Why so few budget fretless options?

[uk_lefty]

If you already have effects at your disposal then you can get a lot more out of a cheap Fretless by using say the enhancer settings on a Boss bass limiter/ enhancer, a bit of digital delay or reverb, a bit of chorus, or variants of a lot of presets on a multi fx. Even just plucking the strings over the last few frets rather than over the pickups makes a difference. Plus different string choices. In short, even if you have to settle for something cheaper and with hardware and electronics you aren't happy with there is still so much you can do to coax good sounds out! Good luck with the search. 

[GisserD]

16 minutes ago, lownote12 said:

I've had similar recommended to me.  But arent the Ibanez string spacings very close?

this is true. 16.5mm

this would normally put me off aswell, but upon playing one, the left hand technique is so different, that i dont even think about it. 

[jrixn1]

The SRH500F has 19mm spacing (so unusual for an Ibanez SR).  Slightly over budget at £535 currently at bax-shop.
 

[GisserD]

yes thats a cracking deal!

[lksmks792]

I saw a second hand SRH500F on Belgian ebay the other day for 400 euros. Now sold, however, but if that's what they're going for, it's a great deal.

[iomamo]

12 hours ago, lownote12 said:

I've had similar recommended to me.  But arent the Ibanez string spacings very close?

Ibanez SR370EF is 19mm at the bridge and nut width is 38mm, i.e. Fender Jazz spacings.