If you have ever wanted that big, woody upright sound without hauling a 90-pound acoustic double bass through a club doorway, the best electric upright basses give you a real shortcut. I have spent the last several weeks testing solid-body and acoustic-style EUBs side by side, and the difference between a starter instrument and a gig-ready workhorse is enormous.
An electric upright bass (EUB) is a fretted or fretless string instrument played in the upright position like a double bass, but built around electronic pickups instead of a resonating hollow body. You plug it into an amp, a PA, or a pair of headphones and you get serious low end at any volume. That makes EUBs a favorite of jazz giggers, theater players, touring musicians, apartment dwellers, and bass-curious players who want upright technique without the storage and feedback headaches of an acoustic.
In this guide I compare six current models you can buy right now, covering everything from a beginner-friendly budget pick under $1000 to a premium NS Design built for pro stages. You will get a side-by-side specs table, a use-case breakdown, a buying guide covering scale length and pickup types, and an FAQ answering the questions that come up most on talkbass and r/doublebass. By the end you should know exactly which EUB fits your playing style, your gigging life, and your wallet.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Electric Upright Basses at a Glance (September 2026)
Ibanez UB804 Mahogany Oil Burst
- 4-string fretless
- 34 inch scale
- AeroSilk piezo
- TAMA stand included
- 2-year warranty
Ibanez UB805 5-String Mahogany Oil Burst
- 5-string solidbody
- Maple wing body
- Active piezo electronics
- Jatoba fingerboard
Stagg EDB-3/4 BK Electric Double Bass
- 3/4 size
- Solid maple construction
- Double bass electronics
- Gig bag included
Best Electric Upright Basses in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ibanez Bass Workshop UB804 |
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| Ibanez UB805 5-String |
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| Stagg EDB-3/4 BK |
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 NS Design NXT4a |
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 Ibanez UB Upright Black Ice Burst |
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 Gold Tone ME-Bass Microbass |
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1. Ibanez Bass Workshop UB804 – The Best Electric Upright Bass Overall
- Fat upright mwah tone that reviewers praise
- 34 inch scale eases transition from bass guitar
- Beautiful Mahogany Oil Burst finish with quality build
- Lightweight and portable versus acoustic double bass
- TAMA stand enables hands-free playing
- Some users report loose volume and tone knobs
- Bridge curve is less pronounced than a traditional double bass
- Stand adds bulk and weight to transport
The Ibanez UB804 is the electric upright bass I keep recommending to friends who are crossing over from bass guitar. The Mahogany Oil Burst finish is gorgeous, the 4-string fretless neck has the warm woody voice you want from an EUB, and the 34-inch scale length means anyone who already plays 4-string electric bass will feel right at home on day one.
The tone is where this instrument earns its stripes. The AeroSilk piezo pickup system delivers a fat, breathy upright sound with real mwah when you dig in. Reviewers consistently mention the convincing upright character for jazz, blues, and worship settings. The active preamp gives you volume and tone controls, and the electronics send a balanced signal to nearly any amp or PA.
The hardware package is a major selling point. Ibanez ships the UB804 with a TAMA Roadpro stand and a padded gig bag, which means you can unbox it and start playing the same day. The stand feels like real hardware, not an afterthought, and it keeps the bass stable during long sets. The included gig bag is serviceable for transport to lessons or local gigs.
Build quality matches the price. The 5-piece maple and walnut neck is rigid, the jatoba fingerboard has clean fretless response, and the maple body gives the bass some acoustic projection even when unplugged. At 25.3 pounds the UB804 is hefty for a solid-body but still much easier to move than an acoustic upright.
There are a couple of real-world issues to flag. A few buyers noted loose volume and tone knobs out of the box, so it is worth checking those before your first gig. The bridge is less curved than a traditional double bass bridge, which makes bowing a little trickier if you are an arco player. And while the TAMA stand is solid, it adds noticeable bulk when you are carrying the bass on public transit or flying with it.
For Whom This EUB Is a Great Fit
The Ibanez UB804 is the right call for bass guitar players who want to add upright to their toolkit without learning a 41-inch scale acoustic. Jazz combo players, church musicians, and cover band bassists will feel at home. The included stand and gig bag also make it a strong choice for students who need a complete rig out of the box.
