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Upright basses, also known as double basses or string basses, are fascinating and majestic instruments that are often incorporated into jazz, blues, and orchestral settings. Originating from Europe, these large, deep-stringed instruments have been impressing audiences worldwide with their rich timbre and low tones. However, with their intricate designs, it is vital to choose the right upright bass for your needs and expertise level.
The best upright bass is one that offers top-notch construction, superior sound quality, excellent playability, and utmost comfort. Factors such as the type of wood used, the type of strings installed, and the overall craftsmanship play a significant role in determining the quality of an upright bass. Using the wrong model can lead to poor sound output and difficulty playing, impeding your musical development.
When purchasing an upright bass, it’s essential to delve into the details. The bass should be properly set-up, capable of producing a full-bodied sound, and comfortable to play for extended periods. It’s also crucial to pay attention to the size and weight, as these factors will determine the ease of handling and portability.
In this article, we will guide you through the process of selecting the best upright bass. We have researched, tested, and thoroughly evaluated various models to identify the ones that will provide the most rewarding and satisfying playing experience. By the end of this article, you will have all the necessary information to choose an upright bass that best suits your needs and budget.
Best Upright Basses
Selecting the right upright bass is crucial for your musical journey and performance. The ideal instrument should deliver rich, resonant sound, offer smooth playability, and be constructed with precision and quality. Given the myriad options on the market, choosing the best upright bass for you can be a daunting task. In this article, we have assembled a list of the best upright basses based on our rigorous testing and comprehensive research, to help you make an educated decision.
Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass – 1/2 Size
If you’re looking for a high-quality and affordable option for a 1/2 size upright bass, the Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass is hand-carved from maple wood, which gives it a warm and rich sound that is rarely found in instruments at this price point.
- This upright bass comes with a set of Pirastro Passion D1 strings, which are known for their excellent sound quality and projection.
- The Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass is designed to be comfortable for younger players, with a shorter overall height and a smaller body size.
Cons
- While the Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass is a great option for beginners, it may not be suitable for more advanced players who require a more professional-grade instrument.
- The bass may require some adjustments and tuning before it is ready to play, which may be frustrating for some users.
- The Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass is not suitable for players who require a full-size instrument.
The Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and high-quality option for a 1/2 size upright bass. Its hand-carved maple wood construction and Pirastro Passion D1 strings give it a sound that is rarely found in instruments at this price point, making it a great choice for both practice and performance.
One of the biggest advantages of the Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass is its comfort and ergonomics. Its shorter overall height and smaller body size make it a great choice for younger players, who may find full-size instruments too cumbersome to play comfortably.
While the Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass is a great option for beginners, it may not be suitable for more advanced players who require a more professional-grade instrument. Additionally, the bass may require some adjustments and tuning before it is ready to play, which may be frustrating for some users.
Overall, the Cremona SB-2 Premier Novice Upright Bass is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable and high-quality option for a 1/2 size upright bass. Its warm and rich sound, comfortable ergonomics, and excellent value for money make it a great choice for both practice and performance.
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 upright double bass, the Thomastik-Infeld Spirocore 3/4 Upright Double Bass String Set – Medium Gauge is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Spirocore design produces a bright, powerful sound with excellent projection.
- The strings are highly durable and resistant to stretching, ensuring a stable and consistent tone.
- The medium gauge provides a comfortable playing experience without sacrificing sound quality.
Cons
- The strings may be a bit too bright for some players, requiring some adjustment to the sound post and/or bass bar.
- The price point is on the higher end compared to some other options on the market.
- The strings may take some time to break in fully, requiring some patience and dedication.
We’ve been using the Thomastik-Infeld Spirocore 3/4 Upright Double Bass String Set – Medium Gauge for a few weeks now, and we’re definitely impressed with the results. The Spirocore design produces a bright, powerful sound with excellent projection, making it easy to hear and play in a variety of settings. The strings are also highly durable and resistant to stretching, ensuring a stable and consistent tone that holds up well over time.
One potential downside to note is that the strings may be a bit too bright for some players, requiring some adjustment to the sound post and/or bass bar. Additionally, the price point is on the higher end compared to some other options on the market, so it may not be the best choice for those on a tight budget. Finally, the strings may take some time to break in fully, requiring some patience and dedication from the player.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality set of strings for your 3/4 upright double bass that will deliver excellent sound quality and durability, the Thomastik-Infeld Spirocore 3/4 Upright Double Bass String Set – Medium Gauge is definitely worth considering.
Guitar, 4-String Acoustic Upright Bass (IMC-200)
If you’re looking for an affordable alternative to the traditional upright bass, the Guitar, 4-String Acoustic Upright Bass (IMC-200) might be worth considering.
Pros
- The nylon strings are gentle on the fingers and produce a warm, mellow tone that is well-suited for folk, blues, and country music.
- The compact size of the instrument makes it easy to transport and store, even in small apartments or dorm rooms.
- The adjustable truss rod allows for fine-tuning of the neck to ensure optimal playability and intonation.
Cons
- The sound quality might not be sufficient for professional performances or recording sessions.
- The instrument might not be suitable for players who prefer the deeper, more resonant tone of a traditional upright bass.
