Guitar Guide

Orchestral & Folk Strings Buying Guide

Is an Upright Bass a Realistic Second Instrument for a Home Studio?

V Rated by Vincent Vandegans · Updated Sep 2026

An upright bass is a serious commitment in a way few other instruments are — size, weight, and a genuinely different technique from electric bass all factor in. But for players drawn to jazz, folk, or orchestral music, a solid-wood upright brings a warmth and physical presence that no electric bass replicates, and it's a realistic addition for anyone with the space and the specific musical motivation.

The ten basses below are real, currently-listed solid-wood upright double basses, checked for seller reliability and priced against comparable recent sales.

At a Glance — Our Top Picks

Editor's Top Pick
Warwick Thumb Bass Nt Double Neck 4 String FRETTED/FRETLESS Seethrough Blue 1988

Warwick Thumb Bass Nt Double Neck 4 String FRETTED/FRETLESS Seethrough Blue 1988

Score 95/100 · $6,706.87 · Used

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Best New
12 Pcs Upright Double Bass Making Tool Glue Bass Clamp Repair Tool Solid Wood

12 Pcs Upright Double Bass Making Tool Glue Bass Clamp Repair Tool Solid Wood

Score 95/100 · $249.00 · New

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Best Used
Vintage Made in Germany Vintage Solid Wood Upright Double Bass Standup

Vintage Made in Germany Vintage Solid Wood Upright Double Bass Standup

Score 95/100 · $1,500.00 · Used

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Top 10 Orchestral & Folk Stringss on eBay & Amazon

Ranked and rated by Vincent Vandegans — verified you can buy.

1

Warwick Thumb Bass Nt Double Neck 4 String FRETTED/FRETLESS Seethrough Blue 1988

Rating Score: 95/100 · $6,706.87 Used

Warwick Thumb Bass Nt Double Neck 4 String FRETTED/FRETLESS Seethrough Blue 1988 Warwick Thumb Bass Nt Double Neck 4 String FRETTED/FRETLESS Seethrough Blue 1988 Warwick Thumb Bass Nt Double Neck 4 String FRETTED/FRETLESS Seethrough Blue 1988 Warwick Thumb Bass Nt Double Neck 4 String FRETTED/FRETLESS Seethrough Blue 1988
4 photos
Brand
Warwick
Model
Thumb Bass Nt
Type
Bass Guitar
String Configuration
4 String
Model Year
1988
Body Type
Semi-Hollow
  • •Condition: Used
  • •Seller rating: 100.0% positive (2094 ratings)
  • •Free shipping
  • •Returns accepted (30 calendar day)
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2

KINGLOS Electric Double Bass - Model ZJDB-1801 - (NS Design Style Like) WHITE

Rating Score: 94/100 · $1,398.00 Used

KINGLOS Electric Double Bass - Model ZJDB-1801 - (NS Design Style Like) WHITE KINGLOS Electric Double Bass - Model ZJDB-1801 - (NS Design Style Like) WHITE KINGLOS Electric Double Bass - Model ZJDB-1801 - (NS Design Style Like) WHITE KINGLOS Electric Double Bass - Model ZJDB-1801 - (NS Design Style Like) WHITE
4 photos
Body Type
Solid
Body Color
Black
Neck Material
Maple
Set Includes
Cable, Gig Bag
Number of Frets
Fretless
Brand
KINGLOS
  • •Condition: Used
  • •Seller rating: 98.8% positive (2580 ratings)
  • •Free shipping
  • •No returns accepted
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3

Vintage Made in Germany Vintage Solid Wood Upright Double Bass Standup

Rating Score: 95/100 · $1,500.00 Used

Vintage Made in Germany Vintage Solid Wood Upright Double Bass Standup Vintage Made in Germany Vintage Solid Wood Upright Double Bass Standup Vintage Made in Germany Vintage Solid Wood Upright Double Bass Standup Vintage Made in Germany Vintage Solid Wood Upright Double Bass Standup
4 photos
Brand
Unbranded
Body Shape
Carved Back
Body Material
Maple
Number of Strings
4
Color
Beige
Instrument
Upright Bass
  • •Condition: Used
  • •Seller rating: 99.8% positive (11370 ratings)
  • •No returns accepted
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4

