Best Fretless Basses 2026

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

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 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

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 5 FL Maple Burl Premium - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 5 FL Maple Burl Premium

by Franz Bassguitars

Experimental Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• Limited for some musical styles

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 5 FL Maple Burl Premium5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: WalnutTop: Grained maple in premium...

⭐ 5.0/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 537483

$4,708

Buy at Thomann View Details

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 4 R. Gauck Signature FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 4 R. Gauck Signature FL

by Franz Bassguitars

Progressive Experimental World Music

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

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

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 4 R. Gauck Signature FLElectric BassBody: Walnut5-Piece neck-thru-body thermo ash...

⭐ 4.8/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 378245

$4,389

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL AWH 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL AWH 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

World Music Session Work Jazz

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Limited for some musical styles
• Fingerboard wear over time

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL AWH 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: AlderOne-piece maple neckEbony fretboardNeck...

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 445978

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Fretless TS 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Fretless TS 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Experimental Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Limited for some musical styles

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Fretless TS 2nd Gen.Electric BassFretless modelBody: AlderNeck: MapleNeck attachment:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 446144

$637

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 Vint JJ4 Mora FL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora FL BK

by Sadowsky

Jazz Experimental World Music

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Steeper learning curve

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora FL BKElectric BassFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 598459

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 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

#10

⭐ 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

Ibanez SDGB1-DMT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.4/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez SDGB1-DMT

by Ibanez

Fusion World Music Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• Requires precise intonation skills

Ibanez SDGB1-DMTFretless 5-String Electric BassFretlessSteve Di Giorgio (Testament) Signature ModelBody: Okume /...

⭐ 4.4/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 578585

$1,733

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick RB Streamer NT I 5 FL BLK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Warwick RB Streamer NT I 5 FL BLK

by Warwick

Jazz Progressive Experimental

Key Feature:

• Unique fretless character

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

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

Warwick RB Streamer NT I 5 FL BLK5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: AlderNeck-through construction4-pPece laminated...

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 503753

$1,154

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 TS FL

by Marcus Miller

World Music Fusion Session Work

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Fingerboard wear over time

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 TS FL4-String Fretless Electric BassMade by SireAlder bodyOne-piece maple neckC neck...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 532528

$582

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.4/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe Bundle

by Harley Benton

Progressive Fusion World Music

Key Feature:

• Unique fretless character

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• Steeper learning curve
• Requires precise intonation skills

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

⭐ 4.4/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 539364

$413

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marleaux Diva 4 Laurel EB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Marleaux Diva 4 Laurel EB

by Marleaux

Progressive World Music Experimental

Key Feature:

• Unique fretless character

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Steeper learning curve

Marleaux Diva 4 Laurel EBElectric BassFretlessBody: MahoganySelected signature top: Laurel burlNeck-through:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 552037

$6,379

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

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 5 FL Maple Burl Premium

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 4 R. Gauck Signature FL

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 FL AWH 2nd Gen

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe w/Bag

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL AWH 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Fretless TS 2nd Gen

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mor FLwL BK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora FL BK

Warwick RB Corvette $$ 5 FL NB TS

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL BK 2nd Gen

Ibanez SDGB1-DMT

Warwick RB Streamer NT I 5 FL BLK

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 TS FL

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe Bundle

Marleaux Diva 4 Laurel EB

How to Choose the Best Fretless Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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