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Gig-worthy Fretless 5, Under $1000?
- Thread starter lowendmafia
- Start date
define "gigable."
way too many options --- unless you just want to hear what others' favorites are.
way too many options --- unless you just want to hear what others' favorites are.
how about naming some specific qualities and attributes you think/feel you must have. "gigable" and "pro level" are advertising euphemisms/hype/buzz-words. they mean nothing. i was a full-time pro for decades: any ax i played was both "gigable" and "pro level" at once.
you need to tell others what features you're looking for and what you want to stay clear of, otherwise, you just sound like a gear snob looking for another 'badge'.
be specific! good luck!
I knew this was a mistake....
how about naming some specific qualities and attributes you think/feel you must have. "gigable" and "pro level" are advertising euphemisms/hype/buzz-words. they mean nothing. i was a full-time pro for decades: any ax i played was both "gigable" and "pro level" at once.
you need to tell others what features you're looking for and what you want to stay clear of, otherwise, you just sound like a gear snob looking for another 'badge'.
be specific! good luck!
i think you'll get some helpful responses if you can describe what it is you want/like and don't want/dislike. there are plenty of folks willing to share their thoughts and opinions ---- but you have to help them understand your 'universe'.
good luck with your fretless quest, this thread, and with being specific when asked to be!
I literally said "I'm looking at the Gary Willis bass."
i think you'll get some helpful responses if you can describe what it is you want/like and don't want/dislike. there are plenty of folks willing to share their thoughts and opinions ---- but you have to help them understand your 'universe'.
good luck with your fretless quest, this thread, and with being specific when asked to be!
I have a fretless 1985 Ibanez Roadstar II 5 string (possibly the only one)...
I recommend looking at similar because the string spacing and feel is close enough to the GWB imo, and lacks the price tag. Mine was approx. $250, and the defret materials, so, about $300. Active PUs, ebony fingerboard, 3 piece maple neck, many sounds.
Ibanez has several models that could fit this description.
If you are handy or have a luthier, it's pretty easy work, and any bass can be your next fretless. The whole process took me a couple of hours.
I recommend looking at similar because the string spacing and feel is close enough to the GWB imo, and lacks the price tag. Mine was approx. $250, and the defret materials, so, about $300. Active PUs, ebony fingerboard, 3 piece maple neck, many sounds.
Ibanez has several models that could fit this description.
If you are handy or have a luthier, it's pretty easy work, and any bass can be your next fretless. The whole process took me a couple of hours.
Willcox Lightwave Saber?
You can find them on Reverb for under $1K used. I have the 4-string model. And it's since become my main fretless, relegating my Godin Acoustibass and Aria Pro II Thor to backup duty.
You can find them on Reverb for under $1K used. I have the 4-string model. And it's since become my main fretless, relegating my Godin Acoustibass and Aria Pro II Thor to backup duty.
I think the Gary Willis models are fantastic. If you're looking at those, it has certain design features that would likely be considered huge bonuses if not necessities.
The schecter is a decent bass, but not really similar in feel, sound or look (other than being without frets).
In the sub-1kUSD realm, I'm sure there are plenty of options. Things more similar to the GW would be other Ibanez instruments, many of which will tick your boxes, and several could do it for half the budget. But they're not the GW.
The schecter is a decent bass, but not really similar in feel, sound or look (other than being without frets).
In the sub-1kUSD realm, I'm sure there are plenty of options. Things more similar to the GW would be other Ibanez instruments, many of which will tick your boxes, and several could do it for half the budget. But they're not the GW.
This bass has been serving me well for 30 years. I defretted it myself, added a brass nut, Leo Quan Badass Bass II Bridge, Schaller tuners, Steve Harris SD pups, upgraded pots. What kind of bass is it? A 1986 Yamaha BB300. Bought it for $150 in 1989 and you can still get them for about the same price. It has proven itself gig worthy and pro level for three decades. It's not a 5er but it's strung BEAD. Plays and sounds great. My point? Those are the specific attributes and qualities I wanted in a bass so I made it happen.how about naming some specific qualities and attributes you think/feel you must have. "gigable" and "pro level" are advertising euphemisms/hype/buzz-words. they mean nothing. i was a full-time pro for decades: any ax i played was both "gigable" and "pro level" at once.
you need to tell others what features you're looking for and what you want to stay clear of, otherwise, you just sound like a gear snob looking for another 'badge'.
be specific! good luck!
Attachments
I gigged last night with a Squier Jazz frankenbass that I paid $200 bucks for. I had played it out before with no mods, but just replaced the stock pots/wiring/jack with higher quality CTS pots, switchcraft jack, and a push pull for series/parallel. Tone was fantastic. I'd have no qualms taking that bass to any level gig.
'Giggable' 'pro level' are pretty meaningless terms in my opinion.
'Giggable' 'pro level' are pretty meaningless terms in my opinion.
you have a quality, "gigable" ax with the features/attributes you like, which has served you well --- and, assuming that it's fun to play = the only way to roll!
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- Dec 21, 2007
- 15,235
- 45,141
- Disclosures
- Lark in the Morning Instructional Videos; Audix Microphones
Ibanez Portamento
Peavey TL-5
Carvin B Brunel
Peavey TL-5
Carvin B Brunel
ESP now has a Bunny Brunel model, nearly identical to the Carvin model with Aguilar pickups and preamp.
ESP Ltd BB-1005 Fretless Bunny Brunel Signature 2019 See Thru Orange Burnt
I'd say that's "gigable" for sure!!!
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