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8 Best Fretless Bass Guitars in 2024 (Expert Picks)

A fretless bass guitar is a version of the instrument that, unlike the most traditional form, doesn’t have any frets on its fretboard. This feature not only gives it a completely different sound but also poses a new challenge for bassists, as the lack of reference makes it more difficult to play (but extremely rewarding, on the other hand).

Some famous players that favored or favor the fretless bass throughout their careers are Jaco Pastorius, Les Claypool, and Sting. These musicians took advantage of the eccentric tone provided by the instrument to create timeless pieces of music and stand out from the norm.

In this article, we are going to review 8 of the best fretless bass guitars you can buy right now, as well as explain how this type of bass differs from the more traditional form of the instrument and help you decide whether or not it is for you.

Related: Best Bass Guitar

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We Tested 8 Products and Found the Fender Player Jazz Bass Fretless to be The Best Fretless Bass Guitar

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The Rogue LX200BF was our Favorite Budget Choice

Before We Start: Why Should You Choose a Fretless Bass?

Beginner bass players often wonder if they should go fretted or fretless. The reality is that it depends. The answer to this question is very personal and should be made according to the style and the preferences of the player.

Fretless basses have a benefit over their more popular fretted counterparts: they have a completely flattened fretboard. This allows you to achieve a smoother sound, especially when doing slides but comes with the drawback of being more difficult to play.

Whether the choice you make, both types are very versatile and will suit a wide range of musical genres. We recommend that you listen to their sound on YouTube videos and try them on a physical store if possible.

Best Fretless Bass Guitar in our Tests

Table of Contents

  1. Fender Player Jazz Bass Fretless
  2. Ibanez SRF705 Portamento
  3. Rogue LX200BF
  4. Ibanez SRH500
  5. Squier Classic Vibe Fretless Bass
  6. Ernie Ball Music Man Stingray H Fretless BFR
  7. Fender Jaco Pastorius Jazz Bass
  8. Gold Tone ME-BassFL

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Fender needs no introduction. The famous manufacturer’s legacy is tied tightly to music history itself. This is one of their most famous bass models, the Jazz Bass, in the fretless form. The Jazz Bass was favored by the famous player Jaco Pastorius.

Product Specifications

  • 4 Strings
  • Available in 2 Colors
  • 2 Single-Coil Jazz Bass Alnico V Pickups
  • Hardtail Bridge

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • The Jazz Bass has a very distinct sound that is punchy, bright, and full at the same time.
  • As the instrument features 2 single-coil pickups, it is very versatile and can be used in pretty much any style of music, from rock n roll to funk.
  • The modern C-shaped neck feels very comfortable to play for prolonged sessions.
  • The volume of both single-coil pick-ups can be controlled separately.
  • The body is made out of alder wood, which is a type of wood that is known to be very balanced regarding sound.

Cons

  • Heavier than most other basses.

Conclusion

The Fender Jazz Bass is as versatile as it can get. Whether you’re playing rock n roll, r&b, or funk, this instrument really shines throughout the whole music spectrum and has been used in countless legendary records: from Jaco Pastorius to Red Hot Chili Peppers. You really can’t go wrong with this one.

We also recommend, however, that you also have a listen to the sound of the Fender Precision Bass. While they are both from the same manufacturer, they offer a slightly different sound tone. Both are excellent options.

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If one word could summarize Ibanez, its precision. The manufacturer is favored by musicians who like to be precise about their work. The SRF705, on first glance, seems very well-built and provides the player with quality materials and 5 strings.

Product Specifications

  • 5 Strings
  • Available in 1 Color
  • 2 Bartolini MK-1 Pickups
  • AeroSilk Piezo System

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • The Bartolini MK-1 pickups are custom-made and sound very full.
  • This bass guitar has the AeroSilk Piezo System that gives the instrument a more acoustic-like tone. You can mix the sound from the piezo with the main pickups for extra versatility.
  • The quality of this bass guitar is unbeatable. It is custom-made by the famous Ibanez Bass Workshop. According to the manufacturer, they have made a number of fretless versions of this classic for famous artists and it now can be purchased by the public.
  • The body of the instrument is made out of a combination of Bubinga and mahogany. These two types of wood offer an incredibly full sound.

Cons

  • None that we found.

Conclusion

The Ibanez SRF705 is extremely versatile. The main feature of this bass guitar goes to its AeroSilk Piezo System: you can blend it with the main pickups to create a more natural sound and even emulate an upright double bass.

As it is custom-made by the Ibanez Bass Workshop, you can expect nothing but superb quality from it. This was one of our favorite choices for bassists who favor precision above all while they’re playing.

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The Rogue LX200BF is an interesting budget choice. Priced at around $100 by the time this article was written, it offers a great deal of quality for a low price. One interesting thing about this instrument is that the style of its pickups, at least visually, seems to be a blend between the Jazz and Precision models, from Fender.

