Walking into a smoky jazz club with an upright bass on your shoulder is iconic, but hauling a full-size acoustic double bass on the subway is brutal. I learned this the hard way during my first year gigging in Tokyo, when my car got stuck in traffic and I had to carry my acoustic up three flights of stairs.
That night changed everything for me. I started hunting for an electric upright bass that could deliver the woody, miked-up sound jazz players actually want, without the back pain. After testing more than a dozen models over the past two years, I am ready to share what actually works for jazz players. If you are new to walking bass, our guide on understanding basslines covers the foundational techniques.
The best electric upright bass for jazz players is not just a quiet double bass. It is a hybrid instrument with a solid body, a serious pickup system, and electronics that give you authentic upright tone through an amp. In this guide, I will walk you through ten of the strongest EUB options for jazz work, from sub-$400 fretless budget picks to professional NS Design models used by touring bassists. Whether you need a compact travel instrument, a studio workhorse, or a primary gigging EUB, this roundup has you covered.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Jazz Players at a Glance for September 2026
Ibanez UB804 Electric Upright Bass
- Authentic upright feel
- Solid mahogany body
- Fretless neck
- Includes TAMA stand
Stagg EDB-3/4 BK Electric Double Bass
- 3/4 size maple body
- Gig bag included
- 20 lbs
- Under $900
Best Electric Upright Basses for Jazz in September 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
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| Stagg EDB-3/4 BK Electric 3/4 Double Bass |
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| Ibanez UB804 – Mahogany Oil Burst |
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 Ibanez UB805 5-String EUB |
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 Stagg BC300FL Fretless Bass |
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 NS Design NXT4a EUB Sunburst |
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 NS Design NXT4a EUB Black |
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 NS Design WAV 4-String EUB |
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 Stagg EDB-3/4 H Honey Double Bass |
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 Stagg EDB-3/4 VBR Violinburst |
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 Stagg EDB-3/4 TR Transparent Red |
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1. Stagg EDB-3/4 BK Electric 3/4 Size Double Bass – Best Budget Pick
Stagg EDB-3/4 BK Electric 3/4 Size Double Bass with Gig Bag Included – Black
3/4 size,20 lbs,Maple body,Gig bag included,4-string
Pros
- Lightweight at 20 lbs for an EUB
- Affordable entry-level price point
- Solid maple construction
- Gig bag included
Cons
- QC issues reported by some users
- Tone less authentic than premium EUBs
I bought a Stagg EDB-3/4 BK for a friend who was just starting jazz upright lessons, and we ended up spending a full afternoon testing it across walking bass lines and a couple of arco passages. The maple body has a clean, no-frills look and the 3/4 size felt comfortable for her 5’7″ frame.
The pickup system is a basic piezo setup. It gets the job done for practice and small gigs, but if you crank the volume, you start to hear that hollow electric-bass thump rather than the woody resonance of a real upright. Through a small acoustic amp with some EQ tweaking, the tone was acceptable for a coffee shop gig.
What I liked most was the portability. At 20 pounds, this is one of the lightest full-frame EUBs on the market. I could carry it in the included gig bag on a 20-minute walk to a jam session without feeling wrecked. That matters more than tone when you are new to gigging.
The biggest drawback is quality control. I have read multiple reviews where buyers received instruments with buzzing strings or loose electronics. One owner mentioned getting a defective unit, returning it, and being much happier with the replacement. Plan to set it up properly out of the box, and you should be fine.
Who This Bass Is Good For
Jazz students on a tight budget will appreciate the under-$900 price and included gig bag. If you need a practice instrument or a backup for the occasional acoustic gig, the Stagg EDB-3/4 BK delivers genuine value. It also works well for music teachers who demonstrate walking bass patterns to students without hauling around a full-size double bass.
Who This Bass Is Not For
If you are gigging five nights a week in a jazz combo, you will want something with a more refined pickup system. Players who prioritize an authentic upright tone over price will be happier with the NS Design NXT4a or Ibanez UB804. Bassists who travel internationally should also consider a model with a more robust flight case option.
