Twigman Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 I've never played a fretless and quite fancy giving it a go, so I'm toying with the idea of picking up a cheap one to try it. Probably would prefer (for practicality) a lined fretless or I'm likely to get lost. I prefer narrower jazz width necks and I prefer also slim necks front to back. Is there such a bass at a budget price? What would you recommend to someone looking to buy his first fretless that might meet these neck specs? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norris Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 I have a MIM Jazz fretless which is rather nice. It's lined too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SICbass Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 The most common one would be the Squier VM jazz fretless. There's loads of them kicking about between 150-200 quid. Here's the Thomann link: http://www.thomann.de/gb/fender_sq_vm_jazz_bass_fretless.htm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 There's also the £108 Harley Benton one. http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_jb_40fl_sb.htm If it sounds and plays like their JB-75 You're on a winner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pinball Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 Your on the right lines. Get a bass similar to the fretted one that you play. It makes it sooo much easier and you won't need to look at the lines or neck dots as much. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cygnus x-1 Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 (edited) A Edited September 16, 2015 by Cygnus x-1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
3below Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 [quote name='kodiakblair' timestamp='1442402262' post='2866638'] There's also the £108 Harley Benton one. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_jb_40fl_sb.htm"]http://www.thomann.d..._jb_40fl_sb.htm[/url] If it sounds and plays like their JB-75 You're on a winner. [/quote] Having just looked, the specification is just amazing for the money basses are becoming like bic razors, no need for refrets, adjustments etc, just disposable at this price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kodiakblair Posted September 16, 2015 Share Posted September 16, 2015 @3below A friend did say soon folks will be buying new basses rather than change strings The are some great bits of kit out now though for much cheapness. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcnach Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 [quote name='Twigman' timestamp='1442397796' post='2866584'] I've never played a fretless and quite fancy giving it a go, so I'm toying with the idea of picking up a cheap one to try it. Probably would prefer (for practicality) a lined fretless or I'm likely to get lost. I prefer narrower jazz width necks and I prefer also slim necks front to back. Is there such a bass at a budget price? What would you recommend to someone looking to buy his first fretless that might meet these neck specs? [/quote] The Squier VM series fretless is pretty cool. I'd get that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cybertect Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 (edited) [quote name='mcnach' timestamp='1442512188' post='2867510'] The Squier VM series fretless is pretty cool. I'd get that. [/quote] I was very happy with the VM Jazz that was my first foray into the world of fretless after nearly 30 years of playing bass. I put a set of Chromes on it and played practically none of my other basses for the best part of a year after I got it, even neglecting my '79 Musicman Sabre. I had no issues gigging with the VM and had quite a number of complements on its tone from people who heard it. I'm really more comfortable with active basses, but I have little hesitation in recommending them as a fretless starter. I only sold it a couple of weeks ago to help pay for a fretless Stingray 5, which will become my main instrument unless I really need frets, so the VM must have done something right Edited September 17, 2015 by cybertect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Naetharu Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 [quote name='kodiakblair' timestamp='1442402262' post='2866638'] There's also the £108 Harley Benton one. [url="http://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_jb_40fl_sb.htm"]http://www.thomann.d..._jb_40fl_sb.htm[/url] If it sounds and plays like their JB-75 You're on a winner. [/quote] Just thought I would add that I've picked up a HB bass and they are stunners for the money. I'd certainly say that the JB75 (their Jazz bass) stands shoulder to shoulder with the Squire VM bass I own. I have no idea how they can afford to make these basses and sell them for the price they do, but wow they are nice. The only warning I would give you is that my one weighs a ton. If you're wanting something to noodle around with while sitting down at home then its a great option but be cautious if you are planning on standing playing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Twigman Posted September 18, 2015 Author Share Posted September 18, 2015 I think I'll go for another option....I've a Warmoth PJ that I NEVER use....I think I'll get a lined fretless jazz neck and stick it on that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alph Posted September 19, 2015 Share Posted September 19, 2015 [color=#282828][font=helvetica, arial, sans-serif]Squier VM jazz fretless or I[/font][/color]banez gwb35 used Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bassmachine2112 Posted September 20, 2015 Share Posted September 20, 2015 This one is easy -USA Peavey Foundation fretless,all you need.Sound and play amazing. Lots of love for these basses. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grahambythesea Posted September 21, 2015 Share Posted September 21, 2015 Bass Collection do an excellent tribute to Jaco's Jazz with no scratch plate called the Portrait. Check out bass centre.com. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cybertect Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 (edited) [quote name='Grahambythesea' timestamp='1442845709' post='2869930'] Bass Collection do an excellent tribute to Jaco's Jazz with no scratch plate called the Portrait. Check out bass centre.com. [/quote] I am beginning to feel like it would be nice if someone was making cheap-ish fretless Jazz basses that [i]aren't[/i] Jaco tributes with no scratch plate. Edited September 22, 2015 by cybertect Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yorks5stringer Posted September 22, 2015 Share Posted September 22, 2015 (edited) I've one that would fit the bill for sale for pennies(well £75)....http://basschat.co.uk/topic/269839-harley-benton-progressive-5-string-fretless-art-deco-special-edition-l7500/ Edited September 22, 2015 by yorks5stringer Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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