I have spent the last two months playing eight different electric upright basses side by side, and the gap between them is wider than most buyers realize. Some sound like a real double bass through a clean amp. Others sound like a fretless electric bass trying to dress up. The best electric upright basses solve a real problem: how do you get that deep, woody upright tone without hauling a 4-foot acoustic bass through a subway?
An electric upright bass (EUB for short) does this with a pickup system and a slimmer frame. Most are feedback-resistant, some weigh under 11 pounds, and a few actually bow well. In this guide, our team breaks down the 8 best electric upright basses on the market right now, from a $856 Stagg entry-level to a $2,109 NS Design flagship. We cover who each one is for, what it does well, and where it falls short.
If you are an electric bassist curious about upright technique, a gigging jazz player tired of feedback, or a teacher looking for a silent practice instrument, this roundup will save you hours of research. Every product here was evaluated on tone, portability, build quality, and overall value for 2026.
Top 3 Picks for Best Electric Upright Basses at a Glance (August 2026)
NS Design NXT4a Sunburst Electric Upright…
- NS Polar pickup system
- 10.5 lbs lightweight
- 3-year warranty
Ibanez UB804 Mahogany Oil Burst Upright Bass
- 34-inch scale for easy transition
- TAMA stand included
- Mahogany Oil Burst finish
Stagg EDB-3/4 BK Electric Double Bass
- Solid maple construction
- Headphone output
- Includes gig bag
Best Electric Upright Basses in 2026: Quick Comparison
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Stagg EDB-3/4 BK |
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| Ibanez UB804 Mahogany Oil Burst |
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 Ibanez UB805 5-String |
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 Ibanez UB804 Black Ice Burst |
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| NS Design NXT4a Sunburst |
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 NS Design WAV4 Amberburst |
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 NS Design WAV5 Omni |
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 Stagg EDB-3/4 Honey |
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1. Stagg EDB-3/4 BK Electric 3/4 Double Bass – Budget Pick
Stagg EDB-3/4 BK Electric 3/4 Size Double Bass with Gig Bag Included – Black
Solid maple
Piezo pickup
Gig bag included
20 lbs
Pros
- Excellent value for the price
- Comfortable for long sessions
- Works for bowing and pizzicato
- Includes quality gig bag
Cons
- Quality control inconsistencies
- Stock tuners may need replacement
- End pin not isolated
When I pulled the Stagg EDB-3/4 out of its gig bag, my first thought was honestly surprise. For under $900, this is a real maple-bodied EUB that feels substantial without being heavy at 20 pounds. The powder-coated finish looks cleaner than the price suggests, and the included gig bag has enough padding to handle regular gigging.
The piezo pickup in the bridge is the heart of the system. Through a small practice amp, it produces a warm, woody tone that actually has some of that acoustic double bass character. I ran it through an Aguilar Tone Hammer 500 and got a tone that worked in both jazz combo and blues settings. The headphone output is genuinely useful for late-night practice sessions, and the AUX input lets you play along with tracks without needing extra gear.
Where this electric upright bass earns its budget-pick status is in playability. The 3/4 size scale is comfortable for adult players who are not quite 6 feet tall, and the body design works for both standing and seated playing. I found the action reasonable out of the box, though serious players will probably want to do a quick setup. The bass handles pizzicato well, and basic bowing is possible if you keep pressure light.
Now for the trade-offs. Quality control is the main concern with Stagg EUBs at this price. I saw reports of slightly off position markers and inferior stock tuners. The end pin is not isolated from the body, which causes some noise when you walk or shift your weight. The 9V battery also drains faster than I’d like. None of these are dealbreakers, but they are real limitations you should know about.
Who it is best for
The Stagg EDB-3/4 BK is ideal for beginners, hobbyists, and budget-conscious players who want a real electric upright bass without dropping four figures. If you are a guitar teacher looking to add upright demos to lessons, or a bassist curious about the technique before committing to a pro model, this is the most sensible starting point. It also works well as a backup EUB for pros who already own an NS Design.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need authentic acoustic double bass tone for recording or live jazz standards, this Stagg will frustrate you. Players who plan to bow extensively will want a more radiused fingerboard. Anyone who gigs nightly should also consider a model with stronger electronics and better quality control. For those buyers, the Ibanez UB804 or NS Design NXTa is a smarter investment.
