Members Count Dissident Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 What is the best 5 string fretless bass I can buy for around $1000? If possible,I would rather have one without fret lines,but it isnt a deal breaker if it has lines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BigPigPeaches Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 At that price point (which is pretty respectable), I'd go with a used Stingray or a G&L 1500/2500. There are usually one or two on the bay and Craigslist around here. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bassesofalessergod Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 a used musicman stingray Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bnyswonger Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 I don't know if you can pick up a used pedulla pentabuzz for that kind of coin, but that would get my vote. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bluedogaudio Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 I've yet to see a pentabuzz for under a $1k. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members perrydabassman Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 I'll go against the grain and say an MTD Kingston ZX-5 fretless Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Iotanka tatanka Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 A good question and there is a simple answer; The Ibanez Gary Willis signature. No 5 string fretless plays better than this bass - sounds killer too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Hotblack Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 +1 on the Musicman & G&L. I have a fretless L2500 and love it. You might be able to find a Pentabuzz for around $1200 if you are really patient. I've seen it go for around that price once or twice, but they do generally go for a little bit more. If you see it, act fast, because they usually get snatched up pretty quick in that range. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bluedogaudio Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 http://cgi.ebay.com/G-L-USA-Fretless-L2500-L-2500-5-String-Bass-Guitar_W0QQitemZ120546679417QQcmdZViewItemQQptZGuitar?hash=item1c11245a79 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members FloydianAnimal Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 A used fretless SR5 would indeed be killer. I just got this guy used for $400 though: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RSBro Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 For that cheese yeah an SR5 would be my vote. For a little more gotta go w/ a Mod Q5 fretless. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Count Dissident Posted March 25, 2010 Author Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 Thanks for all of the replys!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Funkee1 Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 Shoot, you could get a new Mexi- Jazz and still have monies left over! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Thunderbroom Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 Like this thread! As I'm downsizing and moving exclusively to fivers, I will ultimately be in the market for a fretless five. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jasper383 Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 I second the Gary Willis Ibanez, and pocket the difference. GWB35. http://bass-guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/-GWB35-Gary-Willis-Signature-Fretless-5String-Bass?sku=515068&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=36957785 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members L-1329 Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 Like this thread!As I'm downsizing and moving exclusively to fivers, I will ultimately be in the market for a fretless five. FWIW, I ordered my first and only fretless five exactly the same bass and neck as my favorite fretted five, and I know for a fact that helped with the learning curve. If you can, look for a fretless version of your easiest playing bass. It helps a lot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members engage757 Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 A used fretless SR5 would indeed be killer. I just got this guy used for $400 though: +1 great bass. just sold both of mine. I have a Black on black Ken Smith designs I have for sale now 5 fretless, Proto J. I like it a lot. I also have a Warwick Streamer 5 fretless that I like a lot! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Kelemvor Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 What is it with all the fretlines? I thought the more expensive, well built basses usually embraced the classier look. I didn't even know Warwick made fretlesses with lines unless they were special order or something. My corvette's fingerboard is as naked as a jaybird, while my cheaper 5 string yammie is lined. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members bluedogaudio Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 I thought the more expensive, well built basses usually embraced the classier look. It doesn't work that way. It really depends if the player wants them or not. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members RSBro Posted March 25, 2010 Members Share Posted March 25, 2010 What is it with all the fretlines? I thought the more expensive, well built basses usually embraced the classier look.I didn't even know Warwick made fretlesses with lines unless they were special order or something. My corvette's fingerboard is as naked as a jaybird, while my cheaper 5 string yammie is lined. Yeah see BDA's response- my first fretless Q5 had lines and an extremely gorgeous quilted maple top. My 2nd was just a plain bright burgandy stain and was unlined. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members jasper383 Posted March 26, 2010 Members Share Posted March 26, 2010 What is it with all the fretlines? I thought the more expensive, well built basses usually embraced the classier look.I didn't even know Warwick made fretlesses with lines unless they were special order or something. My corvette's fingerboard is as naked as a jaybird, while my cheaper 5 string yammie is lined. "Classier" is in the eye of the beholder. I like the way unlined looks, but I'm glad mine has lines. It's easier to get a visual reference point with lines, and it's less fatiguing for me to play mentally, if that makes sense. The Gary Willis is lined, and Gary himself is an advocate of lines. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Count Dissident Posted March 26, 2010 Author Members Share Posted March 26, 2010 Thanks again for all of the responses...it is appreciated!! I did find the Dean Edge Fretless 5 String for $400 and it does not have fret lines. Anyone have any info on this bass? I am sure it lacks in quality compared to the other basses mentioned here but I thought I would ask about it. Also,I was looking into the Lightwave basses but I can't find much info on these...anyone know anything about them? Two other basses I have looked at are the Conklin GT-5 and the Schecter Stiletto 5. How do these compare? -Count Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.