First bass, want a 4 string fretless for less than £250

[Olafgarten]

Hi, I have been playing guitar for a while but there are some really cool bass parts I would like to learn that don't sound the same on guitar. I would like to learn fretless as it's a more different than a regular guitar and there are some really good parts with fretless or double basses that I would like to learn.

In terms of requirements I have the following preferences:

1. 4 Strings
2. Fretless
3. Preferably lines, although not necessary
4. Preferably Natural or Solid Colour finish, no sunburst unless it has a flamed top.
5. Under £250, £270 is the absolute maximum.

I have been looking at some Harley Benton stuff, with the view that if they are cheaper I can upgrade some parts.

The model I was looking at in particular was the Harley Benton Beatbass.

Is there anything else I should look for, either new or used?

Edited September 25, 2016 by Olafgarten

[Fisheth]

Retrovibe, Squier and Vintage all do good options in that pricepoint.

As do Harley Benton.

Is there anything else you want apart from all that?because you've got a few to choose from.

[Grangur]

If I were you, looking in that budget range, I'd try to find a "used" one. If you can, though, be careful about buying one that's been de-fretted by the user there are many people out there doing it, not really knowing what they're doing.

If you're good with tools and working an instrument, you may do well to buy a low-cost fretted and do what Jaco did.

[dyerseve]

A used Yamaha would be my recommendation as their quality will be miles better than any other budget instruments.

Something like these:
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122139651032

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222254390254

This Japanese made Aria could also be a good shout:
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112147736067

Edited September 25, 2016 by dyerseve

[Grangur]

That first Yamaha looks nice - nice clean fret-lines. But he's in Cornwall and won't post!!! How frustrating

[ead]

Deffo Yamaha. My first fretless was a pre-loved Yamaha RBX270F bought on Fleabay, pretty decent and eventually sold it on for roughly what I paid for it four years later. Good basses.

[ead]

Mine was just like this one, cost me £90 iirc.

[url="http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Yamaha-Fretless-Bass-/122139651032?hash=item1c70172bd8:g:6U4AAOSwmLlX3sUR"]http://www.ebay.co.u...U4AAOSwmLlX3sUR[/url]

Edited September 25, 2016 by ead

[Cato]

[quote name='dyerseve' timestamp='1474803060' post='3140582']
A used Yamaha would be my recommendation as their quality will be miles better than any other budget instruments.

Something like these:
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/122139651032

Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/222254390254

This Japanese made Aria could also be a good shout:
Look at this on eBay http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/112147736067
[/quote]

If that Yamaha wasn't collect only from Cornwall I'd seriously have had that for £100.

[Burns-bass]

I'd go for a Warwick bass. There is one on the site I think, and I bought one for about £180 once. Was a beautiful bass for the money and played and sounded wonderful.

[tauzero]

Seen in the Ebay section - there's a Squier VM fretless for £100 on Gumtree. [url="https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/squier-vintage-modified-fretless-bass-guitar/1190076168"]https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/squier-vintage-modified-fretless-bass-guitar/1190076168[/url] If you're somewhere near that, or the seller will post it, it could be a good bet.

[Sibob]

Definitely a used BB model Yamaha, there must be a fretless hanging around

Si

[ras52]

[quote name='Sibob' timestamp='1475234551' post='3144238']
Definitely a used BB model Yamaha, there must be a fretless hanging around

Si
[/quote]

I used to have a BB350F, shame there's no fretless in the current BB lineup - I'd jump on a 425F/1025F with very little persuasion!

[hubrad]

Whereabouts are you? If around W.Yorks you're welcome to a go on my Cruiser to see if it does the job for you.
Mine's a defret, which I'm happy with as a fretless/DB player anyway. I think Cruiser also did a fretless model but not in JB format. They were excellent value when they were available new, so a used one is even better.

[Paul S]

I would throw a Westone Thunder 1A fretless into the mix. Exceptionally nice fretless for the money, unlined board, wonderful tone. I've had two at various stages and they knock spots of most Squiers IMO. You should get one for under £200.

[CokeyW]

If you search under my name you'll find my listing for a Yamaha RBX300. It never did make it to eBay. You won't find better to get started on. Did me fine.

[fleabag]

You could do a lot worse than an ESP LTD

New price is around £422 + so a private seller / 2nd hand bass should be around your price.

Ex demo one on fleabay , but they're a dealer, so will be higher than private sales

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ESP-LTD-B-204-SM-FL-Fretless-Bass-Guitar-Natural-Satin-EX-DEMO-/272373661571?hash=item3f6abc3f83:g:yWcAAOSw-kdX1ro5

[BigRedX]

Where are you? If you can go to some music shops and play as many fretless basses (including those over your price limit) so you can get an idea of what you like and what you don't. Also if you are intending to play standing up make sure that you try what ever you like on a strap first before parting with any money. I made the mistake of buying a Squier VM Fretless jazz after 45 minutes trying it sitting down in the shop and only discovered when i got it home and put a strap on it I couldn't easily reach the G string machine head.

[bartelby]

I've borrowed a mate's Ibanez SR400FL. Solid black colour, PJ pickups, unlined board. He picked up off ebay last year for £120.
It's a fantastic bass and I'm rather jealous.

The problem is it was only a short run instrument, so they're a tad hard to find. But if you see one I'd say get it!

[Cygnus x-1]

How about this Vintage lined fretless, I know it's sunburst but IMO it's a fantastic fretless, I used to use it in a reggae band but dont now. pm me if interested, cheers.

Edited October 12, 2016 by Cygnus x-1