Gig-worthy Fretless 5, Under $1000?

[Koshchei]

The GWB is nice. You should get one. Gary plays the GWB35 model live a lot, so it's not just a way to entice you to the next model up.

As mentioned above, the Godin A5 Pro is extremely nice as well. The main difference is that it's chambered semi-hollow and has a more typical 18mm string spacing. It uses an ebonol fretboard, so it'll probably hold up a little better over the long run as well.

 

[Les Fret]

The only thing I don't like about the GWB is those tuners.

 

[Koshchei]

The only thing I don't like about the GWB is those tuners.

Really? Why? They're part the reason to get the bass... the body is ridiculously light, so anything you can do to shave extra grams from the headstock improves balance and comfort in longer sets.

 

[bassjamn]

I have a GWB anniversary bass, sounds great, plays/feels great, would recommend it.
It's my only fretless now, i dont play fretless much though.
My only gripe is lack of a tone control knob

 

[Old P Bass Guy]

define "gigable."

way too many options --- unless you just want to hear what others' favorites are.

For me, I was looking for a 5 string frettless that got close to the sound of a DB. I felt it could blend well with a jazz trio in a small room.
Ibanez SRH505F Fretless - Natural Browned Burst Flat

 

[JRA]

For me, I was looking for a 5 string frettless....

wow! really a nice looking ax!

 

[voodoobassist]

Lakland skyline 5502 can be found at your price point. Owned one for a while, great sound and playability. Sold it because I can't get along with 35" scale on a fretless. I opted to stick with 4 string for my f'less because it's easier to find the old familiar standard fender scale length that I originally started playing fretless on. For some reason, I run into intonation trouble when I play 35" scale fretless.

 

[Old P Bass Guy]

do you have a recommendation or are you here to be difficult?

He asked you some good questions so he could give you some helpful answers. Lighten up a little. Don't be defensive. He is trying to help.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

Here are couple of nice options I recently ran into. I ended up with the Squier, but the Spectorcore may be more t your liking since you want a GWB.

 

[nonohmic]

I saw one of those CV is the store. Holy shizzle driest looking fingerboard ive ever seen.

 

[Aidil]

For me, I was looking for a 5 string frettless that got close to the sound of a DB. I felt it could blend well with a jazz trio in a small room.
Ibanez SRH505F Fretless - Natural Browned Burst Flat

^ this ^

I've praised and recommended this bass probably too much, but it truly deserves it.

I own the fretted version of this bass. It's well under $1,000 and definitely giggable in terms of tonality and long hour of playing comfort. As been said, it can closely resemblance the warmth and woody sound of a DB just by closing the tone pot and it could have some bites when it is opened. Its simplicity turns to be a definite usable for gigging. I've used mine on various stages in the last couple of years. The weight is only 3.05 kg, so it's practically nothing on my shoulder (or lap) for hourly practices and gigs. The fretless version ought to be roughly the same or even lighter than this.

 

[lowendmafia]

I appreciate your input in that semi-hollow Ibanez. I know many people who like that bass. However, one thing that is a constant irritation with this board is the questions like this. I'm sorry, not every bass is gigable in a professional environment, nor can any bass hang with super-boutique basses like the Basses I play. Ultimately, these conversations devolve into "Jaco only needed 4" or "P bass with flats" type responses. I'm quite open to hearing about any basses as long as they fit my criteria. I'd happily buy the GW, but now I have lots of potential basses to research.

He asked you some good questions so he could give you some helpful answers. Lighten up a little. Don't be defensive. He is trying to help.

 

[JRA]

That ramp is a big plus for me also

good to know! thanks for playing!

I don't play a ton of fretless bass so I thought I might get some good fretless player advice on here.

basic stuff:
you said that you had your "eye" on the GW piece, but: what have you ever actually had your hands on? that you liked or that you didn't like? asking for a friend.

 

[lowendmafia]

The last fretless bass I owned was a $9000 Skjold Catacomb Drakkar that just sat in my house because I used so infrequently.

good to know! thanks for playing!


basic stuff:
you said that you had your "eye" on the GW piece, but: what have you ever actually had your hands on? that you liked or that you didn't like? asking for a friend.

 

[Old P Bass Guy]

I appreciate your input in that semi-hollow Ibanez. I know many people who like that bass. However, one thing that is a constant irritation with this board is the questions like this. I'm sorry, not every bass is gigable in a professional environment, nor can any bass hang with super-boutique basses like the Basses I play. Ultimately, these conversations devolve into "Jaco only needed 4" or "P bass with flats" type responses. I'm quite open to hearing about any basses as long as they fit my criteria. I'd happily buy the GW, but now I have lots of potential basses to research.

Glad to help! At the end of the day it just comes down to what you personally like. If you like a particular bass you most likely will play it better because you have confidence in it.

"Is it the arrow or the indian?"

 

[InnerBass]

 

[Old P Bass Guy]

There is an old story that Lee Trevino beat a high roller Texas pro with a taped up Dr. Pepper bottle...not that bass playing is a competition.

Just sayin

 

[JRA]

The last fretless bass I owned was a $9000 Skjold Catacomb Drakkar that just sat in my house because I used so infrequently.

forget the ax, OP, seek motivation!

 

[Sam Dingle]

I think the gary willis is the highest quality one. I would consider a few used options. A used fretless 5 string lakeland is a good option. Just found this one: For Sale - Lakland Deluxe 55-02 Lined Fretless 5 string

Play a few if you can.

 

[lowendmafia]

I mean, I have a full time job, a wife, a young child and still play 5-10 high end gigs a month. I'd say I have plenty of motivation. Just don't need a 9k fretless bass to play 1-2 songs a night.

forget the ax, OP, seek motivation!