Best Fretless Basses 2026

Top-rated fretless basses 2026 - expert picks for every budget and skill level

Last updated: February 11, 2026 • Next update: February 18, 2026

PRICE RANGES: Under $300 Under $500 Under $800 Under $1,000 Under $2,000 Under $5,000

SKILL LEVELS: For Beginner For Intermediate For Professional For Advanced

GENRES & STYLES: For Jazz For Fusion For World Music For Progressive For Experimental For Session Work

BRANDS: Harley Benton Marcus Miller Sadowsky Warwick Ibanez

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 FL AWH 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 FL AWH 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Jazz Fusion Progressive

Key Feature:

• Unique fretless character

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• Steeper learning curve
• Fingerboard wear over time

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 FL AWH 2nd Gen.Electric BassFretless modelAlder bodyBolt-on maple neckEbony...

⭐ 4.6/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 446142

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Session Work Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Fingerboard wear over time

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe Series*5-String...

⭐ 4.4/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 539360

$404

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ulrich Bass Nicolo Fretless 5 Walnut - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Ulrich Bass Nicolo Fretless 5 Walnut

by Ulrich Bass

Experimental Jazz World Music

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Steeper learning curve
• Limited for some musical styles

Ulrich Bass Nicolo Fretless 5 Walnut5 String Electric BassStyle: Semi-HollowFretlessBody: WalnutTop and back: Western...

⭐ 5.0/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 590361

$5,499

Buy at Thomann View Details

Gold Tone ME-BASS/Fretless - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Gold Tone ME-BASS/Fretless

by Gold Tone

Session Work Jazz Progressive

Key Feature:

• Unique fretless character

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• Requires precise intonation skills

Gold Tone ME-BASS/FretlessElectric BassFretlessTop: MahoganyBack and sides: MahoganyNeck: MahoganyFrtboard: WalnutDot...

⭐ 4.7/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 486608

$714

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller Z7-5 FL Antique White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller Z7-5 FL Antique White

by Marcus Miller

Session Work Experimental Progressive

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Limited for some musical styles

Marcus Miller Z7-5 FL Antique White5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyWhite...

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 607729

$857

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mor FLwL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mor FLwL BK

by Sadowsky

Session Work World Music Progressive

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Steeper learning curve

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mor FLwL BK5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 599067

$1,308

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 V JJ4 Mo FLwL LH BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 V JJ4 Mo FLwL LH BK

by Sadowsky

Progressive Jazz Session Work

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Requires precise intonation skills

Sadowsky MetroExp21 V JJ4 Mo FLwL LH BKElectric BassLeft-handed modelFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted...

⭐ 5.0/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 598473

$1,198

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick RB Streamer NT I 4 NTHP FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Warwick RB Streamer NT I 4 NTHP FL

by Warwick

Experimental Jazz Session Work

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Requires precise intonation skills

Warwick RB Streamer NT I 4 NTHP FLElectric BassFretlessBody: Alder3-Piece neck through: Maple with Ekanga veneer...

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 450764

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 4 FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 4 FL

by Warwick

Experimental Session Work Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• May not suit all players

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 4 FLElectric BassFretlessBody: BubingaBolt-on neck: OvangkolFretboard: Tigerstripe...

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 489057

$2,859

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.4/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BK

by Sadowsky

Progressive Jazz Session Work

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• Steeper learning curve

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BK5-String ElectricFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 596267

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick RB Corvette $$ 5 FL NB TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Warwick RB Corvette $$ 5 FL NB TS

by Warwick

Session Work Experimental Progressive

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Limited for some musical styles
• May not suit all players

Warwick RB Corvette $$ 5 FL NB TS5-String Electric BassFretless modelAsh bodyBolt-on 4-piece laminated maple neck with...

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 442671

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL BK 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL BK 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Fusion Session Work Jazz

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• Steeper learning curve
• Requires precise intonation skills

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL BK 2nd GenFretless Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece maple neckFingerboard: EbonyNeck...

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 445944

$593

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NT FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NT FL

by Marcus Miller

Progressive Fusion World Music

Key Feature:

• Unique fretless character

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Fingerboard wear over time

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NT FLElectric BassFretless / fretlessAlder bodyOne-piece maple neckRoasted maple fretboardNeck...

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 507065

$582

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ulrich Bass Nicolo Fretless 4 Amber - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ulrich Bass Nicolo Fretless 4 Amber

by Ulrich Bass

Progressive Fusion Experimental

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• Steeper learning curve

Ulrich Bass Nicolo Fretless 4 AmberElectric BassStyle: Semi-HollowFretlessBody: AlderTop and back: flamed...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 590358

$6,049

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller M7 5st Fretless TBL 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller M7 5st Fretless TBL 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Session Work World Music Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Limited for some musical styles

Marcus Miller M7 5st Fretless TBL 2nd GenFretless 5-String Electric Bass Guitar made by SireAlder bodyFlamed maple...

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 446240

$912

Buy at Thomann View Details

How to Choose the Best Fretless 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 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 Basses 2026

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 FL AWH 2nd Gen

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe w/Bag

Ulrich Bass Nicolo Fretless 5 Walnut

Gold Tone ME-BASS/Fretless

Marcus Miller Z7-5 FL Antique White

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mor FLwL BK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 V JJ4 Mo FLwL LH BK

Warwick RB Streamer NT I 4 NTHP FL

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 4 FL

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BK

Warwick RB Corvette $$ 5 FL NB TS

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL BK 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NT FL

Ulrich Bass Nicolo Fretless 4 Amber

Marcus Miller M7 5st Fretless TBL 2nd Gen

How to Choose the Best Fretless Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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