Uncategorized

The Best Electric Upright Basses

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

Our picks are based on Amazon bestseller rankings, verified customer ratings, and product availability. We update our recommendations regularly to ensure accuracy.

Electric upright basses offer a unique blend of acoustic warmth and amplified versatility, making them a compelling choice for a wide range of musicians. Selecting the right instrument is crucial for achieving your desired sound and ensuring a comfortable playing experience. This guide will help you navigate the key considerations when purchasing an electric upright bass.

SaleNo. 1
Stagg EDB-3/4 H Electric 3/4 Size Double Bass with Gigbag Included - Honey
  • Solid Maple Construction
  • State of the Art Electronics Specially Designed for Double Bass
  • 3/4 Size
  • Honey
SaleNo. 2
Stagg EDB-3/4 BK Electric 3/4 Size Double Bass with Gig Bag Included - Black
  • Solid Maple Construction
  • State of the Art Electronics Specially Designed for Double Bass
  • 3/4 Size
  • Black
No. 3
Ibanez UB805 5-string Electric Upright Bass - Mahogany Oil Burst
  • 5-string Solidbody Electric Upright Bass with Maple Wing Body
  • Active Piezo Electronics - Mahogany Oil Burst
  • Jatoba Fingerboard
  • Maple/Walnut Neck
No. 4
EDB-3/4 H US
  • 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
No. 5
EDB-3/4 TR US
  • 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
SaleNo. 6
EDB-3/4 VBR US
  • 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
No. 7
Ibanez Bass Workshop UB804 - Mahogany Oil Burst
  • 4-string Upright Fretless Electric Bass
  • Stand - Mahogany Oil Burst
  • 5-pc Maple/Walnut Neck
  • Jatoba Fingerboard
  • with Maple Body
No. 8
Batking Travel Bass Guitar Electric Headless Bass, 4 Strings Electric Bass with Gigbag & Truss Road & Wire
  • 【Excellent Material 】 Batking Electric travel bass guitar has a thru-neck design that is a one-piece hard maple neck and Rosewood fingerboard. Reliable quality give you smooth touching feeling.
SaleNo. 9
Stagg EDB-3/4 TR Electric 3/4 Double Bass with Gig Bag Included - Transparent Red
  • Solid Maple Construction
  • State of the Art Electronics Specially Designed for Double Bass
  • 3/4-Size Size
  • Transparent Red
No. 10
NS Design, 4-String Electric Upright Bass, Sunburst (NXT4ADBSB)
  • Ns polar pickup system provides beautifully rich and balanced tone
  • NXT Active output circuitry ensures compatibility with any amplifier or sound system with full fidelity
  • Crafted to exacting standards in the Czech Republic and Includes boomerang strap and padded Gig Bag
  • Accepts conventional 3/4 size bass strings as well as NS electric Bass Strings
  • Available support options include NXT or CR tripod stand or NS frame strap system for full freedom and mobility while standing

Last update on 2026-07-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

How to Choose the Best Electric Upright Basses

Connectivity and Electronics

Understand the output options and onboard electronics of the electric upright bass. Most instruments will feature a standard 1/4-inch jack for connecting to an amplifier or direct input (DI) box. Some models may include active preamps with EQ controls, allowing you to shape your tone directly from the instrument. This can be particularly useful for fine-tuning your sound in different acoustic spaces. Consider whether you need headphone outputs for silent practice or auxiliary inputs for playing along with backing tracks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main advantage of an electric upright bass over an acoustic one?
Electric upright basses are significantly easier to amplify and control feedback, making them ideal for louder stage volumes and recording. They are also generally more portable and less prone to environmental changes like humidity.
Do electric upright basses sound the same as acoustic upright basses?
While some models strive to emulate the acoustic tone, they typically have a more focused and amplified sound. The pickup system and construction heavily influence the final amplified tone, offering a distinct character.
What type of amplifier is best for an electric upright bass?
It's best to use an amplifier designed for acoustic instruments or bass guitars with a full-range frequency response. This ensures that the nuances of the upright bass sound are reproduced faithfully without coloration.
Are electric upright basses difficult to play?
The playing technique is similar to an acoustic upright bass, but the physical dimensions and string tension can vary. Players accustomed to electric basses might find the transition easier due to the familiar amplified nature.
Can I use effects pedals with an electric upright bass?
Yes, you can use effects pedals, but it's often recommended to use them judiciously to preserve the natural character of the instrument. Compression and EQ pedals are common choices.
How important is the pickup system for the sound?
The pickup system is crucial as it directly translates the instrument's vibrations into an electrical signal. Different pickup types (piezo, magnetic) and their placement significantly impact the tonal quality and responsiveness.