Performance 300 3/4 Upright Solid Wood Bass w/ Bow and Gig bag

Rating Score: 95/100 · $2,800.00 Used

Performance 300 3/4 Upright Solid Wood Bass w/ Bow and Gig bag Performance 300 3/4 Upright Solid Wood Bass w/ Bow and Gig bag Performance 300 3/4 Upright Solid Wood Bass w/ Bow and Gig bag Performance 300 3/4 Upright Solid Wood Bass w/ Bow and Gig bag
4 photos
Brand
Performance
Number of Strings
4
Size
3/4
Instrument
Upright Bass
Set Includes
Bow, Bag
Country of Origin
China
  • •Condition: Used
  • •Seller rating: 100.0% positive (2042 ratings)
  • •Returns accepted (30 calendar day)
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5

SQUIER Precision Bass 4-String Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst Indonesia

Rating Score: 95/100 · $269.99 Used

SQUIER Precision Bass 4-String Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst Indonesia SQUIER Precision Bass 4-String Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst Indonesia SQUIER Precision Bass 4-String Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst Indonesia SQUIER Precision Bass 4-String Electric Bass Guitar Sunburst Indonesia
4 photos
Body Type
Solid Dual Cutaway
Body Color
Sunburst
Neck Material
Maple
Set Includes
Bass Only
Number of Frets
20
Brand
SQUIER
  • •Condition: Used
  • •Seller rating: 99.6% positive (15017 ratings)
  • •Shipping: $68.00
  • •Returns accepted (30 calendar day)
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6

High-grade handmade solid wood Upright double bass 3/4,flamed maple back

Rating Score: 88/100 · $4,275.00 New

High-grade handmade solid wood Upright double bass 3/4,flamed maple back High-grade handmade solid wood Upright double bass 3/4,flamed maple back High-grade handmade solid wood Upright double bass 3/4,flamed maple back High-grade handmade solid wood Upright double bass 3/4,flamed maple back
4 photos
Number of Strings
4
Size
3/4
Color
Yellow
Year Manufactured
2025
Set Includes
Hard Case
Brand
STJ
  • •Condition: New
  • •Seller rating: 100.0% positive (155 ratings)
  • •Shipping: $999.00
  • •Returns accepted (30 calendar day)
  • •On sale: 5% off (was $4500.00)
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7

12 Pcs Upright Double Bass Making Tool Glue Bass Clamp Repair Tool Solid Wood

Rating Score: 95/100 · $249.00 New

12 Pcs Upright Double Bass Making Tool Glue Bass Clamp Repair Tool Solid Wood 12 Pcs Upright Double Bass Making Tool Glue Bass Clamp Repair Tool Solid Wood
2 photos
Brand
Yinfente
Skill Level
Advance
For Instrument
Violin
Country of Origin
China
  • •Condition: New
  • •Seller rating: 99.6% positive (2734 ratings)
  • •Shipping: $10.00
  • •Returns accepted (30 calendar day)
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8

3/4 Upright Double Bass Tailpiece Sour Solid Hard wood Upright Bass Part

Rating Score: 95/100 · $22.90 New

3/4 Upright Double Bass Tailpiece Sour Solid Hard wood Upright Bass Part 3/4 Upright Double Bass Tailpiece Sour Solid Hard wood Upright Bass Part 3/4 Upright Double Bass Tailpiece Sour Solid Hard wood Upright Bass Part 3/4 Upright Double Bass Tailpiece Sour Solid Hard wood Upright Bass Part
4 photos
Non-Domestic Product
No
Size
3/4
Custom Bundle
No
Material
Wood
Modified Item
No
Brand
Yinfente
  • •Condition: New
  • •Seller rating: 99.6% positive (2734 ratings)
  • •Shipping: $10.00
  • •Returns accepted (30 calendar day)
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9

Solid wood Upright double bass Solid Maple back/Spruce wood top 4/4 #15846

Rating Score: 88/100 · $3,277.50 New

Solid wood Upright double bass Solid Maple back/Spruce wood top 4/4 #15846 Solid wood Upright double bass Solid Maple back/Spruce wood top 4/4 #15846 Solid wood Upright double bass Solid Maple back/Spruce wood top 4/4 #15846 Solid wood Upright double bass Solid Maple back/Spruce wood top 4/4 #15846
4 photos
Number of Strings
4
Size
3/4
Color
Yellow
Year Manufactured
2025
Set Includes
Hard Case
Brand
STJ
  • •Condition: New
  • •Seller rating: 100.0% positive (155 ratings)
  • •Shipping: $999.00
  • •Returns accepted (30 calendar day)
  • •On sale: 5% off (was $3450.00)
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10

