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i can only promote the idea of a parts bass. not for everybody --- some folks don't have the time or the inclination, but if you've ever put an ax together from parts (and if you enjoyed the experience, mostly, and if you got a good player from the experience) then that is the best way to go superb fretless while budgeting. IMO/IME. you get to choose the qualities/parts you want!
...it's an option! good luck with your fretless acquisition!
Parts bass.
I just picked up a Sire Z7 Fretless. Fit, Finish and Feel is really nice. The neck pickup leaves a lot to be desired. Already have new pickups on the way to try.
Back in the day around late 90's I had a MIJ Fender Jazz fretless with EMG's that killed. Wish I still had that one.
Back in the day around late 90's I had a MIJ Fender Jazz fretless with EMG's that killed. Wish I still had that one.
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Thirded my Ibanez potameno is really a great bass for the money. It's by far my favorite electric to play these days
I let an Ernie Ball USA Sterling fretless slip through my fingers a few years ago. I still think about that one.
If you come across one of these buy it. This would be my first choice .
Better yet, the even more elusive USA SUB Fretless would be even top choice.
The Sadowsky Metro Express Fretless models would be another good choice .
Definitely a used Ibanez or Warwick. Even a fretless MTD would make for a hell of a bass.
a Cort BF4FL can be had for cheap and they sound and play great. I picked mine up about 15 years ago used for $200 CAD and it came strung with a set of TI flats! I've just recently ordered in new pickups, preamp and tuners from Fat Bass Tone that I hope to have my tech install soon but really what's already in there is pretty good to begin with.
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Ibanez SR370EF is a very nice option. A lot of bass for not that much money.
Or buy a fretless neck and slap it onto a P or J bass of your choice.
Or buy a fretless neck and slap it onto a P or J bass of your choice.
Take a look at the Tony Franklin Fretless P bass. It is awesome! Definitely worth a look.
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What they said. Used Ibanez SR370EF is my first fretless. Can't beat the value for the price.
A few years ago I bought a $100 Glarry fretless P bass so I'd have something when traveling for extended periods.
While the wood and components are definitely in the $100 range of quality, I immediately put on some flatwounds and gave the bridge and rosewood(?) neck a tweak and it's become my most played bass. I'm satisfied with the existing electronics but I guess this can be a platform for improving components.
While the wood and components are definitely in the $100 range of quality, I immediately put on some flatwounds and gave the bridge and rosewood(?) neck a tweak and it's become my most played bass. I'm satisfied with the existing electronics but I guess this can be a platform for improving components.
In case you weren't aware, there's a Fretless Club here on TalkBass where you'll find plenty of both those things! Well worth a browse.
I've always wanted to do this... 
Continued from: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/fretless-club-part-3-a-766146/
Continued from: http://www.talkbass.com/forum/f8/fretless-club-part-3-a-766146/
IMO the sound of a fretless Stingray is one of the best. If you're on a budget, you might want to be on the lookout for a used SBMM Ray34CAFL. I picked one up a couple years ago - I'm not exactly a fan of the slab body (but I'm getting used to it), but other than that it's an incredible bass!
