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Unlined fretless 5 string


carlsim
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Hi all...

 

I am after some advice... I recently bought and successfully de-fretted a cheap HB musicman clone - the stealth black one as I have been after a 5 string fretless bass for a while. However, I REALLY want an unlined neck... just looks a bit more 'fretless' to me... anyway... i tried to disguise the infills on wood I glued in but you can still see it is a lined fretless - something I really wanted to avoid... Oh well...

 

So - I am looking to purchase a mid-range (£500/£600 ish) bass - 5 string unlined fretless. Any ideas anyone? I am much more of a traditionalist so not overly keen on Ibanez style designs and am partial to a Jazz / MM setup... I did look at Sire as I already have a v7 but they only do lined necks... I have been looking at the RSD MetroExpress basses but they had such a bad press on release...

 

Anyone got some wonderful ideas or anything they might like to sell!? 🙂  

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8 minutes ago, Woodinblack said:

There is the sadowski, maybe a bit over range:

https://www.thomann.de/gb/sadowsky_metroexpress_21_5_vin_bk_fl.htm

 

or the sire marcus miller, that is 5 string, jazz like, unlined and underbudget

 

https://www.thomann.de/gb/marcus_miller_v7_alder_5_fl_awh_2nd_gen.htm

 

 

The metro express is the one I am definitely considering - the sire is a lined board - they don't do unlined from what I can see which is a shame as I would love an unlined fretless in burgundy mist to match my fretted!  

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17 minutes ago, Joe Nation said:

If you like the HB, is it worth getting a new fretboard made instead?

I did look into that - but it is a trifle heavy and if I am paying someone, I would rather put that money into a newer and hopefully, better quality bass. I did look at doing that myself but time / effort and skill seem to be lacking at something so complex as replacing a fingerboard!

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12 minutes ago, TheLowDown said:

I quite like the Harley Benton B550FL for about £148.

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

Is this an "Ibanez design"? I don't know what is meant by that.

I've got one - it's surprisingly decent. 

The tuners were a bit crap so I raided my parts drawer and changed them. The individual bridge saddles are a little fiddly to adjust but once they are locked down they're fine. Also you can bypass the active circuitry and run passive if you pull out the volume knob.

Sounds good though, I have well used super light roundwound strings on 👍

Edited by BreadBin
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26 minutes ago, TheLowDown said:

I quite like the Harley Benton B550FL for about £148.

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

Is this an "Ibanez design"? I don't know what is meant by that.

I guess I would consider that design to be more modern… I have looked at those…. I even started looking at the stuff on Aliexpress…. Never bought a guitar from there but perhaps with some fettling, it could be good??

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7 minutes ago, Gareth Hughes said:

Shameless plug - you could stretch the budget for this fine beastie - 😜

 

 


I have looked longingly at this one I must admit… has everything I am after except a lower price tag! 
great basses, I had one of Adrian’s basses a few years ago and true workmanship…

do talk to me if there is leeway with the price though… 😉

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Not exactly a Fender clone I know, but a perfectly lovely unlined 5 string Letts custom that I'm reluctantly considering letting go  seeing as my Status is not selling. £475

70233170_10156338329951674_2480642749322231808_n.thumb.jpg.d1c258161c0b16e78c967f2cc48d0a83.jpg

 

More photos and details on request if you're interested....

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On 16/03/2022 at 03:07, Woodinblack said:

There is the sadowski, maybe a bit over range:

https://www.thomann.de/gb/sadowsky_metroexpress_21_5_vin_bk_fl.htm

 

or the sire marcus miller, that is 5 string, jazz like, unlined and underbudget

 

https://www.thomann.de/gb/marcus_miller_v7_alder_5_fl_awh_2nd_gen.htm

 

I clicked on the Sire, fully lined in the image.

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