If you had $2K to spend on a 4 string fretless...

[MikeBass]

Pedulla Buzz. Simply the finest fretless bass I have ever played.

+1

Or a Warwick Thumb fretless.

 

[MrWalker]

Tom Clement. You could get a very customized bass made just for you at that price. Love mine.

What he said.
For that amount of money you even get to enjoy a true custom build.

I love mine, too!!!

 

[bucephylus]

Both the Pedulla and the Zon would be top notch. Mike used to build both the Buzz, which is an MVP derivative, and a fretless Thunderbass. You would also find fretless Thunderbolts out there. Probably any would work, but the Buzz comes with the stock polyester fingerboard coating.

You need to understand whether you would prefer the coated board vs wood, and if coated, which coating - since they all sound a bit different.

I played a fretless Thunderbass (now owned by TB'er Shelly) for quite a few years. I currently have a Zon Sonus Special, and actually prefer the sound of the Zon.

Fretless prefs are quite varied and really very subjective. So, you might be best to play a few first, if possible. GL

 

[GrooveWarrior]

Like I said, I love Pedulla, but you could always shop at home here at TB. Here are a couple that fit your needs.

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=731763&highlight=fretless

http://www.talkbass.com/forum/showthread.php?t=731685&highlight=fretless

 

[Hoover]

Pedulla BUZZ used.

^^^This ...because not only is it an awesome bass, but you can't get a new one for $2k.

Either that, or a Tom Clement.

 

[jvollrath]

Epiphone Zenith. Put the cash you save in the bank.

 

[bassteban]

I'd have a new Stambaugh built & buy a coupla pedals w/the leftover duckets. Or I could get a cheapo fretless to keep me happy-ish until the Stammie got done. Yeah, that would be the ticket.

 

[Freddels]

A G&L L2000 fretless or the Carvin SB4000 fretless or a Roscoe Standard fretless (not sure if Roscoe does lines on these or not).

EBMM doesn't make a fretless Classic . . . yet anyway.

 

[Jim Nazium]

Pedulla Buzz. Simply the finest fretless bass I have ever played.

+1
Love that sound.

 

[MichaelScott]

A used Sadowsky/Lull/something else really expensive when new.

 

[StuartV]

Just did it. Bought a used Fender American Standard Precision ($650) and a loaded, lined fretless Allparts neck ($230). Swap necks. Voila! Lined fretless Precision for less than $900, and I can either sell the Fender neck to get some cash back. Or keep it and, someday, put it back on and have a complete, mint Fender Am Std P, and a loaded fretless neck to sell and, probably, get back all my money.

Of course, you could do the same thing with a Fender Am Jazz...

 

[Tampabass]

Tony franklin used for around 1200$.

yes, but the TFs are unlined (OP wants lined).

 

[Luckie]

Buy squier jazz, yank the frets and eat steak for a year.
But seriously, check out a used sanberg custom thinline. Great fretless.

 

[unlined4string]

If you want solid body electric tone I recommend a used Zon (with a composite neck and phenowood fingerboard). If you want warm organic upright like tone, I suggest a used Rob Allen MB-4, Rick Turner Renaissance or Veillette Mark IV strung with TI Acousticore strings.

 

[Vinny D]

You can order one of these brand new for under 2K

 

[nofrets5]

Wal...there is no substitute.

 

[88ric2030]

Either a vintage Fender P Bass or fretless Rickenbacker

 

[nad]

Where the hell is anyone finding a Wal for $2,000?!

Tell me and I'll buy two.

 

[pbasswil]

The suggestions here are great -- all worthy candidates.

But boy, I'd get out there and try every fretless you can get your hands on -- at, above, and below your target price. You just never know what is going to click with you, for your hands and for your sound.

In my experience, the worst thing you can do is get distracted by looks, brand names, and price tags. It's about hands and ears.

 

[BioDriver]

Stambaugh. You pick whichever woods, electronics, and finish you want.