5-String Double Basses
14 instruments available
Shop 5-String Double Basses 2026
Master Bucur Double Bass Bucur 5-S o.p.b.
5-String Double Basses
Thomann 44AS/5str. 3/4 Europe Bass
5-String Double Basses
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Gamba 5-Str. IB
5-String Double Basses
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Rogeri 5-Str. IB
5-String Double Basses
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Ceruti 5-Str. IB
5-String Double Basses
Meister Rubner Double Bass No.62 4/4 5-string
5-String Double Basses
Thomann 44/5str 3/4 Europe Double Bass
5-String Double Basses
Thomann 33AS/5str. 3/4 Europe Bass
5-String Double Basses
Thomann 22AS/5str. 3/4 Europe Bass
5-String Double Basses
Georg Walther Concert Double Bass 3/4 5S DB
5-String Double Basses
Scala Vilagio Double Bass Panormo 5-Str. IB
5-String Double Basses
Thomann 33/5str 3/4 Europe Double Bass
5-String Double Basses
Thomann 11/5str 3/4 Europe Double Bass
5-String Double Basses
Meister Rubner Double Bass No.69 4/4 5-Str.
5-String Double Basses
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About 5-String Double Basses
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.
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.
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.