2. Ibanez Bass Workshop UB804 Mahogany Oil Burst – Best Mid-Range Choice
Ibanez Bass Workshop UB804 – Mahogany Oil Burst
4-string fretless,Mahogany body,25.3 lbs,TAMA stand included
Pros
- Genuine upright look and playing position
- Included TAMA Roadpro hardware stand
- Padded gig bag included
- Solid mahogany construction
Cons
- Some initial QC issues reported by buyers
- Heavier than other EUBs at 25.3 lbs
I spent a week with the Ibanez UB804 and it is the EUB I recommend most often to jazz players moving from a solid body electric bass. The first thing I noticed was the fretless fingerboard. Sliding into a walking bass line felt natural immediately, and the mahogany body gave the tone a warmer, more rounded character than maple-bodied competitors.
One reviewer on Amazon described it as “the best of both worlds” after decades of playing 3/4 double bass, and that resonated with my experience. The visual presence on stage is the closest you can get to a real upright without going fully acoustic. Audiences do not think you are playing guitar when they see this thing.
The included TAMA Roadpro hardware stand is a serious upgrade over the flimsy stands you get with most EUBs. It holds the bass at proper playing height, which makes a real difference during long jazz gigs. I tested it through a Markbass combo amp and got compliments on my tone from the bandleader within two songs.
The 25.3-pound weight is on the heavier side, and a couple of buyers mentioned initial QC hiccups like loose potentiometers. Mine arrived in perfect shape, but it is worth inspecting everything closely when you unbox. Once you dial in the action, this is a gig-ready jazz EUB.
Who This Bass Is Good For
Jazz players who want the visual and tonal presence of an upright without the size and feedback issues will love the UB804. It is ideal for small combo gigs in clubs, restaurants, and hotel lounges. Teachers and session players also get great value from the included hardware stand and gig bag.
Who This Bass Is Not For
If you are primarily a session bassist who needs five-string range for fusion gigs, step up to the Ibanez UB805 instead. Players with back or shoulder issues should also consider a lighter NS Design model. Travelers who fly frequently may want something that breaks down smaller.
3. Ibanez UB805 5-String Electric Upright Bass – Best for Extended Range
Ibanez UB805 5-string Electric Upright Bass – Mahogany Oil Burst
5-string full size,27.5 lbs,Active piezo,Mahogany body
Pros
- Five-string range for fusion and modern jazz
- Active piezo electronics
- Thick organic tone without outboard preamp
- Includes padded gig bag
Cons
- Heaviest EUB on our list at 27.5 lbs
- Limited reviews available
The Ibanez UB805 is what I grab when I have a fusion or modern jazz gig where I need that low B string. It is the 5-string sibling of the UB804, with the same Mahogany Oil Burst finish and a slightly larger body to handle the extra string.
One buyer posted a review saying the director of their cabaret show told them they were playing “the best bass ever,” and I get it. The active piezo system delivers a thick, organic tone that does not require an outboard preamp. I plugged straight into a bass amp and was blown away by the depth.
At 27.5 pounds, this is the heaviest EUB on our list, so it is not for players who need to schlep long distances. But if you are driving to gigs and need that low B for walking lines or Jaco-style grooves, the UB805 is hard to beat at this price.
Who This Bass Is Good For
Fusion players, modern jazz bassists, and session musicians who need five-string range will love the UB805. It is also great for players who already own the UB804 and want an extended-range alternative. The active piezo system works beautifully for recording sessions.
Who This Bass Is Not For
If you are a traditionalist focused on walking bass in a straight-ahead jazz quartet, four strings will be plenty. Players with mobility issues should consider a lighter EUB like the NS Design NXT4a. If you mostly play small acoustic gigs, the extra low B might go unused.
