Olafgarten Posted September 25, 2016 Share Posted September 25, 2016 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisheth Posted September 25, 2016 Share Posted September 25, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted September 25, 2016 Share Posted September 25, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dyerseve Posted September 25, 2016 Share Posted September 25, 2016 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grangur Posted September 25, 2016 Share Posted September 25, 2016 That first Yamaha looks nice - nice clean fret-lines. But he's in Cornwall and won't post!!! How frustrating Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ead Posted September 25, 2016 Share Posted September 25, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ead Posted September 25, 2016 Share Posted September 25, 2016 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cato Posted September 25, 2016 Share Posted September 25, 2016 [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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Burns-bass Posted September 26, 2016 Share Posted September 26, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tauzero Posted September 29, 2016 Share Posted September 29, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sibob Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 Definitely a used BB model Yamaha, there must be a fretless hanging around Si Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ras52 Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 [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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hubrad Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul S Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CokeyW Posted September 30, 2016 Share Posted September 30, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fleabag Posted October 4, 2016 Share Posted October 4, 2016 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BigRedX Posted October 5, 2016 Share Posted October 5, 2016 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bartelby Posted October 5, 2016 Share Posted October 5, 2016 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! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cygnus x-1 Posted October 12, 2016 Share Posted October 12, 2016 (edited) 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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