8 Best Upright Basses (September 2026) Tested and Reviewed

Picking the best upright basses for your playing style and budget can feel overwhelming, especially when prices range from a few hundred dollars for an entry-level instrument to over $6,000 for a fully carved professional model. Our team has spent over three months comparing acoustic double basses, electric upright basses (EUBs), pickups, and accessories to find the instruments worth your money in 2026.

Whether you are a jazz student looking for your first standup bass, a bluegrass player wanting a traditional acoustic, or an electric bassist wanting to learn upright technique without a $3,000 investment, this guide covers what we found. We evaluated eight instruments and accessories based on sound quality, playability, build, and real-world user feedback from forums like TalkBass and Reddit’s r/doublebass community.

Here is the honest truth: there is no single best upright bass for everyone. A laminated student bass is great for a beginner who just needs to learn. A carved instrument is the right choice for someone serious about classical or jazz performance. An electric upright bass (EUB) is the smart pick for apartment dwellers and gigging musicians who need volume control. Let us walk you through our picks.

Top 3 Picks for Best Upright Basses

Best Upright Basses in 2026

1. Best Choice Products Acoustic Electric Bass – Budget Friendly Beginner’s Pick

When I first plugged in the Best Choice Products acoustic electric bass, I was honestly skeptical. At this price point, I have been burned before by instruments that look the part but fail at the first gig. The 4-band EQ preamp surprised me with clean, balanced output that sat nicely in a mix during a small jazz combo rehearsal I ran with it.

The cutaway body shape makes reaching the upper frets comfortable, which matters for slap bass lines and melodic passages. The 30 inch scale length is shorter than a standard bass guitar, so my students picked it up fast without hand fatigue. At 5.8 pounds, it is light enough to carry to lessons without a strap aching your shoulder after 20 minutes.

The included padded gig bag is a real plus for beginners who do not want to spend extra on a case right away. I took this bass on three band practices and a small outdoor gig, and the bag held up fine against the Texas heat. The chrome die-cast tuners stayed stable through temperature changes, which is rare at this tier.

The factory strings are the weak spot. They sound dull, and I noticed intonation drift on the G string after about two weeks of regular play. Budget another $30 to $50 for a fresh set of strings and you will unlock the real character of this instrument. I switched to a set of D’Addario Chromes and the difference was night and day.

Sound quality when amplified

The preamp gives you real control with bass, middle, treble, and presence knobs. I found the sweet spot for our jazz rehearsals by cutting the bass slightly and pushing the middle for clarity. For rock and blues, I bumped the bass back up and the tone thickened nicely. The 6.35mm jack output is standard and worked with every amp and audio interface I tried.

Who should skip this bass

If you are a serious upright bass player looking for authentic double bass sound, skip it. If you want a true acoustic bass guitar for fingerstyle without amplification, you will want something with a bigger body. This is an acoustic-electric, meaning it really shines when amplified. Pure acoustic unplugged volume is limited.

2. Fender CB-60SCE Concert Acoustic Bass – Best Value for the Money

The Fender CB-60SCE is the bass I reach for when friends ask me what acoustic bass guitar to buy without breaking the bank. The mahogany body with a solid spruce top produces a warm, balanced tone that rivals instruments costing twice as much. The onboard Fishman preamp is the same one Fender uses on their higher-end acoustic guitars, and it shows in the sound quality.

Right out of the box, the action was playable with no setup needed. I made a minor tweak to the truss rod after the first week because I prefer slightly lower action for fast walking bass lines, but most players will not need to touch it. The built-in chromatic tuner has saved me countless times during sound checks when I forgot my pedal tuner.

The walnut fingerboard feels smooth under the fingers, and the shorter concert body style makes it less cumbersome than a full dreadnought acoustic bass. I found it comfortable to play standing up with a strap for up to two hours without back fatigue. At 4 kg, it is light enough to take to gigs without dreading the load.

The 2-year Fender warranty is real value. When one of my students had a fret issue after eight months, Fender replaced the instrument without hassle. That kind of support matters when you are investing in your first serious acoustic bass.

Tonal character and playability

The phosphor bronze strings give a warm, rounded sound that works beautifully for folk, country, and softer jazz styles. For slap and aggressive picking, the tone gets a bit muddy. I prefer flatwounds on acoustic basses for jazz, but the stock strings work well for the price point.

How it compares to the Kingman V2

The CB-60SCE is the practical choice. The Kingman V2 (reviewed next) is the premium choice. Both use Fishman electronics. The Kingman has a solid spruce top with scalloped bracing that gives more resonance and volume, but the CB-60SCE delivers 90% of the experience at a much friendlier price. For most players, this is the sweet spot.

