carlsim Posted March 15, 2022 Share Posted March 15, 2022 Hi all... I am after some advice... I recently bought and successfully de-fretted a cheap HB musicman clone - the stealth black one as I have been after a 5 string fretless bass for a while. However, I REALLY want an unlined neck... just looks a bit more 'fretless' to me... anyway... i tried to disguise the infills on wood I glued in but you can still see it is a lined fretless - something I really wanted to avoid... Oh well... So - I am looking to purchase a mid-range (£500/£600 ish) bass - 5 string unlined fretless. Any ideas anyone? I am much more of a traditionalist so not overly keen on Ibanez style designs and am partial to a Jazz / MM setup... I did look at Sire as I already have a v7 but they only do lined necks... I have been looking at the RSD MetroExpress basses but they had such a bad press on release... Anyone got some wonderful ideas or anything they might like to sell!? 🙂 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matski Posted March 15, 2022 Share Posted March 15, 2022 Don't Yamaha do any unlined fretless BB basses? Would probably fit your brief.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted March 15, 2022 Author Share Posted March 15, 2022 Possible but honestly not really a fan of Yamaha design if I’m honest… I had a lined TRB yonks ago and that was great, but as I say, after something a bit more jazz / MM looking… Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Joe Nation Posted March 15, 2022 Share Posted March 15, 2022 If you like the HB, is it worth getting a new fretboard made instead? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Woodinblack Posted March 15, 2022 Share Posted March 15, 2022 There is the sadowski, maybe a bit over range: https://www.thomann.de/gb/sadowsky_metroexpress_21_5_vin_bk_fl.htm or the sire marcus miller, that is 5 string, jazz like, unlined and underbudget https://www.thomann.de/gb/marcus_miller_v7_alder_5_fl_awh_2nd_gen.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted March 15, 2022 Author Share Posted March 15, 2022 8 minutes ago, Woodinblack said: There is the sadowski, maybe a bit over range: https://www.thomann.de/gb/sadowsky_metroexpress_21_5_vin_bk_fl.htm or the sire marcus miller, that is 5 string, jazz like, unlined and underbudget https://www.thomann.de/gb/marcus_miller_v7_alder_5_fl_awh_2nd_gen.htm The metro express is the one I am definitely considering - the sire is a lined board - they don't do unlined from what I can see which is a shame as I would love an unlined fretless in burgundy mist to match my fretted! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted March 15, 2022 Author Share Posted March 15, 2022 17 minutes ago, Joe Nation said: If you like the HB, is it worth getting a new fretboard made instead? I did look into that - but it is a trifle heavy and if I am paying someone, I would rather put that money into a newer and hopefully, better quality bass. I did look at doing that myself but time / effort and skill seem to be lacking at something so complex as replacing a fingerboard! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
velvetkevorkian Posted March 15, 2022 Share Posted March 15, 2022 I have the P/J version of the Sadowsky, and am pretty happy with it. The main issue I have is how the P pickup is anchored, which is obviously not an issue on the J/J model. The neck and unlined board are lovely imo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TheLowDown Posted March 15, 2022 Share Posted March 15, 2022 I quite like the Harley Benton B550FL for about £148. https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_b_550fl_bk_progressive_series.htm Is this an "Ibanez design"? I don't know what is meant by that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BreadBin Posted March 15, 2022 Share Posted March 15, 2022 (edited) 12 minutes ago, TheLowDown said: I quite like the Harley Benton B550FL for about £148. https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_b_550fl_bk_progressive_series.htm Is this an "Ibanez design"? I don't know what is meant by that. I've got one - it's surprisingly decent. The tuners were a bit crap so I raided my parts drawer and changed them. The individual bridge saddles are a little fiddly to adjust but once they are locked down they're fine. Also you can bypass the active circuitry and run passive if you pull out the volume knob. Sounds good though, I have well used super light roundwound strings on 👍 Edited March 15, 2022 by BreadBin Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted March 15, 2022 Author Share Posted March 15, 2022 It is a weird statement - Ibanez design… I just mean a more modern style design… I guess the best thing to say is either jazz or musicman styling…. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted March 15, 2022 Author Share Posted March 15, 2022 26 minutes ago, TheLowDown said: I quite like the Harley Benton B550FL for about £148. https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_b_550fl_bk_progressive_series.htm Is this an "Ibanez design"? I don't know what is meant by that. I guess I would consider that design to be more modern… I have looked at those…. I even started looking at the stuff on Aliexpress…. Never bought a guitar from there but perhaps with some fettling, it could be good?? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gareth Hughes Posted March 15, 2022 Share Posted March 15, 2022 Shameless plug - you could stretch the budget for this fine beastie - 😜 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
carlsim Posted March 15, 2022 Author Share Posted March 15, 2022 7 minutes ago, Gareth Hughes said: Shameless plug - you could stretch the budget for this fine beastie - 😜 I have looked longingly at this one I must admit… has everything I am after except a lower price tag! great basses, I had one of Adrian’s basses a few years ago and true workmanship… do talk to me if there is leeway with the price though… 😉 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyonbass Posted March 16, 2022 Share Posted March 16, 2022 Not exactly a Fender clone I know, but a perfectly lovely unlined 5 string Letts custom that I'm reluctantly considering letting go seeing as my Status is not selling. £475 More photos and details on request if you're interested.... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matski Posted March 16, 2022 Share Posted March 16, 2022 There's a Sadowsky Metro Express Hybrid PJ 4-21 Fretless up for sale at Bass Direct that looks alright, but it's a 4 string. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Downunderwonder Posted March 17, 2022 Share Posted March 17, 2022 On 16/03/2022 at 03:07, Woodinblack said: There is the sadowski, maybe a bit over range: https://www.thomann.de/gb/sadowsky_metroexpress_21_5_vin_bk_fl.htm or the sire marcus miller, that is 5 string, jazz like, unlined and underbudget https://www.thomann.de/gb/marcus_miller_v7_alder_5_fl_awh_2nd_gen.htm I clicked on the Sire, fully lined in the image. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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