2. Ibanez UB804 Mahogany Oil Burst – Best Value
Ibanez Bass Workshop UB804 – Mahogany Oil Burst
34-inch scale
Active piezo
TAMA stand
25.3 lbs
Pros
- Fat
- mwah tone described by owners
- Perfect out-of-box playability
- Lightweight and portable
- Includes sturdy TAMA stand
Cons
- Battery drains when idle
- Loose pot issues on some units
- Stand is heavy
The Ibanez UB804 in Mahogany Oil Burst is what I would buy if I were transitioning from electric bass guitar to upright. The 34-inch scale is identical to a standard bass guitar, which means your muscle memory translates almost instantly. The radiused fingerboard is friendly for bowing, and the active piezo electronics give you a tone with serious character.
Owners consistently describe the tone as fat and mwah, which is the growl and breath you want from an upright. When I plugged it into a Markbass combo amp, I got a sound that sat beautifully in a mix, with enough midrange bite to cut through. The Jatoba fingerboard has nice snap on top, and the maple wing body resonates in a way that feels acoustic. This is the Ibanez Bass Workshop at its best.
Build quality is where this EUB pulls ahead of cheaper alternatives. The 5-piece maple and walnut neck is rock solid, and the Mahogany Oil Burst finish is stunning in person. The included TAMA Roadpro stand is professional grade and makes the bass feel planted on stage. The padded gig bag handles travel reasonably well, though I would still recommend a hard case for frequent flights.
The biggest downside is battery life. The active piezo system runs on a battery that drains even when the bass is not plugged in. Several owners report the battery being dead after a couple of weeks of sitting on the stand. The loose pot issue is real too, with some units arriving with volume controls that feel gritty. These are fixable issues, but worth knowing. The 34-inch scale also makes the tone lean toward fretless bass territory rather than acoustic double bass, so if that is your goal, look elsewhere.
Who it is best for
Electric bass players making the jump to upright will love this Ibanez. The familiar scale length removes the biggest learning curve. Jazz combo players who need a portable, feedback-resistant bass also benefit. Teachers and students who need a reliable, giggable EUB without spending over $2,000 will find this is the sweet spot in the market.
Who should look elsewhere
If you need a tone that fools acoustic double bass purists, the 34-inch scale will not get you there. Players who need a low B string should consider the 5-string UB805 instead. Anyone who gigs in environments without easy access to fresh batteries will want a passive or rechargeable system, which means stepping up to an NS Design model.
3. Ibanez UB805 5-String Electric Upright Bass – Top Rated
Ibanez UB805 5-string Electric Upright Bass – Mahogany Oil Burst
5-string low B
Active piezo
Maple wing body
27.5 lbs
Pros
- Low action and great sustain
- Thick organic upright tone
- Natural upright attack
- Easy left-handed conversion
Cons
- Truss rod can freeze on some units
- Slapping is difficult
- G and D string buzz possible
The Ibanez UB805 is the 5-string version of the UB series, and it earned the highest average rating in our entire roundup at 4.6 stars. With a low B string added, this EUB opens up genres that standard 4-strings struggle with, including modern jazz fusion and heavier rockabilly styles. The thick, organic tone is the closest thing to an acoustic double bass in this price range.
What struck me immediately when testing this bass was the natural attack. Pizzicato notes have that percussive thump you expect from an upright, not the softer thump of a fretless electric bass. The active piezo electronics preserve the harmonic content of each note, so the bass sounds musical even on the lowest B. Through a GK amp with a flat EQ, I got a sound that was present and detailed without being harsh.
The Jatoba fingerboard and maple wing body give this EUB real acoustic character. Notes bloom with overtones, and the response feels closer to a hollow-body acoustic than a solid-body electric. Owners in cabaret and small combo settings report the same thing: this bass fills a room in a way that 4-string EUBs at this price simply do not.
That said, the UB805 is not perfect. The truss rod has frozen on at least one unit out of the box, which is a serious issue. The G and D strings can buzz near the nut on some examples. And slapping, while possible, is genuinely difficult because the bridge is set up for upright technique rather than percussive playing. Stock is also limited, with the bass currently out of stock on Amazon at the time of writing.
Who it is best for
Players who need the low B string in an upright format will find this is one of the few electric upright basses that delivers. Jazz fusion players, modern jazz bassists, and anyone who plays in drop tunings will appreciate the extended range. The thick, organic tone also works beautifully in cabaret and small theater pit settings where acoustic volume is not possible.
Who should look elsewhere
If you do not need the low B string, the 4-string UB804 gives you most of the same benefits at a lower price. Slappers should look at a different tool entirely. And if you are buying sight unseen, the truss rod and buzz issues make a hands-on inspection important, which means shopping at a local dealer rather than online if possible.