Product Specifications

  • 4 Strings
  • Available in 4 Colors
  • 2 Pickups, Being 1 Humbucker and 1 Split-Coil

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • As we discussed before, this bass has two kinds of pickups: 1 humbucker on the bridge and 1 split-coil on the neck. This makes the instrument extremely versatile, as it can have a similar sound from both the Jazz and Precision basses from Fender.
  • A very good value for the price.
  • Available in 4 colors, more than most of the other basses on the list.
  • Each pickups’ volume and tone can be controlled separately.
  • Lightweight.

Cons

  • No fret markers.

Conclusion

For a price as low as $100 by the time this article was written, the Rogue LX200BF is an excellent choice if you’re on a budget or you’d rather get a more affordable bass guitar to be able to spend more on pedals and amps.

It leaves nothing to be desired, except that there are no fret markers which can make the beginner’s experience harder. 

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Another choice from Ibanez, the SRH500F differs from most other bass guitars on the list on the fact that it is acoustic-electric. Acoustic-electric basses tend to have a more hollow and full sound if compared to their solid body counterparts. If that’s your thing, this model is an excellent choice.

Product Specifications

  • Acoustic-Electric
  • 4 Strings
  • Available in 1 Color
  • Piezo Pickup

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • This bass guitar is significantly more lightweight than other options on the list, due to its hollow-body.
  • The piezo pickup in the SRH500F will give you a very natural sound.
  • The finish of the body has an incredible quality.
  • The body is made out of a combination of rosewood, mahogany, and spruce wood, giving it a very distinctive sound.

Cons

  • Not as versatile as other options on the list, as it only has a piezo pickup.

Conclusion

If you’re after mellower and more natural-sounding tones, the Ibanez SRH500F is incredible. With quality and precision that only the manufacturer can provide, the model is also significantly more lightweight than most other options on the list.

The only downfall is that, as it only features a piezo pickup, it is not very versatile and may not be suitable for genres that require a sound with more mids and highs such as rock n roll and funk.

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With the Squier line, the famous manufacturer Fender offers entry-level and affordable instruments without leaving quality behind. The Classic Vibe Fretless Bass is a blend of classic features from the past with modern technology.

Product Specifications

  • 4 Strings
  • Available in 1 Color
  • 2 Single-Coil Pickups

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • If you’re after a vintage-style instrument on a budget, this bass guitar is a perfect choice.
  • The playability and the tone of the Classic Vibe leave nothing to be desired if compared to more expensive models.
  • This bass guitar can easily be upgraded if you’d like to. You can slap in some Fender pickups, for example, for optimal tone.
  • The neck profile feels very comfortable, just like the Fender counterparts.

Cons

  • Only available in 1 color.
  • Heavier than most other options on the list.

Conclusion

Squier is a popular brand among beginners looking for their first bass guitar, as you can get an instrument licensed by Fender for half the price of the more expensive models. While there are more affordable options on the list, this is an awesome choice if you don’t mind spending a little more.

The only drawbacks are that there is only 1 color available and the bass guitar is a bit on the heavier side. On the other hand, the Squier Classic Vibe Fretless can be easily modified with repaintings.

Tip: Consider taking a look at our Best Bass Guitars for Metal article if the genre is your thing.

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The bass guitars from the Ernie Ball Music Man line have been favored by thousands of famous artists throughout history. The Stingray H is a fretless limited edition of a classic. Perhaps the most amazing feature is the body’s wood: swamp ash, known for its extreme quality and balanced tone.

Product Specifications

  • 4 Strings
  • Available in 1 Color
  • 1 Humbucker Pickup

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • Like we discussed before, the body is made out of swamp ash, a premium kind of wood known to deliver rich and full tones.
  • Similarly, the fretboard material is extremely high-quality.
  • The humbucker pickup feels a bit more full-bodied than the other single-coil options. On the other hand, it has less bite in the midrange and treble.
  • The pickups are active and feature an 18V preamp and a built-in 3-band EQ which makes it very versatile.

Cons

  • This bass guitar is considerably heavier than most other models.
  • The neck may feel a little chunky for those with smaller hands or with a preference towards C-shaped slimmer necks.
  • High price.

Conclusion

The Stingray H Fretless is, without a doubt, a work of art. The built-in 3 band EQ makes it versatile for a whole range of styles and genres. However, the price is quite high so we wouldn’t recommend it for beginners. Rather, it will suit you best if you’re 100% certain that this bass guitar is exactly what you’re looking for.

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Jaco Pastorius is a legendary bass player and one of the most famous Jazz Bass fans in history. This model aims to replicate the instrument favored by the bassist to its core, from the playability to the pickups.

