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BEST FRETLESS for 3,000.00? help!!

If a 6 string is not completely ruled out, Brian Barrett at the Low End shop in TN. has an absolutely beautiful Modulus Q6 SS that is lined and within your price range. It comes with the Modulus hardshell case for $2,500. See it here under the used basses:

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There are a couple of factors to consider. First is scale length - does that make a difference to you? Zon is typically 34", while Roscoe is 35". Some people mix and match scale lengths, others (like me) don't. No right or wrong answer, but you should ponder the question.

Next is bridge string spacing and nut width. Most Zons are 17mm bridge spacing and 1-7/8 nut. Roscoe is 18.3mm bridge and 1-7/8 nut. Smith is 18mm bridge spacing and 1-3/4 nut. Some others are 19mm bridge (typical 4-string spacing). Some guys like everything to be 19mm. Others (like me) like 19mm for 4-string, 18mm for 5-string, and find 17mm a bit tight. No right or wrong answer.

Next is pickup and electronic selection. Do you like a JJ setup, soap bars, PJ, etc? Do you want active or passive (most boutiques will be active)? Do you want a certain tone profile?

People will typically recommend what they play as they like it. But there are real, measurable difference between instruments that may or may not be important to you. I've been lucky enough to own and gig a bunch of nice fretli including Fodera, Zon, Roscoe, Rob Allen, Fender, Music Man, Ibanez, and currently, a Smith. The reason I've ended up with the Smith 5-string (I still have Fodera and Rob Allen 4-strings) is that I find that the bridge spacing, nut width, scale length, and neck profile and materials work for me. I also really like the Smith pickups and electronics in a 5-string. A much more focused and "simple" tone than my Fodera, which is more open sounding.

If you're playing a lot of solo stuff then you may want a more open tone. I find that the more instruments involved, the more focused and mid-prominent tone I want. But as always, ymmv.
 
I read through and I'm surprised no one has recommended an MTD. Until now. I have a 635 and I love it. I love the wenge neck. You should be able to find a used one in your range.

+1 on the Roscoe suggestions. If I could have found a fretless one when I purchased my MTD I might have gotten it instead. I was actually looking for one when I found my MTD.
 
There are a couple of factors to consider. First is scale length - does that make a difference to you? Zon is typically 34", while Roscoe is 35". Some people mix and match scale lengths, others (like me) don't. No right or wrong answer, but you should ponder the question.

Next is bridge string spacing and nut width. Most Zons are 17mm bridge spacing and 1-7/8 nut. Roscoe is 18.3mm bridge and 1-7/8 nut. Smith is 18mm bridge spacing and 1-3/4 nut. Some others are 19mm bridge (typical 4-string spacing). Some guys like everything to be 19mm. Others (like me) like 19mm for 4-string, 18mm for 5-string, and find 17mm a bit tight. No right or wrong answer.

Next is pickup and electronic selection. Do you like a JJ setup, soap bars, PJ, etc? Do you want active or passive (most boutiques will be active)? Do you want a certain tone profile?

People will typically recommend what they play as they like it. But there are real, measurable difference between instruments that may or may not be important to you. I've been lucky enough to own and gig a bunch of nice fretli including Fodera, Zon, Roscoe, Rob Allen, Fender, Music Man, Ibanez, and currently, a Smith. The reason I've ended up with the Smith 5-string (I still have Fodera and Rob Allen 4-strings) is that I find that the bridge spacing, nut width, scale length, and neck profile and materials work for me. I also really like the Smith pickups and electronics in a 5-string. A much more focused and "simple" tone than my Fodera, which is more open sounding.

If you're playing a lot of solo stuff then you may want a more open tone. I find that the more instruments involved, the more focused and mid-prominent tone I want. But as always, ymmv.

I mix n' match scale lengths. Bridge spacing isn't a huge deal for me on a fretless since I typically don't slap.

There are definitely a lot of pickup, fingerboard, and string choices that are a huge part of the fretless sound. I have some Rob Allens, which have that nice thuddy sound. My Conklin has Barts and a Dymondwood fingerboard, which get somewhat of a Zon-ish and Roscoe-ish vibe. My CB 4 string has a coated fingerboard, rounds, and Bart P/J pickups that get as close to the Rob Allens as a magnetic pickup could get and still can do a nice Jaco tone. They all have a really nice and unique vibe. I'm also ordering a CB headless 6 to have a Nordstrand 6 string P and Bigman. I had a fretless Peavey Cirrus that sounded great, but was missin' a string.
 
I'm going to ask you to keep an open mind, which maybe you have already. Spend $1,200 and KEEP $1,800 and look for a PEAVEY CIRRUS fretless. Top shelf craftsmanship and killer tone. As you know, the Cirrus can go head to head with any big name boutique and exceed to to some players, like me.
Maybe you've tried one already and it's not for you.