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Good, Cheap, Fretless

#21
C'thulhu said:
Yamaha RBX270F (if they're still available)
If you don't want a traditional bass (jazz bass).

I have two RBX260Fs (previous to the 270, no Jpup at the bridge) and I love them.
They were very cheap and good quality, I learned to play fretless on the RBX260F.


You can't go wrong with a Yamaha. :)
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+1
Used yamahas are an especially great deal. I had a BBN4 for a while, and it was very good.
 
#23
I recently bought a Squire VM fretless and immediately put some DR Hi-Beams on it. I really like it. But ... I wouldn't buy one sight unseen or unplayed. This was the 8th one I played over the course of a week to find a good one. Six had badly bowed necks and one was a gouged fingerboard issue from too many hands playing it with the round wound strings.

Find a good one, and it's great bang for your buck.
 
#26
Thanks for all the advice guys. I've been checking out Ebay for some deals.

Seems that the MIM Fenders are going for a bit over $300, so unless I wait and snag a deal, it doesn't look like thats gonna be an option.

I did see a nice looking Washburn Taurus Fretless for around $229. I remember reading some positive reviews for the fretted model so that could be an option.

Oh, and on a side note, I never really took notice but I think I'm in love with Warwicks fretless models. Something about their unlined fingerboards looks absolutely amazing, but way out of my price range, especially since I'm not too sure how I'm gonna like fretless.
 
#28
I was in your same position last year. after many near misses on ebay and else where I ended up getting a used '92 B.C. Rich Innovator 4 for about $150 at a local shop. then after allot of research I very carefully defretted it and filled the slots with wood epoxy. there are many web sites and even threads here on TB that offer a wealth of info on this subject. I picked up all the stuff I needed for the job for well under $100 (which makes the grand total under $250). the result was and is fantastic. the BCR is a really great bass that has a comfortable neck and sounded really decent(even with the stock emg selects) after i had the electronics cleaned/serviced. my point is you have ALLOT more options if you are willing to put some work in. now I just picked up (today on the bay:hyper:) a Dean Edge 6 for $350 that I'm planning on defretting after i use it fretted for awhile :bassist:
 
#30
etoncrow said:
I would like to recommend that you do not get one with fret lines. I feel that after playing a couple of weeks or so you will you will rapidly out grow the need for them and regret that you have them. Side markers and your ears are more than adequate. IMHO
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+1

Fretlines mean you'll never really learn the axe. It took me years to figure that out...
 
#31
Bass V said:
I've settled on the Brice 405 fretless at - www.rondomusic.com
After doing my online homeworrk, it looks like this is the best bang for the buck 5 str, fretless on the market.
They look great from end to end, the reviews are real good, under $300, light weight, good return policy. Hard to top that.
Click to expand...
Post pics when it comes in. Congraulations and enjoy!
 

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