Best Fretless Basses 2025

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

Last updated: October 15, 2025 • Next update: October 22, 2025

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: Marcus Miller Harley Benton Sadowsky Warwick Ibanez

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

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe Series

by Harley Benton

Jazz Experimental Progressive

Key Feature:

• Unique fretless character

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

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

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe Series5-String Fretless Electric BassFretlessBody: Ovangkol7-Piece neck-through-body...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 411698

$384

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ulrich Bass Nicolo Fretless 4 Amber - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

Marleaux MBass 5 Worn Spruce FL Ltd - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Marleaux MBass 5 Worn Spruce FL Ltd

by Marleaux

Jazz Experimental World Music

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Smooth, singing sustain
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

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

Marleaux MBass 5 Worn Spruce FL Ltd5-String Electric BassExclusive edition of the MBass specially designed for Thomann...

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 492131

$5,609

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FL LH BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FL LH BK

by Sadowsky

Session Work Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Steeper learning curve
• Requires precise intonation skills

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FL LH BK5-String Electric BassLeft-handed modelFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 599146

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL BK 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Progressive World Music Session Work

Key Feature:

• Unique fretless character

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Limited for some musical styles

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

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 445980

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marleaux Diva 4 Laurel EB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Warwick RB Streamer LX 4 SB HP FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Warwick RB Streamer LX 4 SB HP FL

by Warwick

Jazz Experimental Fusion

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Steeper learning curve

Warwick RB Streamer LX 4 SB HP FLElectric BassFretless modelArched body: Carolina3-Piece neck: Maple with ekanga veneer...

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 452165

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 FL NBT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 FL NBT

by Warwick

World Music Fusion Progressive

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Fingerboard wear over time

Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 FL NBT5-String Electric BassFretlessArched body: CarolinaBolted 4-stripe neck: Laminated...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 452132

$934

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 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

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

#11

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL AWH 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Fusion World Music Experimental

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• Requires precise intonation skills

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL AWH 2nd GenFretless Electric BassAlder bodyOne-piece maple neckEbony fretboardNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 445940

$591

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#12

⭐ 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

Ibanez SRAS7-CBS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.7/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Ibanez SRAS7-CBS

by Ibanez

Jazz World Music Progressive

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

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

Ibanez SRAS7-CBS7-String Electric BassFretted / fretlessBody: OkoumeTop: Burl poplar/ash7-Piece bolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 557373

$1,506

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#14

⭐ 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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 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

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 2025

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe Series

Ulrich Bass Nicolo Fretless 4 Amber

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 4 R. Gauck Signature FL

Marleaux MBass 5 Worn Spruce FL Ltd

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FL LH BK

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL BK 2nd Gen

Marleaux Diva 4 Laurel EB

Warwick RB Streamer LX 4 SB HP FL

Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 FL NBT

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 4 FL

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL AWH 2nd Gen

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 5 FL Maple Burl Premium

Ibanez SRAS7-CBS

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe w/Bag

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BK

How to Choose the Best Fretless Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when buying fretless basses?

How much should I spend on fretless basses?

Are expensive fretless basses worth the investment?

What are the best brands for fretless basses?

Should I buy fretless basses online or in-store?

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