Starter Fretless Bass Suggestions

J

jonro

Jun 26, 2011
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#1
I recently decided to try playing a fretless bass. I don't know if it's something I'm going to play often or not, so I'd like to start off with an inexpensive and see how it goes. I think I would prefer lines and dots, to make it as easy as possible to ease into. After playing it for a while, I'll have a better idea of what features would be important to me in a future, more expensive fretless bass, assuming I bond with it. Your suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
 
#6
A couple times I have had the whim to think I wanted a fretless, and being cheap, and Fender oriented, I grabbed used (<$200) Squier VM Fretless's ... probably not something for the more serious fretless player (with the ebanol board which gets mixed reviews and the slightly raised lines), but it was enough to satisfy my whim until I sent them back down the road for what I paid ... both came already switched from stock rounds to flats, so that saved a few bucks too ...

Edit so add: ... I did try a cheap Stagg fretless several years ago, which was absolute junk, the hardware was falling apart in a couple weeks ...
 
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#7
I'd recommend this one from Rondo since I don't see one exactly like mine listed currently . SX Ursa 1 MN PBU FL Fretless Bass Guitar - RondoMusic.com
I got a kind of teal blue fretless J-bass from them a few years ago for about the same price and it's absolutely a decent bass. Hasn't warped or come apart over the 7-ish years so I guess it'll probably hang around for as long as I want it. Doesn't get a ton of play time but I do pick it up now and then. Especially lately since I got in a band that is doing some Bad Company tunes that sound like fretless bass lines to me.
 
#8
Can't get much cheaper, buying new, than SX.
Check the TB classifieds, there may be a used Squier to be had. Your local GC/mom-pop shop may have one or two to check out as well.
I like DIY projects, so I'd probably pick up a playable, pawn shop bass, in good shape, and pull the frets.
 
#11
Get one with lines, and if fortunate, one with the lines made of light-colored wood. Sometimes in 'budget' fretless models, they'll use plastic for the lines, and if the fingerboard shrinks, those will stick out just like a half-ass fret job on a fretted bass. Generally, the wood ones will expand and contract with the fingerboard wood, eliminating that problem.
 
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#15
With respect to the Squier VM fretless Jazz: over the years I've replaced the neck, tuners, pickups, added an Audere pre-amp. The only original bit left is the body - and because it weighs a ton and one-half it's going shortly. A long, roundabout way of saying 'it's OK, but you might keep your eye out for a used fretless of greater quality. It might save you money in the long-term.'
 
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#16
Haroldo said:
With respect to the Squier VM fretless Jazz: over the years I've replaced the neck, tuners, pickups, added an Audere pre-amp. The only original bit left is the body - and because it weighs a ton and one-half it's going shortly. A long, roundabout way of saying 'it's OK, but you might keep your eye out for a used fretless of greater quality. It might save you money in the long-term.'
Click to expand...

I did the same with the one I had. It was my number one bass for several years. The person who bought it received a KILLER bass for a great price.
 
#17
Haroldo said:
With respect to the Squier VM fretless Jazz: over the years I've replaced the neck, tuners, pickups, added an Audere pre-amp. The only original bit left is the body - and because it weighs a ton and one-half it's going shortly. A long, roundabout way of saying 'it's OK, but you might keep your eye out for a used fretless of greater quality. It might save you money in the long-term.'
Click to expand...
There's a whole lot to be said for this approach, always better deals available used. For example, do an ebay search for "Peavey" or "Carvin" with "fretless bass" right now and sort by price low to high. Usually will turn up some great values.

Edit: Or "Ibanez" even - one could do a lot worse for more money: Ibanez Soundgear SR370F Fretless Bass with Labella black tapewound strings | eBay (just an example, not promoting this particular item or seller). Just saying there are deals to be had out there.
 
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#20
Really can't go wrong with the Squier VM Jazz fretless IMO. Mine was a MF open box and showed up without a scratch. I took it my classic rock cover band rehearsals and a couple of jazz gigs and it always sounded great. The ebonol board is not everyone's cup of tea but it is bullet proof although some have said it mars white with use, mine was fine. I always felt that the neck was a tad thin when compared to other jazz basses but I also have hulk hands. I sold it when I stumbled across a Sire V7 fretless at the local toy store and decided I couldn't justify having two fretless basses. Others have suggested Rondo which is always a safe bet for experimenting or even long term. Happy shopping
 
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