Opinions on the 'most' Versatile Fretless?

The Tony Franklin PJ Precision will be perfect...

 

I'm biased of course, because I just got a Tony Franklin the other day and have been playing it non stop since....

But in my judgement, if you're after more of a DB/acoustic sound, there are better options than the TF. And for less money. In particular look at the Ibanez SRF series; they actually have piezo pickups on them and give much more of that acoustic bass type of sound when played on the piezo:



In my last few days with my TF, it doesn't sound anything like an acoustic bass and I think it would be not so good of a choice if you need that particular style of tone. It does a P bass 100%, naturally, , and a really wicked Jazz bass on the bridge PU, though.

As for the most versatile FL, I guess that's kind of like asking what's the best FL for metal. If I needed 1000 tones, I'd do a G&L L2K FL. I had an L2K FL for around 20 years and it really could do it all, even metal.

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I'd agree that a Tony Franklin is really versatile. Drop tuner standard is a nice feature too.
Ibanez makes some great fretless basses that punch above their weight too.

Only dumb advice I have is play as many as you can. I know the shops don't exactly stockpile fretless but ask around, ask your friends to borrow. You'll find the right one.

 

I think the Ibanez SRF series, formerly called the Portamento, sounds like something you should check out, given your goals. I played one as my main bass for a couple of years. I agree with @luciens post above, in other words.

I did not like the D'addario Chrome flats that came stock on it, but I've always hated those things. I switched to the same brand's tapewounds and liked them better, but strings of course are extremely personal choices.

 

In my opinion, F-Bass hands down. No bass is as sensitive and has its ultra-wide spectrum of sounds as a BNF from these guys.

 

I went for the Ibanez SRF and never looked back on fretless. You can play piezo or magnetic or both. And it looks beautiful.

 

I’ll echo what others are saying here, Ibanez SRF.

You could also look into Sire Fretless Basses with there sweepable mids option they got going on there onboard preamp.

 

I’m extremely happy with my Willcox Saber VL. It bumped my Godin Acoustibass (forerunner of the A4) to second slot.

Willcox uses the LightWave optical pickup which employs IR sensors rather than magnetic coils or piezos.

Bottom line: You can use any string you want with these basses. Nickel, Steel, Phosphor Bronze, nylon, catgut or whatever. The optical pickup works with all of them.

I have an older VL model which has the optical pickup plus piezo on the bridge. They also did one with the optical and a mag pickup. But AFAIK both are now discontinued and they’re just doing their newest model. So you’d need to shop used for the older ones.

The latest version of this bass now had provisions for MIDI in addition to the optical pickup. More here.

You can hear how it sounds in ensemble with Mandy Watson covering Kate Bush along with Kate’s bassist Del Palmer sitting in:

 

I favour basses that do a few things really well over basses that do loads of things 'alright'. In terms of pure electric sounds, the Pedulla Buzz series cannot be beaten as a fretless IMO (with maybe the Zon Sonus with a coated fingerboard being a credible alternative). However, I never go for that faux-upright thing, but that piezo sound tends to be quite generic anyway, so there are perhaps a few good options there. The Ibanez mentioned above looks like a good buy.

 

If your getting one, and bringing it to a studio. An American made Fender Jazz is a safe dependable option. They play amazingly well when properly set up. I have others I like more, but studio engineers are always happy to see one. They have a great tone.

 

NS Design CR4 Radius. A very versatile fretless with the best sounding piezo blend I've ever experienced. Sound guys will love you for it and they're dead quiet too.

 

No issues whatsoever. It’s been a joy to own and play.

 

Here you go!

 

have a look at the Godin A4 or A5. it has a piezo pickup and a magnetic pickup. you can run one at a time or blend. lots of tonal variations plus a DB sound if you are so inclined. Besides, they're hand built in Canada. Great craftsmanship!

 

I'm not a fretless player, but ended up buying an FBB because it was a tone monster, and less than 9 lbs. I kept it for several years before selling it (at a profit) only because I never gigged with it. I don't have any experience with other fretless basses, but the feel and tone of that thing was outrageous. If you get a chance, give one a try. They are very reasonably priced.

 

The Godin A5 and the Ibanez Gary Willis are both incredibly capable instruments.