Recommendations for fretless

[Dominoes]

I currently own a Stingray 5. I'd like to buy a non-lined fretless 4-string, and am looking for recommendations. I'd like something substantially different from the Stingray, in ~34" scale. (or fanned-fingerings...) Price range is < $1500.

 

[snyderz]

I would check out the US G&L line-up. They all come in unlined fretless. I'm into passive, so I'm an SB-2 fan. There is a gorgeous fretless L2K cheap right now by Freddels in the classifieds.

 

[Dominoes]

That sounds like something I'm looking for! Going to have to try to find one in stock.

 

[GG Allin]

I could suggest what I want in a fretless and see what you think.

I'd like a fretless Jazz style maple neck with a P and J passive pickup configuration. I think you need a BAII bridge with the extended railings for more correct fretless intonation. Basswood or Swamp Ash for a body.

 

[Jerry J]

Zon

 

[gumbynotpokey]

Go to the Carvin website and check out build options. Here's an LB70 I spec'd out.

 

[MD]

I currently own a Stingray 5. I'd like to buy a non-lined fretless 4-string, and am looking for recommendations. I'd like something substantially different from the Stingray, in ~34" scale. (or fanned-fingerings...) Price range is < $1500.

Fanned fingering fretless?

 

[gurensan]

Fanned fingering fretless?

I'm thinking that might be more than just a little difficult to wrap one's self around.

 

[cfsporn]

+1 for the SB-2.

 

[Dominoes]

Bass NW has a G&L M2000, Bass Central has a Skyline 44-02, and a Zon Sonus standard 4. Of these, which should I buy? (Still open to other suggestions, but there are ones I like that I've found in stock) Not too enthusiastic about the colors of the Lakland or G&L (sunburst and transparent black respectively), although the natural-finish Zon is beautiful. Not a discriminating factor, but worth noting.

 

[tsar nicholas]

Update : I just got my first fretless, a Zon Sonus 5, and it is absolutely tops in every regard. It's even better than my fretted Sonus. Strongly recommend!

 

[Bassist4Eris]

+1 for Carvin. You pick your options and they build one just for you. You can EASILY come in under budget, if your tastes aren't as expensive as Gumby's. And I bet even HIS beauty came in under $2K.

 

[Munjibunga]

Update : I just got my first fretless, a Zon Sonus 5, and it is absolutely tops in every regard. It's even better than my fretted Sonus. Strongly recommend!

Great steal if you got it for less than $1,500.

 

[GM60466]

I have a Carvin that plays and sound great.

 

[tsar nicholas]

Great steal if you got it for less than $1,500.

^ I got it for $1500 shipped, but tell you what -- after playing it, I'd have paid a lot more! It's flipping insane. Playability is incredible, and the weird 3-band EQ with notch switch is actually super useful. Also love the old-school thin neck profile.

 

[MyMusic]

I just spec'd out a Carvin B40 for $864 shipped.

 

[i_got_a_mohawk]

I've got a fretless Stingray, very different animal from the fretted version!

If going for something non-SR and fretless I'd be looking at J-bass-esque basses.

 

[Munjibunga]

^ I got it for $1500 shipped, but tell you what -- after playing it, I'd have paid a lot more! It's flipping insane. Playability is incredible, and the weird 3-band EQ with notch switch is actually super useful. Also love the old-school thin neck profile.

Way to go. You done good.

 

[winterburn69]

Fender used to make unlined P basses in the '70s. $1500 may get you one.

 

[Woodchuck]

Roscoe.