Best Fretless Acoustic Basses 2025

Top-rated fretless acoustic basses 2025 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: October 29, 2025 • Next update: November 5, 2025

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Jazz For World Music For Expressive Playing For Classical Crossover For Advanced Techniques For Unique Sound

BRANDS: Warwick Harley Benton

Takamine DB10 w.Case - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Takamine DB10 w.Case

by Takamine

Expressive Playing Advanced Techniques World Music

Key Feature:

• Unlimited pitch expression

✓ PROS

• Natural acoustic resonance
• Unique acoustic character

✗ CONS

• Steep learning curve
• Fingerboard wear considerations

Takamine TB10 w.CaseAcoustic Bass with PickupType: Jumbo with cutawayArched top: Sitka SpruceArched back & sides:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 583400

$3,079

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick Alien 5 NT FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Warwick Alien 5 NT FL

by Warwick

Advanced Techniques Expressive Playing Unique Sound

Key Feature:

• Unlimited pitch expression

✓ PROS

• Natural acoustic resonance
• Unique acoustic character

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Fingerboard wear considerations

Warwick Alien 5 NT FL5-String Acoustic Bass with PickupFretlessTop: Solid AAAA Sitka spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 492916

$1,759

Buy at Thomann View Details

Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Fretless Bass - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Fretless Bass

by Breedlove

Advanced Techniques Expressive Playing Unique Sound

Key Feature:

• Unique acoustic character

✓ PROS

• Smooth, singing fretless tone
• Unlimited pitch expression

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear considerations
• Steep learning curve

Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Fretless BassAcoustic Bass with PickupFretlessDesign: Dreadnought with cutawayTop: Solid...

⭐ 5.0/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 612752

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick RB Alien Standard 4 FL NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Warwick RB Alien Standard 4 FL NT

by Warwick

Expressive Playing Unique Sound World Music

Key Feature:

• Unique acoustic character

✓ PROS

• Unlimited pitch expression
• Unique acoustic character

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear considerations
• Limited volume for some situations

Warwick RB Alien Standard 4 FL NTAcoustic Bass with PickupFretlesswith linesSet-neck constructionTop: Solid Sitka...

⭐ 5.0/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 491742

$813

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick Alien Deluxe 4 FL NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Warwick Alien Deluxe 4 FL NT

by Warwick

Jazz Unique Sound Expressive Playing

Key Feature:

• Unlimited pitch expression

✓ PROS

• Great for world music styles
• Smooth, singing fretless tone

✗ CONS

• Limited volume for some situations
• Steep learning curve

Warwick Alien Deluxe 4 FL NTAcoustic Bass with PickupFretlessRockBass seriesTop: Solid AA Sitka spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 492341

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick Alien 6 NT FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Warwick Alien 6 NT FL

by Warwick

Expressive Playing Classical Crossover Advanced Techniques

Key Feature:

• Natural acoustic resonance

✓ PROS

• Great for world music styles
• Unlimited pitch expression

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear considerations
• Steep learning curve

Warwick Alien 6 NT FL6-String Acoustic Bass with PickupFretlessTop: Solid AAAA Sitka spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 492919

$1,869

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick Alien 4 NT FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Warwick Alien 4 NT FL

by Warwick

Advanced Techniques Jazz Expressive Playing

Key Feature:

• Unlimited pitch expression

✓ PROS

• Unlimited pitch expression
• Great for world music styles

✗ CONS

• Limited volume for some situations
• Requires precise intonation skills

Warwick Alien 4 NT FLAcoustic Bass with PickupFretlessTop: Solid AAAA Sitka spruceBack and sides: OvangkolSet-in neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 492911

$1,649

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick RB Alien Standard 5 BK FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Warwick RB Alien Standard 5 BK FL

by Warwick

Classical Crossover Expressive Playing World Music

Key Feature:

• Natural acoustic resonance

✓ PROS

• Natural acoustic resonance
• Smooth, singing fretless tone

✗ CONS

• Steep learning curve
• Fingerboard wear considerations

Warwick RB Alien Standard 5 BK FL5-String Acoustic Bass with PickupFretlesswith linesTop: Solid Sitka spruceBack and...

⭐ 4.6/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 491901

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick RB Alien Standard 5 FL NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Warwick RB Alien Standard 5 FL NT

by Warwick

Expressive Playing Jazz Classical Crossover

Key Feature:

• Unique acoustic character

✓ PROS

• Natural acoustic resonance
• Unlimited pitch expression

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear considerations
• Requires precise intonation skills

Warwick RB Alien Standard 5 FL NT5-String Acoustic Bass with PickupFretlessTop: Solid Sitka spruceBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 492037

$879

Buy at Thomann View Details

Furch Bc 61-CM4 Fretless - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Furch Bc 61-CM4 Fretless

by Furch

World Music Classical Crossover Expressive Playing

Key Feature:

• Unlimited pitch expression

✓ PROS

• Great for world music styles
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear considerations
• Limited volume for some situations

Furch Bc 61-CM4 FretlessFretless Acoustic Bass with PickupFretlessVenetian cutawayTop: solid AA cedarBack and sides:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 269943

$2,045

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton B-35BK-FL Acoustic Bass w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton B-35BK-FL Acoustic Bass w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Jazz Advanced Techniques World Music

Key Feature:

• Unique acoustic character

✓ PROS

• Natural acoustic resonance
• Unlimited pitch expression

✗ CONS

• Steep learning curve
• Requires precise intonation skills

Harley Benton B-35BK-FL Acoustic Bass w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton B-35BK-FL Acoustic Bass...

