PatrickJ 949 Posted January 4 Hi Guys, I'm looking for some 4 string fretless bass recommendations , new or used but no more spendy than 1000 GBP. I've an unlined fretless on loan to me right now and am really enjoying playing it but it's too heavy to be a keeper for me. I can't find much in the way of offerings from the usual suspects of Bassdirect or Anderton's - I'm hoping the Basschat faithfuls can come up with some ideas. I appreciate I could have any bass defretted and that's plan B but a nice ready made fretless would be ideal :). Thanking you in advance . 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Al Krow 5,229 Posted January 4 Ibanez Portamento 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PatrickJ 949 Posted January 4 2 minutes ago, Al Krow said: Ibanez Portamento Is that the Ibanez SRF700? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
uk_lefty 1,365 Posted January 4 I picked up an unlined Warwick fretless Corvette that is incredibly light and has bags of mwaaaahhh. Decent bass. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Al Krow 5,229 Posted January 4 42 minutes ago, PatrickJ said: Is that the Ibanez SRF700? That's the one. I have the 705. Light as a feather, lovely tone, Ibby quality, very playable neck and a ridiculous 30 fret range! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PatrickJ 949 Posted January 4 12 minutes ago, Al Krow said: That's the one. I have the 705. Light as a feather, lovely tone, Ibby quality, very playable neck and a ridiculous 30 fret range! Good to hear, it's definitely on the shortlist. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
martthebass 761 Posted January 4 (edited) My personal fave is a 2EQ EBMM Stingray, not easy to find one under 9lb though. Should be able to find a used one around £1000. Edited January 4 by martthebass Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheLowDown 173 Posted January 4 (edited) My fretless(es) are mostly lightweight(around 7.9lbs) unlined Harley Bentons for less than £150. Spending a lot of money is best if you have specific requirement, so I would get something that's cost effective until you know what you want. Edited January 4 by TheLowDown Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sshorepunk 206 Posted January 4 (edited) I had one of the sire fretless jazz bases, lovely fretboard but was lined, which I prefer sold it as I needed to cut my collection at the time, but will be buying another very soon About 400 quid they were at the time, lot of bass for the money and sire have a good rep’ Edited January 4 by sshorepunk 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
philparker 69 Posted January 4 (edited) 1 hour ago, uk_lefty said: I picked up an unlined Warwick fretless Corvette that is incredibly light and has bags of mwaaaahhh. Decent bass. I may have one of these for sale, shortly, - I will post in the 'For Sale' if you are interested, when I can get round to taking photos etc. Edited January 4 by philparker spelling 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paul S 3,580 Posted January 4 I had a lot of fun with a Westone Thunder 1A fretless. The unlined neck was gorgeous. Not light, mind. 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheGreek 6,430 Posted January 4 Big fan of Bass Collection Nanyos - most are under 9lbs with great tone - if you can find a fretless under £200, grab it. I have a fretted one you can borrow @PatrickJ when you bring the fretless back... 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheGreek 6,430 Posted January 4 Quick look on ebay shows several examples of basses mentioned here. Personally I wouldn't say "NO" to the Mayones Be4, but there are others which others may prefer/recommend. https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/4713/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=bass+guitar&_dmd=2&rt=nc&Body%20Type=Fretless&_dcat=4713 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
lownote12 818 Posted January 4 (edited) Portamento, or way down the price list but very very playable, the Revelation P bass as sold by Bass Gallery. Under £200 new and a cracking bass IMHO. I do wonder whether it's worth keeping the Portamento as the Rev keeps being my go-to bass. Edited January 4 by lownote12 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PatrickJ 949 Posted January 4 14 minutes ago, TheGreek said: Quick look on ebay shows several examples of basses mentioned here. Personally I wouldn't say "NO" to the Mayones Be4, but there are others which others may prefer/recommend. https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/4713/i.html?_from=R40&_nkw=bass+guitar&_dmd=2&rt=nc&Body%20Type=Fretless&_dcat=4713 I'd clocked that BE4 on eBay, I've already messaged him to confirm the weight. I like the Spector/Streamer design of it. I had Mayones Jazz bass which was very nice but since I quit that band and haven't gigged since I sold it as I didn't need a 5 string anymore. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PatrickJ 949 Posted January 4 (edited) 58 minutes ago, philparker said: I may have one of these for sale, shortly, - I will post in the 'For Sale' if you are interested, when I can get round to taking photos etc. Thanks for the offer but I'd probably pass on the Corvette. I had a fretted GPS 5 string a while ago but it suffered from a bit of irritating neck dive that I couldn't get on with. I wouldn't pass up a Stage One Streamer of semi-hollow Infinity though. Edited January 4 by PatrickJ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sambrook 81 Posted January 4 Plus one for the Portamento. My 5 string has seen off competition from some very high end basses, cos it's so versatile. With white nylons on, it's near perfect... 2 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
philparker 69 Posted January 4 40 minutes ago, PatrickJ said: Thanks for the offer but I'd probably pass on the Corvette. I had a fretted GPS 5 string a while ago but it suffered from a bit of irritating neck dive that I couldn't get on with. I wouldn't pass up a Stage One Streamer of semi-hollow Infinity though. Hey, no problem - I will eventually get around to advertising it. I had a quick look at those on eBay and the Mayones Be-4 looked quite nice for all of those on offer. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
caitlin 142 Posted January 4 thread stealing, just to check, @philparker it's a 4 string not a 5, right? so i can crawl back under my rock rather than pestering you about it? 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bunion 182 Posted January 4 3 hours ago, martthebass said: My personal fave is a 2EQ EBMM Stingray I’ll + that, I have one and it weighs a gnats testicle over 8lb. worth looking round for one they are fantastic. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PatrickJ 949 Posted January 4 Current short list Ibanez SRF700 Ibanez SRF700 Fretless Bass, Brown Burst Flat at Gear4music Mayones BE-4 Mayones Be-4 Fretless Bass Guitar natural Amazaque with case | eBay Sandberg TT4 £945 - Pristine Sandberg California Fretless TT4 Passive Jazz (In Two Parts) - Basses For Sale - Basschat 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
knicknack 292 Posted January 4 I played a Sandberg fretless the other day and it was a monster... That'd be my choice! But i am biased! 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sprocketflup 465 Posted January 4 Another vote for the Ibanez here, the necks are sublime ( As long as you like a slim fast neck of course lol) 1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bunion 182 Posted January 4 18 minutes ago, PatrickJ said: Sandberg TT4 £945 - Pristine Sandberg California Fretless TT4 Passive Jazz (In Two Parts) - Basses For Sale - Basschat Is that still for sale? I noticed the add was from jan 2020 that was after I commented on it of course... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TheGreek 6,430 Posted January 4 There's a SRF700 on Gumtree for just under £400 https://www.gumtree.com/p/guitar-instrument/ibanez-srf700-fretless-bass-brown-burst-flat-/1393804256 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
