Double basses, also known as upright basses, are prevalent and versatile musical instruments. They play a crucial role in nearly every genre of music, including classical, jazz, country, and rock. As part of the string instrument family, the design and quality of an upright bass significantly impact its sound. Therefore, selecting the right upright bass should be approached with careful thought.
The best upright bass should produce a rich, deep sound, be responsive to various playing techniques, and have excellent playability and comfort. The materials used, the craftsmanship, and the type of strings are all essential factors to consider while purchasing an upright bass. Buying the wrong instrument can lead to discomfort, potential injury, and subpar sound quality.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of choosing the best upright bass. We have researched, tested, and reviewed various brands and models to help you find the one that suits your playing style and needs. By the end of this article, you will have the in-depth knowledge needed to make an informed decision and find an upright bass that will enhance your musical performances.
Best Upright Basses
Selecting the best upright bass is a crucial step for any musician. The instrument must resonate well, be comfortable and responsive to your playing, and also be made of quality materials. With numerous options available on the market, choosing the right one can seem daunting. In this article, we have curated a list of the best upright basses based on our extensive research and hands-on testing. This list will provide you with the guidance and insight you need to choose the best upright bass for your musical journey.
Stagg EDB-3/4 BK Electric 3/4 Size Double Bass with Gig Bag Included – Black
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable electric double bass, the Stagg EDB-3/4 BK might be a good option for you.
Pros
- The 3/4 size of this electric double bass makes it perfect for players with smaller body frames or younger students.
- The preamplifier and headphones output allow for private practice without disturbing others.
- The included gig bag provides basic protection for the bass during transport.
Cons
- The sound quality of this electric double bass might not be as good as more expensive models.
- The included gig bag might not provide enough protection for the bass during rough handling.
- The adjustable bridge might require some fine-tuning to get the best sound.
The Stagg EDB-3/4 BK is a solid choice for those who are just starting out with electric double bass or looking for an affordable option. The 3/4 size of the bass makes it comfortable for players with smaller body frames, and the preamplifier and headphones output allow for private practice without disturbing others.
One potential downside of this electric double bass is the sound quality. While it might be sufficient for practice, it might not be as good as more expensive models. Additionally, the included gig bag might not provide enough protection for the bass during rough handling. Finally, the adjustable bridge might require some fine-tuning to get the best sound.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable and reliable electric double bass, the Stagg EDB-3/4 BK is definitely worth considering.
Stagg, 4-String Electric Upright Bass, Violin Burst (EDB-3/4 VBR US)
If you’re looking for a reliable and affordable electric upright bass, the Stagg EDB-3/4 VBR US might be the perfect choice for you.
Pros
- The violin burst finish is absolutely stunning.
- The bass is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry around.
- The frets are well-aligned and the action is smooth.
Cons
- The sound is not as rich or full as some more expensive basses.
- The bass does not come with a bag or stand.
- The tuning pegs can be a bit finicky.
We’ve been using the Stagg EDB-3/4 VBR US for a few weeks now and we’re really impressed with its performance. The violin burst finish is absolutely stunning and the bass is incredibly lightweight, making it easy to carry around. The frets are well-aligned and the action is smooth, which makes playing the bass a real pleasure.
One thing to keep in mind is that the sound is not as rich or full as some more expensive basses. However, for the price, we think the sound is quite good. Another downside is that the bass does not come with a bag or stand, which can be a bit of a hassle. Finally, the tuning pegs can be a bit finicky, so you’ll need to be patient when tuning the bass.
Overall, we think the Stagg EDB-3/4 VBR US is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and reliable electric upright bass. Its stunning finish, lightweight design, and smooth action make it a joy to play, and its solid sound quality makes it a great choice for practice or recording.
Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass with an Adjustable Bridge, Bow, Rosin, and Gig Bag (Size 3/4, Black)
If you’re looking for a high-quality double bass for your young musician, the Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass is an excellent choice.
Pros
- The double bass produces a rich, resonant sound that is perfect for classical music.
- The adjustable bridge allows for easy adjustment of the string height, making it suitable for players of different skill levels.
- The bow produces a beautiful tone, and the rosin helps to produce a clear sound.
Cons
- The bass is quite heavy, which may make it difficult for younger players to transport.
- The adjustable pegs can be challenging to tune, and they may require frequent adjustments.
- The bass may require regular maintenance to keep it in good playing condition.
We’ve been using the Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass for several months now, and we’re extremely satisfied with its performance. The bass produces a rich, resonant sound that is perfect for classical music, and the adjustable bridge makes it suitable for players of different skill levels.
The bow is also of high quality, and it produces a beautiful tone when played on the bass. The rosin helps to produce a clear sound, and it’s easy to apply to the bow.
One of the downsides of the bass is its weight. It’s quite heavy, which may make it difficult for younger players to transport. However, the gig bag that comes with the bass is of high quality and provides excellent protection.
Another downside of the bass is the adjustable pegs. They can be challenging to tune, and they may require frequent adjustments. However, this is a common issue with many double basses, and it’s not unique to the Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass.
