Need help selecting a Fretless

[OldSkull75]

Been playing 30 years, mostly American Fenders with some Rics and Gibsons.
Making the leap into Fretless. Since it's my first Fretless I don't want to spend a lot till I know if I like it. So my my budget is $600.
So far I'm between a German made Warwick corvette and the Mexican fender jazz.
Which one is better bang for the buck? I love American Jazz but kinda wanted to try something different, hence the Warwick,but I've never played a Warwick so I'm stuck.
I can't make it to a store to try them out so I'll be ordering it online.
I already have an American P Bass and Jazz Bass fretted.

 

[7dollarbologna]

Warwick, my guitarist has one and I can't believe how good it is.

 

[Bob_Ross]

cointoss

 

[basspedaler]

the warwick neck is going to feel different. the jazz will be really familiar, easy to mod if you like later on too. another line you may find a deal on used is G&L-jazz type, or the L-2000 is really versatile.

 

[OldSkull75]

Thanks for the quick replies.
Does the Warwick have a thin fast neck?what can I expect out of a German Warick? I love my American Jazz necks.
The Warwicks im looking at are used German made natural finish with a Hardshell case. I'm going to look at a few others as well. I'm very comfortable with Fenders but since I've already got a few I kinda wanted to try something new.

 

[SteveC]

The jazz will feel more familiar. I think the Warwick would give you a different tone and feel.

 

[Watchootognbout]

You're in Cincinnati?
Try Music-Go-Round in Columbus.
There's a few used fretlesses on their site.[Invalid or Expired Link Removed]

Two Warwicks pg 5 and a Fender Jazz on pg 9.All fretless.

 

[MobileHolmes]

Used carvin. They take a pretty big depreciation hit upfront, which is your gain. If you do not like, you can flip and not be out anything beyond shipping.

 

[AlexanderB]

I have played enough Mexican Fenders to steer away from them due to inconsistencies in production and materials. Someone will chime in soon and say: "The old ones were a toss, but after XXXX they became much better." Well, IMHO, the regular MIMs are STILL a toss... YMMV etc.

Different feel in Warwicks for sure. I would look at a used, newer MIA Fender. They are better nowadays than 10 years ago, in my limited experience. The posiflex necks, newer series PUs, better shielding etc has reduced some well known issues.

 

[SteveC]

When you decide that you really like fretless- and you probably will - then get a Roscoe.

 

[jg42]

Between these two, I'd go with a MIM Jazz. That's not to say that there's anything wrong with Warwick.

 

[Qlanq]

Squier VM Jazz fretless. Nice player.

 

[MD]

Making the leap into Fretless. Since it's my first Fretless I don't want to spend a lot till I know if I like it. So my my budget is $600.

Smart, lots of new FL's end up in the closet or in the classifieds. Have you checked GC's used basses? I bet you could easily cut that 6 bills in half, maybe more with a used Squier. They seem to be well received around here.

 

[Rayjay]

I prefer Leo Fender inspired instruments...

But, there was this bubinga Warwick fretless for sale in a shop that just said "play me." I had to buy it I loved it so much. The tone is very distinct, really dark and woody. I have old flats on it and it slices right through the mix.

For comparison, I just tried out a way more expensive Lakland 55-01 fretless and the Warwick just rolled over it. I used it live and everyone said they really missed the Warwick.

 

[Rayjay]

Thanks for the quick replies.
Does the Warwick have a thin fast neck?what can I expect out of a German Warick? I love my American Jazz necks.
The Warwicks im looking at are used German made natural finish with a Hardshell case. I'm going to look at a few others as well. I'm very comfortable with Fenders but since I've already got a few I kinda wanted to try something new.

The Warwick has jazz spacing (1.5") but I think the radius is bigger (flatter). My neck is a flat U shape, fairly thin but not Ibanez thin. Oiled unfinished neck so its nice and fast but not slippery.

 

[Kaden Daniels]

Squier VM Jazz fretless. Nice player.

Agree

 

[bassguppy]

Out of your price range but the Tony Franklin Fretless P bass is outstanding. Feels great, sounds wonderful, and has excellent build quality.

You could have a good time with the Warwick Corvette fretless though.

 

[1954bassman]

With over 20 years of experience playing fretted and fretless, my advice for you first fretless? Find a fretless version of your current "go-to" bass. I see you mentioned American Fenders. It should be easy to pick up / find a American fretless Fender.

 

[Chad Michael]

MTD Saratoga fretless, maybe?

 

[zontar]

I'd say an Ibanez Soundgear--although the ones they make now are above your price range (I think)--but find a used one or an unsold new one...
An MIM Fender J Bass would be a great choice.
LTD makes one with spalted maple that plays well too--and it's in the price range.

I'd be careful with the Squier--while some people here have had a good experience with it--a lot of people haven't.
And it's the fretless model--not the fretted models--
I've tried several of them in three different cities in two provinces, in different climates, and they all had neck issues--and I've heard the same thing from many others.
One store gave up trying to adjust the neck.
So if you go the Squier route--just check it out carefully--I would only get one if you can buy it in person and test it out--and there's a warranty that will cover the neck adjustments, unless you like doing that weekly.
But who knows, you may get one of the good ones, or be in a climate that is friendly to them.

But personally as you have $600--look for the Ibanez Fender MIM or LTD