$1.5k to spend on a fretless

[attackz]

So right now I'm GASing for a fretless. I have about $1.5k to spend and was looking at either a G&L JB or maybe an L2500. I thought I'd post here to see if anyone has any other good recommendations before I pull the trigger?

I'm looking for something that's capable of a decent jazz bass sound, maybe with a little bit more low end. Let me now what you think!

 

[BurningSkies]

Used Mike Pedulla fretless. Probably a Rapture in that range.

 

[Lesfunk]

I’d look for a used Modulus VJ. They are my favorite fretless jazz bass

 

[MD]

If you've never played a naked board, I wouldn't drop that kind of coin.

 

[Tim Schnautz]

See if you can find a used MusicMan Stingray. Pino did a tremendous amount of work (Sunset Grill) with one.

Or get ahold of Karl Hoyt. a tremendous builder with a fantastic reputation . Karl F. Hoyt, Stringed Instrument Builder

 

[QweziRider]

Let me now what you think!

Used Stingray fretless. Lussious.

 

[Gluvhand]

Tony Franklin Fender P. New just above budget. Can be found used under budget.

 

[Bass V]

you can get at least 3 killer FLs for that size of coin and I saw a sweet Penta Buzz for $600 recently, but I'm curious how a G&L fretless can sound so I'm off to youtube lol good luck, cos fretless is addictive!

 

[India_Sierra]

I would recommend a Pedulla bass as the go-to fretless option but I wouldn't have thought you could get much Pentabuzz for $600.

 

[Chuck M]

Ibanez GWB 205. They can be had new for about $1500. I've owned a lot of fretless basses including several Pedulla Buzz basses and this Ibanez is a killer bass in every way.

 

[MNAirHead]

Bogart by far is the finest fretless I've ever touched.

After owning countless... I'd be shopping for a graphite neck (multiple brands avail)... good strings... chances are a preamp swap may be in the budget.

If you're just starting out and testing the waters... a Squire Jazz or Peavey Foundation FL OR rip the frets out of a budget bass.

 

[Father Gino]

Musicman Sterling. Not the inexpensive line, but a real Sterling. I had a 1H that I should never have sold and now ther are HH & HJ versions as well. Lovely J style neck if you like that kinda thing.

 

[eastcoasteddie]

I had a ‘94 Stingray fretless (unlined), and it was glorious! I however traded it (plus cash) for a fretted L2500. As awesome as the Stingray was, I would still probably opt for a fretless L2500 at this point.


I currently own a Frankenstein Warmoth/Squier fretless Jazz V, and it plays perhaps as good as the Stingray, considering the only Squier parts left on it are the tuning machines, body, neck plate, and control plate.

 

[sawzalot]

One of the best values out there now is the EBMM Sterling--the US-made, offset-waist, skinny-neck model. NOT the Sterling by MusicMan basses, the actual real-deal USA-made current model. They are very inexpensive on the used market right now. As a fretless they are amazing.

Tom

 

[Father Gino]

Didn’t I just say that?

 

[nilorius]

Look at some Fender, or used Stingray.

 

[Rabidhamster]

you can get at least 3 killer FLs for that size of coin and I saw a sweet Penta Buzz for $600 recently, but I'm curious how a G&L fretless can sound so I'm off to youtube lol good luck, cos fretless is addictive!

Wheres that Pentabuzz tho?

 

[Father Gino]

Ya know, it really depends on what you imagine playing with the thing. Do you want to be Jaco? Pino? Bill Wyman?
It’s the same as any bass. Get one that seems to fit the music.

 

[Bass V]

Wheres that Pentabuzz tho?

lol that kind of deal doesn't exist for long and it sure can't be found now it seems, I just gave a quick search. even tho it wasn't the sweetest teal blue example I've seen the price was shocking for such nice condition. it's an example of how frugality, diligence, luck, and patience can still pay off.

 

[Big_Bottom-Bass]

I'd also check into Kiesel too, they are out of CA and took over the Carvin line of guitars. They make some sweet instruments. Only experience I have even touching the brand new Kiesels is from a guy who bought a Vader 5 string.....that thing was just plain awesome imo. They make both bolt on and neck thru basses and have tons of options. You can go on their website and price it all out.

I have owned Carvins before and just picked up a fretless AC50 that should be in my hands by end of the week. Great quality and sound.

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I just priced one of those, fretless, basic finish, and added stacked humbuckers and still came out under $1,200 with a soft case included.