lownote12 789 Posted January 28, 2020 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.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lemmywinks 1,048 Posted January 28, 2020 There's a Letts on Facebook for £400: https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1285303898299129/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sambrook 73 Posted January 28, 2020 Ibanez Portamento. Wonderful instrument... 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chopthebass 493 Posted January 28, 2020 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
donkelley 18 Posted January 28, 2020 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
itu 977 Posted January 28, 2020 I wish I had, that is probably next on my list. But with 19 mm spacing. Nothing else matters. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
donkelley 18 Posted January 28, 2020 (edited) 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 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
itu 977 Posted January 28, 2020 I do admit that I have been watching after one red BB. As my fretted 5 has 19, I just want similar. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Basilpea 58 Posted January 29, 2020 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. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheGreek 5,946 Posted January 29, 2020 No idea how much you have to spend but it might be worth speaking to @Andyjr1515 for a quote. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GisserD 865 Posted February 1, 2020 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wayneyboy 8 Posted February 16, 2020 Selling this if interested / has the Bernie Goodfellow upgraded electrics Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
moley6knipe 96 Posted February 17, 2020 I’d recommend a Portamento.... because I’m selling one 🙂 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
itu 977 Posted February 17, 2020 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/ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miles'tone 494 Posted February 17, 2020 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bassbloke 16 Posted February 18, 2020 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EliasMooseblaster 859 Posted February 18, 2020 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...) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lownote12 789 Posted February 19, 2020 Thanks y'all, my search is over Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GisserD 865 Posted February 19, 2020 2 minutes ago, lownote12 said: Thanks y'all, my search is over what did you go for? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MrWalker 13 Posted February 19, 2020 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). Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lownote12 789 Posted February 19, 2020 4 hours ago, GisserD said: what did you go for? I bought a saxophone 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
GisserD 865 Posted February 19, 2020 (edited) get out of here!!!! you found a fretles saxophone??? Edited February 19, 2020 by GisserD 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites