Cheap Fretless Hype?

[YouMa]

I was thinking about buying one of those HB fretless. Everyone on YouTube seems pleased. I thought I might stick a cheap preamp in, like those Guyker ones. Any thoughts?

[Burns-bass]

They’re a good fretless bass and they’re cheap. 
 

If you’re looking for something to try, then give them a go. If you take to it, you’ll rapidly experience limitations. If you own or play more expensive and refined guitars it’ll become apparent soon enough.

They’re about a million times better than the entry level junk I had in the 90s.

 

[jimmyb625]

I'm not sure which ones are being raved about on YouTube, but I have their version of the fretless lined Jazz bass.

Plays really well and sounded good enough to record with (which I did). The only downside, is that it seems to be made from depleted uranium, so sitting down is the only option.

[Waddo Soqable]

If I wanted to try fretless one of those HB type things would be the obvious choice

I can't think there would be much point putting a pre amp in it tho... You'd be better with an external one you could use with other stuff perhaps.. 

[YouMa]

Has anyone used on of those Guyker preamp? Any good.

[uk_lefty]

I've got the HB fretless jazz. It's very good, excellent value, I have gigged it and will again. All components could be made 10% better but I don't see the need to fit a preamp when a preamp pedal can do you the same job. If you want an active fretless there's the Site V7 which does look very nice with the coated fretboard and the pre is fantastic.

[Fishfacefour]

I got the Sire v7 fretless as I wanted a fiver. It's very good. Preamp gives a huge range of tones and neck feels good. 

 

[TheGreek]

Squier VM fretless are about the same money used (£200?)

[YouMa]

I had a VM but hated the phenolic fingerboard.

[TheGreek]

That was my experience with a fretless Hohner B2 back in the late 80s.

[YouMa]

Well I took the plunge and it's a beautiful instrument. I might be wrong but the body looks like a single piece of Ash??!. I love playing fretless again really slows you down and makes everything sensual and expressive. The head/neck dive is terrible though. I sort of like the fact it weighs a ton though. Feels really solid. Can't go wrong for 150 squid.

[YouMa]

Had a blast through mixing desk and this feels great. I just did a refuge of the roads type thing and this is a great bass. The build quality is great.

[snorkie635]

The view from my window is more akin to refuse of the roads. 🙂

[lonestar]

On 17/04/2023 at 20:15, TheGreek said:

Squier VM fretless are about the same money used (£200?)

I'd certainly endorse these. I had one on a long term loan from a friend for a while and really didn't want to give it back.