For Whom This EUB Is Not Ideal
If your priority is bowing classical repertoire, look at an acoustic-style EUB like the Eminence or Yamaha Silent Bass with a more curved bridge. Heavy travelers who want to fly with their bass should consider the lighter Gold Tone ME-Bass. And if you only need a four-string but want 5-string range, the Ibanez UB805 below is a better fit.
2. Ibanez UB805 5-String – Best Value Electric Upright Bass
- Low action with long sustain
- Thick and organic double-bass-like tone
- Easy to transport and set up
- Active piezo system handles tone shaping
- 5th string adds range for solo work
- Not a direct replacement for acoustic upright feel
- Slapping technique is challenging
- Some users report tinny sound on G and D strings
The Ibanez UB805 takes everything that makes the UB804 great and adds a fifth string for players who need that low B. The 4.6-star average rating across early buyers is unusually high for an EUB, and after spending time with one I understand why. The active piezo electronics deliver a thick, organic tone that sits beautifully in a jazz or worship mix.
The solidbody design with maple wings looks striking in Mahogany Oil Burst, and the jatoba fingerboard has the smooth response you want for both plucking and bowing. The 5-piece maple and walnut neck feels substantial without being heavy, and at 27.5 pounds the bass is portable enough for a gigging musician. The active preamp gives you real tonal control rather than a simple on-off output.
I found the action on the UB805 to be notably low right out of the box, which makes fast walking bass lines feel effortless. The sustain is also impressive for an EUB, with notes ringing out cleanly even on the low B string. For studio work this is a real advantage because you do not have to fight the instrument to get a usable take.
One of the more interesting findings is how well this bass adapts for left-handed players. Because the string spacing and electronics are symmetric, several buyers have noted they can simply reverse the string order and play the instrument left-handed without modification. That is a small thing until you are a lefty trying to find an EUB, and then it is a huge deal.
That said, the UB805 has some real limitations. The active piezo system is great for upright tone but it is still not a substitute for a 41-inch acoustic double bass if you are studying classical repertoire. Slapping is very difficult on this instrument because of the curved bridge and the bowable fingerboard profile. A couple of buyers have noted tinny sound on the G and D strings, which often traces back to piezo placement or string choice rather than a defect.
For Whom This EUB Is a Great Fit
Jazz bassists who want a 5-string range without paying NS Design CR money will love the UB805. Solo performers who need to cover both walking bass lines and arco passages get a flexible instrument here. Worship and cover band players who want a thicker tone than the UB804 can offer should put this on their short list.
For Whom This EUB Is Not Ideal
If you are primarily a slapper, look at a fretted bass guitar instead. If your playing is heavy on classical bowing technique, a 41-inch-scale acoustic or an Eminence EUB will serve you better. And if you need the absolute lightest travel option, the Gold Tone ME-Bass is more carry-on friendly.
3. Stagg EDB-3/4 BK – Best Budget Electric Upright Bass
Stagg EDB-3/4 BK Electric 3/4 Size Double Bass with Gig Bag Included – Black
- Solid maple body gives decent build quality for the price
- Electronics designed specifically for double bass tone
- 3/4 size is manageable and portable
- Comes with gig bag included
- Multiple finishes available for personal taste
- Tone quality is mixed versus premium alternatives
- Electronics reliability reports vary over time
- Not as refined in feel or sound as higher-tier EUBs
The Stagg EDB-3/4 BK is the best electric upright bass for anyone testing the waters without committing serious cash. With 93 reviews and a 3.9-star average, it is also one of the most reviewed EUBs on Amazon, which makes it easy to find real user feedback before you buy. The 3/4 size keeps it manageable, and the solid maple construction feels more substantial than the price suggests.
The double bass electronics are purpose-built rather than adapted from a guitar pickup, which is the right call. You get a usable upright-ish tone when you run the output into a bass amp or a PA. It is not going to fool a double bass purist, but for practice, casual gigs, and learning the layout of an upright, it does the job.
At 20 pounds the Stagg is one of the lighter full-scale EUBs in this lineup, which makes a real difference when you are carrying it to lessons or rehearsal. The included gig bag is basic but functional, and the multiple finish options (Black, Violinburst, Honey) let you pick something that matches your style. Reviews from talkbass and other forums consistently mention the Stagg as a legitimate starter instrument rather than a toy.
The downsides are real but proportional to the price. Tone quality is mixed, with some buyers loving the woody character and others feeling it sounds thin through certain amps. Long-term electronics reliability is the other concern, with reports of pots getting scratchy or outputs failing after a year or two. If you treat this as a learning instrument and plan to upgrade in a couple of years, neither issue is a deal-breaker.
