Hey guys, I think for my next bass purchase( in the next few months), I'd like to go with a fretless. More specifically a four string, lined or unlined, doesn't matter to me. I know that it's pretty early to be asking for recommendations as this purchase will probably be in May, but nonetheless, I'd like to see what you guys think, and I like to research a lot before I buy anything. Preferably around the $500 mark. Thanks.
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Recommend me a fretless
- Thread starter RxFunk
- Start date
I've heard great things about both basses, though I've only heard fretted versions. The Saratoga is one of the only fretless instruments you can find under 1000$ that comes with an Ebony board. Though some come with Ebonol too..which is nice as well.
If you're into the 5 string thing, I like the Ibanez GWB35 as well though it really begs for an electronics upgrade when you get it.
Fender Standard JB fretless. Great sound (better than the Jaco tribute JB in a lot of ways). They go for around $600.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/fender-standard-fretless-jazz-bass
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/fender-standard-fretless-jazz-bass
If you're alright with flatwounds it's not a bad call, rounds will chew that rosewood up though.
I haven't actually tried out a 5 string before, so I don't if I like them or not. I'll try out a fiver and see how it feels, don't know how easily I could find the GWB35 in a store though.
I'll try and see if I can find one locally to play. Out of curiosity, why would you say that it's any better than the Jaco tribute bass?
This is actually one of the only fretless I've ever played. I liked it pretty good as well. If I went this route, I would have enough left over to do some mods... Something to think about for sure.
If you shop around you can find a Warwick Corvette Frettless for $600. Then you have a pro level bass. Which a class above a MTD Kingston, or a squire.
I normally like to buy used anyway, and I've definitely seen some good deals on Warwicks in the TB classifieds before.
Used Carvin. American made with ebony boards. You can easily get a bass that was $1200+ when it was new for $500 used. Damn fine basses.
godofthunder59
Life is short, buy the bass.
- Feb 19, 2006
- 9,060
- 38,448
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Cataldo Basses, Whirlwind products, Thunderbucker pickups
The Jazz bass is a good call, I have a '75 Fretless precision I love, is Fender making a MIM fretless P at the moment ?
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/bass/ibanez-sr370f-fretless-4-string-electric-bass-guitar
Or Get a Wishbass and have Dave Ropper fix it up for you.....www.davesbassplace.com
Or Get a Wishbass and have Dave Ropper fix it up for you.....www.davesbassplace.com
Personally, I think fretless basses really need either 2 pickups, or one that is positioned closer to the bridge. Depending on the tone you want.
-Except for Carvins which are custom made in the US...
+1. Carvin makes amazing fretless basses. Look for a used LB70, B40, BB70 etc...
godofthunder59
Life is short, buy the bass.
- Feb 19, 2006
- 9,060
- 38,448
- Disclosures
- Endorsing Cataldo Basses, Whirlwind products, Thunderbucker pickups
There's actually a Carvin LB20F at the local GC for $480, hope it's still there in May!
