Which Fretless..

[TheArchitect]

Squier Classic Vibe '60s Fretless Jazz Bass - 3-Tone Sunburst

Or

Ibanez Standard SR370E Fretless Bass Guitar - Brown Burst

Are the non standard woods on the Squier an issue? Are the active electronics of value in fretless world??

 

[bholder]

I'd go with the Ibanez, myself. Better bass for the buck IMHO.

 

[StereoPlayer]

Both

 

[StyleOverShow]

I don’t play many gigs that call for an upright, maybe a half dozen plus a year. I looked at fretless basses and found a good number available. They don’t have the upright sound entirely but maybe 50% of the woody m’wah.

I settled on the Godin A4 and I love it. It’s light, has a chambered body, great long neck and sings in my hands. The only con I have is rather complicated electronics on board with two outputs, two pups (one piezo), and multiple tone/volume controls.

That said you’re prolly not looking for a bass to play American songbook tunes so I agree that the Ibby is just a better bass than the Squier.

 

[Hevy T]

The Iby

 

[ardgedee]

Squier Classic Vibe '60s Fretless Jazz Bass - 3-Tone Sunburst

Or

Ibanez Standard SR370E Fretless Bass Guitar - Brown Burst

Are the non standard woods on the Squier an issue? Are the active electronics of value in fretless world??

Those are pretty different instruments. Do you want a fretless version of what you normally play, or something different?

 

[Chris Chong]

get the Ibanez, you would appreciate the easy access to higher "frets". Also the ability to boost the mids for the fretless mwah.

 

[WG Plum]

Squier, it's a great bass for modding.

 

[bholder]

Squier, it's a great bass for modding.

Something OP didn't ask for and may not want. The Ibby's a better bass to begin with, far less need for modding. You're "there" already.

 

[TheArchitect]

Those are pretty different instruments. Do you want a fretless version of what you normally play, or something different?

I want a good/best I can get fretless in my budget.

 

[TheArchitect]

Something OP didn't ask for and may not want. The Ibby's a better bass to begin with, far less need for modding. You're "there" already.

I have modded many an instrument in my time but I am not looking for a project with this one

 

[Lance Bunyon]

Ibanez.
Personally I wouldn't buy either because I'm a 5 string player but Ibanez makes a better fretless than squier does.

 

[ardgedee]

I want a good/best I can get fretless in my budget.

Sure, we all do. Even if something is the best-constructed from the best materials, it isn't necessarily the best for you if it doesn't do what you want. No point in buying a Porsche if you need a truck.

 

[Maxi Funkl]

I own an older 5 string version of the Ibanez with tape wounds a very solid bass yes I would recommend it.

 

[WG Plum]

Ibby then, sure.

 

[TheArchitect]

Sure, we all do. Even if something is the best-constructed from the best materials, it isn't necessarily the best for you if it doesn't do what you want. No point in buying a Porsche if you need a truck.

I have played both styles. Fine with either. I am leaning a bit towards the Ibanez with the active electronics. Just not sure if they are necessary

 

[ProbablyTooLoud]

I have played both styles. Fine with either. I am leaning a bit towards the Ibanez with the active electronics. Just not sure if they are necessary

Not necessary.
Just a bonus if you like a preamp right at your fingertips instead of one on the floor or the one on your amp, I suppose.

 

[ardgedee]

I have played both styles. Fine with either. I am leaning a bit towards the Ibanez with the active electronics. Just not sure if they are necessary

I don't know about that specific model but many Ibanez models allow you to bypass the preamp, so you're not tied to it if you don't like it.

 

[Cleezmo]

I'd go Ibanez.

FWIW I've had passive fretless basses (MIM and MIJ Fender jazzes), and currently own an active fretless (G&L L-2500). I much prefer active, but that's me.

 

[themickster]

Squier Classic Vibe '60s Fretless Jazz Bass - 3-Tone Sunburst

Or

Ibanez Standard SR370E Fretless Bass Guitar - Brown Burst

Are the non standard woods on the Squier an issue? Are the active electronics of value in fretless world??

Ibby. That neck plays well. The Power span pickups with threeway tap switch and active EQ give a wide range of tones.