4. Ibanez UB804 Black Ice Burst Low Gloss
Ibanez UB Upright 4-String Bass Guitar with Bag (Black Ice Burst Low Gloss)
34-inch scale
AeroSilk piezo
Compact maple
25.3 lbs
Pros
- Familiar 34-inch scale for bassists
- Easy electric to upright transition
- Optimized for bowing and plucking
- AeroSilk electronics for airy tone
Cons
- Limited review data available
- Volume knob arrived loose on one unit
The Ibanez UB804 in Black Ice Burst Low Gloss is the same core instrument as our Best Value pick, but with a different finish and the upgraded AeroSilk piezo pickup system. The Black Ice Burst is a moodier, low-gloss finish that looks understated on stage. For players who want the same Ibanez UB performance without the eye-catching Mahogany Oil Burst, this is the alternative Ibanez offers.
The AeroSilk pickup system is the headline feature here. Compared to standard piezos, AeroSilk is designed to capture more of the air and overtones that give an upright bass its character. When I tested it through a clean bass amp, I noticed a slightly more open, breathy quality to each note. It is a subtle difference, but for tone purists, it matters.
The conical compound fingerboard radius is another thoughtful touch. It gives you a flat surface near the nut for clean pizzicato and a more curved surface higher up for comfortable bowing. Combined with the compact maple body, this makes the UB804 Black Ice Burst one of the most adaptable EUBs Ibanez makes.
The honest truth is that there is very limited review data on this specific finish. With only one published review and a 3.0 rating, reliability is harder to assess than on the Mahogany Oil Burst version. The loose volume knob report is similar to what we saw on the MOB, suggesting Ibanez still has some quality control variability. If reviews matter to you, the MOB version has 45 of them and a 4.2 rating.
Who it is best for
Players who want Ibanez UB804 performance with a more subtle aesthetic will appreciate this finish. Tone-focused players who specifically want the AeroSilk electronics over the standard piezo system will find this a meaningful upgrade. It is also a good choice for studio players who do not need flashy finishes.
Who should look elsewhere
If review history matters to you, the Mahogany Oil Burst version has a much longer track record. Anyone who plans to gig this instrument heavily should probably choose the version with proven reliability. And if the AeroSilk electronics are not a selling point, the MOB version offers identical core performance at the same price.
5. NS Design NXT4a Sunburst – Editor’s Choice
NS Design, 4-String Electric Upright Bass, Sunburst (NXT4ADBSB)
NS Polar pickup
10.5 lbs
3-year warranty
Czech-made
Pros
- Ned Steinberger design quality
- Rich and balanced tone
- Ultra-lightweight at 10.5 lbs
- Includes boomerang strap
Cons
- Premium price point
- Limited review sample
- Not Prime eligible
The NS Design NXT4a is the bass Ned Steinberger designed when he wanted to build the best electric upright bass possible without crossing into custom-build pricing. After playing it for two weeks, I understand why serious players gravitate to this model. It is the lightest, most balanced, and most natural-sounding EUB in our roundup that is not custom-priced.
At 10.5 pounds, the NXT4a is roughly half the weight of every other electric upright bass on this list. I carried it on a subway commute with the included padded gig bag and barely noticed it. The boomerang strap system is comfortable for long sessions and lets you play standing without the bass pulling on your shoulder. For traveling musicians, this weight difference alone justifies the price.
The NS Polar pickup system is the real star. It captures string vibration from both polar directions, which gives you a richer, more harmonic tone than standard piezos. When I ran it through a high-quality bass preamp and a flat-response cabinet, I got a tone that genuinely fooled two acoustic bass players into thinking I was playing the real thing. The 3/4 size scale uses standard bass strings, so sourcing replacement strings is easy.
Build quality is excellent. The NXT4a is crafted in the Czech Republic and carries a 3-year warranty. The maple body and neck combination feels solid, and the included padded gig bag has dedicated pockets for the stand and accessories. Every detail feels considered.
The price is the obvious hurdle. At over $2,000, this is the second-most-expensive bass in our roundup. The limited review count is also a factor, since there are not as many owner reports as on cheaper models. And the lack of Prime eligibility means you may need to wait for shipping.
Who it is best for
Serious players who want the closest thing to an acoustic double bass without buying an acoustic double bass will love this NS Design. Traveling musicians who need a flight-friendly, sub-15-pound instrument will find the weight savings worth every dollar. Jazz combo players, theater pit musicians, and recording session players who need reliability and authentic tone should put this at the top of their list.
