True to its name, the upright bass is a bass instrument that’s meant to be played upright and not held like a guitar. It’s a physically demanding instrument to play, so in order to play them accurately, one needs to have a solid grasp on the instrument’s tuning. Thankfully, there are a lot of cheap options out there, so if you’re just beginning to learn, you can test the waters without spending a ton of money. Finding the best electric upright bass for you can be a bit of a challenge, so we decided to do the research for you.
Read on for our list of the best electric upright basses.
Our Editor’s Best Electric Upright Basses Reviews
- Solid Maple Construction
- State of the Art Electronics Specially Designed for Double Bass
- 3/4 Size
- Black
- 5-string Solidbody Electric Upright Bass with Maple Wing Body
- Active Piezo Electronics - Mahogany Oil Burst
- Jatoba Fingerboard
- Maple/Walnut Neck
- INSTRUMENT TYPE: 3/4 Size Electric Upright Double Bass
- CONSTRUCTION: Top and neck are made from solid maple. Bridge is made from ebonized hardwood. Net is black plastic.
- MACHINE HEADS: P-bass style diecast nickel machine heads.
- ELECTRONICS: Volume and bass control, low battery indicator, 3.5mm (1/8") stereo mini jack input for CD or MP3 player, 3.5mm (1/8") mini jack output for headphones and 6.35mm (1/4") jack output.
- GIGBAG: Included
- INSTRUMENT TYPE: 3/4 Size Electric Upright Double Bass
- CONSTRUCTION: Top and neck are made from solid maple. Bridge is made from ebonized hardwood. Net is black plastic.
- MACHINE HEADS: P-bass style diecast nickel machine heads.
- ELECTRONICS: Volume and bass control, low battery indicator, 3.5mm (1/8") stereo mini jack input for CD or MP3 player, 3.5mm (1/8") mini jack output for headphones and 6.35mm (1/4") jack output.
- GIGBAG: Included
The Traditional Double Bass Set is constructed and tensioned similarly to acoustic bass strings for a warm tone and great bow response. Designed for electric upright basses with standard playing lengths, but shorter overall lengths (no tailpiece).
Designed in partnership with Ned Steinberger and NS Design, the D'Addario NS Electric Strings can be used on electric instruments to bring out the best in them. Each string is designed to enhance the expressive range of tone sought after by the most discerning players. The set consists of regular tuning strings (G, D, A, E). Additional low B and high C are available as single strings.
D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known worldwide for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario continues to develop and manufacture exceptional strings and accessories for violin, viola, cello and double bass, incorporating innovative, environmentally friendly packaging that reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.
- 3/4 size bass with a playing length of 41 3/4 inches (1060mm)
- Medium tension
- Stranded steel core provides optimum playability and produces a clear, warm tone
- Designed for electric upright basses
- Semi-solidbody Electric Upright Bass with Chambered Spruce/Mahogany Body
- Rosewood Fingerboard
- Onboard Electronics
- Maple Neck
- AeroSilk Piezo pickup custom for Upright
- AeroSilk Piezo system w/Active tone control
- TAMA Roadpro stand custom for Upright included
- Gig bag included
- UB4 5pc Maple/Walnut neck-through
- INNOVATIVE LEADER IN STAND TECHNOLOGY: K&M’s Electric Double Bass Stand is tailor-made to provide a stable support. Adjust the height and bend the flexible support bracket to rest the instrument while rubber protects the musical instrument’s finish.
- CALLING ALL MUSICIANS: Adjust the height (36”-63") and support arms to secure the instrument. Place the endpin in the V-shaped cup - and rest assured the rubber non-slipping feet - keeps everything in place. Rock solid, this is a musicians' go-to stand!
- TRUSTED DESIGN: No tools required! Easy to set up and break down. A clever flocked hook perfectly holds your bow in-between sets. At the end of the session, the compact lightweight folding stand easily collapses - making it convenient to take on the road.
- SUPERIOR QUALITY: Reflecting our commitment to world-class construction, the robust Electric Double Bass Stand is made in Germany. Designed with the highest standards, we offer a 5-year product warranty and 10-year on replacement parts availability.
- ECO-FRIENDLY: For over 70 years, K&M is the desired brand for premium stands and holders. Committed to environmental impact. Protection and responsible resource consumption, our eco-conscious company has an ISO- 14001 environmental certification.
The Contemporary Double Bass Set produces a brighter sound and is lower tension than the Traditional Double Bass Set. Designed for electric upright basses with standard playing lengths, but shorter overall lengths (no tailpiece).
Designed in partnership with Ned Steinberger and NS Design, the D'Addario NS Electric Strings can be used on electric instruments to bring out the best in them. Each string is designed to enhance the expressive range of tone sought after by the most discerning players. The set consists of regular tuning strings (G, D, A, E). Additional low B and high C are available as single strings.
