Looking at a fretless 6 string bass?

[Hennob12]

hey guys, I'm considering purchasing the Harley Benton B-650FL. I've been using a 6 string for some time and want to try a fretless. I figured I'm more comfortable on a 6 string and thought id be more comfortable on a sixer. Anybody owned or tried one? I can't find many reviews online of it so I thought Id ask here.
Thanks!

 

[lordradish]

Are you asking if anyone's tried this particular bass or are you asking about 6-string fretless, more generally?

 

[Hennob12]

Are you asking if anyone's tried this particular bass or are you asking about 6-string fretless, more generally?

Just this one in particular.

 

[bholder]

In general, they're great fun. I know zip about that model, but HB has a pretty good rep on here, especially with the European types.

 

[Docduval]

I had the fretted version. No conplaints. Affordable and works as long as you are careful plugging unplugging. The electronics are cheap with very skinny wires.

 

[LdoubleL]

I own one and it's great for the price. As someone mentioned the electronics are cheap and basic but it all works as it should. It's quite chunky and heavy but it is fun to play. I put Pyramid flatwounds on it and it sounds fine.

 

[-Asdfgh-]

hey guys, I'm considering purchasing the Harley Benton B-650FL. I've been using a 6 string for some time and want to try a fretless. I figured I'm more comfortable on a 6 string and thought id be more comfortable on a sixer. Anybody owned or tried one? I can't find many reviews online of it so I thought Id ask here.
Thanks!

I'm trying to avoid buying one. Much as I like Eberhard Weber and his high C I need fewer instruments!

 

[ardgedee]

They look great for the price. The 5-string model was on my short list a while back when I was considering buying a fretless 5.

I'd caution you that the fingerboard is black walnut, which will look good but is much softer than rosewood, and even softer than hard maple. If the fingerboard surface isn't coated with a hardening agent (like epoxy) it will risk developing ruts fairly rapidly, even with flatwound strings.

You might ask Thomann about whether the fingerboard is treated in any way, and if it is then how.

 

[bholder]

They look great for the price. The 5-string model was on my short list a while back when I was considering buying a fretless 5.

I'd caution you that the fingerboard is black walnut, which will look good but is much softer than rosewood, and even softer than hard maple. If the fingerboard surface isn't coated with a hardening agent (like epoxy) it will risk developing ruts fairly rapidly, even with flatwound strings.

You might ask Thomann about whether the fingerboard is treated in any way, and if it is then how.

If not, buy a big bottle of crazy glue and have at it. smooth with high grit sandpaper after.

 

[FF Petro]

The bass I bonded with most is a 1999 Carvin LB76F. I know it's not the model you are specifically asking about. I had it custom build 26 years ago and have played it for thousands of hours. If I want the bass that I am most comfortable with, I will always grab it first. It just feels like talking with an old friend every time I pick it up.
With all that being said, if I could do it all over again, I would buy a fretted six string. The reason being that the high C is used more for double stops and chording and fretless isn't easy for those. I think a four or five string is more practical for fretless unless you can be precise with multiple fretting fingers at a time.

Obviously, this is just my opinion from my experience. I hope you get the bass that makes you want to play!

 

[dabbler]

I do not have a B650 FL, but I do have a pair of fretted and fretless B-550s. They are a good value. I especially like the fact that the bass and treble tone controls work in passive mode also. However, the bass control is at minimum from zero to the detent and the treble is at max from the detent to 10. Once you understand this you're good to go!