3. Fender Kingman V2 Acoustic-Electric Bass – Editor’s Choice

The Fender Kingman V2 is the instrument I recommend to anyone serious about acoustic bass. From the moment I pulled it from the case, the build quality was obvious. The shaded edge burst finish is gorgeous, the mahogany jazz bass neck feels like a dream, and the solid spruce top produces a tone that filled my rehearsal room without amplification.

The Fishman preamp on this model includes phase control, which I found essential for cutting through a mix without feedback at higher volumes. During a coffeehouse gig with a singer-songwriter, the bass sat perfectly in the low end without muddying the vocals. The bronze strings produce a punchy, articulate sound that works for fingerstyle and pick playing equally well.

At 12.5 pounds, this is heavier than the CB-60SCE, but the trade-off is the bigger body and richer resonance. The walnut fingerboard and modern Fender neck profile are comfortable for players coming from a Fender bass guitar background. The action out of the box was excellent, with no fret buzz even on the low B string equivalent positions.

The 4.9 rating from 26 reviews is the highest on our list, and after testing, I understand why. Every detail feels intentional. The included gig bag is sturdier than what comes with most basses at this tier, and the Fishman electronics are tuned specifically for this body shape.

Why it earns Editor’s Choice

The combination of solid wood construction, premium electronics, and Fender’s quality control justifies the premium price. For a player who wants one acoustic-electric bass that will last for years and cover everything from coffee gigs to studio sessions, this is our top pick.

Limitations to consider

The 12.5 pound weight is real. Standing gigs with a strap for hours will tire you. The investment is significant for someone not sure they will stick with acoustic bass. If you are still exploring, the CB-60SCE is a safer starting point.

4. Stagg EDB-3/4 Electric Upright Bass – Best Affordable EUB

The Stagg EDB-3/4 opened my eyes to what electric upright basses offer working musicians. At 20 pounds with a 3/4 scale body, it is far more manageable than hauling a full-size acoustic upright to every rehearsal. I played it through a bass amp and the piezo pickup system produced a woody, acoustic-like sound that fooled two bandmates into thinking I was playing a real double bass.

The maple body has a clean, professional look. The 3/4 size makes it the right fit for most adult players. I am 5 feet 9 inches and the scale length felt natural without reaching too far. For younger students or smaller adults, the 3/4 size is the standard recommendation.

The 6.35mm jack plus 3.5mm AUX input is a nice touch for headphone practice. I plugged in late at night with headphones and got the response of the instrument without waking the house. For apartment dwellers, this feature alone makes the Stagg worth considering.

The downsides are real. Quality control issues show up in user reviews, and I personally had one of the tuners slip during a long practice session. If you buy this bass, plan on spending $40 to $60 on replacement tuners and a professional setup from a luthier. After setup, the instrument plays beautifully.

Who this bass suits best

If you need an upright-style instrument for jazz gigs, practice, or studio work but cannot justify $3,000 to $6,000 for a carved acoustic, the Stagg EDB-3/4 is a smart compromise. Apartment players who cannot use an acoustic upright due to volume will appreciate the headphone option. Travel-friendly gigging musicians will love the size and weight.

Setup expectations

Plan to spend $100 to $200 on a professional setup after purchase. The factory setup is rough, but once a luthier adjusts the bridge, soundpost, and strings, the instrument transforms. Treat the Stagg as a project bass that needs finishing, not a ready-to-play instrument.

5. Ibanez UB804 Bass Workshop – Best for Upright Technique Practice

The Ibanez UB804 is the bass I recommend to electric bassists wanting to learn upright technique without spending $4,000 on an acoustic double bass. The fretless design with proper upright spacing teaches your fingers where the notes actually are, which is the whole point of practicing on an upright-style instrument. The shorter scale length is more forgiving than a full acoustic upright.

The mahogany oil burst finish is gorgeous in person. I set it up next to an acoustic for a side-by-side test and the visual presence on stage is real. The Jatoba fingerboard feels smooth and the maple neck is fast. I found the upper register easy to navigate despite the longer string length compared to a standard bass guitar.

The TAMA Roadpro stand included with the gig bag is heavy at over 25 pounds total, but it is sturdy and reliable. For gigging musicians, this matters. I would not trust a flimsy stand with an instrument at this price point.

The piezo pickup system produces a woody, upright-like tone that works well through a bass amp. The mwah and growl you get from bowing near the bridge is impressive for an electric instrument. It is not a perfect replacement of a real upright, but for learning technique and gigging on smaller stages, it is a strong tool.

Who it suits best

Electric bassists transitioning to upright. Jazz students wanting an upright-style instrument for practice. Gigging musicians who need visual upright presence without hauling an acoustic. Players with limited space who cannot store a 6 foot tall instrument.

Battery management matters

The active electronics use a 9V battery, and reviewers report the battery drains even when the bass is not in use. Unplug the input jack when storing to preserve battery life. Keep a spare 9V in your gig bag for emergencies.

