Cheap fretless bass

[Bass Novice]

Hi all. I would like to buy a fretless bass to experiment with. I dont want to spend too much in case I dont get on with them, however I dont want to spend too little and it just be too crap to play. I'm a relative novice as I have only been learning for a couple of years, and my regular bass Is a squier precision. I did buy an ex demo Vintage V74 icon, but when it arrived all the metal parts were rusted (a story for another day!).

 

I have seen these two which look interesting;

 

Markbass MB Yellow PB

https://www.thomann.co.uk/markbass_mb_yellow_pb.htm?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=1581403900&gbraid=0AAAAADuDMCWeFnO0JQX-rZw4iDNBcTg5Q&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4qHEBhCDARIsALYKFNNynuLZSElFB10R-ixBYhUfJKWLeht3d_Bc9VqD4X7ZRZOjgLskx50aAhD9EALw_wcB

 

Artist Vintage-Hybrid White Fretless Active/Passive Bass Guitar

https://www.artistguitars.co.uk/products/artist-vintage-hybrid-white-fretless-active-passsi-14219?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=11342405749&gbraid=0AAAAADdnIO1sjKbdnYhjcH_jb4b9n_b0b&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4qHEBhCDARIsALYKFNNJHjF3xU5vuoDmoltw0uD1u6nSpno6RUVOVTdLK06Z121B88A7Rb4aAuj_EALw_wcB

 

Alternatively do I spend a bit more and get a squier as I like the one I have and this used one seems good;

Squier Classic Vibe Fretless Jazz Bass

https://richtonemusic.co.uk/squier-classic-vibe-fretless-jazz-bass-sunburst-2nd-hand/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=17621730406&gbraid=0AAAAAD_dMP3oKyr_8sRFLv49Q1revZ_Eo&gclid=Cj0KCQjw4qHEBhCDARIsALYKFNOSDE_kJLxLEgqFjzzGz4kWpU9P-DoX1idMaIxcIeL0H6JAwJG0LwEaAj8cEALw_wcB

 

Lastly do I break the bank and get this 

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 TS FL B-Stock

https://www.thomann.co.uk/marcus_miller_v5_alder_4_ts_fl_b_stock.htm

 

Any advice, along with any other suggestions are appreciated!

[Geek99]

I’ll take option c

[TheLowDown]

The Harley Benton B450fl produces a nice tone and is lightweight.

It's unlined if that bothers you, but IMO they are preferable and easier to play than lined fretless because the side dots on an unlined are in the 'correct' position(ie where the frets are) whereas on a lined they are the same as fretted bass, which make playing more challenging as the lines are often very faint whereas side dots are brighter. I think it also teaches better habits with fretless too.

Edited Tuesday at 21:14 by TheLowDown

[Geek99]

That markbass is listed as fretted btw 

[Bassassin]

If I was looking for a budget fretless, I'd get this:

 

https://www.thomann.co.uk/harley_benton_jb_40fl_3_tone_sunburst.htm

 

HB have a great reputation, plenty of folk on here use them as regular gigging basses.

[asingardenof]

I've seen good reviews of the Harley Benton JB-40FL: https://www.thomann.co.uk/harley_benton_jb_40fl_3_tone_sunburst.htm

[police squad]

yes +1 for the harley benton. My PB-50 is just fantastic

[MrDaveTheBass]

My advice is if you're already playing a fretted Squier P, get a fretless Squier P to match it. It'll make the transition to fretless much easier as your fingers will naturally fall into the right positions. Top tip: make sure both straps are the same length too!