5 string fretless with 18mm or 19mm string spacing with 34" scale

[FeltTipPen]

Looking to experiment with a fretless outside of my usual 17.5mm spacing.

Unlined fingerboard preferred. I would really prefer not to spend more than $2000-2500.

What are my choices? Probably custom. From what I see most basses are lined fingerboard with 35" scale.

Thank you!

 

[nonohmic]

Warmoth 5 and the bridge of your choice?

 

[FeltTipPen]

Hadn't thought about a Warmoth! Thanks!

Also to add I put a higher budget so I could see what was out there. I would prefer to spend under $2000 if possible!

 

[ardgedee]

All Kiesel basses other than the multiscale-only models are available in 5-string 34" scale versions.

$2500 doesn't allow you a lot of headroom for customization but since ebony fingerboards are a default/no-charge option you can get a pretty good unlined fretless without a lot of add-ons. They have occasional sales on certain options so if you're not in a rush it's worth getting on their mailing list and waiting for sales, or keeping an eye on Reverb because used Kiesel/Carvin basses can sell for pretty cheap.

 

[SC Bassboy]

Looking to experiment with a fretless outside of my usual 17.5mm spacing.

Unlined fingerboard preferred. I would really prefer not to spend more than $2000-2500.

What are my choices? Probably custom. From what I see most basses are lined fingerboard with 35" scale.

Thank you!

Life is hard for us guys who prefer unlined fingerboards. After searching and searching for a fretless that checked all the boxes, I finally had to resign myself to getting "close enough" aside from the pickups. I'm currently working out the details of routing my main fretless for different pickups now, as I was not ready to order something custom just yet. Good luck with your search!

 

[BassicJazzy]

There is a fretless Ibanez 5 string with ebanol fingerboard, unlined. I'm not sure of the model number or the spacing, but it is a very cool looking bass. If I played fives I'd be GASing for one. It's around $1,300, if memory serves me.

 

[Reedt2000]

Sadowsky metroexpress seems to fit the bill

 

[BassicJazzy]

Sadowsky metroexpress seems to fit the bill

I have one arriving today from SW, but it's a 4 string.

 

[Mastiff_5]

Ibanez EHB1005F.
34” scale
Side line/ghosts only
Wicked light and ergonomic
Lots of mwah.
Pre-pickup combo works incredibly well for fretless.

 

[DaveAceofBass]

I have a bass you might be interested in.

 

[Reedt2000]

Ibanez is typically 16.5mm spacing.

 

[ardgedee]

Ibanez is typically 16.5mm spacing.

True only for the Soundgears and Gary Willis sig models. Most other 5-strings are 18-19mm string spacing.

The EHB1005F is 34" scale with 18mm spacing.

 

[ClassicJazz]

Not easy to get in the US (only sold typically in Japan), the Crews Maniac Sound Jackson5 Fretless is 18mm and 34" scale. I bought this one used on Reverb and had it shipped over from Japan. The best fretless bass I have ever owned!

Low End Lobster did a nice review of my bass.

 

[dangomez66]

You can get tons of nice fretless basses in that price range. Don't sleep on import versions of USA models, though. MTD Kingstons, Sterling by MM, Lakland Skylines etc make nice fretless basses for the money and have wider spacing. All depends on the pickup configuration you're going for

 

[FeltTipPen]

Ibanez EHB1005F.
34” scale
Side line/ghosts only
Wicked light and ergonomic
Lots of mwah.
Pre-pickup combo works incredibly well for fretless.

I tried that bass at a Guitar Center when they were first released. A really nice sounding bass! I found the body style to shift the reach a little to the left but I liked it!

I don't remember and if there are side lines then the the dots would be in between. Not optimum but I'm going to look into it more...

 

[FeltTipPen]

You can get tons of nice fretless basses in that price range. Don't sleep on import versions of USA models, though. MTD Kingstons, Sterling by MM, Lakland Skylines etc make nice fretless basses for the money and have wider spacing. All depends on the pickup configuration you're going for

Thanks, but the MTDs and Laklands are 35" scale. I'll check out what the SBMM has to offer, as from my memory their 5 strings would be 34" scale. Not sure if they would have a 18-19mm spacing.

 

[FeltTipPen]

@ClassicJazz
I would love to see what is out there for Japanese manufactured basses! Yours looks nice and I'll check out that video!

 

[Lo-E]

Sadowsky metroexpress seems to fit the bill

This looks like one of your better options. 18mm spacing and under $2,000

 

[GDUBS]

Sire 5 strings are 18mm

 

[ContraNate]

Looking to experiment with a fretless outside of my usual 17.5mm spacing.

Unlined fingerboard preferred. I would really prefer not to spend more than $2000-2500.

What are my choices? Probably custom. From what I see most basses are lined fingerboard with 35" scale.

Thank you!

Go for a McGrath, they do fretless now. Use the bass builder!

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