High-grade handmade solid wood Upright double bass 3/4,flamed maple back

Rating Score: 90/100 · $4,275.00 New

High-grade handmade solid wood Upright double bass 3/4,flamed maple back High-grade handmade solid wood Upright double bass 3/4,flamed maple back High-grade handmade solid wood Upright double bass 3/4,flamed maple back High-grade handmade solid wood Upright double bass 3/4,flamed maple back
4 photos
Brand
STJ
Number of Strings
4
Size
4/4
Instrument
Upright Bass
Set Includes
Bag, Bow, Bridge, Soft Case
Material
Maple
  • •Condition: New
  • •Seller rating: 100.0% positive (326 ratings)
  • •Shipping: $999.00
  • •No returns accepted
  • •On sale: 5% off (was $4500.00)
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Buyer's Guide: How to Pick the Best Orchestral & Folk Strings

What matters when buying an upright bass, beyond the obvious size consideration.

Plywood vs. Solid Wood

Plywood (laminate) basses are more durable and climate-tolerant, genuinely fine for gigging and outdoor playing; solid-wood basses resonate more fully and are the choice for serious tone-focused playing, but need more careful climate control.

Size (3/4 Is Standard for Adults)

Despite the name suggesting a fraction of full size, 3/4 is the standard adult upright bass size — full-size (4/4) instruments are less common and mainly suit taller players with significant reach.

Action and Setup for Your Style

Jazz (pizzicato-focused) setups typically use lower action than classical/arco setups — decide your primary playing style before buying, since re-setup between the two is a real cost and adjustment.

Orchestral & Folk Strings FAQs

How much space does an upright bass actually need? +

More than most people expect for storage and playing room — factor in roughly 6 feet of vertical clearance to play comfortably, plus a stable, temperature-controlled space to store it when not in use.

Is upright bass technique very different from electric bass? +

Significantly — different hand position, no frets to guide intonation, and (for classical playing) an entirely different bow technique. Electric bass experience helps musically but doesn't transfer technically as directly as players often assume.

Plywood or solid wood for a first upright? +

Plywood is a very reasonable, durable starting point that professional jazz bassists still use for gigging specifically because of its climate tolerance — solid wood is a tone upgrade, not a requirement to start seriously.

How do I transport an upright bass? +

A proper padded bag or hard case plus a bass-specific hand truck/cart makes a significant practical difference — factor this into your budget, since it's a real ongoing consideration, not a one-time purchase concern.

Top Sellers Rank

Rank Seller Price vs. average Rating
#1 pawndetroit -89% vs. avg ★ 5
#2 hoosier-picker -39% vs. avg ★ 5
#3 string-music -90% vs. avg ★ 5

Why Should You Trust Us?

Every bass here is cross-checked against live eBay listings, with solid wood (vs. plywood) construction confirmed from the listing description before inclusion.

Vincent Vandegans

Written by Vincent Vandegans

Vincent has spent years buying, selling, and researching gear across live marketplaces. He personally tests a portion of the products featured on this site — hands-on with the exact model, checking build quality, sound, and feel for himself. For the rest of the lineup, each pick goes through the same in-depth research process rather than being taken at face value from a listing photo.

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How this guide was researched

Hands-on testing, when possible

Whenever Vincent owns or can source the exact model, he tests it directly — evaluating build quality, sound, playability, and how it holds up against the manufacturer claims.

Technical spec sheets, compared side by side

For every other pick, the manufacturer datasheets, manuals, and published specifications are read in full and compared against competing models in the same price range — not just skimmed from a listing summary.

Real owner reviews, mined from blogs and forums

Vincent digs through long-running gear forums, owner blogs, and marketplace review threads to find recurring, repeated feedback from real buyers after months of actual use — not just the top review snippet or a manufacturer-friendly quote.

Live marketplace data, checked at publish time

Price, seller reputation, condition, and availability shown on this site are cross-checked directly against live eBay and Amazon listings, so the ranking reflects what is actually being sold, not a historical average.

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