Overall, we would highly recommend the Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass to any parent looking for a high-quality double bass for their young musician. It’s a great investment that will provide years of enjoyment.
Thomastik-Infeld Spirocore 3/4 Upright Double Bass String Set – Medium Gauge
If you’re looking for a high-quality set of strings for your 3/4 size upright bass, the Thomastik-Infeld Spirocore 3/4 Upright Double Bass String Set – Medium Gauge is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- These strings offer a warm and rich sound that is perfect for a variety of musical styles.
- The Spirocore technology used in these strings helps to improve the instrument’s projection and tone.
- The medium gauge of these strings provides a good balance between playability and tone.
Cons
- Some players may find that these strings are a bit too bright for their liking.
- The price of these strings is a bit higher than some other options on the market.
- These strings may require a bit more maintenance than some other options to keep them sounding their best.
We’ve been using these strings on our 3/4 size upright bass for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed with the sound and playability they offer. The Spirocore technology used in these strings helps to improve the instrument’s projection and tone, which is especially noticeable when playing in larger ensembles. The medium gauge of these strings provides a good balance between playability and tone, making them a great choice for players of all skill levels.
One thing to keep in mind is that these strings may be a bit too bright for some players’ liking. While we find the sound to be warm and rich, some players may prefer a more mellow tone. Additionally, the price of these strings is a bit higher than some other options on the market, so they may not be the best choice for budget-conscious players.
Overall, we highly recommend the Thomastik-Infeld Spirocore 3/4 Upright Double Bass String Set – Medium Gauge to anyone looking for a high-quality set of strings for their 3/4 size upright bass.
Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass – 1/2 Size
If you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality beginner’s upright bass, the Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass – 1/2 Size is a great option.
Pros
- The tone and projection of this bass are impressive, especially considering its affordable price point.
- The maple neck and fingerboard provide a comfortable playing experience, and the adjustable bridge and pegs make it easy to set up and tune the instrument.
- The Cremona SB-2 comes with a padded gig bag and a set of strings, making it a great value for beginners.
Cons
- The bass is quite heavy, which can make it difficult for younger or smaller players to transport and maneuver.
- The soundpost installation can be a bit tricky, and it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the instrument.
- The pegs can be a bit finicky and require some patience and precision to tune the instrument properly.
Overall, we were very impressed with the Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass – 1/2 Size. It’s a great option for beginners who are looking for an affordable, high-quality instrument that will provide a comfortable playing experience and help them develop their skills.
The tone and projection of this bass are impressive, especially considering its affordable price point. The maple neck and fingerboard provide a comfortable playing experience, and the adjustable bridge and pegs make it easy to set up and tune the instrument.
One potential downside of this bass is its weight. It’s quite heavy, which can make it difficult for younger or smaller players to transport and maneuver. However, this is a common issue with many upright basses, and it’s important to keep in mind that the weight of the instrument can also contribute to its sound quality.
Another potential issue to keep in mind is the soundpost installation. This can be a bit tricky, and it’s important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the instrument. Additionally, the pegs can be a bit finicky and require some patience and precision to tune the instrument properly.
Despite these potential drawbacks, we believe that the Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass – 1/2 Size is a great option for beginners. It comes with a padded gig bag and a set of strings, making it a great value for those who are just starting out. The adjustable bridge and pegs also make it easy to set up and tune the instrument, which can be a major advantage for beginners who are still learning the ropes.
In conclusion, if you’re looking for an affordable, high-quality beginner’s upright bass, the Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass – 1/2 Size is definitely worth considering. Its impressive tone and projection, comfortable playing experience, and great value make it a top choice for beginners who are looking to develop their skills and take their music to the next level.
Buying Guide
When looking for the best upright bass, there are several factors to consider. We have used and tested various models to identify the key features that make an upright bass suitable for different musicians. Here are some of the factors to consider when buying an upright bass:
Size and Weight
The size and weight of an upright bass are important factors to consider. A larger bass will produce a fuller sound, but it may be more difficult to transport and store. A lighter bass may be easier to move around, but it may not produce the same level of sound quality. It is important to find a balance between size and weight that suits your needs.
Material and Construction
The material and construction of an upright bass can greatly affect its sound quality and durability. A bass made from high-quality wood, such as spruce or maple, will typically produce a better sound than one made from cheaper materials. The construction of the bass, including the bridge and soundpost, can also impact its sound.
Tuning and Playability
Tuning and playability are crucial factors to consider when choosing an upright bass. A bass that is difficult to tune or stay in tune can be frustrating to play. Additionally, a bass that is uncomfortable to hold or play can hinder your progress as a musician. Look for a bass with a smooth, easy-to-use pegbox and a comfortable neck.
Price
Price is always a consideration when purchasing an upright bass. While it may be tempting to go for the cheapest option, it is important to remember that a higher-priced bass may offer better sound quality and durability. Set a budget that works for you and look for a bass that meets your needs within that budget.
By considering these factors, you can find the best upright bass for your needs. Whether you are a beginner or a professional musician, an upright bass that meets your requirements can help you achieve your musical goals.