D'Addario, the world's largest manufacturer of musical instrument strings, is known worldwide for unsurpassed quality and consistency. D'Addario continues to develop and manufacture exceptional strings and accessories for violin, viola, cello and double bass, incorporating innovative, environmentally friendly packaging that reduces waste and provides protection from corrosion. All D'Addario strings are manufactured in the U.S.A. using proprietary, digitally controlled, state-of-the-art machinery for unmatched performance, set after set.
- 3/4 size bass with a playing length of 41 3/4 inches (1060mm)
- Medium tension
- Stranded steel core provides optimum playability and produces a clear, warm tone
- Designed for electric upright basses
- OPTIMAL TENSION - Engineered to provide optimal tension and gauged to fit properly on standard bass saddles and nuts
- WARM, DEEP TONE - Flattened black nylon wound for a warm, deep tone
- GAUGES -Wound .050, .065, .085, .105
- EARN REWARD POINTS - Nylon Tapewound sets have a code on the recyclable VCI bag, which you can register to earn Players Circle points.
- MADE IN THE USA – D’Addario electric guitar strings are made in the USA—drawn to our exacting specifications at our New York production facility.
Best Electric Upright Basses Buying Guide
Before choosing the best electric upright bass you should consider following options:
1. Body Size: Electric upright basses are available in three body sizes: short, medium, and long. The length of the body determines the tonal quality of the bass. Longer body size produces a deeper sound.
Short body basses are preferred by players who want a lighter and easy to carry bass. This type of bass is also good for traveling purposes.
The medium body is suitable for all purposes. The short and long body types are also called grand and full body, respectively.
2. Electric or Acoustic: You can buy an electric or acoustic upright bass. Acoustic upright basses are generally cheaper.
They are preferred by jazz players. You can amplify acoustic basses with a pickup and a bass amp. Electric upright basses are more versatile.
You can amplify them with an electro-acoustic pickup, an amplifier, and effects pedals. Electric basses produce a louder and deeper sound.
3. Tonewood: Tonewood refers to the type of wood used in making the body, neck, and the ribs of an upright bass. The woods used in making an upright bass include maple, rosewood, and walnut.
Maple is the most commonly used wood for an electric upright bass. Rosewood and walnut are used for acoustic upright basses.
4. Pickups: Electric upright basses have a magnetic pickup that can be attached to an amplifier. The pickups are available in active and passive types.
Active pickups are more expensive and produce a louder sound. They also require less amplification.
Passive pickups are less expensive and produce a softer sound. They require more amplification.
5. Electronics: Not all electric upright basses come with pickups. If your bass doesn’t come with a pickup, you can purchase one separately.
Your electric upright bass can have more than one pickup. You can also have a bass tuner, amplifier, and effects pedals.
6. Controls: Your bass can have additional controls for adjusting tones and volume. Controls include bass and treble knobs, pickup selection switches, and a master volume knob.
Additional controls help a player to adjust the tone and volume while playing.
7. Finishing: Electric upright basses are available in different finishes. The finishes include high gloss, satin, vintage, and black.
Finishes are important because they improve the aesthetics of your bass and make it easier to hold.
Some pickups are also available in different colors. The color of your pickup can match the color of your bass, making it easy to see while playing.
8. Cost: Electric upright basses are available in different price ranges. You can find affordable basses with all the essential features.
Higher end models have advanced electronics and pickups that produce louder and deeper tones.
What else you should know about electric upright basses
1. What are the best electric upright basses for beginners?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different beginners may have different preferences. However, some good electric upright basses for beginners include the Ibanez BTB405, the Yamaha TRBX505, and the Fender American Standard Jazz Bass. These basses offer a good mix of features, quality, and value, and should be able to satisfy most beginner bassists.
2. What are the best electric upright basses for intermediate players?
Some of the best electric upright basses for intermediate players include the Fender Precision Bass, the Ibanez BTB405, and the Yamaha TRBX505.
3. What are the best electric upright basses for advanced players?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the specific preferences of the player. However, some of the best electric upright basses for advanced players include the Fender American Deluxe Precision Bass, the Music Man Bongo Bass, and the Ibanez BTB775.
4. What are the best electric upright basses for professional musicians?
Some of the best electric upright basses for professional musicians include the NS Design Omni Bass, the NS Design CR Series, and the NS Design Basses.
5. What are the best electric upright basses for all levels of players?
There is no definitive answer to this question, as different players have different preferences. However, some of the most popular electric upright basses include the NS Design CR series, the Yamaha SLB series, and the Ibanez BTB series. These basses are all versatile and offer a wide range of features, making them suitable for players of all levels.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best electric upright basses. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best electric upright basses will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.