Which luthiers are known for their fretless?

[yanlin1985]

which luthiers specialize in fretless and are known for their fretless bass quality?

 

[Bryan R. Tyler]

There’s countless luthiers that will make a great fretless, and I’m sure tons of people will suggest builders they like that make them, but very few are known specifically for their fretlesses. I would put Zon and Pedulla at the top of that list. Them being known for it however doesn’t mean their fretless is a better one than anyone else.

 

[spade2you]

I don't know of any luthiers are bad at making a fretless.

 

[Jeff Scott]

I'd put Martin Keith at the top of the list. I LOVE my fretless Elfin 5.

 

[bdgotoh]

Rob Allen - absolutely awesome fretless basses

 

[Keith Guitars]

I'd say F-Bass (AC model), Pedulla (Buzz Bass), and Zon are noted for their fretless offerings.

The guys who make "acoustic-like" basses (Rob Allen, Veillette, Turner/Renaissance)
also have a greater-than-average percentage of fretless in their output.

That having been said - most any custom bass company today can make an exceptional fretless.
AND - the most iconic fretless I can think of is still a certain Fender Jazz Bass, owned by a guy from Florida.

 

[bhunt1]

I have a fretless from Tom Clement on order. I will let you know when I get it, but he's known for great fretless basses.

 

[Eilif]

When I was looking for a fretless a few guys suggested Carvin. I bought an LB75F and had alot of good years with that one before I realized I wanted wider spacing at the nut and more vintage aesthetics. I don't think it's going to necessarily compete with your Pedulas and Zon's but for about half the price they are quite wonderful for a semi-custom. Also, often quite ridiculously good value bought used as the depreciation is massive.

Wendler basses are almost exclusively fretless.
Instruments | Guitar Repair Kansas City | Luthier Acoustic Electric Guitar
My current fretless is a Wendler. Definitely heels to the upright and passive P-bass side of the sonic spectrum, but that's what I wanted out of a fretless.
NBD: Wendler Electrocoustic (Custom Cedar-Bodied 35" Fretless)

 

[JRA]

i don't own one (yet!), but steve wishnevsky is known for his unorthodox fretless axes.

 

[Sid the Kid]

For the high end an F bass fretless sounds heavenly, especially with the piezo. I’d also do a Vigier with a stainless fingerboard in a heartbeat.

 

[Killing Floor]

Drake. Not this Drake.

 

[drumvsbass]

Zon (obviously)

 

[scubaduba]

Top four in my book:
F-Bass, Pedulla, Zon, Rob Allen

 

[BassmanM]

Marleaux here in Germany.

Link Removed

 

[Gilmourisgod]

@BassmanM beat me to it, IMO, the most beautiful fretless ever made. Not inexpensive though
Marleaux Diva 5st "Flamed Walnut Top Used | eBay

 

[Brother Goose]

On the budget side: I have a fretless Sire V7 and I really can't imagine a jaco style jazz bass sounding any better

 

[MMiller28]

My fretless Elrick is incredible.

 

[rickdog]

I've had a chance to play a Rick Turner Renaissance fretless. Wish I could afford one. Light as a feather, and sounds heavenly.

 

[Jeff Scott]

I've had a chance to play a Rick Turner Renaissance fretless. Wish I could afford one. Light as a feather, and sounds heavenly.

I used to have this one, and previously, the 5-string version.

 

[Passinwind]

I used to have this one, and previously, the 5-string version.

View attachment 4176555

Looks oddly familiar...