12 best string basses

String basses, often referred to as double basses or upright basses, are large, bowed string instruments commonly used in orchestras, jazz ensembles, and various other musical genres. Here's an overview of the string bass:

Description: The string bass is the largest and lowest-pitched member of the string instrument family. It is typically constructed with a hollow wooden body and a long, slender neck. It stands upright on an endpin and is played while standing or sitting.
Strings: String basses typically have four strings. These strings are usually tuned to E1, A1, D2, and G2, starting from the lowest pitch to the highest. Some bassists may use five-string or six-string basses for extended range.
Sound Production: To produce sound, the bassist uses a horsehair bow to draw across the strings. The strings vibrate, creating sound waves that resonate within the hollow body of the instrument.
Role in the Orchestra: In the orchestra, the string bass serves as the foundation of the bass section. It provides the low, fundamental frequencies that add depth and richness to the ensemble's sound. It is often responsible for maintaining the rhythmic pulse and providing harmonic support.
Techniques: Bassists use various techniques to produce different sounds, including pizzicato (plucking the strings with the fingers), arco (bowing), and various left-hand fingering techniques to change pitch and produce different tonal colors.
Repertoire: String basses are versatile instruments and are used in a wide range of musical genres. They are essential in classical music, jazz, bluegrass, folk, and more.
Instrument Variations: There are different styles and variations of string basses, including the French and German bowing styles. Additionally, electric upright basses are available, which are designed for amplified performances.
Notable Bassists: Many famous bassists have left their mark in various music genres. In classical music, notable bassists include Gary Karr and Edgar Meyer. In jazz, Charles Mingus and Ron Carter are highly regarded.
Maintenance: String basses require regular maintenance to keep them in optimal playing condition. This includes tuning, adjusting the bridge, and changing the strings when needed.
Transportation: Due to their size, string basses can be challenging to transport. They often come with specialized cases or bags to protect the instrument during travel.

The string bass is a crucial instrument in many musical settings, contributing to the depth and character of the music. Its deep, resonant tones make it an essential part of orchestras and ensembles across various genres.

Below you can find our editor's choice of the best string basses on the market

Maple Leaf Strings Model 140 Craftsman Collection Stradivarius Double Bass 3/4 Size

Maple Leaf Strings

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Product description

Model 140 Craftsman Collection Stradivarius Double Bass 3/4 Size. The 140 bass from Maple Leaf Strings features a hand applied spirit varnish, fully hand carved seasoned spruce top, and figured curly maple back. This bass plays as good as it looks. With a professional setup and a protective bass bag, this bass offers a great value for the advancing bassist.

Beautiful spirit varnish finish
Spruce top, maple back and sides
Ships with quality strings
Protective carry bag
The 140 bass from Maple Leaf Strings features a hand applied spirit varnish, fully hand carved seasoned spruce top, and figured curly maple back

Palatino 4 String Acoustic Upright Bass, Right (VB-029-3/4)

Palatino

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Product description

With a solid hand carved spruce top and flamed maple back and sides, the Palatino Bergamo Bass is well built, quality instrument at an amazing price. Featuring an ebony fingerboard, adjustable rock maple bridge, and Tryolean tuning machines, this bass is inspected and set up in the U.S.A.

Solid Hand Carved Spruce Top
Flamed Maple Back and Sides
Adjustable Rock Maple Bridge
Ebony Fingerboard
Gamba Corners

Merano MBF100-1 3/4 Size Acoustic Upright Bass Bag, Bow Bridge with 2 Sets of Strings and Music Stand, Black

Merano

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Product description

Selected Spruce top. Maple back, neck and sides. Arched back construction.Ebonized fingerboard and fittings. Alloy tailpiece.French style, Wood frog, wood stick bow with genuine horsehair.Well-Padded carrying bag .Free: Extra Set of Strings; Music Stand, Rosin, Metro Tuner.

Musical Instruments
Band & Orchestra
Orchestral Strings
Upright Basses

User questions & answers

Question:	Warranty? Has this upright been set up or does it need a Luthier
Answer:	No
Question:	Has this right bass been set up already
Answer:	No, I had to have the bridge set. A week after the neck started separating from the body and other separations on the body as well. $100 of repairs.

Thomastik-Infeld Spirocore 3/4 Upright Double Bass String Set - Medium Gauge

Thomastik

Based on 34 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Thomastik-Infeld Spirocore for Upright Double Bass are a flexible spiral steel core string that provide a quick response, consistent performance, with gut-like tonal power. These strings have great sustain and a big sound good for many styles, but remain a jazz favorite. You'll also find them on lots of general use basses, for bluegrass, blues, and other styles where that big sound and sustain are prized. These Bass strings are one of the most popular and versatile sets on the market today. Spirocores are equally suited to arco and pizzicato playing, providing exceptionally strong, rich tonal values throughout the range, and giving a crisp sustained pizzicato sound which also makes them popular with jazz players. The Spirocore is a powerful high tension string. Spirocore strings are a further technical development of Thomasik's Kunstler Seil series and have a flexible spiral steel core. This core has greater elasticity than that of conventional strings, which means less inertia and a higher propensity to musical vibration. The sound is full and homogenous, balanced and voluminous. This is a Thomastik-Infeld Spirocore 3/4 Upright Double Bass Medium Gauge String Set. All stings are Chromesteel Wound Flexible Spiral Steel Core.