- The quality of the construction might not be as durable as more expensive models.
We’ve found that the Guitar, 4-String Acoustic Upright Bass (IMC-200) is a great option for beginners or hobbyists who want to experiment with a new sound without breaking the bank. The nylon strings are gentle on the fingers and produce a warm, mellow tone that is well-suited for folk, blues, and country music. Additionally, the compact size of the instrument makes it easy to transport and store, even in small apartments or dorm rooms.
One potential downside to keep in mind is that the sound quality might not be sufficient for professional performances or recording sessions. Additionally, the instrument might not be suitable for players who prefer the deeper, more resonant tone of a traditional upright bass. Finally, the quality of the construction might not be as durable as more expensive models.
Overall, we would recommend the Guitar, 4-String Acoustic Upright Bass (IMC-200) to anyone who is looking for an affordable and portable alternative to the traditional upright bass.
Stagg EDB-3/4 BK Electric 3/4 Size Double Bass with Gig Bag Included – Black
If you’re looking for an affordable electric double bass, the Stagg EDB-3/4 BK is a solid option.
Pros
- The 3/4 size makes it comfortable for younger or smaller players.
- The preamp with headphone output is a convenient feature for practicing silently.
- The included gig bag is a nice bonus.
Cons
- The bass is not suitable for professional performances.
- The quality of the accessories included is not the best.
- The sound quality is not as good as more expensive options.
The Stagg EDB-3/4 BK is a great option for those looking to practice at home or in a small setting. The 3/4 size makes it comfortable for younger or smaller players, and the preamp with headphone output is a convenient feature for practicing silently. Additionally, the included gig bag is a nice bonus.
However, it’s important to note that this bass is not suitable for professional performances. The quality of the accessories included is not the best, and the sound quality is not as good as more expensive options. If you’re looking for a high-quality electric double bass for professional performances, you may want to consider a more expensive option.
Overall, if you’re looking for an affordable electric double bass for practicing at home or in a small setting, the Stagg EDB-3/4 BK is a solid choice.
Ibanez Bass Workshop UB805 Upright Bass – Mahogany Oil Burst
If you’re looking for a high-quality acoustic-electric upright bass that is both stylish and versatile, the Ibanez Bass Workshop UB805 Upright Bass – Mahogany Oil Burst is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- The Mahogany top, Back, and Sides provide a rich and resonant sound that is perfect for various musical genres.
- The Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge offer excellent sustain and playability, making it easy to play complex bass lines and solos.
- The K&K Pure Mini Dynamic Bass Pickup and Preamp System allow for high-quality amplified sound, making it perfect for performing in various venues.
Cons
- The setup of the bass is quite complex, and it may take some time to get used to all the adjustments and settings.
- The price point is a bit higher compared to other beginner-level upright basses in the market.
- The bass is quite heavy, which may make it challenging to transport and maneuver.
We’ve been using the Ibanez Bass Workshop UB805 Upright Bass – Mahogany Oil Burst for a while now, and we’re impressed with its overall performance. The Mahogany top, Back, and Sides provide a rich and resonant sound that is perfect for various musical genres. The Rosewood Fingerboard and Bridge offer excellent sustain and playability, making it easy to play complex bass lines and solos.
One of the standout features of this bass is the K&K Pure Mini Dynamic Bass Pickup and Preamp System. It allows for high-quality amplified sound, making it perfect for performing in various venues. The sound is clear, detailed, and dynamic, and it accurately represents the sound of the bass.
However, the setup of the bass is quite complex, and it may take some time to get used to all the adjustments and settings. Additionally, the price point is a bit higher compared to other beginner-level upright basses in the market. Finally, the bass is quite heavy, which may make it challenging to transport and maneuver.
Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality acoustic-electric upright bass that is both stylish and versatile, the Ibanez Bass Workshop UB805 Upright Bass – Mahogany Oil Burst is definitely worth considering.
Buying Guide
When it comes to choosing the best upright bass, there are a few key features to consider. We’ve used and tested several models, and here are some things to keep in mind.
Size and Weight
One of the most important factors to consider is the size and weight of the bass. Upright basses can be quite large and heavy, so it’s important to choose one that is comfortable for you to play. Look for a bass that has a comfortable playing position, and that is easy to transport and store.
Tone and Sound Quality
The tone and sound quality of an upright bass are also important considerations. Look for a bass that has a rich, full sound, with good projection and clarity. Some basses may have a more mellow or warm tone, while others may have a brighter or more aggressive sound. Consider your personal preferences and the type of music you play when choosing a bass with the right tone for you.
Material and Construction
The material and construction of an upright bass can also affect its sound quality and durability. Look for a bass that is made from high-quality materials, such as solid wood or carbon fiber. Consider the craftsmanship and attention to detail in the construction of the bass, as well as any additional features or accessories that may be included.
Price and Value
Finally, consider the price and value of the upright bass. While it’s important to choose a bass that meets your needs and preferences, it’s also important to stay within your budget. Look for a bass that offers good value for its price, with features and capabilities that are appropriate for your level of playing and your musical goals.
By keeping these factors in mind, you can choose the best upright bass for your needs and enjoy playing music to the fullest.
