if you go for an unlined version, you may feel you are not playing in tune, as the dots on the side are not where the frets would be. I have played both and personally found the lined version easier to play. Scott Devine (scott's bass lessons) on youtube has a great video on fretless advice you should check it out. Also, if you are just new to it I would recommend not spending a fortune on a fretless, as they are not for everyone!! Thomann sell a Harley Beton fretless jazz at a frighteningly cheap price for the spec. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_jb_40fl_sb.htm"]http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_jb_40fl_sb.htm[/url] I can vouch for the quality and sound of this bass. Just depends if th name on the badge bothers you or not!!