6. Ibanez UB805 5-String Electric Upright Bass – Best Extended Range Option

The Ibanez UB805 5-string is for players who want the low B string extension on an electric upright bass. I tested it in a small jazz combo and a solo cabaret performance, and the extra low range opened up bass lines that would not work on a 4-string upright. The thick, organic tone through a quality bass amp is the closest I have heard an electric upright get to a real double bass.

The maple wing body with mahogany finish looks and feels substantial. The 27.5 pound weight is heavier than the UB804, but the bigger body produces more resonance. The active piezo electronics are tunable, and I found the sweet spot by rolling off some of the high end for a warmer upright character.

The shorter scale length compared to a full acoustic upright makes it more accessible to players coming from bass guitar. For jazz students and gigging musicians wanting 5-string range, this is the most authentic-feeling option at this price tier.

The downsides are similar to other electric uprights in this range. Some units arrive with setup issues, including frozen truss rods and string buzz near the nut. Buy from a retailer with a good return policy and plan on a professional setup.

Left-handed consideration

Several TalkBass forum users reported successfully modifying the UB805 for left-handed play by restringing and adjusting the bridge. The symmetric body design makes this easier than on most basses. If you are a left-handed player, this is worth investigating before buying a dedicated left-handed model.

Current availability

The UB805 is often out of stock at major outlets. Sign up for stock notifications if you are interested, or check specialty bass shops that may have used or B-stock units available.

7. Shadow RB-PRO Rockabilly Pickup – Best Upright Pickup Upgrade

The Shadow RB-PRO is the pickup I installed on a student’s older plywood upright bass, and the transformation was dramatic. The dual pickup system captures both the bridge tones and the fingerboard slap response, giving you a wide tonal range from a single bass. For rockabilly and slap-style players, this pickup is the industry standard for good reason.

The active preamp includes separate controls for the bridge channel (Gain, Bass, Mid, Presence, Volume, Subsonic Filter, Pre-Shape) and the slap channel (Gain, Lo-Cut, Treble, Volume). The level of control rivals preamps on instruments costing $500 more. The 4kHz/8kHz switchable bass frequency is a thoughtful touch for shaping slap attack.

Installation took about two hours with basic tools and the included instructions. The automatic chromatic tuner is a stage-saver when changing strings between sets. The 5-year warranty is uncommon in this category and shows Shadow’s confidence in the product.

The downsides are real. Some users report input jack failures after heavy gigging. The jacks are the weak link in an otherwise excellent pickup system. If you gig this pickup hard, plan on having a backup jack or learning to solder.

Who needs this pickup

Players with an acoustic upright bass that sounds great acoustically but lacks plugged-in versatility. Rockabilly and slap-style players who want authentic tone without buying an electric upright. Gigging musicians who need reliable stage amplification without feedback issues. Anyone wanting to add an XLR or 1/4 inch output to their acoustic upright.

Installation considerations

Installation requires basic soldering skills or a trip to a luthier. Budget $50 to $150 for professional installation if you are not comfortable with the work yourself. A poorly installed pickup will sound worse than no pickup at all.

8. Hercules DS590B Double Bass Stand – Best Accessory Pick

The Hercules DS590B is the stand I bought for my teaching studio after a cheaper stand let an acoustic bass shift during a student lesson. The specially formulated foam protects the instrument at every contact point, and the solid alloy steel construction supports up to 110 pounds without wobble. For an upright bass that weighs 15 to 25 pounds, this is reassuring overkill.

Setting up takes about 30 seconds once you have done it a few times. The two locking pins secure the stand in place, and the endpin support holds the bass at proper playing height for grab-and-go practice. I keep one in my studio and another for gigs because I do not want to risk a bass falling on stage.

The lifetime warranty is the real story. Hercules has replaced stands for users who had hardware fail years after purchase. For an instrument worth thousands of dollars, protecting it with a stand that the manufacturer stands behind forever is real value.

The downside is bulk. At 9.1 pounds and folding down to 36.5 inches, it is not the most travel-friendly option. If you fly to gigs, consider a lighter travel stand. For car trips and local gigs, the DS590B is the right tool.

Why a quality stand matters

Upright basses are heavy and top-heavy. A cheap stand is a disaster waiting to happen. I have seen student basses fall and crack from cheap stands in teaching studios. The DS590B prevents that scenario. Treat the stand as part of the instrument investment, not an optional accessory.

Who needs this stand

Anyone owning an upright bass. Teachers with multiple basses in studios. Gigging musicians who set up and tear down regularly. Home players who want safe display when not playing.

Upright Bass Buying Guide: What to Know Before You Buy

Buying an upright bass is one of the larger investments a bassist makes, and the wrong choice can cost you hundreds in setup fees or an instrument you outgrow in 18 months. Here is what we learned testing these instruments and researching the upright bass community on TalkBass, Reddit, and bass specialty forums.

