Finding an unlined fretless

[prowla]

My unlined fretless has a really good feel to it; it was way below the budget in this thread though.

The neck is a Mighty Mite and it has dots along the top edge.



The rest of the bass is:[list]
[*]A Squier body - I planned to replace it, but it really works well, so I'm not feeling the need.
[*]Badass II bridge.
[*]Wilkinson machines and a Hipshot bottom-E.
[*]Shadow passive pickups.
[*]My own wiring loom (CTS, Switchcraft).
[*]I've got a "Prowla" decal to put on the head, when I get around to it.
[/list]
As I say, it's way under budget here, but I like it!

I've just sold a Warmoth body/Status Graphite neck (lined fretless)/EMG pickups one with gold hardware which was rather good too!

[Paul S]

Ahem. I have this one for sale. I would be surprised if you could find better for the money.

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/301547-custom-built-fretless-precision-very-black/"]http://basschat.co.uk/topic/301547-custom-built-fretless-precision-very-black/[/url]

[Hutton]

[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1495613630' post='3305214']
Ahem. I have this one for sale. I would be surprised if you could find better for the money.

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/301547-custom-built-fretless-precision-very-black/"]http://basschat.co.u...ion-very-black/[/url]
[/quote]

Go for this bass. It's a no-brainer!

[EliasMooseblaster]

[quote name='monkey_dancer' timestamp='1495542162' post='3304567']
Yeah I've enquired about the Tony Franklin because it's beautiful. Keeping my eyes on the marketplace in general while I look, you never know when something cool will show up.
[/quote]

I can't recommend the Franklin highly enough - it's an absolute dream to play and sounds amazing...

[quote name='Paul S' timestamp='1495613630' post='3305214']
Ahem. I have this one for sale. I would be surprised if you could find better for the money.

[url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/301547-custom-built-fretless-precision-very-black/"]http://basschat.co.u...ion-very-black/[/url]
[/quote]

...but this is a fraction of the price, of course. I'd have been tempted myself if I didn't already have a Franklin.

[monkey_dancer]

[quote name='Hutton' timestamp='1495616694' post='3305247']
Go for this bass. It's a no-brainer!
[/quote]
I would but it's a bit far to travel and I'm not looking to buy without trying unfortunately. Looks like a killer deal for someone though!!

This has pulled up a lot of options to think about so thanks everyone for the suggestions so far!

Edited May 25, 2017 by monkey_dancer

[Guest ixlramp]

I was in the same situation as you, and bought a Warwick Streamer Standard 5 string fretless, around £500, unlined ebony board and completely passive.
You will need to search around for a place that can get one for you as many places refuse to deal with Warwick.

Edited May 26, 2017 by ixlramp

[monkey_dancer]

I've always liked the look of Warwick streamers, definitely a strong option.

[dmccombe7]

http://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/musicman-usa-sub-bass-very-rare-ebony-fretless-drop-dead-gorgeous.-stingray/1238068320

What about this on Gumtree

[DJCdelaHaye]

I've got a Manne Acoustibass fretless (mine's lined, but you could probably find an unlined one....); sounds fantastic. Took me an age to find a fretless that I actually enjoyed playing! Piezo and single-coil pickup. If you can find one, you could probably pick it up for around £800 - £1000.

Good luck!
David

[Guest Jecklin]

[quote name='dmccombe7' timestamp='1495867946' post='3307118']
http://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/musicman-usa-sub-bass-very-rare-ebony-fretless-drop-dead-gorgeous.-stingray/1238068320

What about this on Gumtree
[/quote]

Oh wow!
More than I'd want to pay for a SUB, but that's great. I can see how the seller would like to recoup some of their outlay in having the new fingerboard put on.

Edited May 29, 2017 by Jecklin

[monkey_dancer]

That sub does look good!

Ended up going for the Tony Franklin in the marketplace. Couldn't ignore that price!!

[mr zed]

A very wise choice - enjoy your new bass! I'm very envious!

[neilp]

Cort B4FL. OK, it's active, but you don't have to switch it on. Sounds great, plays great

[Chopthebass]

I just bought an Ibanez Portamento 5 string. I played lots of different makes in the shop and the Ibanez felt the most comfortable, and was more flexible soundwise with two pickups and piezo saddles. It really is a very good bass. You should track one down and try it.

[dmccombe7]

I bought a Jaydee Roadie fretless 2nd hand from Bass Direct for good bit under your budget. Think it was £800.
Its active but has a by-pass switch and has a very nice rounded tone with both active or passive mode.

Dave

[Quatschmacher]

You could get Jon Shuker to put a new fretless board on an existing neck for £150. I'm considering doing this on a fretted jazz I just bought.

Alternatively he builds necks to your specification from £250.

Edited June 16, 2017 by Quatschmacher