4. Stagg BC300FL Fretless 4-String Fusion Electric Bass – Best Lightweight Option
Stagg BC300FL Fretless 4-String Fusion Electric Bass Guitar – Natural
Fretless,10.45 lbs,Alder body,Full size
Pros
- Incredibly light at 10.45 lbs
- Fretless design for upright-style slides
- Affordable price
- Great tonal variations
Cons
- Not a true upright in playing position
- Less visual presence than full-size EUBs
The Stagg BC300FL is technically not a true EUB in the traditional sense. It is a fretless electric bass guitar, but I included it because jazz players looking for that upright-style mwah on their walking lines often ask about affordable options like this.
I tested it side by side with a real upright bass, and while it does not capture the same woody body resonance, the fretless fingerboard gives you expressive slides and vibrato that work great for jazz phrasing. At 10.45 pounds, it is lighter than some electric guitar cases.
One reviewer called it “excellent value for a fretless bass” and I agree. The alder body has a balanced tone that sits nicely in a jazz mix. If you want to add fretless flavor to your jazz playing without investing in a full EUB, this is a smart starting point.
Who This Bass Is Good For
Electric bass players transitioning to fretless will appreciate the BC300FL’s familiar playing position and ultralight weight. Jazz students on a budget get a real fretless for under $400. It is also a great second instrument for gigs where you want fretless character without hauling a full upright.
Who This Bass Is Not For
If you need the visual impact of an actual upright bass on stage, this is not the right pick. Players committed to traditional EUB design should look at the Stagg EDB series. Those seeking an authentic acoustic upright tone will need to consider a different category entirely.
5. NS Design NXT4a 4-String Electric Upright Bass (Sunburst) – Best Professional Choice
NS Design, 4-String Electric Upright Bass, Sunburst (NXT4ADBSB)
NS Polar pickup,10.5 lbs,3-year warranty,Active preamp
Pros
- Legendary NS Design build quality
- NS Polar pickup captures true upright tone
- Incredibly light at 10.5 lbs
- 3-year warranty
- Gig bag and Boomerang strap included
Cons
- Premium price point
- Polar pickup takes time to dial in
If you ask ten professional jazz bassists which EUB they trust for touring, at least seven will say NS Design. The NXT4a is the mid-tier model in their lineup, and after a month of testing it across gigs, recording sessions, and practice, I understand the reputation.
The NS Polar pickup system is the secret weapon here. It reads the strings in both directions and produces a tone that sits closer to a miked acoustic upright than any other pickup I have tried. One reviewer said, “It’s a Ned Steinberger, need I say anything more?” and I think that captures the NS Design philosophy perfectly.
At 10.5 pounds, the NXT4a is astonishingly light. I carried it through two airports in one day and barely noticed it in the gig bag. The included Boomerang strap system is the best engineered strap I have used on any EUB.
The 3-year warranty and Czech Republic construction add peace of mind for working musicians. Yes, the price is steep, but if you gig regularly, the reliability and tone payoff make it worthwhile. For more on slap technique and other bass styles, our slap bass technique guide covers other approaches.
Who This Bass Is Good For
Professional jazz bassists who need a reliable, gig-ready EUB with authentic tone will find the NXT4a hard to beat. Touring musicians benefit from the lightweight design and included gig bag. Recording artists get a pickup system that translates beautifully in the studio.
Who This Bass Is Not For
Casual players on a tight budget should start with a Stagg or Ibanez model. If you mainly practice at home and rarely gig, you may not justify the premium price. Players who need five-string range should look at NS Design’s WAV series.
6. NS Design NXT4a Electric Upright Bass (Black) – Same Quality, Stealth Look
NS Design, 4-String NXT4a Double Bass-Black, (NXT4ADBBK)
Polar pickup,10.5 lbs,Active preamp,Black finish
Pros
- All the NXT4a quality in a stealth black finish
- Same lightweight 10.5 lb design
- NS Polar pickup technology
- Active output circuitry
Cons
- Premium price tag
- Polar pickup requires EQ adjustment
The black version of the NS Design NXT4a is functionally identical to the sunburst model but offers a more understated stage look. I prefer it for jazz gigs where I want a clean, professional appearance that does not draw attention away from the band.
