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Where are the unlined fretless basses!?

J

Jewbass

Apr 30, 2009
129
1
New York, NY
#1
So I've been searching around for a fretless bass for about 5 months now, and it seems that everything in my $200-500 price range has those little fret markers on them. I understand the reason for putting them on, but it seems as if all of the basses without them are $1000 plus. Is this true, or am I just not looking in the right places?
 
#4
I have edited the "REAL" in your title to "unlined." Not only will you get better answers as the title is more concise, but calling unlineds "real" fretlesses which by default calls lined one not is asking for trouble (calling a 4-string a "real" bass and ERBs not is against the rules, for example).
 
#6
Dean Edge?

EdgeFR5_body.gif



Jewbass...
and it seems that everything in my $200-500 price range has those little fret markers on them. I understand the reason for putting them on, but it seems as if all of the basses without them are $1000 plus.
Click to expand...

Manufacturers keep production costs down by tooling for one style neck/fingerboard. In this case, all fretted. By filling in the grooves instead of installing frets, they can offer a fretless option.
 
#7
Bryan R. Tyler said:
I have edited the "REAL" in your title to "unlined." Not only will you get better answers as the title is more concise, but calling unlineds "real" fretlesses which by default calls lined one not is asking for trouble (calling a 4-string a "real" bass and ERBs not is against the rules, for example).
Click to expand...

Geez, Brian, I'm gonna have to return my flamethrower! :ninja:
 
#12
I really don't think you looked very hard, Jewbass. As you can see above, there are lots of cheap unlined basses. Cheap doen't mean 'not good' either. The Dean Edge and Cort Curbow are two with OK bang for buck. MIJ unlined Fenders can be found for around $500 (or less) and are in many ways as good or better than MIA. Many parts basses are decent too, and usually under $600. Good luck with your search.
 
#13
sleepytime said:
Warwick Rockbass Streamer 4-String Fretless Electric Bass Guitar (Black)
$449.99

Invalid Link Removed
Click to expand...

What do people think if these? i am also looking for an unlined fretless bass, and I see my bass inspiration, Jack Bruce, plays a Warwick. I was wondering how these entry level Warwicks stack up against the ones Mr Bruce plays? Has anyone played one? I saw in anther thread someone said that they use cheaper wood and electronics, I'm just not sure how marked a difference that would make to the overall sound.
 
#17
MD said:
Dean Edge?

EdgeFR5_body.gif





Manufacturers keep production costs down by tooling for one style neck/fingerboard. In this case, all fretted. By filling in the grooves instead of installing frets, they can offer a fretless option.
Click to expand...
My first fretless was an unlined Dean Edge and it was fine. Recommended. Dean is inconsistent about putting lines on their fretless basses. Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't.
 

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