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Catalog

5-String Electric Double Basses

15 instruments available · See the ranking

Ibanez UB805-MOB

5-String Electric Double Basses

$1,232€1,099Check ↗

NS Design WAV5c-OB-TR Omni Bass

5-String Electric Double Basses

$2,118€1,890Check ↗

NS Design WAV5c-OB-BK Omni Bass

5-String Electric Double Basses

$2,118€1,890Check ↗

NS Design WAV5c-OB-AB Omni Bass

5-String Electric Double Basses

$2,118€1,890Check ↗

NS Design CR5M-DB Zebra Wood Bass

5-String Electric Double Basses

$6,712€5,990Check ↗

NS Design WAV5c Bass Brilliant White

5-String Electric Double Basses

$2,296€2,049Check ↗

NS Design WAV5c Bass Translucent Red

5-String Electric Double Basses

$2,296€2,049Check ↗

NS Design WAV5c Bass Black Gloss

5-String Electric Double Basses

$2,342€2,090Check ↗

NS Design WAV5c Bass Amberburst

5-String Electric Double Basses

$2,342€2,090Check ↗

NS Design NXT5a-OB-AB Omni Bass B-G

5-String Electric Double Basses

$3,295€2,940Check ↗

NS Design NXT5a-OB-BK Omni Bass B-G

5-String Electric Double Basses

$3,295€2,940Check ↗

NS Design NXT5a-DB-BK Electric Bass

5-String Electric Double Basses

$3,115€2,780Check ↗

NS Design NXT5a-DB-SB Double Bass

5-String Electric Double Basses

$3,093€2,760Check ↗

NS Design CR5M-DB Amber Bass

5-String Electric Double Basses

$6,712€5,990Check ↗

NS Design CR5 Upright Bass Amber

5-String Electric Double Basses

$5,816€5,190Check ↗

About 5-String Electric Double Basses

5-string electric double basses expand the tonal range and versatility of the upright bass, allowing for extended range compositions and more complex basslines. Favored by jazz, fusion, and studio musicians, these instruments offer the acoustic tone of an upright with the amplified projection needed for modern performance environments. The addition of a low 'B' string significantly alters playing technique and musical possibilities.

Best for

Jazzfusionstudio recordingcontemporary classicalupright bass players seeking extended range

What to look for

Pickup configurationbody wood resonanceneck profile and playabilitystring spacing and actionintonation across all five stringsoverall instrument weight

5-String Electric Double Basses — pros & cons

Pros
  • Extended range allows for greater harmonic and melodic possibilities.
  • Amplified sound provides volume and tonal shaping options.
  • Electric functionality enables easier recording and effects integration.
  • Offers upright bass feel with increased versatility for diverse genres.
  • Can be more manageable for travel compared to full-size upright basses.
Cons
  • Lower 'B' string requires significant technique adjustment.
  • Can be more prone to unwanted string noise and resonances.
  • Intonation across five strings can be challenging to maintain.
  • Often heavier than 4-string electric double basses.
  • Requires more careful string selection and setup for optimal performance.

Questions about 5-String Electric Double Basses

How does the low 'B' string affect playing technique?

The lower string demands increased finger strength and precise intonation, often requiring adjustments to bowing and plucking techniques.

What pickup configurations are common on 5-string electric double basses?

Piezo pickups are standard, but magnetic pickups are increasingly popular for a more 'electric' tone, and some instruments combine both for versatility.

Is it difficult to maintain intonation on a 5-string electric double bass?

Yes, proper setup and string selection are crucial; even small variations in string gauge or neck relief can significantly impact intonation across all five strings.

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