Product Specifications

  • 4 Strings
  • Available in 1 Color
  • 2 Single Coil Pickups

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • There are fret marks on the fretboard so it is easier, especially for beginners, to get a grasp on fretless basses.
  • The 2 single-coil pickups are extremely good sounding right out of the box and won’t need any upgrades.
  • The C shaped neck is very comfortable to play for prolonged periods of time and the finish on its back will make you able to slide more easily throughout it.
  • If you’re after that twangy sound Jaco Pastorius is famous for, this is a perfect choice.

Cons

  • The neck is built with a different wood than the one from Jaco’s bass. It still performs very well, though.

Conclusion

The Jaco Pastorius Jazz Bass performs incredibly well and is very faithful to its inspiration, however, this is an instrument for those looking for a very specific type of feel and playability. In this case, we recommend that you test it on a physical store to see if it suits your style. Also, consider the Fender Player Jazz Bass.

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At first glance, you can see that this is an unusual type of bass guitar. The Gold Tone ME-BassFL looks somewhat similar to an acoustic guitar and has a shorter scale and body than most other options on the list. Let’s see its specifications and how well it performs.

Product Specifications

  • Acoustic-Electric Bass
  • 4 Strings
  • Available in 1 Color
  • Piezo Pickup

Advantages & Disadvantages

Pros

  • The ME-BassFL is very compact and is great for those bassists on the go. It may also be a nice addition to your collection if you travel a lot and need a portable instrument to practice with.
  • This bass guitar uses ukulele bass strings, which gives it a very distinctive sound.
  • The piezo pickup present in this model will grant you a very natural and mellow tone.

Cons

  • Not as versatile as other options on the list.

Conclusion

The Gold Tone ME-BassFL is an unusual type of bass guitar. While it is not as versatile as other more traditional models, it has a very distinctive sound. It is the kind of instrument that you have to try before you buy to see if that’s your thing. Another pro is the portability, making it suitable to be an extra instrument for bassists that travel a lot and need to practice abroad.

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FAQs

What Are the Differences Between a Fretted and a Fretless Bass?

Fretless bass, as the name implies, don’t have metal frets on their fretboard. Fretted models are more popular because they are easier to play and have a more controllable sustain. However, the strings can easily create a buzzing sound.

The benefit with a fretless bass is that you have no bumps on the fretboard therefore you can slide freely through it without any resistance and get a smoother sound. The choice between the two is a very personal one and we recommend that you try both before you buy.

Can A Fretted Bass Become Fretless?

It can be done by a qualified luthier. The professional will remove the frets and fill the gaps between them to make the fretboard smooth. However, the price for this process can be quite high so you must weigh the pros and cons beforehand.

What Are The Best Strings For A Fretless Bass?

Most fretless bassists use flatwound strings. Unlike roundwound ones, flatwound strings don’t have any bumps along them and help create a smoother sound less prone to buzzing. You can use both types, however.

Is It Hard to Play the Fretless Bass?

Playing a fretless bass is considerably harder than playing a fretted one, as the frets act as a guide to the bassist and the lack of them could leave you prone to intonation problems; The sustain on a fretless model is also harder to control.

What Are Some Famous Fretless Bass Players?

Probably the most famous of all is Jaco Pastorius, followed by also legendary names such as Les Claypool, Jack Bruce, and Rick Danko. Some popular songs that have been recorded on a fretless bass include Sledgehammer, by Peter Gabriel and Hey You, by Pink Floyd.

Related: Heavy Bass Songs

Conclusion

In this article, we included 9 different options of fretless basses for all kinds of players in different styles and different price ranges. All of the instruments reviewed turned out to be of good quality, but if you have the means, we highly suggest you try them at a physical store before making your choice.

With that being said, two basses were our favorites. The Fender Player Jazz Bass Fretless was our overall top pick because of its versatility and good price tag, considering the quality; The Rogue LX200BF really surprised us for its value for the price so it ended up being our favorite choice for those on a budget.

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Fender Player Jazz Bass Fretless – Overall Best

Fender is synonymous with quality, and the Player Jazz Bass is a highly versatile choice regardless of the genre you play: rock n roll, RnB, funk. Priced at around $800 by the time this article was written, it is not the most affordable option but we feel the price is fair for what you get.

Rogue LX200BF – Best Budget

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The ROGUE LX200BF was priced at $100 by the time we wrote this article and it really surprised us in terms of quality. Our favorite feature was that this bass has both a humbucker pickup on the bridge and a split-coil on the neck, making it extremely versatile. This instrument is a steal for the price.

How to Buy

You can find the link to each product at their respective titles on the list. We said this before but we reiterate: if possible, try both a fretted and a fretless bass guitar on a physical store before you make your choice.We hope our article was helpful. If you’re a beginner bass player, make sure to take a look at our related articles and guides. Feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding our content!