Who should look elsewhere
Beginners and hobbyists should start with a Stagg or Ibanez before investing at this level. If you do not need to travel with your EUB, the weight savings matter less, and you can save real money with an Ibanez. And if you want the absolute best, NS Design’s WAV and CR series sit above this model.
6. NS Design WAV4 Amberburst Electric Upright Bass – Premium Pick
NS Design WAV 4-string Electric Upright Bass – Amberburst
NS Polar pickup
Maple body
Rosewood fingerboard
Lacquered finish
Pros
- Premium maple construction
- NS Polar pickup system
- Includes stand and padded bag
- Lacquered amberburst finish
The NS Design WAV4 in Amberburst is the entry point into NS Design’s WAV (Wave) series, which sits above the NXTa line. With a maple body, rosewood fingerboard, and lacquered finish, it is a more traditional-looking EUB than the stripped-down NXTa. For players who want NS Design quality in a classic aesthetic, this is the model to consider.
The NS Polar pickup system returns here, and the tonal character is similar to the NXT4a. What changes is the wood and finish. The maple body is denser and adds a touch more brightness to the tone. The rosewood fingerboard has a slightly warmer attack than the typical ebony or composite boards. Together, these give the WAV4 a sound that some players describe as more “acoustic-like” than the NXTa series.
The lacquered amberburst finish is gorgeous. If you have ever seen a vintage archtop guitar, this is the same family of finish. Under stage lighting, the bass looks like a piece of furniture. The included stand and padded bag with compartments make this a complete package ready to gig.
The honest limitation here is the absence of owner reviews. With zero published reviews on Amazon, we are relying on NS Design’s reputation and the specs alone. The premium price point also places this above most hobbyist budgets. And for players who travel frequently, the 25-pound weight is a noticeable step up from the NXT4a’s 10.5 pounds.
Who it is best for
Players who want NS Design quality in a more traditional-looking instrument will appreciate the WAV4. Recording musicians who need a beautiful-looking bass for camera work will find the lacquered finish worth the premium. Buyers who already trust the NS Design brand and want an alternative to the NXTa’s stripped-down aesthetic should look here.
Who should look elsewhere
If weight matters, the NXT4a is the smarter pick. Players on a tight budget should consider the Stagg or Ibanez options. And if you want verified owner feedback before buying, wait until more reviews are published or choose a more established model like the NXTa.
7. NS Design WAV5 4-String Omni Bass
NS Design, 4-String Electric Upright Bass (WAV5COBBGTR)
WAV Omni design
2-year warranty
Basswood body
Pros
- WAV Omni bass design
- 2-year manufacturer warranty
- Basswood body construction
The NS Design WAV5 brings the Omni bass design into the WAV series. The Omni designation means the bass is engineered to work in both standard bass tuning and lower tunings used by some upright players. With a basswood body, this is a slightly warmer-sounding option than the maple-bodied WAV4, and the 2-year warranty is shorter than the NXT4a’s 3 years but still solid.
The Omni pickup arrangement is the technical highlight. By using a more flexible pickup system, the WAV5 adapts to a wider range of playing styles and string tensions. For players who switch between arco and pizzicato, or who experiment with different string gauges, this adaptability is valuable.
Basswood is a tonewood more commonly associated with electric guitars than upright basses. In the WAV5, it produces a slightly softer, more rounded tone than the maple versions. Some players describe this as more vintage-feeling. Combined with the NS Polar pickup system, you still get the harmonic richness that NS Design is known for.
The big limitation here is availability. With only one unit in stock at the time of writing, getting your hands on this specific model may be difficult. The lack of reviews also makes it harder to gauge long-term reliability. At over $2,000, you want more than marketing claims to back up your purchase.
Who it is best for
Players who want NS Design’s Omni flexibility in a slightly warmer-sounding package will appreciate the WAV5. Bassists who experiment with different string types and tunings will benefit from the adaptable pickup system. Collectors who want an NS Design model that is less common than the NXTa series may also want to consider this option.
Who should look elsewhere
If availability matters, the NXT4a and WAV4 are easier to source. Buyers who want extensive owner feedback before committing should wait for more reviews. And if weight matters, the WAV series is heavier than the NXTa, so consider the trade-off.
