Fretless bass recommendations (unlined)

[muttley]

I currently own a Vintage V1004 fretless but whilst I like the way this plays I'm not really keen on the appearance and there are aspects of the fit and finish that are lacking and the pre-amp seems noisy. I want something light in weight that's not a Fender-a-like. Unlined is important - although I started on a de-fretted bass I played one recently and the incorrectly positioned markers confused me. Budget is around £500 (new or s/h). Is there anything out there that matches my requirements or do I have to increase my budget? Thanks .

[ezbass]

Sandberg? I know my basic is nice and light and extremely well balanced. This one on BC is a bit higher than your budget, but as all of the owners here will attest they're fantastic value for money. http://basschat.co.uk/topic/163985-fs-sandberg-bullet-custom-fretless-l600-ono/page__hl__sandberg

Edited March 24, 2012 by ezbass

[guybrush threepwood]

Cheers for the recommendation! 'tis a lovely fretless...

[pete.young]

Check out LaurenceH's Bass Collection SB330 . I have an SB320 unlined fretless that you are welcome to come round and try if you're worried about buying unseen.

[pietruszka]

[quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1332590098' post='1590362']
Sandberg? I know my basic is nice and light and extremely well balanced. This one on BC is a bit higher than your budget, but as all of the owners here will attest they're fantastic value for money. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/163985-fs-sandberg-bullet-custom-fretless-l600-ono/page__hl__sandberg"]http://basschat.co.u...e__hl__sandberg[/url]
[/quote]

+1 for the Sandberg Basic. Its an excellent bass with a cracking pre amp, and yes they are fantastically light and very easy to play. Mine gets used for pretty much everything, it's done breakbeat, country, rock and blues. I love it, you wont be disappointed.



Dan

[muttley]

Thanks for the replies so far.

[quote name='ezbass' timestamp='1332590098' post='1590362']
Sandberg? I know my basic is nice and light and extremely well balanced. This one on BC is a bit higher than your budget, but as all of the owners here will attest they're fantastic value for money. [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/163985-fs-sandberg-bullet-custom-fretless-l600-ono/page__hl__sandberg"]http://basschat.co.u...e__hl__sandberg[/url]
[/quote]

That certainly is a lovely instrument and I had already seen it in the classifieds. It is stretching the budget a bit though, plus I'd really like a bass with 2 pickups. The other thing is I'm not ready to push the button just yet. I'm waiting for some cash to come in so with the apparent shortage of basses that fit my requirements I was expecting my research to take quite a bit of time .

[quote name='pete.young' timestamp='1332598837' post='1590513']
I have an SB320 unlined fretless that you are welcome to come round and try if you're worried about buying unseen.
[/quote]

That's very decent of you, Pete, and I may just take you up on that offer .

What are Warwick necks like? I've seen the odd fretless come up for sale.

[Emanew]

Hello,

My first fretless was a Godin acousticaster in the 90's (i still own it). Ebony fingerboard, acoustic chamber, LR Baggs Preamp...
You can play without using an amp (it is simpler when you need to practice) and plugged you have a rich sound.
Godin basses (acoustic or solid body) are not expensive on the second hand market but are good instruments.
Check the neck and trussrod first, and play !

I hope it will help.

[Jacqueslemac]

Warwicks are great! They don't keep their value at the moment, so you can pick up a real bargain. Don't go for a bubinga one if you're after light weight.