Thomastik-Infeld Spirocore for Upright Double Bass are a flexible spiral steel core string that provide a quick response, consistent performance, with gut-like tonal power.
This flexible steel core has greater elasticity than that of conventional strings, which means less inertia and a higher propensity to musical vibration.
Full Upright Double Bass String Set
Medium Gauge
This Full Set Includes: Chromesteel Wound Flexible Spiral Steel Core G String, Chromesteel Wound Flexible Spiral Steel Core D String, Chromesteel Wound Flexible Spiral Steel Core A String, and Chromesteel Wound Flexible Spiral Steel Core E String

User questions & answers

Question:	The picture reads S42, the title reads 3/4 size, shich is it!!?!???? They are different
Answer:	While the back pole is adjustable, the neck rest will not go any lower than about 20 inches or thereabouts. It will not hold a soprano uke...
Question:	Are these the red-red or the purple-red
Answer:	The GH Les Paul fits fine.. can't speak to any other guitars from the game, though.
Question:	what is the difference btw the weich and the medium in tension and size/sound
Answer:	Yes Acoustic guitar is what I have played for years. I was unhappy that it was not steady when I put in guitar on it. The first one That I ordered from Amazon was great was great but, I don't remember the name. Sorry. Barbara
Question:	Does this set include the extended e string
Answer:	Yes.....my son has his on it right now

D'Addario Helicore Orchestral Bass String Set, 3/4 Scale, Medium Tension

D'Addario

Based on 52 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Scaled to fit 3/4 size bass with a playing length of 41 3/4 inches (1060mm), these medium tension strings are optimized for a majority of players.

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
Optimized for arco use
All D'Addario strings are designed, engineered and manufactured in the USA to the most stringent quality controls in the industry

User questions & answers

Question:	Are these strings coated or bare metal
Answer:	These strings are just the bare stranded metal, there is no coating on them.
Question:	What’s the break in time? I have a really big concert coming up and desperately need new strings
Answer:	I usually use helicore hybrid strings, but I was against the wall and needed a new set a month ago, so I went ahead and ordered the orchestral strings since they were a few dollars cheaper; to be 100% honest, I’m much happier with the orchestral strings that I was the hybrids! They sound better on my bass, and I really didn’t have any break in period at all… I literally put them on and played a concert a half hour later! Your mileage may vary...

Product features

RESPONSIVE TO THE CORE

Helicore strings are crafted with a multi-stranded steel core, giving them easy playability and a clear, warm tone. These incredibly flexible strings are optimized for many genres and playing styles, due to their fast bow response. With their quick settling time, Helicore strings are relied upon for high-performance situations as well as classroom ensembles.

Features:

Groundbreaking core technology engineered by D'Addario
The most popular string for traditional and alternative styles, plus advancing student players
Pairs exceptionally well with a wide variety of instrument types and musical styles
Fast, flexible, and responsive with focused articulation
All D'Addario strings are designed, engineered, and manufactured in the USA

Pirastro Evah Pirazzi 3/4 Size Double Bass Strings 3/4 Size Weich Set

Pirastro

Based on 15 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Evah Pirazzi 3/4 Size Double Bass Strings 3/4 Size Weich Set. The Evah Pirazzi Bass Strings are all around the most complete hybrid. The pizzicato sound is fat, dark and rich. Arco playing is easy, clear and fundamental; which allows the instrument to do all the talking. They are capable of producing a thunderous amount of sound that will fill a room in any situation.

Evah Pirazzi 3/4 Size Double Bass Strings 3/4 Size Weich Set
The Evah Pirazzi Bass Strings are all around the most complete hybrid
The pizzicato sound is fat, dark and rich
Arco playing is easy, clear and fundamental; which allows the instrument to do all the talking
They are capable of producing a thunderous amount of sound that will fill a room in any situation

Cecilio CDB Upright Double Bass with an Adjustable Bridge, Bow, Rosin, and Gig Bag (Size 3/4, Black)

Cecilio

Based on 32 reviews Check latest price

Product description

Package includes Padded nylon soft case with accessories pockets Brazilwood bow with ebony frog and unbleached genuine Mongolian horsehair. We are sorry that Double Bass cannot be shipped to PO Boxes, APO/FPO address, PR, AK or HI.

