Fretless Multi-Scale for Cheap?

[KoolCharisma]

Alright, so obviously there are luthiers out there making beautiful basses with fanned/multi-scale frets. I've even seen some that are also fretless.

My question is whether anyone out there could list a few companies/luthiers that would make a fanned fretless 5 string for less than say, $2000-$2500. I would love a custom Dingwall, but the money's just not there and basses that are both multi-scale AND fretless seem to be about as rare as beef from a cow that hasn't even been slaughtered.

I searched and couldn't find a similar forum, please forgive me if it's been asked before and point me in the right direction.

 

[Bozendoka]

I'm not aware of any, I've been considering picking up a Brice and having it defretted.

 

[KoolCharisma]

Any ideas? What about Invalid Link Removed? They'll do it and prices are reasonable, but what about quality and build time?

Any others?

 

[Cliff Bordwell]

Very cool idea, a challenge to play for sure.

 

[kesslari]

Any ideas? What about Invalid Link Removed? They'll do it and prices are reasonable, but what about quality and build time?

Alan's a brilliant luthier - his quality is up there with the best, and I love his innovation and design eye.
Can't speak to build times but I haven't seen a lot of posts complaining about it with him.

 

[KoolCharisma]

Very helpful.

Alan's a brilliant luthier - his quality is up there with the best, and I love his innovation and design eye.
Can't speak to build times but I haven't seen a lot of posts complaining about it with him.

Very helpful. Thank you.

 

[KoolCharisma]

Any ideas? What about Invalid Link Removed? They'll do it and prices are reasonable, but what about quality and build time?

Any others?

It's been done before, but definitely not on the commercial mass produced market.

 

[eloann]

The prices of their semi-customs seems to have gone up as they are redesigning the website but it may still be worth taking a look (there used to be 5 and 6 strings too - guessing they should be back shortly)

[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

They offer carbon fiber fretboards which could be pretty cool on a fretless

Edit: Woops, seems the fretless option is full-on custom only

 

[funkbass187]

Rondo has added a bass to their custom shop. I think a fanned fretless 5 would come in under 1200

 

[Antisyzygy]

Alright, so obviously there are luthiers out there making beautiful basses with fanned/multi-scale frets. I've even seen some that are also fretless.

My question is whether anyone out there could list a few companies/luthiers that would make a fanned fretless 5 string for less than say, $2000-$2500. I would love a custom Dingwall, but the money's just not there and basses that are both multi-scale AND fretless seem to be about as rare as beef from a cow that hasn't even been slaughtered.

I searched and couldn't find a similar forum, please forgive me if it's been asked before and point me in the right direction.

Multiscale Fretless Bass 4 String Solid Alder body Right handed Fanned

That's not a 5-er.

 

[KoolCharisma]

Multiscale Fretless Bass 4 String Solid Alder body Right handed Fanned

That's not a 5-er.

Great find regardless! Definitely like that price. I'll check further into the company.

 

[KoolCharisma]

Rondo has added a bass to their custom shop. I think a fanned fretless 5 would come in under 1200

Excellent find! Know anything about them? The price is right?

 

[funkbass187]

I used to own a Brice 6 string. It was the best $300 I ever spent... their custom fanned frets are expensive enough that I'd just get a dingwall combustion. However a fretless or six string aren't available from anywhere at this price point so it might be worth it.

Personally, I would just buy their production model fanned fret (< $600) and rip the frets out. Heck, you could pay a luthier to do it and still come in under a grand

 

[Antisyzygy]

Alright, so obviously there are luthiers out there making beautiful basses with fanned/multi-scale frets. I've even seen some that are also fretless.

My question is whether anyone out there could list a few companies/luthiers that would make a fanned fretless 5 string for less than say, $2000-$2500. I would love a custom Dingwall, but the money's just not there and basses that are both multi-scale AND fretless seem to be about as rare as beef from a cow that hasn't even been slaughtered.

I searched and couldn't find a similar forum, please forgive me if it's been asked before and point me in the right direction.

Now that I think about it, Wish bass might be an option. I've seen him selling some fanned fret basses he made on EBay before.

He pretty much makes custom, cheap basses. The base model is like 400 bucks. It will probably be more for a multi scale. I think it's like 50 or 100 extra per string beyond 4.

He makes a TON of fretless basses, they're his main product. They're pretty unique, and have quite the following. Lots of folks seem to like them. They're not always perfect but functional and often pretty. I say "often pretty" because he uses some weird/experimental body shapes sometimes--sometimes I think the body shapes are ugly, sometimes they're super unique and look great. You can pick the body shape though when you order custom.

He cuts costs by getting wood locally and finishing the basses with oil rather than more expensive options. I guess finishing makes up like half the cost of a bass sometimes.

Bass Fretless 4 String Figured Walnut Peanut Wishbass KA MM Pickup Oil Finish

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Bare Bass]

Moses Graphite can make just about any bass you want, including a fanned fretless, lined or unlined. It would be around $2800-3600 for a finished bass. $700-900 just for the neck. Invalid Link Removed

Halo would be a bit cheaper I think, but with a longer production time, and perhaps a difference in quality.