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Fretless 5

steve f

steve f

Supporting Member
Aug 16, 2009
630
94
Toxic, Maryland
#1
I'm looking at investing in a fretless 5 string. The opportunities for me to try out a selection are limited. I've done some searches here and thought I'd post some of the specifics I'm looking for to see if anyone has the free time to make some suggestions.


I need something that's easy on the left hand and I prefer a 34" scale as I have pretty small hands and a tendency toward mild carpal tunnel. Not looking to imitate an upright but I would like some nice mwah and growl, sweet highs and solid bottom with a bit of a percussive attack. I tend to play a lot of different stuff but this will be more for jazz, samba-funk, R&B type stuff. I'm not wealthy but willing to spend $1K to $2K to get the right piece and I'm not afraid of buying used. I recently played a Ken Smith BSR-M model that felt very nice from an ergonomic point of view but the tone wasn't quite right for me.

Does this sound like something you've run into? Just looking for some ideas to help my search. Thanks in advance.
 
#2
tried these before and love them...

used Pedulla Pentabuzz (lots mwah), ()
Carvin LB75F (lots option, ebony fretboard)
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.
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for tight budget
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.
.
Buy a SX/Brice fretless and apply epoxy on fretboard?
 
#3
steve f said:
I'm looking at investing in a fretless 5 string. The opportunities for me to try out a selection are limited. I've done some searches here and thought I'd post some of the specifics I'm looking for to see if anyone has the free time to make some suggestions.


I need something that's easy on the left hand and I prefer a 34" scale as I have pretty small hands and a tendency toward mild carpal tunnel. Not looking to imitate an upright but I would like some nice mwah and growl, sweet highs and solid bottom with a bit of a percussive attack. I tend to play a lot of different stuff but this will be more for jazz, samba-funk, R&B type stuff. I'm not wealthy but willing to spend $1K to $2K to get the right piece and I'm not afraid of buying used. I recently played a Ken Smith BSR-M model that felt very nice from an ergonomic point of view but the tone wasn't quite right for me.

Does this sound like something you've run into? Just looking for some ideas to help my search. Thanks in advance.
Click to expand...

One option is to buy my G&L L2500 FL - it's a G&L so the tone cannot be matched by anything less than a tactical nuclear weapon. It'd be definitely in your price range and has one of the most comfy 5 string necks you can get.

Only drawbacks with it are the ones that afflict all the newer L2500's. Less than wonderful balance (neck dive) and you kind of have to string it through-body without the bolt mod which I've done on mine (6 stainless steel screws threaded through the holes to very firmly attach the bridge to the body. Then you just top load the strings with standard long scale strings).

Another option that would also fit your requirements pretty well is one of the Carvins, either the LB75 or the BB75. You can order them fretless and with either of two neck choices - the standard or the wide asymmetrical. Only the Ken Smith is going to match it quality-wise and you're going to pay far more for some design problems in the KS that you won't be stuck with with the Carvin (poor balance, bridge PU too close to bridge, neither present in the Bunny Brunel series for sure). The tone is smoother on the Carvins unless you go with one of the new SB models - those give more of a Jazz bass type tone.

I'm of course biased because I'm a Carvin Bunny convert (which is why my G&L's now live in their cases) but I've always been a G&L fanatic as well. So I lean towards the Carvin first and then the G&L or something like it (perhaps a Fender).

LS
 
#4
Have you looked at the Ibanez GWB35? [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

34" scale with a fast Soundgear type neck, which are said to be one of the fastest necks on the market. Ebonol fretboard, so perfect for using rounds and getting that mwah you're looking for. One pick-up in the bridge position, so that has your highs and the growl you're looking for covered and despite the single pick-up, there's no lack in low end as you can hear in this video: Also, it's really light weight with the basswood body and the custom tuning pegs, and therefore won't dive, and is well under your budget priced at about $600 - 700 US.

Mine should be arriving in a few days... can you tell I'm excited?
 
#5
Arctopus said:
Have you looked at the Ibanez GWB35? [Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

34" scale with a fast Soundgear type neck, which are said to be one of the fastest necks on the market. Ebonol fretboard, so perfect for using rounds and getting that mwah you're looking for. One pick-up in the bridge position, so that has your highs and the growl you're looking for covered and despite the single pick-up, there's no lack in low end as you can hear in this video: Also, it's really light weight with the basswood body and the custom tuning pegs, and therefore won't dive, and is well under your budget priced at about $600 - 700 US.

Mine should be arriving in a few days... can you tell I'm excited?
Click to expand...

I'm currently eye-ing one of these myself.
 
#7
Pentabuzz is lovely.

The Ibanez GWB's are worth considering. You can find used GWB-1's (much better bass than the GWB-35) if you look. Amazing basses, wonderfully playable.
 
#8
I think, Link Removed Link Removed has got your name written on it... :D

Its readily available in the US, reasonably priced and has a great growl with a lot of tonal flexibility. I think there is somewhere a youtube Ed Friedland test of the fretted version. I've played the corresponding made in Germany model and it was great.
 
#10
Pentabuzz is my first choice - but new they are close to $4K -- if you find a nice one used, they'll be around $1800. Trust me, I've been watching for one for quite a while...

My 2nd choice is a Zon - and they can be had for less, but they seem to be harder to find.

What *I* have is a Clement 5 that I'm quite happy with, but I still want a Pentabuzz.... Blueburst with soapbars... hmmmmm.... gasssssssssssss
 
#11
I'd contact Nino Valenti. I bought one of his basses used for about $1k. His prices for new basses are reasonable and probably near the range you are considering. It's all about the options.

I dearly love playing this fretless, though while I am on the road this time, it is sitting in it's case. :bawl:

Pics as required:

stealth_valenti_016.jpg


stealth_valenti_017.jpg
 

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