AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Fretless Basses 2026
The top pick is Warwick Rockbass Corvette Basic 5 Active (Long Scale) ($1,115). Ibanez SRH500F Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear gives you the most for the money at $836. Sandberg California VS Lionel Short Scale 4 leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 72 models across 11 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
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All Fretless BassesTop 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Warwick Rockbass Corvette Basic 5 Active (Long Scale)
RB Corvette Basic 5 FL NBTS · Warwick
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale863.6 mm (34")
- Strings5-string
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
You get a fretless five-string bass with an alder body, a maple neck, and a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard. It has two active J-style pickups and 2-band active electronics, and it comes with a gigbag. This one suits you if you want a fretless bass with a long 34-inch scale and a bag to carry it in.
Pros
- Alder body paired with a bolt-on laminate maple neck and ekanga veneer stringers
- Two active MEC J-style single coil pickups with 2-band active electronics
- Tigerstripe ebony fingerboard with 26" radius and 24 positions
Cons
- Fretless design is not suited to players who want frets
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,115 now$1,115€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Sandberg California VS Lionel Short Scale 4
California V FL SA 3TSB · Sandberg
28 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width39.5 mm (1.56")
- Scale889 mm (35")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a fretless bass with an alder body and a maple neck. It has one Sandberg split coil pickup and a 3-band EQ, so you can shape the tone to fit your playing. It suits you if you want a fretless bass with a 35 inch scale and a gig bag included.
Pros
- Alder body, a common tonewood chosen for balance and resonance
- Maple bolt-on neck paired with a rosewood fingerboard
- Sandberg split coil pickup with a 3-band EQ for shaping your tone
Cons
- Fretless design with a 35 inch scale suits players who can handle its feel
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,366 now$2,366€2,119 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Warwick Rockbass Corvette $$ 5 Active
RB Corvette $$ 5 FL NB TS · Warwick
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale866 mm (34.09")
- Fingerboard radius660 mm (25.98")
- Strings5-string
- BodyAsh body
This is a five-string fretless bass with a long 34 inch scale and a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard. It has two humbucker pickups and active two-band electronics, so you can shape the bass and treble yourself. It suits you if you want a fretless five-string with solid hardware and controls, and you are fine carrying its 4.4 kg weight.
Pros
- Ash body with a bolt-on laminated maple neck and ekanga veneer stringers
- Tigerstripe ebony fingerboard with 660 mm (26") radius and 24 positions
- Two passive MEC MM-style humbuckers with active RockBass 2-band electronics
Cons
- Weighs approximately 4.4 kg, which is heavy for carrying on long gigs
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,060 now$1,060€949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRAS7 Bass Workshop Hybrid Fretless Soundgear
SRAS7-CBS · Ibanez
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width63 mm (2.48")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings7-string
- BodyOkoume body
This is a 7-string bass with a fretted section and a fretless section on the same neck. You get two SRAS Super J single coils, an AeroSilk piezo system, and a three-way switch to choose between piezo, mix, and magnetic modes. It suits you if you want a fretless bass with extra low and high strings and the option to switch between pickup types.
Pros
- Burl poplar/ash top over an Okoume body gives a striking look
- Three-way switch selects Piezo, Mix, or Magnetic pickup modes
- Two SRAS Super J single coils plus AeroSilk piezo system
Cons
- Its 864 mm scale and 1127 mm overall length make it a large bass to carry
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,528 now$1,528€1,369 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Warwick Rockbass Streamer LX 5
RockBass Streamer 5 FL NBT · Warwick
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius664 mm (26.14")
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
You get a five-string fretless bass with a Carolina pine body, a maple neck, and a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard. It has two MEC Vintage humbuckers and active 2-band electronics with volume, balance, treble and bass controls. It suits you if you want a fretless five-string with a long 34-inch scale and a gigbag included to carry it.