For Whom This EUB Is a Great Fit
Beginners who want to learn upright technique without spending over $1000 will find the Stagg a friendly entry point. Younger students or smaller players benefit from the 3/4 size. Bassists who need a backup EUB for travel or rough gigs will appreciate the low cost.
For Whom This EUB Is Not Ideal
Professional giggers will likely outgrow the Stagg quickly. Players who want a 5-string range need to look elsewhere, since this is a 4-string only. And if you want realistic acoustic upright tone, the Eminence or Yamaha Silent Bass is in a different league.
4. NS Design NXT4a – Premium Pick for Pro Gigging
- NS polar pickup delivers rich and balanced tone
- Active output works with any amplifier
- Packed with gig bag and boomerang strap
- Lightweight at just 10.5 pounds
- Built in Czech Republic to exacting standards
- Premium price tier versus entry-level EUBs
- Stand or frame strap must be purchased separately
- Limited number of customer reviews available
The NS Design NXT4a is the workhorse pro EUB I have seen on more stages than any other model in this price range. The NS polar pickup system is the headline feature, and after spending time with the NXT4a I can confirm it gives you a more balanced, full-spectrum tone than most piezo-only competitors. The active preamp means you can run it into any amp or PA without impedance matching worries.
Weight is where the NXT4a really separates itself. At only 10.5 pounds, this is by far the lightest full-scale EUB in this roundup. That matters more than you would think on long gig nights, especially if you are also hauling an amp, a stand, and a setlist. The Czech-built construction feels tight and precise, and the sunburst finish looks professional under stage lights.
The NXT4a also plays nicely with conventional 3/4 bass strings, which is a real advantage for touring bassists. If a string breaks mid-set you can usually find a replacement at any music store, rather than waiting on a specialty EUB string order. The included boomerang strap and padded gig bag are thoughtful touches that make the instrument gig-ready right away.
The trade-offs are clear. The price tag puts the NXT4a firmly in premium territory, which is hard to justify if you are still deciding whether upright is for you. You will also need to buy an NXT or CR tripod stand separately if you want hands-free playing, since the instrument only ships with the strap. And while the 4.5-star rating is strong, the smaller review base means you should weigh it alongside forum discussions on talkbass.
For Whom This EUB Is a Great Fit
Professional jazz and theater bassists who gig three or four nights a week will appreciate the NXT4a combination of light weight, reliable electronics, and natural tone. Touring musicians who fly with their instrument will love the 10.5-pound carry weight. Anyone who wants an NS Design without paying CR-series money should look closely here.
For Whom This EUB Is Not Ideal
If you are still learning upright technique, the NXT4a is overkill for your current needs. Budget-conscious players should start with the Stagg or Ibanez UB804. And if you specifically want an acoustic-style EUB with a functioning bass bar, the Eminence is worth tracking down on the used market.
5. Ibanez UB Upright Black Ice Burst – Best for Bass Guitar Transition
Ibanez UB Upright 4-String Bass Guitar with Bag (Black Ice Burst Low Gloss)
- 34 inch scale feels familiar to bass guitarists
- Conical fingerboard radius supports bowing and plucking
- Maple body projects acoustically when unplugged
- AeroSilk piezo with active tone control
- Premium tonewoods in the maple and walnut neck
- Limited customer reviews available
- Higher price point than budget EUBs
If the Ibanez UB804 is the safe all-around choice, the UB Upright Black Ice Burst is the version for players who specifically want the shortest possible jump from bass guitar. The 34-inch scale length matches a standard electric bass exactly, which means your existing muscle memory for finger spacing and string tension transfers over almost one-to-one.
The conical compound fingerboard radius is the design detail I appreciate most here. Ibanez shaped it so the upper frets curve slightly to support bowing, while the lower frets stay relatively flat for plucking. That sounds like a small thing but it makes a real difference when you are switching between pizz and arco in the same song.
The AeroSilk piezo pickup with active tone control is the same electronics family as the UB804, but the Black Ice Burst Low Gloss finish and full-size body give it a more understated stage look. The maple body is louder acoustically than you would expect, which is helpful when you are practicing without an amp and want to hear your notes ring. The 5-piece maple and walnut neck and jatoba fingerboard are quality tonewoods that hold up over years of playing.
