Bass Player With $600 Seeks Good 5 String Fretless

dogdays

dogdays

Mar 30, 2018
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4,551
ohio
#1
Suggestions welcome. I'm researched out. Sound and versatility at top of my list.
Wouldn't hurt either if it weighed less than an oak tree.
Really looking for unlined, but lined is OK, and side dots would work.
 
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#5
Well as it turns out my used G&L L2500 fretless (happens to be lined but that is irrelevant) is not just 'good' but THE most amazing 5 string fretless I own. It is my main axe and I LOVE it. nothing more versatile and killer tone in all modes. And it so happens I paid $600 for it. But of course that had some luck there. Just saying keep your eyes open.

On the other hand I have a couple SR series Ibanez and I would not discount that choice either. different beast from G&L but still totally killer in it's own way. Look at all those too!

For fretless I tend to prefer unlined (for looks) and an ebony fingerboard (for tone) although I have an SX Fender clone Jazz in alder with a rosewood board that I got for $99 years ago and it's still none too shabby and I still have it, but the G&L is better, but then it cost much more. I see no reason why you can't find a killer fretless 5 in the $600 range.
 
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#6
I’d keep my eyes open for a Carvin LB75 or, better yet, a BB75 (Bunny Brunel signature). Ebony fretboard and just all around well made basses.

There is an LB75 fretless on Reverb now for $899 (no affiliation); I know it’s out of your price range, but something like it would be where I’d look.
 
#8
Lakland skyline with Audere preamp. Very sweet glossy fretboard with lines. Might let this one go
 

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#10
bassbenj said:
Well as it turns out my used G&L L2500 fretless (happens to be lined but that is irrelevant) is not just 'good' but THE most amazing 5 string fretless I own. It is my main axe and I LOVE it. nothing more versatile and killer tone in all modes. And it so happens I paid $600 for it. But of course that had some luck there. Just saying keep your eyes open.

On the other hand I have a couple SR series Ibanez and I would not discount that choice either. different beast from G&L but still totally killer in it's own way. Look at all those too!

For fretless I tend to prefer unlined (for looks) and an ebony fingerboard (for tone) although I have an SX Fender clone Jazz in alder with a rosewood board that I got for $99 years ago and it's still none too shabby and I still have it, but the G&L is better, but then it cost much more. I see no reason why you can't find a killer fretless 5 in the $600 range.
Click to expand...

I thought the G&L was closer to $1k - kinda glad I just found this out...

EDIT: ditto the Lakland
 
#14
I find all the ibanez sr's are extremely comfortable to play but the bodies lacks density and therefore lack a good deal of sustain compared to many other basses , the exception being the sr 30th anniverary bass which is slightly wider than ever other sr's ive ever seen , seems to sustain nicely but dont think its ever been offered as a fretless
 
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