Shorter scale 5 string fretless bass (for high C) - does such a bass exist

Frodolicious

Frodolicious

Supporting Member
May 29, 2018
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#1
Hi TB Friends,

I am a bass player for about 2 1/2 years. The bass I have used is a parts Jazz bass since the very beginning (I'm a tinkerer so it was a fun project/challenge)! Anyway, I'm curious in a bass that is definitely different from my 4 string passive jazz strung with flats.

A shorter scale (<34 inches) 5 string fretless bass for high C is what I am interested in, and plan to string it with either roundwounds or Daddario Chromes. Pickup configuration doesn't matter to me, though I generally don't like having a preamp in a bass, so preferably passive.

What is available that you know of that meets the above criteria? I'm curious in basses that also come close. Thanks, folks!
 
#2
There are a few 5 string 30" short scales out there, I would guess at least one must be available in a fretless suitable for EADGC tuning. But I can't point you to one - surely someone here can.
 
#5
Kiesel / Carvin as well, looks like, but they'll definitely be pricier than Maruszczyk.
 
#8
BassmanM said:
I dig that particular BTB a lot, but the OP wants a fretless....
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ah yes, hadn't noticed the search had dropped that term. :( I could swear they had one in the semi-hollow SR line, but I haven't been able to find it again.
 
#9
Rondo has 1 in stock:

Brice HXB2-405 3/4 MN Oceanburst Flame Short Scale Bass Fretless - RondoMusic.com

It is active but has an active/passive switch. (I have an older model that is fretted. I replaced the pickups and wired it passive only.) I use the low B, so not sure if the nut will require mods to use E to high C.

My two other short scale 5’s are Birdsong and Carvin/Kiesel. I’m sure either could build what you’re looking for. :)
 
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#10
If you have money Status Graphite has a 'Bendwell' option on their headless basses which is a feature to let you press the strings past the nut like a normal headed bass. To do this Rob moves the nut to the 32" scale position so you can use regular 34" scale strings. Everybody thought the Bendwell on a fretless was redundant, which it is, but I ordered it strictly for the 32" scale length. I never used the Bendwell for its intended purpose.
SGS301.jpg
 
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#12
If you want an unlined fretless, it is not difficult to reposition the bridge, paint over existing side dots, and add new dots of your own spaced for the new scale. I did this with a Warmoth fretless Gecko neck, modified to be 34" scale (from 35 as manufactured).
 
#14
nilorius said:
Why do you need exactly such type of a fretless bass ?
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Really nothing except for my own enjoyment. I love the single bass I have, just want something that can give me different sounds. Finally in a financial place where I can buy a fretless.

My hands are small. 34 inch scale is challenging. With a fretless, I think I'd have an easier time with a smaller scale with proper technique.
 
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#15
Rob Allen Mouse meets some of your criteria - 30", fretless, high C. However, it does have a preamp coz it only has a piezo. And quite honestly his basses only sound good with the 760ns they come with. Believe me, I tried. I used to have an mb2.

Other disadvantages are price, the wait and to be honest I'm not a fan of acoustic saddles on a fretless, but that's just me.
 
#19
Fender made the Bass V back in the 60's/early '70's. Kind of a weird looking thing like a cross between a Mustang and Gumby. I think John Paul Jones used one, there were pictures of him with one, at least. Didn't have a lot of frets. If you can find even one of those for sale there's no telling how much it might cost.
 
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