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Which Fretless?

Rojd

Rojd

May 29, 2018
1,854
2,587
Rocky Mountains
#1
I'm looking at adding a 5-string fretless to my family and am looking for fresh opinions.

The 3 I'm looking at are the LTD B-205SM fretless, Schecter Stiletto Session-5 fretless, and the Ibanez SR375EF. I like the sound of all 3, but am leaning heavily toward the LTD & Schecter. I prefer the sound of the LTD & Schecter equally. I like the LTD string thru body design. I prefer the Schecter fingerboard the most. I already own a LTD B-206SM and love it. I'm not in a band and don't record or anything, so that's not a factor. The LTD is $499 & the Schecter is $669.

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#3
saabfender said:
I like the Schecter. I like the partially lined fingerboard and it's two-piece. Don't care for spalted wood much. For me, it's not even close. It's the Schecter all the way.
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Thanks for the input saabfender. The LTD is nearly identical to my LTD B-206SM, which is a great bass and I love it, sound & looks-wise. Like you, I actually prefer the partially lined fingerboard of the Schecter as well. The more I've been looking and listening, I'm leaning toward the Schecter.
 
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#6
I'm also considering this TUNE Bass Maniac TBJ51 NF - Fretless 5 String Bass. Looks real nice. It's between the Tune and the Schecter Stiletto Session 5 Fretless. The Tunes have great feedback that I've seen from the guys over at the Tune club. I love the unlined fingerboard on the Tune. The Schecter is a more known entity and looks to be a bit heavier duty and has more solid hardware. Thoughts?

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#7
I found the LTDs similar to the SDGRs--but heavier bodies and I didn't like the necks as much
I did consider an LTD before I bought my SR500F, but declined as the neck differences cramped my had up.
as they say-YWWV--so maybe it is a good choice for you.
 
#9
DiabolusInMusic said:
I thought the Schechter was one of those half-fretted gimmicks so I was going to vote against it. After realizing it is only half-lines, I'd definitely pick the Schecter here. Mind you, I'd probably never get a spalted top bass.
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I'm really digging the the Schecter, and love the half unlined fingerboard. It's certainly a solid, robust bass, and that's what I like. I love the spalted top of my B-206SM, and would be perfectly happy with the 205 fretless of the same design. I'm looking for something different, and the Schecter fits the bill.
 
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#14
svlilioukalani said:
Get the Tune if it is a Japanese, get it!!!!

It is in a totally different class of quality compared to the others.

I have played them all. Tune is one of the best.
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No, it's not a Japanese Tune unfortunately. It's Korean, which is perfectly fine with me, but the Bass Maniacs made in Korea now are not the same quality as the older Japanese ones. The newer ones have gone in a more economical route, with generic hardware, less robust bridges & tuners compared to the Japanese ones from 80s & 90s.
 
#18
Thanks for the input. So far, it's between the Schecter and the Dean, unless something else comes into the mix. The Schecter is partially unlined, has five strings, and is $130 cheaper. I love the unlined neck and drop in battery compartment of the Dean though. Decisions. :unsure:
 
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