Pros
- Carolina pine contoured body with a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard
- Two passive MEC Vintage humbuckers for a classic bass pickup setup
- Active RockBass 2-band electronics with volume, balance, treble and bass controls
Cons
- Fretless design with a 34-inch long scale needs a player comfortable with unfretted pitch
- Weighs approximately 4.0 kg, which is heavy for a bass to carry around
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$892 now$892€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38.5 mm (1.52")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Weight3.8 kg
You get a fretless 4-string bass with a maple body and neck, a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard and two MEC Vintage single coil pickups. It comes with a Rockbag gig bag and a hex key, and the controls are simple: volume and tone for each pickup plus a 3-way switch. It suits you if you want a fretless bass and you are ready to find your notes by ear.
Pros
- Solid black high polish finish on a maple top, bottom and sides
- Set-in laminated maple neck with ekanga veneer stringers
- Tigerstripe ebony fingerboard with a 20 inch radius
Cons
- Fretless design with a 32 inch medium scale requires careful pitch control by ear
- Weighs approximately 3.8 kg, so it is a fairly heavy bass to carry
65AudioFu
Index↓ 2.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,115 · Aug 17$1,093 now$1,093€979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRH500F Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear
SRH500F-NNF · Ibanez
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
The SRH500F-NNF is a beautifully crafted fretless bass that bridges the gap between acoustic and electric tones. Its semi-hollow construction and piezo pickups give it a unique, organic character, ideal for players seeking a more expressive and nuanced sound. This is a great choice for the serious bassist looking to explore fretless territory without a premium-priced investment.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers a warm, articulate tone with surprising projection.
- Jatoba/Walnut neck construction provides excellent stability and a comfortable feel.
- AeroSilk piezo pickups offer a natural, acoustic-like response and clarity.
Cons
- Semi-hollow body can be prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- Okume back may resonate less than a fully solid body, impacting sustain.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$836 now$836€749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings5-string
This is a fretless five-string bass with an alder body, a roasted maple neck and an ebony fingerboard. Its preamp switches between active and passive modes, so you can choose the setting you like. It suits you if you want a fretless five-string with a clean, classic look and easy control over the controls on the bass.
Pros
- Alder body paired with a roasted maple bolt-on neck
- Ebony fingerboard with white pearloid block inlays
- Two Marcus Super J Revolution single coil pickups
Cons
- Fretless design means no frets to guide finger placement
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$892 now$892€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Warwick Rockbass Streamer LX 4
RB Streamer LX 4 SB HP FL · Warwick
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width38.5 mm (1.52")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius508 mm (20")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Weight3.8 kg
This is a fretless bass with a long 864 mm scale and a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard. It has two pickup styles and active 2-band electronics, so you get flexible control over your tone. It suits you if you already know how to play a fretless bass and want a sturdy build with secure hardware.
Pros
- Fretless design with a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard and 508 mm radius
- Passive MEC 'Dynamic Correction' P-style and J-style pickups in one bass
- Active RockBass 2-band electronics with volume, balance, bass and treble controls
Cons
- Long 864 mm scale and about 3.8 kg weight make it a heavy bass to carry
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,004 now$1,004€899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This is a left-handed 5-string fretless bass with an okoume body, a roasted maple neck and a morado fingerboard. You get two stacked Sadowsky J-style single coil pickups, active 2-way electronics, and a push/pull switch that bypasses the preamp. It suits you if you play left-handed and want a fretless bass with plenty of control options, and it comes with a bag, fretboard protector and hex keys.
