Favorite unlined fretless 5 for around $800 or less (used)?

Tampabass · #1 12-09-2011, 08:24 AM

What's your pick, and why?
I like the 5502s, but there are no unlined ones, apparently.

bassgod0dmw · #2 12-09-2011, 08:27 AM

EBMM SR5.

You may be able to find one close to $800 if you look hard enough.

Tampabass · #3 12-09-2011, 08:34 AM

I've been hearing some good things about the Gary Willis sigs, too, although most seem to be lined, and there seem to be big differences between the higher and lower priced models. Not sure.

jim777 · #4 12-09-2011, 08:40 AM

I love the Gary Willis models, and if it weren't for the lines I would definitely recommend the GWB35. It plays like butter and sounds great. The GWB1005 though is nicer, but you still get a lot of bass with the 35. I've seen the 1005 go for about 1100, so I suppose it's possible to get lucky on a used one if you're patient. Short clip here of the 1005:
Ibanez.com | Welcome to Ibanez News | Your Source For All Things Ibanez"

Kwin Smith · #5 12-09-2011, 08:42 AM

All of the GWB's are lined. It seems like it's very popular to change out the electronics on the GWB 35's. The have a low output, IIRC.

The only thing that been holding me back on trying the 35, is the lines. Electronics can be swapped easily, but the lines can't really be removed, to my satisfaction.

Still, I may pick one up, just to use as a travel bass. I don't like to travel much with my more expensive basses.

Kwin Smith · #6 12-09-2011, 08:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jim777

I love the Gary Willis models, and if it weren't for the lines I would definitely recommend the GWB35. It plays like butter and sounds great. The GWB1005 though is nicer, but you still get a lot of bass with the 35. I've seen the 1005 go for about 1100, so I suppose it's possible to get lucky on a used one if you're patient. Short clip here of the 1005:
Ibanez.com | Welcome to Ibanez News | Your Source For All Things Ibanez"

Where have you seen a 1005 go for about $1100? 'Cause that's the place that I need to go hang out at!

jim777 · #7 12-09-2011, 08:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwin Smith

Where have you seen a 1005 go for about $1100? 'Cause that's the place that I need to go hang out at!

You're right, it wasn't the GWB1005 I was thinking of but its predecessor, the GWB1-NTF. My bad, sorry for the confusion!

Kwin Smith · #8 12-09-2011, 08:55 AM

Here's a link to one of the threads on modding the GWB35:

GWB35 w/Bart BC5CBC pic and clips

Kwin Smith · #9 12-09-2011, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tampabass

I've been hearing some good things about the Gary Willis sigs, too, although most seem to be lined, and there seem to be big differences between the higher and lower priced models. Not sure.

Other than the electronics, the biggest difference between the two is that the 1005 is handcrafted from beginning to end by one person in Japan. It will have a very high attention to detail factor.

The GWB 35 is an assembly line bass.

That's the way I understand it, though. I don't know if that justifies the much higher price on the 1005. I've never played one of those...heck, I've never even seen one in real life.

MontzterMash · #10 12-09-2011, 09:20 AM

I got my unlined G&L L2000 fretless for around that, and it's my favorite ...

Tampabass · #11 12-09-2011, 10:01 AM

Thanks for the ideas and info. Montzter, does G&L do a fretless 5?

Kwin Smith · #12 12-09-2011, 11:01 AM

Carvin might have something in that price range. The only Carvin I've played was an ac50. It was very cool.

MontzterMash · #13 12-09-2011, 12:55 PM

Yeah, the G&L 5 string would be the L2500, and I've seen those fretless.

Warrior_Bass · #14 12-09-2011, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kwin Smith

Carvin might have something in that price range. The only Carvin I've played was an ac50. It was very cool.

I got myself a B50 fretless kit for under $500 shipped. I still have to make it, but, a great price for the quality (assuming you can put it together right).

Dave Siff · #15 12-09-2011, 01:15 PM

Carvin SB5000. I happen to have an unlined fretless 5 that I've put up for sale twice -- for $800, in fact -- but took it down both times because it's such a cool bass.

bassbenj · #16 12-09-2011, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MontzterMash

Yeah, the G&L 5 string would be the L2500, and I've seen those fretless.

Yes, I've got one and it is hands down THE best fretless 5er ever! I have other basses, but fretless this is the ONE! Mine was $600 used and they come in the $600-$900 range. What I don't know is if they come unlined. Mine is lined and since I got it used it was someone else's choice. The question is when you order a fretless L-2500 can you get unlined? (which would tell you if there are used unlined ones floating around out there...)

Hotblack · #17 12-09-2011, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassbenj

Yes, I've got one and it is hands down THE best fretless 5er ever! I have other basses, but fretless this is the ONE! Mine was $600 used and they come in the $600-$900 range. What I don't know is if they come unlined. Mine is lined and since I got it used it was someone else's choice. The question is when you order a fretless L-2500 can you get unlined? (which would tell you if there are used unlined ones floating around out there...)

Yes. When I ordered mine in 07 (or maybe 08), unlined was an option.

lpdeluxe · #18 12-09-2011, 06:33 PM

I have a Godin A5 fretless that I love. They go for around $1200 new, so you might be able to find one for your price. I don't see many used ones around, though. Maybe other guys are like me and see no reason to sell.

FretlessMainly · #19 12-09-2011, 11:34 PM

Nice Godin! And the thumbrest is in a great spot; not too close to the low B.

Tampabass: PM sent.

Tampabass · #20 12-10-2011, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lpdeluxe

I have a Godin A5 fretless that I love. They go for around $1200 new, so you might be able to find one for your price. I don't see many used ones around, though. Maybe other guys are like me and see no reason to sell.

I've never tried a Godin, although I've wanted to. Yours looks great.