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Best Upright Basses

Updated December 2018
Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Silver Creek
Thumper Upright String Bass Outfit 3/4 Size
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Bottom Line

With a rich sound and great overall quality, this upright bass beats out instruments nearly twice the price.

Pros

Popular among swing and bluegrass users, 4/4 size bassists have actually gone down to this model because of its excellent projection. Users report liking the adjustable bridge, and the included gig bag is padded for extra protection.

Cons

May want to swap out the strings if nylon is preferred; could be a bit too small for someone needing a 4/4 size.

NS Design
XTa Active Series 4-String Upright Electric Double Bass
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Bottom Line

Incorporating fine Czech craftsmanship and a thoroughly modern design, this instrument has a smooth, rich tone, whether using a bow or in pizzicato mode.

Pros

More compact than the typical string bass. Users report it being fun to play and a quick learning curve for those new to an electric bass. Includes a bag and stand; up to 16 hours of playing time when charged.

Cons

Bow not included; doesn't really approximate the sound of a large acoustic upright bass, and included strings may be too light gauge for some.

Cremona
SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass 3/4 Size
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Bottom Line

The company's top selling upright bass for more than 15 years, this is a good starter instrument for a fledgling musician.

Pros

A solid choice for students, as in many cases it’s cheaper than renting an instrument. Users who play it professionally say it’s built solidly, and lasts for years; especially great for country and bluegrass thumping.

Cons

May want to replace factory strings, and some bridge assembly required. Bow not included, and case tends to run a bit small.

Best Bang for the Buck
Cremona
SB-3 Premier Upright Bass 3/4 Size
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Bottom Line

With its beautiful violin shape and rich coloring, this spruce and maple string bass is a good mid-priced alternative to more expensive models.

Pros

A quality beginner's bass, this model can be cheaper for students than renting. Strings are better than on lower-cost basses, and tone is perfect for playing bluegrass. String spacing can be adjusted for individual use.

Cons

Some users have reported issues with damage to the packaging during shipping, which could be improved; bow is not included.

Palatino
VE-500-BK Electric Upright Bass
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Bottom Line

With sleek looks and a great tone that attract plenty of attention, this easy-to-use string bass ticks all the boxes.

Pros

Even though it's solidly built, it's still relatively lightweight, making it a breeze to transport from gig to gig — especially with the included backpack-style case. Not only a good live performance instrument, it also shines on recordings.

Cons

Users report needing to dampen the reverb, as it can vibrate a bit too much; some feedback at high volumes.

How we decided

We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

  • 20 Models Considered
  • 7 Hours Researched
  • 1 Experts Interviewed
  • 138 Consumers Consulted
    • Zero products received from manufacturers.

    We purchase every product we review with our own funds — we never accept anything from product manufacturers.

    Why trust BestReviews?
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.
    BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.

    The upright bass supports the low end of the string ensemble as well as many jazz and folk groups. Larger than the cello, buying a double bass can be more difficult than other string instruments since they tend to be more expensive. Depending on the player's size and skill level, there are different models you should consider. Bass sizes range from 1/4 all the way to full with 1/4 and 3/4 models being common for younger students. Teens and adults, regardless of skill level, should look at a full-size bass so the playing experience is true to the size of the fretless neck.

    The team that worked on this review
    • Eliza
      Eliza
      Production Manager
    • Jacob
      Jacob
      Editorial Manager
    • Katie
      Katie
      Editorial Director
    • Kim
      Kim
      Writer
    • Melinda
      Melinda
      Web Producer
    • Shafa
      Shafa
      Product Consultant
    ×

    NS Design

    XTa Active Series 4-String Upright Electric Double Bass

    NS Design

    XTa Active Series 4-String Upright Electric Double Bass

    Incorporating fine Czech craftsmanship and a thoroughly modern design, this instrument has a smooth, rich tone, whether using a bow or in pizzicato mode.
    $1599
    ×

    Cremona

    SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass 3/4 Size

    Cremona

    SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass 3/4 Size

    The company's top selling upright bass for more than 15 years, this is a good starter instrument for a fledgling musician.
    $1224
    ×

    Cremona

    SB-3 Premier Upright Bass 3/4 Size

    Cremona

    SB-3 Premier Upright Bass 3/4 Size

    With its beautiful violin shape and rich coloring, this spruce and maple string bass is a good mid-priced alternative to more expensive models.
    $2195
    ×

    Palatino

    VE-500-BK Electric Upright Bass

    Palatino

    VE-500-BK Electric Upright Bass

    With sleek looks and a great tone that attract plenty of attention, this easy-to-use string bass ticks all the boxes.
    $871

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