Looking for fretless 5-string under £900

[Rob MacKillop]

...that will come closest to a double-bass sound. I know it is impossible to emulate a DB sound on anything other than a DB, but I'll be using it exclusively for jazz and classical music. I'm not into Jaco's sound, mwha, etc. I've had a few brief attempts at playing an EUB, but would much prefer a bass guitar. It wouldn't bother me if it had or didn't have fret lines. Your thoughts would be very much appreciated.
Rob

[dmz]

Ibanez SRH705F or SRF705 would do the trick I believe - both have piezo pickups to give that sound you are after - SRH is semi-acoustic so should be the most "double bass" like in its tone possibilities - plenty of clips on YouTube.

[sprocketflup]

Was gonna suggest an Ibanez SRF705 but I see someone beat me to it. I got my SRF700 because after looking into it, it gave me the closest to a DB sound for the budget I had.

Its probably the finest bass Ive ever played, I love it. Got a very slim neck, cant speak about the fiver. In fact Id say the neck is perfect. Only compliant is that theres no choice of colours/finishes.

[Woodinblack]

I have a SRF705 - great thing, and I must admit to leaving mine on the piezo all the time as it is a great sound.

It doesn't have fret lines, but if it did, it would have 30 of them!

[dmz]

Make that SRH505F not 705 🤓

[Rob MacKillop]

Thanks, guys. Do you mean this: https://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/product/170202307192008--ibanez-srh505f-nnf-natural-browned-burst?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7OLa9Ii31QIVi6ntCh30lwoHEAQYAiABEgJkIfD_BwE

[Rob MacKillop]

The 4-string version is available, but the 5-string is not out yet. Part of me wants a 5-string, though I do wonder if I'll regret the decision to buy one after a month or so of having it. Perhaps the 4-string would be better.

[Woodinblack]

He meant that, I meant the SRF705 - http://www.ibanez.com/products/u_eb_detail17.php?year=2017&cat_id=2&series_id=51&data_id=100&color=CL01

[sprocketflup]

[quote name='Woodinblack' timestamp='1501627578' post='3346128']
He meant that, I meant the SRF705 - [url="http://www.ibanez.com/products/u_eb_detail17.php?year=2017&cat_id=2&series_id=51&data_id=100&color=CL01"]http://www.ibanez.co...=100&color=CL01[/url]
[/quote]

Me too.

[Grahambythesea]

I'll give a shout for the Spector Spectorcore which also has a Piezo bridge (Fishman). Within budget 4 & 5 string versions very well made and it has an 'f' hole!!!👍🏿😉

[Rob MacKillop]

Okay, thanks. That's three contenders, and they all look of decent quality. Hard to tell, though, which would be the more DB-like.

[Rob MacKillop]

I ordered the 4-string Ibanez [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]SRH505F - fingers crossed.[/font][/color]

[Geek99]

update us when you get it ...

[Rob MacKillop]

Will do.

[Machines]

I know it's a bit more, but i'd be getting one of these:

http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/LW_VL5_FR_Amb.html

[BigRedX]

[quote name='Machines' timestamp='1501683430' post='3346542']
I know it's a bit more, but i'd be getting one of these:

[url="http://www.bassdirect.co.uk/bass_guitar_specialists/LW_VL5_FR_Amb.html"]http://www.bassdirec...VL5_FR_Amb.html[/url]
[/quote]

Exactly what I was going to suggest.

[Rob MacKillop]

More than I was willing to pay. Looks good though...when I need an upgrade.

[BigRedX]

[quote name='Rob MacKillop' timestamp='1501684510' post='3346558']
More than I was willing to pay. Looks good though...when I need an upgrade.
[/quote]

If you are prepared to wait, I'm sure a second hand one will turn up that is within your budget. I get my 4-string Lightwave Sabre A with a fretless and a spare fretted neck for under £500 including delivery from the US, import duty and VAT.

[Woodinblack]

I found that the [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]SRH505F and SRF705 sounded fairly similar on just the piezo (on the 705 obviously), I prefered the weight and neck on the 705 but obviously these things are subjective. I was lucky that PMT had both in.[/font][/color]

[Rob MacKillop]

Well, I've made my choice for the present. We shall see. It arrives Friday.

Edited August 2, 2017 by Rob MacKillop

[Woodinblack]

Oh I wasn't trying to say it was wrong, they are both good, just different and a fretless 5 is well worth having, I am sure it is going to be good.

[dmz]

Look forward to hearing your impressions of the SRH when it arrives. Ibanez do seem to be making some intriguing gear atm.

Jeez - they've just brought out a 6-string version of the SRF (706). I was toying with the idea of getting back into 6-string with the SRFF806 - the fanned fret beastie. Now they bring out this.......

I did try out a SRF705 in Denmark St a while back and was very impressed by the tones I was getting and the overall feel of the instrument. I just don't know how they do it for the money. Lots of people saying that I know but it's true 🙃

[Tradfusion]

These look like very nice fretless'es.. also interested in hearing how you get on with it

[Rob MacKillop]

Well, it arrived safely half an hour ago, and I've been playing it through my only bass amp, a Phil Jones Double Four. First impressions are favourable. For the price point it is very well made, no rough work anywhere, everything works. It's very light, which to this 58-year old is no bad thing. The strings are flatwound Chromes, I think - a little on the thin side for me. I've been playing with Rotosound tapewound strings on my Danelectro, and might purchase a set for the Ibanez.

The sound is good, closer to acoustic bass than to Jaco, which I'm happy about (l love Jaco, but don't want to go there). It has some mwah, but only if you let it. So, my initial impressions of the sound and playability are positive. What I'm a bit perplexed about are the dark lines - when I'm playing I can't see them. Also, apart from the side dots, which align with the black fret lines, there are onboard position markers, which do not align with anything useful. I can't see them either, when I'm playing! Even when I push my neck out and take a look at the fretboard, the E string hides them. Now, I'm not too bothered, as the side dots are all I require, but it does make me think that all the work that has gone into the lines and dots are a waste of time and money. What's the point of visual aids if you can't see them?!

I'll change the strings and raise the action a millimetre, then I think I will be very happy. Again, for the price point it is a bargain. It's certainly a gigable instrument. My intention is to use in a generally-acoustic jazz setting, and I think it will do that job very nicely.

Edited August 4, 2017 by Rob MacKillop

[Rob MacKillop]

After a couple of days playing, I've come to appreciate the low action, and the strings are beginning to feel better under my fingers - they seem to need to be played in for a while before giving their best. I'm still impressed with the quality for the price, and recommend this bass.