Best Upright Basses

Updated December 2019
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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
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.Read more 
Bottom Line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Palatino The Billy Bass
Palatino
The Billy Bass
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Bottom Line

The premium design and slick black appearance of The Billy Bass will grab your attention, while its crisp sound quality and durability will keep it for years to come.

Pros

Treble cutaway on side. Sides, back, and neck are maple wood, and its front is spruce. Black fingerboard. Stylish. Easy to grip. Includes cushioned carrying bag.

Cons

Expensive, but worth every cent for serious musicians.

M. Ravel 4-String Acoustic Upright Bass
M. Ravel
4-String Acoustic Upright Bass
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Bottom Line

Solidly made and emits a far finer sound quality than you may expect for the price, this introductory upright bass is an excellent option for beginners.

Pros

Relatively affordable. Made with a spruce front and maple for its rear and ribs. Laminated body. Includes protective padded carrying bag and Brazil wood bow.

Cons

Veteran bassists may prefer a premium model.

Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass 3/4 Size
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 beginner.

Pros

A solid choice for students, as in many cases it’s cheaper than renting an instrument. Professionals say it has a solid build and lasts for years. Excellent for country and bluegrass thumping.

Cons

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

Best Bang for the Buck
Cremona SB-3 Premier Upright Bass 3/4 Size
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 pricier 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 bluegrass. String spacing is adjustable.

Cons

Some users report damage to the packaging during shipping. Bow is not included.

Palatino VE-500-BK Electric Upright Bass
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.

Why trust BestReviews?
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. Read more  
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.Read more 
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.

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
  • Jacob
    Jacob
    Editorial Manager
  • Katie
    Katie
    Editorial Director
  • Melinda
    Melinda
    Web Producer
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M. Ravel

4-String Acoustic Upright Bass

M. Ravel

4-String Acoustic Upright Bass

Solidly made and emits a far finer sound quality than you may expect for the price, this introductory upright bass is an excellent option for beginners.
$1056
×

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 beginner.
$1228
×

Palatino

The Billy Bass

Palatino

The Billy Bass

The premium design and slick black appearance of The Billy Bass will grab your attention, while its crisp sound quality and durability will keep it for years to come.
$1199
×

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 pricier models.
$1649
×

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.
$879

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