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Fretless choices

ElMon

Supporting Member
May 30, 2004
7,364
6,345
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Oklahoma City, OK
Hello fellow bass freaks. I need your collected expertise in the matter of choosing a fretless 5 string. To make it easy, I've narrowed it down to two and only two choices.
1) Unlined Stingray 5 with Piezos.
2) Original model Gary Willis Signature 5'er, with the ebony board instead of the ebonol. That being said, is the ebonol-board model that much different than the ebony one?

I'd like your input outside of price, and especially would like to hear from those who have actually played these models. I think I'm leaning towards the Willis, but am worried about it being a one-trick-tone-pony. Thanx in advance.
 
I'd go with Willis.. It's MUCH lighter (if that's a preference) and much easier to play (to me, that is).. You just have to love its thin neck and it doesn't seem like a one trick pony to me.. If you have a softer touch, you'll probably love it..I don't like fretless Stingrays (not a fan of that punchy-cut-through-anything sound), but haven't tried any (new) 2HB models yet...I'd check 'em out, if I were interested in fretless Stingrays..
The newer GWBs are also wonderful instruments and are also quite a bit cheaper (difference is about 400$ or more over here); I haven't had any problems with newer fingerboards, loved them all..
Good luck in your quest and let us know, which one you'll be taking home! :)
 
I had a fretless Stingray(5)- I liked it, but dumped it for a Warwick(not nearly as nice a fretless, IMO/E :rollno: ). I kind of wish I still had the Stingray. It had the piezo upgrade- very versatile. Oh yeah- I also prefer wider spacing. I like Ibanez in general, but have never played a Willis.
 

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