⭐ 5.0/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 537181

$215

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton B-35BK-FL Acoustic Bass Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton B-35BK-FL Acoustic Bass Bundle

by Harley Benton

Expressive Playing Classical Crossover Unique Sound

Key Feature:

• Unique acoustic character

✓ PROS

• Great for world music styles
• Unique acoustic character

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Fingerboard wear considerations

Harley Benton B-35BK-FL Acoustic Bass Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton B-35BK-FL Acoustic Bass...

⭐ 4.5/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 537183

$226

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick Alien 5 NT FL LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.4/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Warwick Alien 5 NT FL LH

by Warwick

Jazz Unique Sound Advanced Techniques

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing fretless tone

✓ PROS

• Natural acoustic resonance
• Smooth, singing fretless tone

✗ CONS

• Limited volume for some situations
• Steep learning curve

Warwick Alien 5 NT FL LH5-String Acoustic Bass with PickupLeft-hand modelFretlessTop: Solid AAAA Sitka spruceBack and...

⭐ 4.4/5 (5 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 492917

$1,759

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick Alien Deluxe 6 NT FL LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Warwick Alien Deluxe 6 NT FL LH

by Warwick

Advanced Techniques World Music Classical Crossover

Key Feature:

• Great for world music styles

✓ PROS

• Unique acoustic character
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Steep learning curve

Warwick Alien Deluxe 6 NT FL LH6-String Acoustic Bass with PickupLeft-hand modelFretlessRockBass seriesTop: Solid AA...

⭐ 4.7/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 492809

$1,759

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick Alien Deluxe Hybrid 4 FL NT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Warwick Alien Deluxe Hybrid 4 FL NT

by Warwick

Unique Sound Advanced Techniques World Music

Key Feature:

• Great for world music styles

✓ PROS

• Unlimited pitch expression
• Natural acoustic resonance

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Steep learning curve

Warwick Alien Deluxe Hybrid 4 FL NTAcoustic Bass with PickupFretlessConstruction: Thin-Line - Body depth: 80 mmTop:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (4 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 508057

$967

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Fretless Acoustic Basses

Budget Planning

• Under $200: Entry-level
• $200-$500: Intermediate
• $500-$1000: Advanced
• $1000+: Professional

Quality Check

• Sound clarity & tone
• Build materials & finish
• Hardware durability
• Overall craftsmanship

Key Features

• Your musical style
• Skill level match
• Intended use case
• Brand reputation

Frequently Asked Questions

Key factors include build quality, sound characteristics, playability, brand reputation, warranty coverage, and value for money. Consider your musical style, skill level, and intended use to find the best match.

Budget depends on your needs and experience level. Beginners can find quality options for $200-500, intermediate players should consider $500-1500 range, while professionals often invest $1500+ for premium features.

Higher-priced fretless acoustic basses typically offer better materials, craftsmanship, and performance. They're worth it if you're serious about music, perform regularly, or need professional-grade features.

Top brands combine quality, innovation, and reliability. We evaluate brands based on build quality, sound performance, durability, and customer satisfaction to recommend the best options for different budgets.

Both have advantages. Online offers better prices and selection, while stores allow hands-on testing. We recommend researching online first, then testing in stores if possible. Many online retailers offer excellent return policies.

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TOP

Best Fretless Acoustic Basses 2025

Takamine DB10 w.Case

Warwick Alien 5 NT FL

Breedlove Pursuit Exotic S Fretless Bass

Warwick RB Alien Standard 4 FL NT

Warwick Alien Deluxe 4 FL NT

Warwick Alien 6 NT FL

Warwick Alien 4 NT FL

Warwick RB Alien Standard 5 BK FL

Warwick RB Alien Standard 5 FL NT

Furch Bc 61-CM4 Fretless

Harley Benton B-35BK-FL Acoustic Bass w/Bag

Harley Benton B-35BK-FL Acoustic Bass Bundle

Warwick Alien 5 NT FL LH

Warwick Alien Deluxe 6 NT FL LH

Warwick Alien Deluxe Hybrid 4 FL NT

How to Choose the Best Fretless Acoustic Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying fretless acoustic basses?

How much should I spend on fretless acoustic basses?

Are expensive fretless acoustic basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for fretless acoustic basses?

Should I buy fretless acoustic basses online or in-store?

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