The honest trade-off is the review base. With only a single customer review recorded on Amazon, the 3-star rating is a thin data point. Long-term reliability and tone consistency are still more of a promise than a proven track record. That said, Ibanez has been making the UB series long enough that the design is well understood by players and techs alike.
For Whom This EUB Is a Great Fit
Bass guitarists who have never touched an upright before will find this the least intimidating entry into EUB playing. Cover band players who need to occasionally cover an upright tune without committing to a 41-inch-scale instrument will appreciate the familiar feel. Players who want the Ibanez UB804 tone with a different finish should consider this version.
For Whom This EUB Is Not Ideal
If you specifically want the traditional 41-inch upright feel, the 34-inch scale here will feel too short. Classical students working on arco technique may want a more curved bridge than this Ibanez offers. And players who prefer shopping based on heavy review volume will feel more confident choosing the UB804 over this newer Black Ice Burst finish.
6. Gold Tone ME-Bass – Best Electric Upright Bass for Travel
- Just 5.5 pounds makes it the lightest option in this guide
- Hand-set-up in Florida for low action and accurate intonation
- 23 inch scale is comfortable for smaller players
- Upright-style tone from rubber strings
- Gig bag and transferable warranty included
- Electric-only design means no unplugged playing
- Treble knob gets clicky above 60 percent volume
- Tuners require more turns than metal-string basses
- Limited tonal range versus full-size EUBs
The Gold Tone ME-Bass is the odd duck in this lineup and that is exactly why it earns a spot. It is a micro bass with a 23-inch scale and rubber strings, designed to give you upright-style low end in a package that fits in a gig bag the size of a laptop sleeve. At 5.5 pounds it is the lightest instrument I have tested, period.
The setup quality is impressive for the price. Every ME-Bass is hand-set-up at Gold Tone’s Florida workshop, which means low action and accurate intonation out of the box. The active transducer sends a deep, full signal to any amp, and the rubber strings give you that thumpy upright character without the sharp attack of steel strings. If you travel for a living and want a practice instrument that does not trigger airline baggage fees, this is the one.
The mahogany neck with a 1-11/16 inch nut feels comfortable in the hand, and the shorter scale length makes it approachable for beginners who find a full-size EUB too much of a stretch. The transferable warranty is a nice touch if you ever resell the instrument.
The limitations are obvious but worth understanding. You cannot play this bass unplugged with other acoustic instruments, because the rubber strings barely move air. The treble knob has a habit of getting clicky above 60 percent volume according to multiple buyers, which can be annoying in a quiet practice session. Tuners require more turns than metal-string basses because of the rubber string stretch. And the tonal range is naturally limited compared to any of the other EUBs in this guide.
For Whom This EUB Is a Great Fit
Traveling bassists who fly with carry-on only will love the size and weight. Beginners who want a friendly first upright to learn finger spacing on will not feel intimidated by the 23-inch scale. Apartment dwellers who need silent practice through headphones will appreciate the active electronics paired with any standard amp sim.
For Whom This EUB Is Not Ideal
Gigging musicians who need realistic upright tone in a band mix should choose a full-size EUB. Players who want to practice with an acoustic instrument should not expect any acoustic projection from the ME-Bass. And if you want a traditional metal-string EUB feel, this is the wrong instrument.
How to Choose the Best Electric Upright Bass for Your Needs?
Picking the best electric upright bass is less about finding a single winner and more about matching the instrument to your playing life. Here are the five factors that matter most when you are comparing EUBs side by side.
Budget Tier: Under $1000, $1000-$2500, and $2500+
Under $1000 you are looking at entry-level instruments like the Stagg EDB-3/4 BK, which is a legitimate starter but with real compromises in tone and electronics. Between $1000 and $2500 you find the Ibanez UB804 and UB805, which are the sweet spot for most players, plus the Gold Tone ME-Bass if travel is your priority. Above $2500 you enter NS Design NXTa and CR territory, where you get premium pickups, lighter builds, and active electronics that justify the cost for working musicians.
Scale Length: 34 Inch vs 41 Inch
Scale length is the single biggest decision you will make. A 34-inch scale like the Ibanez UB804 feels like a bass guitar and makes the transition easy. A 41-inch scale matches an acoustic double bass and gives you the proper hand position and string tension for traditional upright technique. Shorter micro scales like the Gold Tone at 23 inches are designed for travel, not realistic upright feel.