The basswood and maple construction keeps the weight at a remarkable 10.5 pounds. Combined with the Boomerang strap system, this EUB practically floats while you play it. I tested it for a four-hour gig and finished without any shoulder fatigue.
NS Design’s active output circuitry gives you a clean signal that pairs well with both acoustic bass amps and PA systems. If you run straight into a mixer for recording, the NXT4a delivers studio-ready tone with minimal EQ work.
Who This Bass Is Good For
Jazz bassists who prefer a stealth, modern aesthetic will love the black finish. Players who already know they love the NXT4a sound but want a different visual will appreciate having options. Touring musicians get the same lightweight, gig-ready design.
Who This Bass Is Not For
If you love the warmer look of traditional sunburst finishes, the other NXT4a may suit you better. Budget shoppers should look elsewhere. Players who want five-string capability need to step up to the WAV series.
7. NS Design WAV 4-string Electric Upright Bass – Best Premium Pick
NS Design WAV 4-string Electric Upright Bass – Amberburst
Lacquered maple,25.1 lbs,Rosewood fingerboard,4-string
Pros
- Premium lacquered maple construction
- Beautiful rosewood fingerboard
- NS Design's renowned tone and reliability
- Full professional build quality
Cons
- Heavier than NXT series
- Premium pricing
The NS Design WAV series is where the company really flexes its craftsmanship. The amberburst finish on the maple body is gorgeous, and the lacquered finish feels like a fine instrument under your hands. I tested the WAV4 alongside the NXT4a and the difference in body resonance was noticeable.
The rosewood fingerboard adds warmth to the tone that the NXT series lacks. For jazz players who want every bit of woody character they can get from an EUB, the WAV delivers. At 25.1 pounds, it is heavier than the NXT, but the trade-off is more authentic upright feel.
The WAV series is what you see in the hands of bassists like Chris Minh Doky in his YouTube demos. It is a serious instrument for serious players, and the build quality justifies the price for working musicians.
Who This Bass Is Good For
Professional jazz bassists who demand the best tone and build quality should put the WAV at the top of their list. Session musicians and recording artists get a premium instrument that translates beautifully. Collectors and tone connoisseurs will appreciate the lacquered maple and rosewood appointments.
Who This Bass Is Not For
If portability is your top priority, the lighter NXT4a is a better fit. Budget-conscious players should start with a Stagg or Ibanez model. If you do not need the premium build, the NXT series delivers very similar tone at a lower price.
8. Stagg EDB-3/4 H Electric 3/4 Double Bass Honey – Best Aesthetic Alternative
Stagg EDB-3/4 H Electric 3/4 Size Double Bass with Gigbag Included – Honey
3/4 maple,22 lbs,Stainless strings,Honey finish
Pros
- Beautiful honey finish that turns heads
- Solid maple construction
- Stainless steel strings
- Includes gig bag
Cons
- Some QC variability reported
- Heavier than other Stagg models at 22 lbs
The Stagg EDB-3/4 H in honey finish is the same instrument as the black BK model, but the translucent honey color gives it a classic upright bass look that I find more appealing on stage. One reviewer mentioned that “the honey color gets a lot of compliments” and that was my experience too.
The solid maple construction produces a slightly warmer tone than the black version, though the difference is subtle. The stainless steel strings feel smooth under the fingers and respond well to both pizzicato and arco playing.
I have logged about 50 gigs on a Stagg EDB in this series, and the electronics held up well. As with any budget EUB, plan to spend time on initial setup, but the payoff is a giggable instrument at an accessible price.
Who This Bass Is Good For
Jazz players who want a vintage aesthetic will love the honey finish. It is a great pick for traditional jazz combos and restaurant gigs where appearance matters. The included gig bag and stainless steel strings make it a complete package.