Pros
- Left-handed model with a fretless 5-string neck, suited to left-handed players
- Okoume body paired with a roasted maple bolt-on neck and morado fingerboard
- Two stacked Sadowsky J-style single coil pickups with active 2-way electronics
Cons
- Fretless design with a 12" radius fingerboard is not suited to players who want frets
- Weighs up to 4.8 kg, which is heavy for long standing sessions
62AudioFu
Index↓ 9.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,227 · Aug 17$1,115 now$1,115€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 72 fretless basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Ibanez SRD905F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRD905F-BTL · Ibanez62Stable$1,238€1,109$1,238€1,109Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez SRH505F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRH505F-NNF Bass Workshop · Ibanez60Stable$910€815$910€815Check ↗
- 13
Ibanez SRF700 Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRF700-BBF · Ibanez59Stable$1,105€990$1,105€990Check ↗
- 14
Warwick German Pro Series Streamer Stage I 4RB Streamer NT I 4 NTHP FL · Warwick59Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 15
Ibanez SRD900F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRD900F-BTL · Ibanez59Stable$1,272€1,139$1,272€1,139Check ↗
- 16
Gold Tone M-Bass/FL Micro 23" Scale Fretless Acoustic/Electric Bass…ME-BASS/Fretless · Gold Tone58Stable$591€529$591€529Check ↗
- 17
ESP LTD B-204SM FretlessLTD B204SM FL Natural Satin · ESP58↓ 3.0%$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton B-550FL BK Progressive SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes56Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton B-650FL BK Progressive SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes56Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 20
ESP LTD B-205SM FretlessLTD B205SM FL Natural Satin · ESP56Stable$747€669$747€669Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton JB-75FL SB Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 2 finishes55Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 22
Warwick German Pro Series Streamer Stage I 5RB Streamer NT I 5 FL BLK · Warwick55Stable$1,093€979$1,093€979Check ↗
- 23
Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 6 FLWarwick55↓ 12.4%$3,227€2,890$3,227€2,890Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes54Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 25
Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-Fret 6 RM TSTSadowsky · 2 finishes54Stable$1,662€1,489$1,662€1,489Check ↗
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Marcus Miller F10 Dc 5 Natural FLMarcus Miller53↓ 2.8%$1,953€1,749$1,953€1,749Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton JB-40FL 3-Tone SunburstHarley Benton · 2 finishes52Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 28
Marcus Miller Z7-5 FL Antique WhiteMarcus Miller52Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 29
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL OWSadowsky · 2 finishes52↓ 8.3%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 30
Warwick RB Streamer NT 5 FL NA HPWarwick52Stable$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
- 31
Marcus Miller F10-5 NT FLMarcus Miller52Stable$1,897€1,699$1,897€1,699Check ↗
- 32
Ibanez SR370EF Standard Soundgear BassSR370EF-BBT · Ibanez50↓ 2.1%$463€415$463€415Check ↗
- 33
Marcus Miller Z7-4 FL Antique WhiteMarcus Miller50Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 34
Marcus Miller V7-5 Sandblasted BK TE FLMarcus Miller50Stable$859€769$859€769Check ↗
- 35
Marcus Miller M6 Headless 5 TS FLMarcus Miller50Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 36
Warwick RB Streamer NT 4 FL SB HPWarwick50Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 37
Marcus Miller F10-6 NT FLMarcus Miller50Stable$2,120€1,899$2,120€1,899Check ↗
- 38
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BKSadowsky49↓ 9.1%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 39
Ibanez SRF705 Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRF705-BBF · Ibanez49Stable$1,205€1,079$1,205€1,079Check ↗
- 40
Sadowsky MetroExp21Vin JJ5Mo FLwL LH BKSadowsky49↓ 7.6%$1,227€1,099$1,227€1,099Check ↗
- 41
Ibanez SDGB1 Steve Di Giorgio SignatureSDGB1-DMT · Ibanez49Stable$1,758€1,575$1,758€1,575Check ↗
- 42
Marcus Miller F10-4 Natural FLMarcus Miller49↓ 2.9%$1,841€1,649$1,841€1,649Check ↗
- 43
Marcus Miller V7-4 Sandblasted BK TE FLMarcus Miller48Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 44
Warwick RB Corvette B 4 FL NBTSWarwick48Stable$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 45
Sandberg Basic 5 Eby VB FLSandberg48Stable$1,964€1,759$1,964€1,759Check ↗
- 46
Sandberg California II TT4 FL G PassivSandberg48Stable$2,399€2,149$2,399€2,149Check ↗
- 47
Sandberg California II VT 5 BK Rst FLSandberg48Stable$2,522€2,259$2,522€2,259Check ↗
- 48
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora FL BKSadowsky47↓ 8.0%$1,026€919$1,026€919Check ↗
- 49
Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Vint. 4 MO FL TBSadowsky47↓ 8.3%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 50
Sadowsky MetroExp21 V JJ4 Mo FLwL LH BKSadowsky47↓ 8.3%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
Fretless Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 90 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,115 — half of all fretless basses here cost less.
