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BEST UPRIGHT BASSES OF 2026

Updated
Updated
BEST OF THE BEST
Cremona SB-2 Premier Student Upright Bass
Cremona
SB-2 Premier Student Upright Bass
Top-Quality Professional Bass
Is perfect for aspiring musicians seeking a high-quality instrument. With a well-crafted build, it provides exceptional sound and playability.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Rich, resonant sound
  • Durable construction
  • Comfortable playability
  • Affordable for students
CONS
  • May require professional setup
  • Heavier than some models
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass
Cecilio
CDB Upright Double Bass
Elegant Natural Finish Bass
Combines affordability with a beautiful natural finish, making it an ideal choice for beginners and intermediate players alike.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Elegant finish
  • Includes gig bag
  • Durable construction
CONS
  • Sound not as rich as solid wood
  • May require setup adjustments
Stagg EDB-3/4 MBK Electric Double Bass
Stagg
EDB-3/4 MBK Electric Double Bass
High-Performance Bass
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Wide tonal range
  • Silent practice option
  • Modern design
  • Ergonomic feel
CONS
  • Requires amplification
  • Heavier than acoustic models
Palatino VB-004-3/4 Upright Double Bass
Palatino
VB-004-3/4 Upright Double Bass
Affordable Student Bass
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Budget-friendly
  • Durable construction
  • Includes gig bag
  • Comfortable playability
CONS
  • Sound quality is basic
  • May need professional setup
NS Design NXT4a Upright Bass
NS Design
NXT4a Upright Bass
Premium Acoustic Bass
Offers premium craftsmanship and advanced features, making it ideal for professional musicians seeking exceptional acoustic performance.
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Pros & Cons
PROS
  • Exceptional sound quality
  • Wide tonal range
  • Includes stand and gig bag
  • Comfortable ergonomic design
CONS
  • High price point
  • Requires amplification
BEST OF THE BEST
Cremona SB-2 Premier Student Upright Bass
Top-Quality Professional Bass
Top Material: Spruce
Back/Sides Material: Maple
Fingerboard Material: Ebony
Size: 3/4
Finish: Natural

The Cremona SB-2 Premier Student Upright Bass offers an excellent balance between quality and affordability, making it a perfect choice for students and intermediate players. Crafted with a spruce top and maple back and sides, this instrument delivers a rich and resonant sound that is both powerful and nuanced.

The fingerboard is made from ebony, providing a smooth and durable surface for precise finger placement. The SB-2 also features an adjustable bridge, allowing players to customize the action to their preference, ensuring comfort and ease of playability.

With its elegant finish and robust construction, the Cremona SB-2 is designed to withstand the rigors of regular practice and performance, making it a reliable companion for any budding bassist.

PROS
  • Rich, resonant sound
  • Durable construction
  • Comfortable playability
  • Affordable for students
CONS
  • May require professional setup
  • Heavier than some models
BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK
Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass
Elegant Natural Finish Bass
Top Material: Laminated
Back/Sides Material: Laminated
Fingerboard Material: Ebonized Hardwood
Size: 3/4
Finish: Natural

The Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass is a great entry-level instrument for those new to playing the upright bass. Its high-quality laminated construction ensures durability while producing a warm and robust sound.

The natural finish adds a touch of elegance, making it visually appealing on stage or in practice environments. The bass features an adjustable maple bridge and an ebonized hardwood fingerboard, providing players with a comfortable and responsive playing experience.

The Cecilio CDB also includes a padded gig bag, making it easy to transport and protect your instrument. Whether you're a student or an enthusiast, this bass offers a reliable and enjoyable playing experience.

PROS
  • Affordable price
  • Elegant finish
  • Includes gig bag
  • Durable construction
CONS
  • Sound not as rich as solid wood
  • May require setup adjustments
Stagg EDB-3/4 MBK Electric Double Bass
High-Performance Bass
Body Material: Maple
Neck Material: Maple
Electronics: Active
Size: 3/4
Finish: Black

The Stagg EDB-3/4 MBK Electric Double Bass is an innovative instrument that combines the traditional feel of an upright bass with the modern capabilities of an electric bass. This model features a solid maple body and neck, providing a stable and resonant platform for its powerful sound.

The built-in active electronics allow for a wide range of tonal possibilities, making it suitable for various musical genres. The EDB-3/4 MBK also comes equipped with a headphone jack, making it ideal for silent practice.

Its sleek black finish and ergonomic design make it a visually striking and comfortable instrument to play. Whether you're performing on stage or practicing at home, this electric double bass offers the perfect blend of tradition and innovation.

PROS
  • Wide tonal range
  • Silent practice option
  • Modern design
  • Ergonomic feel
CONS
  • Requires amplification
  • Heavier than acoustic models
Palatino VB-004-3/4 Upright Double Bass
Affordable Student Bass
Top Material: Laminated Spruce
Back/Sides Material: Maple
Fingerboard Material: Ebonized Hardwood
Size: 3/4
Finish: Natural

The Palatino VB-004-3/4 Upright Double Bass is designed with the beginning bassist in mind. Its laminated spruce top and maple back and sides provide a sturdy and reliable build, capable of withstanding the demands of regular practice and performance.

The ebonized fingerboard offers a smooth playing surface, and the adjustable maple bridge allows for customization of the string height, ensuring a comfortable playing experience. The VB-004-3/4 also comes with a padded gig bag for easy transportation and protection of the instrument.

With its combination of affordability and quality, the Palatino VB-004-3/4 is an excellent choice for students embarking on their musical journey.

PROS
  • Budget-friendly
  • Durable construction
  • Includes gig bag
  • Comfortable playability
CONS
  • Sound quality is basic
  • May need professional setup
NS Design NXT4a Upright Bass
Premium Acoustic Bass
Body Material: Maple
Neck Material: Maple
Pickup System: Polar™
Size: 4/4
Finish: Amber Satin

The NS Design NXT4a Upright Bass is a top-tier instrument crafted for professional musicians who demand the best in acoustic performance. This bass features a solid maple body and neck, delivering a rich and resonant sound that is both powerful and nuanced.

The proprietary Polar™ Pickup System allows for a wide range of tonal possibilities, making it suitable for various musical styles. The NXT4a also includes a tripod stand and padded gig bag, ensuring ease of transport and protection.

Its sleek and ergonomic design not only looks stunning but also provides unmatched comfort during long playing sessions. With its superior craftsmanship and advanced features, the NS Design NXT4a is the perfect choice for discerning bassists.

PROS
  • Exceptional sound quality
  • Wide tonal range
  • Includes stand and gig bag
  • Comfortable ergonomic design
CONS
  • High price point
  • Requires amplification

How our picks compare

SpecificationCremona SB-2 Premier Student Upright BassCecilio CDB Upright Double BassStagg EDB-3/4 MBK Electric Double BassPalatino VB-004-3/4 Upright Double BassNS Design NXT4a Upright Bass
Top MaterialSpruceLaminated-Laminated Spruce-
Back/Sides MaterialMapleLaminated-Maple-
Fingerboard MaterialEbonyEbonized Hardwood-Ebonized Hardwood-
Size3/43/43/43/44/4
FinishNaturalNaturalBlackNaturalAmber Satin
Body Material--Maple-Maple
Neck Material--Maple-Maple
Electronics--Active--
Pickup System----Polar™