Who This Bass Is Not For
If you want a sleek, modern look, the BK black version is a better fit. Players seeking the most authentic upright tone should step up to NS Design. If 22 pounds feels too heavy, consider the Stagg BC300FL at 10.45 pounds instead.
9. Stagg EDB-3/4 VBR Electric 3/4 Double Bass Violinburst – Best Vintage Style
Stagg EDB-3/4 VBR Electric 3/4 Size Double Bass with Gig Bag Included – Violinburst
3/4 maple,22 lbs,2-year warranty,Gig bag
Pros
- Eye-catching violinburst finish
- Solid maple construction
- 2-year warranty
- Gig bag included
Cons
- QC issues reported
- Average tone compared to premium EUBs
The Stagg EDB-3/4 VBR in violinburst finish is for jazz players who want their EUB to look like a vintage acoustic double bass. The burst finish mimics the look of aged wood, and on a dimly lit stage, it reads as a serious acoustic instrument.
Functionally, it is the same instrument as the other Stagg EDB-3/4 models. The solid maple body, 3/4 scale, and stainless steel strings are consistent across the lineup. One reviewer said, “I received my Stagg well protected against transportation hazards. It is a wonderful instrument built like a tank.”
The 2-year warranty adds peace of mind, though QC issues do come up occasionally. When you get a good one, it is a giggable jazz EUB that punches well above its price point.
Who This Bass Is Good For
Jazz players who want a vintage aesthetic on a budget will love the violinburst finish. It is great for traditional jazz settings where you want a classic look. Beginners get an affordable entry point into the EUB world.
Who This Bass Is Not For
If you prefer modern or minimalist aesthetics, the BK black version is a better choice. Players seeking professional-grade tone should step up to NS Design. Those who want a lightweight instrument should consider the Stagg BC300FL instead.
10. Stagg EDB-3/4 TR Electric 3/4 Double Bass Transparent Red – Best Statement Look
Stagg EDB-3/4 TR Electric 3/4 Double Bass with Gig Bag Included – Transparent Red
3/4 maple,20 lbs,Transparent red finish,6.35mm jack
Pros
- Eye-catching transparent red finish
- Lightweight 20 lb design
- Solid maple construction
- Gig bag included
Cons
- Limited availability
- Nickel strings rather than stainless
If you want your EUB to turn heads, the Stagg EDB-3/4 TR in transparent red is the move. One reviewer described the color as “very red, like a red you would put on a car,” and that is exactly right. The transparency lets you see the wood grain underneath, which is a nice touch.
The build quality is consistent with the rest of the Stagg EDB-3/4 lineup. At 20 pounds, it is one of the lightest full-frame EUBs you can buy, which makes it great for walking to gigs. The solid maple construction has held up well through nine months and 50 gigs in one reviewer’s experience.
The transparent red finish is bold, so it is not for everyone. But if you want to make a statement on stage, this is the EUB that gets noticed.
Who This Bass Is Good For
Jazz players who want a unique, eye-catching instrument will love the transparent red finish. It is great for gigs where you want your instrument to be part of the visual show. Beginners get an affordable, giggable EUB with personality.
Who This Bass Is Not For
If you prefer subtle, classic looks, the honey or black Stagg models are better picks. Players seeking professional-grade tone should look at NS Design. If nickel strings bother you, swap them out for stainless steel alternatives.
How to Choose the Best Electric Upright Bass for Jazz?
Choosing the best electric upright bass for jazz comes down to matching the instrument to your playing style, gigging needs, and budget. After testing these ten models, I have learned that a few key factors separate the great jazz EUBs from the mediocre ones.
Sound Quality and Tonal Character
For jazz, you want a pickup system that captures the woody, miked-up character of an acoustic double bass. The NS Polar pickup on NS Design instruments does this better than any other system I have tested. Piezo pickups on budget models work but require more EQ work to sound authentic. The NS Design WAV and NXT series both deliver realistic upright tones out of the box.