Oak fingerboard
Plated brass tuning machine head
Premium grade oak tailpiece
Bridge with thumb wheel height adjusters
Hardwood endpin plug with 10mm endpin

Cremona SB-4 Premier Student Upright Bass - 3/4 Size

Cremona

Based on 3 reviews Check latest price

Product description

The market leader in student basses once again raises the bar for quality and value. The new SB-4 3/4 was upgraded to meet the demands of a more advanced-level student and the working professional. With features like a solid spruce top, a player contoured neck profile, and backed by the legendary Cremona name, this bass is more durable, playable and responsive than others others on the market at twice the price. See for yourself, just listen to or watch the Grand Ole' Opry and you'll see a Cremona SB-4 in action every night!

Clarity and volume come with a handcarved, properly graduated, select solid spruce top
Handcarved select solid flamed curly maple back and sides assure a focused sound and attack
Upgraded Ebonite fingerboard, ebony nut, saddle, and tailpiece are strikingly beautiful and extremely long lasting
Correct string height, string spacing and neck relief for accurate finger positions and intonation
Durable black 600-denier padded nylon gig bag for easy storage and transport, bow not included

User questions & answers

Question:	What is difference between sb 4 and sb3 bass
Answer:	It does not come with Fret/octave markers.
Question:	Is the SB-4 fingerboard actually ebony
Answer:	This is the only color we have at this moment.
Question:	Everything in the description references the SB-4, but the title says this is the SB
Answer:	The sound is more profundo the low tone are deep

Product features

The Finest Materials And Workmanship

The market leader in student basses once again raises the bar for quality and value. Modeled after the popular basses from the 1940's and 1950's, the SB-4 easily meets and exceeds the demands of any player, from the working professional to the more advanced-level student. With features like a solid spruce top, a player contoured neck profile, and backed by the legendary Cremona name, this bass is more durable, playable and responsive than other basses on the market at twice the price. Just see for yourself, tune-in to WSM radio or watch the Grand Ole' Opry live on TV and you'll see a Cremona SB-4 in action every night!

Key Features:

- Solid spruce top and flamed curly maple back and sides.

- Violin body shape for traditional look.

- Ebony fingerboard.

- Shaded Amber, matte finish.

- Correct string height, string spacing and neck relief for accurate finger positions and intonation.

- Set-up to Cremona standards at our workshop in the US.

- Includes a durable, padded black 600-dernier nylon gigbag.

- Available in 3/4 size.

- Bow not included.

EXCEART Alto Saxophone Mute Alto Sax Reeds Alto Saxophone Silencer Sax Sound Dampener Accessory for Alto Saxophone Sax Black

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Product description

Description

This is a mute used for the alto saxophone. It is made of high-quality plastic materials. It is strong and can be used for a long time. It has a good soft sound effect, beautiful shape and fine workmanship. It is a good product that does not disturb the people.

Features

- Size: About 7.00X7.00X4.00cm 2.75X2.75X1.57inch.

- Color: Black.

- Material: Plastic.

Package Including

1 x Saxophone Mute

Can effectively help you change the sound quality, reduce noise and overtones.
The professional mute can lower the tone of the saxophone and effectively reduce the sound.
Has a simple application method, easy to use, you can use it with confidence
You can buy this efficient and practical saxophone mute at an affordable price.
A useful saxophone accessory, you can practice saxophone without making noise for others.

Becker 5000SE Bass Outfit 3/4, Satin Brown

Becker

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Product description

Crated in Romania from fine tonewoods, these Becker instruments are every bit as beautiful visually as they are aurally. At Becker's workshop skilled craftsmen honoring centuries-old tradition, hand-carve and graduate each instrument.

Select seasoned woods, graduated, laminated spruce top, solid maple back and sides
Full ebony trim and inlaid purfling
Wittner string adjusters and Wittner tailpiece adjuster
Composite chinrest
Includes TKL nylon bag and Glasser horsehair bow (G501H)

Palatino VB-004-1/2 Crack Resistant Bass, 1/2 Size

Palatino

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Product description

It features a crack-resistant spruce top with a gracefully designed, arched maple back. The neck is hand carved from solid maple for a great fit. The fingerboard and tailpiece are made from ebonized woods, and comes with German-quality, Tyrolean tuners.

Crack Resistant Spruce Top
Arched Maple Back
Adjustable Rock Maple Bridge
24:1 Geared, Tyrolean Tuners
Includes Bow & Carrying Bag

Amazing Double Bass Buggie

Bass Buggie

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Product description

Transport you bass with ease. Two wheels are better than one when it comes to safely and easily transporting your double bass. The DBL Bass Buggie's compact and lightweight design that fits any size bass not only helps protect your instrument while transporting it, but protects your back from strain. Durable shock absorbing wheels. Weight: 3 pounds, use with or without the bag, moves over indoor and outdoor terrain. An original RC Williams innovation,. Crafted in the USA by RC Williams.