Good Fretless for around $600

[In Human Form]

Hey guys
I've been playing bass for about two months now, and am really progressing. However, I'd love to get into the world of fretless bass, I've played some a few times and quickly fallen in love. Also, I am a huge fan of Steve Digiorgio and Dominic Forrest Lapointe. I am looking for the best fretless for my money for around $600. All suggestions are appreciated. Thanks.

 

[5string5fingers]

Cant go wrong with a fender jazz http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Standard-Fretless-Jazz-Bass?sku=501170

 

[In Human Form]

I really abhor fender jazz basses. I've heard Steve Digiorgio plays esp basses, can anybody provide a link to a vender that sells those?

 

[5string5fingers]

only fretless I found on MF was this ugly thing. http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend...0-Henkka-T.-Blacksmith-Bass-Guitar?sku=521003 I know Ibanez makes a fretless SR300.

Slso found this horizion,but its out of your price range. Link Removed

From what I've heard the gary willis signature fretless from ibanez is a great bass. But its a 5 string and costs around 675 dollars.

 

[DAcat]

The Ibanez SR 300 is not a Quality fretless...The Squire Modified Jazz is a much better fretless for the price, but since you don't like Jazz bassed, consider an older modified Ibanez up scale bass(SR800 or above), or a used Peavey/yamaha....Dacat

 

[newwavefrank]

In my opinion there is no question what I would get in that price range. A used Warwick Corvette standard, made in germany, can be had any day for around $500, and it is a KILLER fretless bass.

 

[CityEscape]

I've had my Squier VM Jazz for about 7 months now, and it's all I play. It's a wonderful bass, I'd suggest you look for it used (~$200), then you'll have a bunch of cash saved.

 

[In Human Form]

thanks for the input guys. yea ive been looking at the warwicks, i just need to find a good deal on one.

 

[j.kernodle]

In my opinion there is no question what I would get in that price range. A used Warwick Corvette standard, made in germany, can be had any day for around $500, and it is a KILLER fretless bass.

Yes, what he said. I sold an almost mint german made corvette fretless for $550 on the classifieds a few months back. If you can't find one here, check out the used bass listings on guitarcenter.com. Tons there.

 

[Sam Evans]

only fretless I found on MF was this ugly thing. http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend...0-Henkka-T.-Blacksmith-Bass-Guitar?sku=521003

I think that's a fretted bass that was accidentally listed under the fretless category.

MF has these, though:

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend...intage-Modified-Fretless-Jazz-Bass?sku=519637

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Dean-Edge-4-Fretless-Electric-Bass-Guitar?sku=584814

http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=621126

 

[Mystic Michael]

I suggest getting a used Carvin LB70F. They can be had for around $500-$600, and are one of the best under-the-radar fretless basses you can find anywhere in that price range.

They're patterned somewhat on the Fender Jazz (single-coil pickups, quasi-Jazz body style), but with a neck-through build and full 24-fret fingerboard, they're better than a Jazz (IMHO)...

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MM

 

[Tropic]

I've had my Squier VM Jazz for about 7 months now, and it's all I play. It's a wonderful bass, I'd suggest you look for it used (~$200), then you'll have a bunch of cash saved.

The dots being in between the lines on the fingerboard don't throw you off? When I played it, that was the only thing I didn't like about it,

I think I'm going to get the Squier VM fretless but I didn't want to create a new topic since this one was here.

 

[ukepicker]

also thinking about getting a fretless, saw this pop up on
my local CL today, wondering if i should be jumping on it. seems like a good deal? the tweed hardshell case is a nice bonus too.

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[Crumbs]

I'd try a 5 string if I were you, it saves you from down tuning if your going to be playing Digiorgio bass lines, or other death metal songs.

 

[BassAgent]

No doubt in my mind:
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Cort Artisan fretless.

 

[Spinal Tapper]

In my opinion there is no question what I would get in that price range. A used Warwick Corvette standard, made in germany, can be had any day for around $500, and it is a KILLER fretless bass.

+100

 

[Stephen]

No doubt in my mind:
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Cort Artisan fretless.

Super +1

 

[SanDiegoHarry]

I've found that I can really feel the difference between a nice bass and a not so nice on Fretless - - I don't know why, you'd think it would be easier to make a decent fretless, what with there being no... Fretwork. But that's me.

So I wouldn't even look at anything offshore. I'd look for a used G&L or maybe Carvin. They can be had for under $600.

 

[BassAgent]

Super +1

There's one for sale here in Holland... I really have to restrain my self from buying it.

 

[RobJ]

I was able to snag my '96 G&L L-1500 fretless off CL for under $600 a couple of years ago. Great deals can be had there if your patient.