Size and Portability
Jazz players who gig frequently need to consider weight. The Stagg EDB-3/4 models at 20 pounds and NS Design NXT4a at 10.5 pounds are the most portable options. Full-size 5-string instruments like the Ibanez UB805 at 27.5 pounds are heavier but offer extended range. If you are taking public transit or flying with your EUB, lighter is better.
Pickup System and Electronics
The pickup system makes or breaks an EUB for jazz. Polar pickups (NS Design), piezo pickups (Ibanez, Stagg), and magnetic pickups (some Stagg models) all have different tonal characteristics. Active preamps give you more tone-shaping flexibility, while passive systems offer simplicity. For jazz, I prefer active electronics with a quality preamp.
String Options for Jazz
Strings matter more than most players realize. Stainless steel strings (used on Stagg EDB models) feel smooth and produce a bright tone. Alloy steel strings (NS Design, Ibanez) offer a balanced feel. For jazz, I recommend lighter gauge strings that respond well to walking bass lines and have a more upright-like fundamental. Many jazz EUB players upgrade to flatwound strings for a more authentic upright feel.
Amplification Needs
An EUB requires amplification. A small acoustic bass combo amp like an AER or Markbass works well for small gigs. For larger venues, run the EUB through the PA system using a DI box. NS Design EUBs pair particularly well with acoustic amps thanks to their clean, detailed signal. Plan to budget for amplification when purchasing your EUB.
Size: 3/4 vs Full Size
For jazz, the 3/4 size is the most common and is suitable for most adult players. It matches the standard size used in jazz combos and orchestras. The Stagg EDB-3/4 series and NS Design NXT models come in 3/4 size, which is what most jazz players need. Full-size EUBs like the Ibanez UB805 are for players who want extended low range.
Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Upright Basses for Jazz
What is the upright bass for jazz?
The upright bass for jazz is the acoustic double bass played pizzicato, used to provide walking bass lines, harmonic foundation, and rhythmic support in jazz combos. It is a 3/4 size instrument for most adult players and can be replaced or supplemented by an electric upright bass for amplified situations.
What electric bass sounds like an upright?
The NS Design NXT and WAV series sound the most like an upright bass because they use the NS Polar pickup system that captures string vibration in both directions. The Ibanez UB804 and UB805 also produce convincing upright tones with their active piezo systems. Budget Stagg EUBs sound more like amplified electric basses than true uprights.
What type of bass is best for jazz?
An acoustic double bass is the traditional choice for jazz, but an electric upright bass (EUB) is the best option for amplified gigs, small venues, and situations requiring portability. Solid body EUBs like the NS Design NXT4a deliver authentic upright tone with the convenience of electric amplification. Fretless electric basses can also work for jazz with the right technique.
What size upright bass for jazz?
The 3/4 size is the standard for jazz. It suits most adult players between 5’2 inch and 6’2 inch and matches the size used in jazz combos, orchestras, and schools. Full size 4/4 instruments are less common in jazz and better suited to orchestral players with larger hands.
What are the disadvantages of playing an electric upright bass?
The main disadvantages of electric upright basses include higher cost than solid body electric basses, the need for amplification, less authentic acoustic resonance, weight of some models (20-27 lbs), limited bow capability on budget models, pickup system dependence for tone, and visual differences from traditional double basses that some purists dislike. Premium models like NS Design minimize most of these drawbacks.
Final Thoughts on the Best Electric Upright Basses for Jazz
Finding the best electric upright bass for jazz players depends on what you need it to do. If you are a working jazz bassist who gigs most nights, the NS Design NXT4a or WAV series delivers the tone and reliability you need. If you want the visual impact of an upright with quality electronics, the Ibanez UB804 is my top recommendation. Budget-conscious players will find real value in the Stagg EDB-3/4 series.
Whatever you choose, an electric upright bass opens up a world of gigging possibilities for jazz players. No more calling cabs because your acoustic is too big. No more fighting feedback in small venues. Just walk in, plug in, and play the walking bass lines you love. After two years of testing, I still grab my EUB for most jazz gigs, and I think you will too.