First Time Buying Fretless

[BadWithNames]

Hello, TalkBass community,

I was wondering if I could get your opinions on something: purchasing a fretless Jazz.

I’ve never played a fretless bass guitar, only fretted and uprights, and don’t really play Jazz basses.

However, a bass that I’m really liking he look of has recently had a major price drop (of about $600) and is only about $1900 now. Would it be smart to take the risk on such an expensive instrument that would be a first for me?

I’m not going to go into specifics as to what bass it is exactly, as every time I do so, it seems someone goes and snatches the bass up, but I will say that it’s a company I enjoy. My limited experience with the company has left a very good impression.

However, the bass is on eBay, and the seller doesn’t accept returns. I was fine with this, but my mother pointed out that if there are any problems with it once I get it, I’m out of luck.

My hesitation and uncertainty should be enough to tell me not to buy it, but when GAS hits, I fall to the mercy of my desire. Maybe a wise voice from the community will set my concerns to rest, or slap some sense into me.

 

[jd56hawk]

You really should try one first…as people say here every day.
As for the "No return" policy, not for me, no matter what.
Other than that, what will ebay do to assure you don't get ripped off?

 

[tfer]

You really should try one first…as people say here every day.
As for the "No return" policy, not for me, no matter what.
Other than that, what will ebay do to assure you don't get ripped off?

This.

I’m not concerned about whether you’ll enjoy playing fretless, but more along the issues of a damaged or faulty instrument. No returns, no matter what? Not a chance.

As a rule, I won’t buy an instrument online - I want to play it before I drop the cash on it - however even if you’re comfortable buying a bass sight unseen, with a no return policy, you’re SOL.

 

[BadWithNames]

This.

I’m not concerned about whether you’ll enjoy playing fretless, but more along the issues of a damaged or faulty instrument. No returns, no matter what? Not a chance.

As a rule, I won’t buy an instrument online - I want to play it before I drop the cash on it - however even if you’re comfortable buying a bass sight unseen, with a no return policy, you’re SOL.

I kind of feel the same way. Last time, and first time, I bought an instrument used online, from Guitar Center, it came in a much worse condition than described.

eBay does give a money back guarantee for unresolved problems, including not arriving, or arriving in a condition not consistent with the description. However, I’m pretty sure that the seller could just tell me to screw off, and call it resolved.

These basses don’t come up extremely often. I’ve only seen three fretless Jazz basses from this company on the 18 months I’ve been patrolling the internet for this company’s basses. This one is being sold by an antiques dealer who typically sells teapots. The bass is a 2009, and still has plastic on the control conver.

 

[tfer]

I kind of feel the same way. Last time, and first time, I bought an instrument used online, from Guitar Center, it came in a much worse condition than described.

eBay does give a money back guarantee for unresolved problems, including not arriving, or arriving in a condition not consistent with the description. However, I’m pretty sure that the seller could just tell me to screw off, and call it resolved.

These basses don’t come up extremely often. I’ve only seen three fretless Jazz basses from this company on the 18 months I’ve been patrolling the internet for this company’s basses. This one is being sold by an antiques dealer who typically sells teapots. The bass is a 2009, and still has plastic on the control conver.

What does the description say about the playability of the bass?

A company that usually sells teapots won’t have the slightest clue about the playing condition of a bass...

If this were a guarantee about Royal Albert china, I’d feel much more confident, but a rank amateur can tell you nothing about a very specialized musical instrument like a fretless bass.

The fact that any complaint to eBay can be nullified by pointing out the prominent “No return” message, puts all the risk in your court.

If you’ve got the disposable cash, and are willing to risk it, go ahead. But there’s not a chance in hell that I’d do it.

 

[ZenGuitarist]

I wouldn't buy a bass from an eBay seller that didn't normally deal in music equipment and had a no returns policy. Too risky.

Since you've never played a fretless bass before, I'd recommend buying something inexpensive first to see how you like playing a fretless before committing to a more expensive one. For example, the Squier Vintage Modified Fretless Jazz Bass is a good starter fretless bass.

 

[el_Bajo_Verde]

Don't bother. The price drop and "no returns" policy are huge red flags. Wait for a different one!