median of 79 models · 38 mm (1.5")–53 mm (2.09")
median of 72 models · 775 mm (30.51")–889 mm (35")
most common · 69 models
most common · 52 models
How to choose the best fretless basses
Neck Profile & Feel
This is everything. A thick, unwieldy neck will make accurate intonation impossible. You need something comfortable that allows for precise finger placement. A thin C or D profile is a good starting point, but ultimately it's about personal preference - try before you buy if you can.
Wood Choice & Body Resonance
Fretless basses live and die by their wood. Mahogany offers a warm, round tone with plenty of sustain, while maple delivers a brighter, more articulate response. The body wood contributes to the overall resonance and character - a swamp ash body will feel lighter and more responsive than a dense rosewood one.
Scale Length
34" is standard, but 35" or even 36" basses are becoming more common. Longer scale lengths offer tighter low-end and improved high-end clarity, which can be crucial for cutting through a dense mix, but they also demand more precise technique. Shorter scales are easier to play, but might lose some low-end thump.
String Spacing & Action
Wider string spacing is generally easier for fretless, giving you more room for error. Action (string height) is critical - too high, and it's a struggle; too low, and you'll get fret buzz. A good setup is absolutely essential, and be prepared to tweak it.
Pickup Voicing
Fretless basses are incredibly sensitive to pickup choice. You want something that captures the nuances of your playing without sounding harsh or brittle. P-style pickups can be punchy but sometimes lack warmth, while soapbar designs often offer a smoother, more rounded tone - ideal for that singing, Jaco-esque vibe.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're thinking about going fretless. It's a serious jump - suddenly you're responsible for intonation, vibrato, and that signature singing tone. It's not just about slapping on a fretless neck; the whole instrument needs to work together to deliver. Let's break down what makes a great fretless bass and what to look out for, so you don't end up with a beautiful-looking instrument that fights you every step of the way.
Don't be fooled by flashy finishes or exotic woods. A fretless bass is only as good as its intonation and feel. A cheap fretless will almost certainly have intonation problems, a poorly finished neck, and lackluster hardware.
Investing in a good setup from a qualified tech is non-negotiable; it's more important than the price tag. If you're new to fretless, start with a 34" scale and a comfortable neck profile - you can always experiment later.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 90 fretless basses from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
Is it hard to learn fretless bass?
It's definitely a commitment. You need a good ear, a lot of patience, and a willingness to practice slowly and deliberately. Forget about speed; focus on accuracy and intonation first.
Can I use my existing amp with a fretless bass?
Generally, yes, but be mindful of your EQ. Fretless basses often benefit from a slightly scooped mid-range to avoid muddiness. Experiment with your amp's tone controls to find the sweet spot.
What strings are best for a fretless bass?
Roundwound strings are the most common choice for their bright, articulate tone, but flatwound strings offer a smoother, more vintage feel. String gauge is a personal preference, but most fretless players opt for a lighter gauge to ease the finger pressure.
What about intonation adjustments?
Intonation is a constant battle with fretless basses. You'll need to learn how to adjust the saddles and be prepared to do it regularly, especially after changing strings or adjusting the action.
Are there any fretless basses that are good for beginners?
The Fender Squier Fretless Jazz Bass is a solid entry point - it's relatively affordable and offers a comfortable playing experience, but be prepared to invest in a setup.