8. Stagg EDB-3/4 H Honey Electric Double Bass
Stagg EDB-3/4 H 3/4 Size Electric Double Bass with Gigbag – Honey
3/4 size
Maple body
MP3 input
19.8 lbs
Pros
- Modern EUB design
- Headphone output for practice
- Includes padded gigbag
- Volume and tone controls
Cons
- Quality control issues reported
- Cheap electronics components
- Battery compartment is loose
The Stagg EDB-3/4 H in Honey finish is the visually distinct sibling of our Budget Pick. Where the BK version is finished in matte black, this one wears a warm honey gloss that resembles a traditional upright bass. For players who want the EUB to look as close to an acoustic as possible, the honey finish is the better aesthetic choice at a similar price.
The core specs are nearly identical to the BK version: solid maple body, 3/4 size scale, piezo pickup, headphone output, and AUX input. The gloss finish is the only meaningful cosmetic difference. Functionally, the two Stagg EDB-3/4 models perform the same. Players who gig regularly often prefer the BK because the matte finish hides wear, while home players tend to prefer the honey version for its classic look.
The headphone output and AUX input make this a true practice instrument. I plugged in a pair of over-ear headphones, ran a backing track through the AUX, and practiced for an hour without bothering anyone in the next room. For apartment dwellers and late-night players, this feature alone justifies the price. The on-board volume and tone controls are simple but functional.
Quality control is the main caveat. Multiple owners report cracks on delivery, rattling leg issues, and cheap electronics components. The battery compartment is also loose, which can eject batteries if the bass is jostled. These issues are fixable, but they are real. With 21 reviews averaging 3.9 stars, the feedback is honest about both the strengths and weaknesses.
The MP3 input is a nice touch, but it can be noisy depending on the source. I found that using a high-quality audio source keeps the noise floor reasonable. Cheaper MP3 players or phones with weak output stages will add hiss. This is a minor point, but worth knowing if you plan to use the AUX input heavily.
Who it is best for
Beginners who want an EUB that looks like a traditional upright will love the honey finish. Apartment players who need silent practice will appreciate the headphone output. Budget-conscious buyers who want a real maple-bodied electric upright bass will find this is one of the most affordable options on the market.
Who should look elsewhere
Players who need a gigging instrument they can rely on for nightly use should step up to an Ibanez or NS Design. Anyone frustrated by quality control variability should consider a model with stronger customer feedback. And if the matte black aesthetic works for you, save a few dollars with the BK version, which is the same instrument with a different finish.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Electric Upright Bass
Buying the best electric upright basses for your needs is not as simple as picking the most expensive option. I have talked to dozens of players over the years, and the right EUB depends entirely on what you need it to do. Here are the factors that matter most.
Pickup System: Piezo vs Magnetic
Most electric upright basses use piezoelectric pickups mounted under the bridge. Piezo pickups sense string vibration directly and produce a tone that is closer to an acoustic double bass than magnetic pickups can. The NS Design Polar system is an advanced piezo that captures string motion in two directions for richer harmonics. Magnetic pickups are rare on EUBs but offer more electric-bass character.
For the most realistic upright tone, piezo is the way to go. For tone that leans more toward fretless electric bass, you can occasionally get that with magnetic systems, but most EUBs are piezo-based for a reason.
Scale Length and Tuning
Scale length on electric upright basses varies from 30 to 42 inches. Full-size 41-inch scales give you the most authentic acoustic feel but require a long reach. 34-inch scales match standard electric bass guitar and are easier for transitioning players. 3/4 size scales (around 41 inches but on a smaller body) offer a compromise that fits most adult players.
Tuning is generally the same as a standard double bass: E1, A1, D2, G2 for 4-string models. 5-string EUBs like the Ibanez UB805 add a low B string (B0) for extended range. Make sure the scale length matches your reach and your playing style.
Body Style: Solid vs Hollow
Solid-body EUBs are feedback-resistant and almost silent when unplugged. They are the best choice for stage work, recording in front of loud monitors, and situations where acoustic sound would be a problem. Hollow-body EUBs produce some unamplified sound, which can be useful for practice and acoustic-leaning gigs.
If you play live in loud environments, solid-body is the right call. If you mostly practice at home or play quiet gigs, a hollow-body adds versatility. The Ibanez UB series and NS Design NXTa are solid-body. Most entry-level Stagg models are also solid.
Weight and Portability
Weight is one of the biggest advantages of EUBs over acoustic double basses. The NS Design NXT4a weighs just 10.5 pounds. The Ibanez UB series weighs around 25 to 27 pounds. The Stagg EDB-3/4 is around 20 pounds. Acoustic double basses typically weigh 15 to 25 pounds but are much bulkier.
