Fretless bass options

[Ezmar]

So I have decided that I will have a fretless. I'm going to be a little choosy, but what I want is names. What are some 4 string fretless basses that I can get for $1500 or under? Ideally I want a really nice one, like a Zon or something, but that's way out of my price range now.

So just names, I guess, and what they sort of sound like? I'm kind of just doing research right now, looking at my options.

Thanks.

[mark beem]

Check out Carvin. For $1500 you'd be able to get something really nice.

[mikezimmerman]

If you're willing to look at used instruments, you may get lucky and find a used Zon, Modulus, or Pedulla fretless for $1500. I would definitely not rule that out.

[punisher911]

Warwick Corvette Fretless is nice..

[Liam76]

Originally Posted by punisher911

Warwick Corvette Fretless is nice..

+1

That was the first fretless I played at a local GC. I didn't buy it but it convinced me to buy one and eventually build a Warmoth fretless.

[IronLung1986]

i prefer to buy new myself, but in your case used seems to be the way to go. i could be way off the mark about this, but i feel like the added value in boutique-level construction makes a bigger difference with fretlesses. so a used zon or pedulla is probably your best bet.

[steve f]

Originally Posted by Ezmar

So I have decided that I will have a fretless. I'm going to be a little choosy, but what I want is names. What are some 4 string fretless basses that I can get for $1500 or under? Ideally I want a really nice one, like a Zon or something, but that's way out if my price range now.

So just names, I guess, and what they sort of sound like? I'm kind of just doing research right now, looking at my options.

Thanks.

A few thoughts -
Here is one in the classifieds that seems like a good deal - Brubaker Fretless 5

I would consider a fretless EBMM stingray, fretless Fender jazz, or precision - all great options, new or used...

[kesslari]

Try for a used Pedulla or Zon. There's a Pedulla in the TB Classifieds right now that's just about in your range.

[bass5str]

+ 1 to the used high/mid/custom range gear. for specifics it would help to know more about your style/preference/focus?

as per my personal interest i would say zon's have the best fretless feel/sound for my taste. honorable mention goes to a tony franklin fender, clement and thumb.

can you give us more info?

[kreider204]

Originally Posted by mark beem

Check out Carvin. For $1500 you'd be able to get something really nice.

+1

[Nahguavkire]

Haven't played all of the aforementioned but my money's on Fender Jazz. You won't find a better players bass as far as I'm concerned. It's all I play these days and the only thing I'm considering otherwise is a Fodera Imperial/ Emperor II if funds would allow.

[Ezmar]

Originally Posted by bass5str

+ 1 to the used high/mid/custom range gear. for specifics it would help to know more about your style/preference/focus?

as per my personal interest i would say zon's have the best fretless feel/sound for my taste. honorable mention goes to a tony franklin fender, clement and thumb.

can you give us more info?

Right now my fretted is a Fender Jazz, which I like quite a bit. Mostly I'm looking towards a fretless because it will sort of expand my horizons, I guess, make me think in a little different way. In terms of music, I like Classic rock, progressive rock, and some other stuff on a case by case basis. None of that stuff requires a fretless, but the reason I'm kind of itching for one is because of Michael Manring's stuff, and that sort of solo bass thing. You can't get harmonics to sound right with fretted notes sometimes.

I guess in terms of the sound I like to get, I typically use Roto Swing bass Stainless strings. I like it tight and bright, for the most part. I would Try and play something before I bought it, if I could, but sometimes you can't. But even if I couldn't, I'd probably be getting something of a high enough quality that I'd be hard pressed to be unhappy about what I had.

[bass5str]

that helps

given what you said i'm suggesting couple things to try in the used market.

1) since you love your jazz i'd say keep it in the family but look for an ebony fingerboard (might up the difficulty level in finding one). i'd also suggest modding an active pre, detuner and possibly swapping pups at some point in the future. at first, i'd go easy and look for a comparable 4 banger to what you have.

suggestions: tony franklin, jazz or a pj fender

this route will save you some coin with a slightly lower entry price point and the extra cash can be used later to mod it as you see fit.

2) a used zon sonus 2 pup model with 34 scale to help with the muscle memory in swapping instruments. mod a detuner later.

gl on your journey. i first picked up a fretless much like you... to think about music differently. now its my primary go to

[IronLung1986]

Originally Posted by Ezmar

Right now my fretted is a Fender Jazz, which I like quite a bit. Mostly I'm looking towards a fretless because it will sort of expand my horizons, I guess, make me think in a little different way. In terms of music, I like Classic rock, progressive rock, and some other stuff on a case by case basis. None of that stuff requires a fretless, but the reason I'm kind of itching for one is because of Michael Manring's stuff, and that sort of solo bass thing. You can't get harmonics to sound right with fretted notes sometimes.

I guess in terms of the sound I like to get, I typically use Roto Swing bass Stainless strings. I like it tight and bright, for the most part. I would Try and play something before I bought it, if I could, but sometimes you can't. But even if I couldn't, I'd probably be getting something of a high enough quality that I'd be hard pressed to be unhappy about what I had.

If you want to do the michael manring solo bass thing you'll want to make sure you get a fretless with a coated fretboard so you can use roundwound strings. That's a major factor IMO.

[Ezmar]

Originally Posted by IronLung1986

If you want to do the michael manring solo bass thing you'll want to make sure you get a fretless with a coated fretboard so you can use roundwound strings. That's a major factor IMO.

My plan was to use rounds. I'll see what I can find. I don't have a lot of cash now, since I'm in college and I mostly earn over summer jobs. But I'll keep my eyes open.

I also have a Squier Jazz that was my crappy old bass. It's not that terrible, a new bridge would fix most of the issues it had. It wasn't a great bass, just acceptable. would it be worth it to get a new neck for that one, or to spend more money for an actually nice fretless?

[low2groove]

Always P/J
Always rounds
Always active tone circuit
Always a finished/coated fingerboard
Always a hard wood for the fingerboard.

Just my preferences

[speak2planets]

I got a used but flawless Modulus VJ4 fretless on eBay for $1100. It was probably one of the best purchases I ever made and now it gets played just as much as my EBMM Sterling fretted. Definately don't rule out used as long as its in the right condition. Quality instruments are definately out there for good prices

[Ezmar]

Originally Posted by speak2planets

I got a used but flawless Modulus VJ4 fretless on eBay for $1100. It was probably one of the best purchases I ever made and now it gets played just as much as my EBMM Sterling fretted. Definately don't rule out used as long as its in the right condition. Quality instruments are definately out there for good prices

Yeah, if I can find one, I'll get it used. I got my jazz used, so I'm familiar. It's kind of frustrating, though. At least in the TB Clasifieds, nobody seems to be selling their nice 4 string fretlesses. It's all 5ers and 6ers.

[Roger Haworth]

I've just gone from flats to Roto solo bass pressure wounds on my Fender Jazz fretless. Essentially they are rounds with the rough edges smoothed off. They will be kind to the rosewood board and sound bright and alive, with plenty of presence compared to flats. Might be an initial compromise for the OP?

[IronLung1986]

Originally Posted by Ezmar

I also have a Squier Jazz that was my crappy old bass. It's not that terrible, a new bridge would fix most of the issues it had. It wasn't a great bass, just acceptable. would it be worth it to get a new neck for that one, or to spend more money for an actually nice fretless?

I would say not man. I think saving up for a nice new bass is almost always a better idea than trying to upgrade a cheap or crappy one.