 

[MD]

I wouldn't advise dropping that kind of coin on a first fretless. $200-300 on a new/used Squier will allow you to get your feet - or fingers - wet. You can always upgrade later if you find you love fretless. And I'd bet you'd find a nice one here on the TB classifieds too. And... you'll be helping a fellow TB'er move his/her bass as well.

 

[BadWithNames]

I wouldn't advise dropping that kind of coin on a first fretless. $200-300 on a new/used Squier will allow you to get your feet - or fingers - wet. You can always upgrade later if you find you love fretless. And I'd bet you'd find a nice one here on the TB classifieds too. And... you'll be helping a fellow TB'er move his/her bass as well.

Yeah, there’s a nice Willcox fretless bass listed on here that’s very close to where I live, about 20 min, for about $700. Only concerns are the Lightwave pick ups’ battery life, and the maple fretboard. Never played a maple fretboard.

 

[Wisebass]

my mother pointed out that if there are any problems with it once I get it, I’m out of luck.

Hi BadWithNames

Your mother is wise!!!

only about $1900 now

For that money you can get a very fine instrument! (one that you can return, just in case...!!!)

Always try before you buy!

Maybe a wise voice from the community will set my concerns to rest, or slap some sense into me.

okay?

may the bass be with you

Wise(b)ass

 

[BadWithNames]

Hi BadWithNames

Your mother is wise!!!



For that money you can get a very fine instrument! (one that you can return, just in case...!!!)

Always try before you buy!



View attachment 2921050

okay?

may the bass be with you

Wise(b)ass

My mother may be wise, but I’m still in that phase of life where everything she says brings out annoyance and aggravation. Her wise words feel on nearly deaf ears.

However, her wise words, along with those of everyone in the Talkbass community, have been heard. Barely. I still desire the bass, the Modulus VJ fretless on eBay, but I see that dropping that much money on a bass from an inexperienced seller isn’t wise. Especially considering the fact that I’m most certainly not an expert when it comes to bass guitars and condition. I probably wouldn’t notice any problems with it for a few weeks.

I’ve had my Modulus Quantum for over a year, and I still haven’t even taken the control cavity cover off! I’m still using the same strings that were on it when I bought it, even.

 

[JRA]

i'm definitely not the guy to ask* (so why am i responding? ), but i wouldn't pay $1900 for any bass, especially a fretless! a fretless has fewer parts (frets)!

as every instrument requires its own unique setup: get something affordable, set it up for the best of that instrument, and see if fretless is for you (i'm sure you'll like it!). if it's not for you = the resale 'hit' won't be as much of a letdown, if at all.

that's all i got: good luck with your decision!

* IMO: any fretless is better than fretted! ha! and a cheap fretless is the best! ha!x's2

 

[saabfender]

Fretless is a ton of fun. What percentage of the time do you plan to play a fretless instrument? All the time? When you play a couple specific genres? As a practice tool (which I highly recommend)?

That should really dictate how much money you drop on an instrument like that. You can get something really nice used for <$500. What kind of instruments will you find? Lots of things that guys bought new and decided it wasn’t for them. These basses are lo miles and already depreciated so you don’t take such a punch in the nose if you want to bal on it.

I recently got one and can’t hardly put it down.

 

[AriaPro_SB1000]

FWIW, I just bought a Ammoon Jazz copy for a whole 86.00 on eBay and will be converting the neck to fretless. It'll be the second bass I've converted. I do have an acoustic that's fretless as well, but yeah, don't spend that much on a guitar, just to find out you don't like playing it...

 

[MrLenny1]

IMHO I would not spend that much on a first time fretless.
Get a Yamaha for a few hundred bucks.
Also, if you decide not to keep it a fretless is not any easy resale.

 

[Element Zero]

While I agree with others, it’s risky... however... if you got the cash and are willing to devote yourself to playing it like your life depended on it, I say go for it.

What do I know... my first and only fretless was a brand spankin new Pedulla.

 

[MonetBass]

Definitely get a cheaper fretless for your first foray into that world. Try it, and if you really like it, start looking for a nicer instrument. Really, though, since you've played upright, a fretless electric should come pretty naturally to you.