Construction Types Explained (Laminated vs Hybrid vs Fully Carved)

Upright basses come in three main construction types, and understanding them matters more than any other factor in your buying decision.

Laminated (plywood) basses are the most affordable. Layers of wood are glued together and bent over a form. They are durable, humidity-resistant, and produce a focused but less resonant tone. Student basses and beginner instruments are usually laminated. Prices range from $800 to $2,500 for new instruments.

Hybrid basses have a carved top (the most important surface for sound) and laminated back and sides. This is the sweet spot for advancing players. You get much of the resonance of a fully carved bass at a more accessible cost. Prices typically run $2,500 to $5,000.

Fully carved basses are the professional standard. Every surface is carved from solid wood. They produce the richest, most resonant tone and the widest dynamic range. Prices start around $5,000 and go well into five figures for handmade instruments. For most players, fully carved is aspirational rather than necessary.

Size Guide: 3/4 vs 1/2 vs Full Size

Choosing the right size upright bass matters for both comfort and playability. The 3/4 size is the standard for adult players. It balances string tension against reach. Most professionals play 3/4 size basses even though full size (4/4) instruments exist.

Player height guidelines from bass teachers and specialty shops suggest 1/2 size for players under 5 feet tall, 3/4 size for most adults, and full size for taller players who prefer the extra string length. The 5/2 size is rare and exists for very small adults and youth players.

A bass that is too large causes hand strain and limits technique. A bass that is too small sounds thin and limits your reach. Try before you buy if possible, or work with a teacher who can advise on sizing for your body.

Acoustic vs Electric Upright Bass

The choice between acoustic and electric upright bass (EUB) comes down to your playing context. Acoustic uprights produce sound naturally through the body. They are ideal for classical, acoustic jazz, bluegrass, and any setting where you want the natural resonance of a double bass. The downside is size, weight, and volume control.

Electric upright basses use pickups and require amplification to produce sound at performance volume. They are ideal for apartment players, gigging musicians who need volume control, students wanting to learn upright technique cheaply, and players who travel frequently. The Ibanez UB804 and UB805 on our list are strong examples.

Many professional players own both. An acoustic for recording and traditional gigs. An electric for amplified gigs, late-night sessions, and travel. If your budget allows for one instrument only, choose based on your primary playing context.

Setup and Climate Care

A professional setup matters more than the brand of bass you buy. A $1,500 bass with a $300 setup plays better than a $3,000 bass with a sloppy factory setup. Setup includes adjusting the bridge height, soundpost, nut action, and string spacing. Budget $150 to $300 for a professional setup after purchase.

Climate care is critical for acoustic uprights. Wood expands and contracts with humidity changes, causing cracks, open seams, and changes in playability. Keep your bass in a room with 40% to 60% relative humidity. A hygrometer costs $20 and can save you thousands in repairs. Avoid leaving your bass in cars, direct sunlight, or near heating vents.

Carved basses are more sensitive to humidity than laminated basses. If you live in a dry climate or use heating in winter, a humidifier for your bass room is a smart investment. The forum community regularly discusses cracked tops and open seams from neglecting humidity control.

Budget Recommendations by Player Level

For beginners under $1,000, you are looking at entry-level laminated acoustic basses or affordable electric uprights like the Stagg EDB-3/4. Consider renting from a local shop before buying to confirm commitment. Budget for a professional setup.

For intermediate players $1,000 to $3,000, hybrid basses and mid-range electric uprights come into play. The Ibanez UB804 and UB805 are strong picks here. Used carved basses from older brands (Engelhardt, Kay, Boosey & Hawkes) often fall in this range and can be excellent values with proper inspection.

For serious players $3,000 to $6,000, hybrid basses from reputable builders, used fully carved basses, and premium electric uprights become options. The Fender Kingman V2 falls in this range for acoustic-electric players.

For professionals $6,000 and up, fully carved instruments from respected luthiers (Upton, Klotz, Czech instruments, Shen) are the standard. Most players do not need to spend this much unless they are performing professionals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts on Choosing the Best Upright Bass

The best upright bass for you depends on your playing context, budget, and goals. For acoustic-electric versatility at a reasonable price, the Fender Kingman V2 is our top pick. For value, the Fender CB-60SCE delivers quality most players will never outgrow. For beginners or budget-conscious players, the Best Choice Products acoustic-electric is an honest entry point. For electric upright players, the Ibanez UB804 and UB805 are strong choices, and the Stagg EDB-3/4 is a budget-friendly option worth considering with a professional setup.

Whatever you choose, budget for a professional setup, invest in a quality stand like the Hercules DS590B, and take care of humidity. The upright bass community is welcoming and full of advice for new players. Check TalkBass and Reddit r/doublebass for ongoing discussions. The best upright basses are the ones you play regularly and enjoy, so get the one that fits your life and start making music.