Unlined fretless fiver, anyone?

[lownote]

OK, this is one of those threads where you get to spend the OP's money.

I love unlined fret-free.  Currently abusing a Vintage 940FL and a Revelation P and I don't know why anyone would want to play fretted [waits examining nail while tough guys approach swinging bassball bats].

But here's the thing.  I also love five  strings (BEADG). Can anyone recommend a fairly cheap but lush five string unlined fretless? Other than investing in commissioning a Fodera, Overwater, etc etc.

Thanks, ta, multsamesc... and may the thermic shock never jiggle your truss rod....     

[lemmywinks]

There's a Letts on Facebook for £400:
https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1285303898299129/

[Sambrook]

Ibanez Portamento. 

Wonderful instrument... 

[Chopthebass]

I second the Ibanez Portamento. It has tiny markers mainly on the side but a couple of mm are visible on the playing surface. Sound bloody good too.

[donkelley]

Used Carvin (I currently and will always own a fretless unlined factory 5 icon)

Used USA ernie ball sub (I used to own a fretless, unlined factory U.S.A. sub 5)

Those are my personal experience items.

Sub used in USA dollars a few years back was roughly $400, they're more like $500 or more now.... quite the collector instrument these days.

Carvins range from several hundred up to a grand used, often, but they're always a good deal, new or used.

[itu]

I wish I had, that is probably next on my list. But with 19 mm spacing. Nothing else matters.

[donkelley]

On 28/01/2020 at 14:40, itu said:

I wish I had, that is probably next on my list. But with 19 mm spacing. Nothing else matters.

I thought I wanted 19mm spacing on a 5 until I owned a bunny brunel model carvin (that model is 19mm as custom designed for Brunel).  I LOVED that bass, but hated the spacing.  19mm for 4, less for a 5 or I'm unhappy.  Why?  I couldn't tell ya - just works that way for me.

Edited February 20, 2020 by donkelley

[itu]

I do admit that I have been watching after one red BB. As my fretted 5 has 19, I just want similar.

[Basilpea]

I have a Warwick Corvette unlined fretless.  A handsome beast but I’ll be selling it soon as the narrow string spacing doesn’t work with my big hands.  I’ve maxed out on the adjustment but the fingerboard just isn’t wide enough - may suit someone with more nimble fingers.

[TheGreek]

No idea how much you have to spend but it might be worth speaking to @Andyjr1515 for a quote.

[GisserD]

On 28/01/2020 at 17:43, Sambrook said:

Ibanez Portamento. 

Wonderful instrument... 

This. I just got one. Love it. I play it easy more than I thaught I would

[wayneyboy]

Selling this if interested / has the Bernie Goodfellow upgraded electrics 

[moley6knipe]

I’d recommend a Portamento.... because I’m selling one 🙂

 

 

[itu]

I travelled a little bit and had a discussion with a Finnish luthier yesterday. An unlined fretless 5. Let's see... This will be a really different take on an ordinary low frequency instrument. Beware, few of his creations can be seen here:

https://m.facebook.com/harjunpaabass/

[miles'tone]

I've got one of these and it's fab. The neck is lush and so easy to play. I have mine strung with D'addario tapes now. Ridiculous bass for the money. I've spent more on pickups in the past! 

https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_b_550fl_bk_progressive_series.htm

[bassbloke]

Andertons Music is selling a 2nd hand Carvin.  Fretless 5.  Unlined.  For £399! Still on their website.  I'd have been tempted if I didn't already own a Grendel/Stadium fretless 5.

[EliasMooseblaster]

On 29/01/2020 at 04:45, Basilpea said:

I have a Warwick Corvette unlined fretless.  A handsome beast but I’ll be selling it soon as the narrow string spacing doesn’t work with my big hands.  I’ve maxed out on the adjustment but the fingerboard just isn’t wide enough - may suit someone with more nimble fingers.

My first fretless was a Warwick/Rockbass Corvette, and that only set me back about £300 second-hand. Only a four, but I'd be surprised if you couldn't find a used fiver variant of the same model knocking around.

(I do still find myself missing that bass now and again; I part-ex'ed it in my quest for a Tony Franklin fretless, but if I hadn't since bought the Shuker, I'd probably be on the lookout to get that Corvette back...)

[lownote]

Thanks y'all, my search is over

[GisserD]

2 minutes ago, lownote12 said:

Thanks y'all, my search is over

what did you go for?

[MrWalker]

There's a very good fretless builder in Florida, Tom Clement, who builds amazing (fretted and) fretless basses. On the second hand market, you can be lucky and find some of his instruments fairly cheap (at least cheap when considering it is a completely hand made instrument to commisioned specs).

[lownote]

4 hours ago, GisserD said:

what did you go for?

I bought a saxophone

[GisserD]

get out of here!!!! you found a fretles saxophone???

Edited February 19, 2020 by GisserD