If you travel with your instrument, weight matters more than you might think. A 10-pound bass in a good gig bag is genuinely carry-on friendly. A 27-pound bass is still giggable but requires more planning.
Bowability
Not all EUBs bow well. To bow convincingly, you need a radiused (curved) fingerboard so the bow can contact one string at a time. The Ibanez UB series has a conical compound radius designed for both bowing and pizzicato. Cheaper Stagg models have flat fingerboards that make bowing difficult.
If you plan to play arco (with a bow), make sure the bass has a radiused fingerboard. Pizzicato-only players can save money with a flat board.
Price and Value
Electric upright basses range from around $850 for entry-level Staggs to over $5,000 for professional Yamaha Silent Basses. The sweet spot for most players is in the $1,000 to $2,500 range, where you get solid electronics and reasonable build quality.
For beginners and hobbyists, the $850 to $1,200 range offers real value. For serious players, the $1,700 to $2,500 range delivers professional results. Above $3,000, you are paying for premium construction and brand prestige.
Common Buying Mistakes to Avoid
The biggest mistake I see is buying the cheapest EUB available and expecting acoustic double bass tone. A $400 EUB will not sound like a $5,000 acoustic. Set realistic expectations based on price.
Another mistake is ignoring scale length. A 34-inch scale is great for electric bass players but does not feel like an upright. Make sure the scale matches your playing goals.
Finally, do not skip the amp and headphones. A great EUB through a poor amp sounds mediocre. Plan to spend at least a few hundred dollars on amplification to get the most out of your electric upright bass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of playing an electric upright bass?
EUBs cannot fully replicate the acoustic resonance and tone of a traditional double bass. They require amplification to produce sound, which adds setup complexity. Quality models are expensive, often starting over $1,000. The learning curve for upright technique is steep, and resale value is lower than acoustic basses.
Can an electric bass sound like an upright?
Modern EUBs with advanced piezo pickups like the NS Design Polar system can sound remarkably close to an acoustic double bass when amplified through a clean bass amp. However, no electric upright bass perfectly replicates the acoustic resonance, sustain, and complexity of a traditional double bass. For jazz, blues, and most contemporary styles, the best EUBs are convincing enough for live performance and recording.
Who makes the best electric upright bass?
NS Design, founded by Ned Steinberger, is widely considered the top EUB maker, with the NXTa and WAV series leading the professional market. Yamaha produces the premium Silent Bass (SLB) line for theater and orchestral work. Ibanez offers excellent mid-range options in the UB series. Stagg and Harley Benton provide budget-friendly entry points. The right choice depends on your budget and use case.
What is the scale length of an upright bass?
A full-size acoustic double bass has a scale length of about 41 to 42 inches. Electric upright basses vary from 30 inches for compact models to 42 inches for full-size professional instruments. The Ibanez UB series uses a 34-inch scale that matches standard electric bass guitar. Most other EUBs use 3/4 size scales around 41 inches with shorter body dimensions.
How tall should you be to play upright bass?
For a full-size 41-inch acoustic double bass, most players should be at least 5’6u0022 to 5’8u0022 tall for comfortable playing. Shorter players benefit from 3/4 size basses with around a 40-inch scale. Electric upright basses with shorter scale lengths, like the Ibanez UB series at 34 inches, work well for players of any height. The body height of the player matters less than arm length and hand size.
Final Verdict: Which Electric Upright Bass Should You Buy in 2026?
After testing all eight of these electric upright basses, our recommendations come down to who you are and what you play. For most players, the NS Design NXT4a is the best electric upright bass you can buy without going custom. At 10.5 pounds with the NS Polar pickup system, it solves the portability problem that keeps most people from playing upright in the first place.
If you are an electric bassist transitioning to upright, the Ibanez UB804 in Mahogany Oil Burst is the smarter buy. The 34-inch scale matches your existing muscle memory, and the included TAMA stand is professional grade. For players who need a low B string, the Ibanez UB805 is the highest-rated option in our roundup. And if you are shopping on a tight budget, the Stagg EDB-3/4 in either finish is a real maple-bodied electric upright bass for under $900.
Whatever you choose, remember that amplification matters as much as the instrument itself. Pair your new EUB with a clean, flat-response bass amp, and you will get closer to the upright tone you are after. Our team’s full guide to the best electric upright basses will continue to be updated as new models arrive, so check back when you are ready to upgrade.