• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

What's a good fretless for $250 or under?

#42
Munjibunga said:
Well, at under $250, you'll be buying another cheap bass. I'd recommend playing what you have until you can save up about $500, then buy a used Fender Jazz of some sort. Fender does make a Squier (note spelling) Jaco bass. I imagine that would be about as good as it gets at your price point.
Click to expand...

I've had some luck with some basses from BC RICH, and Peavey for under $250.
 
#45
Engine207 said:
47683_l.jpg


Link Removed or used for about $200
Click to expand...

That'd be my choice... Have played a couple of them...
 
#48
I love my Squier fretless a lot, that's definitely the way to go for a fretless

It gets a wonderful tone if properly set up and played with nice technique

this is a short recording I did just recently (guitar track and two bass tracks) and it could be helpful for those looking to hear it's "mwah" potential... (both low register and higher register)

YouTube - ‪Audio Test 8 - Untitled Ballad‬‏
 
#49
Also, if anyone can help me with this, I'm looking for a mandolin, an acoustic guitar(12 string or regular), a ukulele, a sitar, and/or( probably[with my luck] or) an electric guitar for $80 or less including shipping. I'm hoping for a pack(2 or more instruments sold together), but I at least want to get one of the things on my list. Hopefully I can get it from a fellow member of TB, but I might not be able to. If anyone could send me some links it would be much appreciated.
 
#54
Engine207 said:
Not true.

Pawnshops "carry" whatever people who walk though their door want money for. That said...shops in my area usually have pretty crappy basses for way too much. I think the web has pretty much closed the door on finding great deals on gems at pawnshops.
Click to expand...

My nearest pawn shop carries two Fender P-basses that are missing their A string, a Fender Classic 60's Vibe, a Fender J-bass and a B.C. Rich Virgin. They also have 3 or 4 acoustic Squire basses, but nothing that appeals to me(except for the BC Rich Virgin) an I don't much like Fenders(except for the Fender Star caster, and Squire electric guitars[they're great for beginners and I want to get one again]). I'm more of a G&L, Ibanez, Peavey, BC Rich, and Sadowsky kind of guy(I'm in love with Sadowsky Vintage P/Js even though I've never owned one nor tried one).
 
#55
themacinator said:
I bought one(Squier Vintage Modified Fretless) used at a pawn shop for 180 out the door. Quite the buy. It's a player.
Click to expand...
And I bought a used one from Bass Northwest for $200 w/Fender gig bag. Also quite the player. I was taken enough by its balance, feel, and playability that I had BassNW install a pair of Bartolini PUs in it. Totally does the Jaco thing, but also has a nice round resonant uprighty sound when using the neck pickup. My other fretless is a USA G&L ASAT Semihollow. Of course the ASAT is better (like stepping into a new Cadillac), but I've gigged w/the Squier several times and had a good time with it. Slap a Babicz bridge on for more focus, weightier tone, and better intonation, but even the stock version sounds excellent and plays great.
 
#56
JohnnyB53 said:
And I bought a used one from Bass Northwest for $200 w/Fender gig bag. Also quite the player. I was taken enough by its balance, feel, and playability that I had BassNW install a pair of Bartolini PUs in it. Totally does the Jaco thing, but also has a nice round resonant uprighty sound when using the neck pickup. My other fretless is a USA G&L ASAT Semihollow. Of course the ASAT is better (like stepping into a new Cadillac), but I've gigged w/the Squier several times and had a good time with it. Slap a Babicz bridge on for more focus, weightier tone, and better intonation, but even the stock version sounds excellent and plays great.
Click to expand...

Really? Hmm... I think I'll look into one.
 
#57
i purchased a used yamaha rbx250f from a fellow TB-er,(thanks electracoyote!) for $200 with a hardshell case. i did a bit of tweaking,installing tapewound strings and a lollar p bass pickup,bringing the grand total to just under $300. it is a great player,and sounds excellent. i had also seen a used peavey 2 pickup fl in a local music store for $250,which played and sounded really nice. i think the yamaha's are not all that expensive new,but used is probably the way to go.
 
#58
woodyng said:
i purchased a used yamaha rbx250f from a fellow TB-er,(thanks electracoyote!) for $200 with a hardshell case. i did a bit of tweaking,installing tapewound strings and a lollar p bass pickup,bringing the grand total to just under $300. it is a great player,and sounds excellent. i had also seen a used peavey 2 pickup fl in a local music store for $250,which played and sounded really nice. i think the yamaha's are not all that expensive new,but used is probably the way to go.
Click to expand...

It's worth keeping an eye out for a yamaha. My first fretless was a BBN4F, and I think I paid around $250 for it. Very solid, light and resonant.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back