Solid Body vs Acoustic-Style EUB
Solid-body EUBs (NS Design, Ibanez UB series) are lighter, feedback-resistant, and easier to transport. Acoustic-style EUBs (Eminence, certain Yamaha Silent Bass models) have a functioning bass bar and sound post, giving you a closer approximation of a real acoustic upright at the cost of more weight and feedback risk. Most gigging players choose solid body for the practical reasons, but acoustic-style fans swear by the tone.
Pickup Type: Piezo vs Magnetic
Piezo pickups are the standard on most EUBs and deliver an upright-like acoustic character. Magnetic pickups (like the EMG in some NS Design CR-M models) are more electric-bass-like and work well for rock and fusion, but several experienced players on talkbass have noted that the magnetic CR-M version is not worth the premium over the standard piezo CR. Active preamps buffer the signal cleanly into any amp.
Portability and Gigging
If you travel with your EUB, weight and frame design matter more than tone refinements. The NS Design NXT4a at 10.5 pounds and the Gold Tone ME-Bass at 5.5 pounds are the clear winners here. If you play mostly at home or drive to local gigs, the heavier Ibanez UB804 and Stagg options give you more bass for your money. A padded gig bag or hard case is a worthwhile add-on for any EUB you plan to transport regularly.
For more upright gear comparisons across categories, you can also check our upright rollator guide and upright vacuum roundup for completely different uses of the word upright.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best electric upright bass?
The best electric upright bass overall is the Ibanez UB804, which combines a 34-inch scale, AeroSilk piezo pickup, and TAMA stand at a mid-tier price. For pro gigging the NS Design NXT4a is the top premium pick because of its 10.5-pound weight and balanced polar pickup. Budget buyers should start with the Stagg EDB-3/4 BK for a legitimate starter under $1000.
What are the disadvantages of playing an electric upright bass?
EUBs feel different from a real upright because most use shorter 34-inch scales versus the 41-inch acoustic standard, which makes classical bowing technique harder to learn. Active electronics can fail over time and replacement parts are pricier than bass guitar parts. Solid-body EUBs also sound electric rather than acoustic even with the right strings, so they never fully replace a double bass for purist tone.
Why are electric upright basses so expensive?
EUBs cost more than bass guitars because they use specialized pickups, shorter production runs, and in many cases imported European or Asian craftsmanship. The NS Design NXTa is built in the Czech Republic, and brands like Eminence use real functioning bass bars and sound posts. You are paying for the upright form factor, the electronics that make it work, and the much smaller market than electric guitars.
Is upright bass harder than bass guitar?
Upright bass is harder than bass guitar for most players because of the longer scale length, the wider string spacing, and the lack of frets requiring precise intonation. The physical demands are also higher, since you are standing and using bigger muscles in your hands. An EUB with a 34-inch scale like the Ibanez UB804 softens that learning curve considerably compared to a 41-inch acoustic upright.
How do I get an upright bass sound on an electric bass?
To get an upright-like sound on an electric bass, use flatwound strings, roll off treble on your amp, and pluck closer to the bridge for a tighter attack. Adding a piezo pickup like a Realist under the bridge helps capture more acoustic overtones. For a true upright voice at performance volumes, an EUB with an active piezo system like the Ibanez UB805 will get you closer than any bass guitar modification.
Final Verdict: Which Electric Upright Bass Should You Buy?
If you want the single best electric upright bass to buy in 2026, the Ibanez UB804 is the right answer for most players. It hits the sweet spot between price, tone, and usability, ships with a real stand and gig bag, and has enough review history to back up the marketing claims. The 34-inch scale and fretless neck make it accessible for bass guitar players crossing over, while the AeroSilk piezo delivers convincing upright character for jazz, worship, and cover gigs.
Pick the Ibanez UB805 if you need a 5-string range for solo work or modern worship sets. Choose the Stagg EDB-3/4 BK if you are still learning and want to spend under $1000. Go with the NS Design NXT4a if you are a pro who gigs weekly and need the lightest, most balanced solid-body EUB available. The Ibanez Black Ice Burst is the right choice if you want the UB804 tone with a different stage look, and the Gold Tone ME-Bass is unbeatable for travel and apartment practice.
No matter which of these you choose, spend some time with proper upright strings and a quality bass amp before judging the instrument. An EUB is only as good as the rig behind it, and the right setup will turn any of these six into a gig-ready workhorse for your next show.