adaptation.

What are the typical wood choices for 5-string double basses, and how do they influence tone?

Common choices like maple and spruce remain prevalent, but builders often experiment with different combinations and thicknesses to optimize the instrument's response for the added string’s demands; darker woods are sometimes favored for increased warmth.

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