Best Fretless Basses 2025

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

Last updated: November 5, 2025 • Next update: November 12, 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

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

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS FL

by Marcus Miller

Session Work Progressive Jazz

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Fingerboard wear over time

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS FL5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: MapleBlock...

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 586980

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Fretless BK 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Jazz Experimental Fusion

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Smooth, singing sustain
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Limited for some musical styles

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

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 446143

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

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

⭐ 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

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short FL

by Marcus Miller

Session Work Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Limited for some musical styles

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short FLElectric BassFretlessAlder bodyMaple topMaple neckMaple fingerboardNeck profile: CScale:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 564072

$505

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

Fodera Emperor Standard 5 FL LTD - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Fodera Emperor Standard 5 FL LTD

by Fodera

Experimental Session Work World Music

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Limited for some musical styles
• Requires precise intonation skills

Fodera Emperor Standard 5 FL LTD5-String Fretless Electric BassThomann Limited EditionBody: WalnutSelected top:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 546915

$8,459

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

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

#10

⭐ 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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mora FL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mora FL BK

by Sadowsky

Experimental Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• Steeper learning curve

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mora FL BK5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (54 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599145

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez SRH500F-NNF - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez SRH500F-NNF

by Ibanez

Jazz Experimental Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• Limited for some musical styles

Ibanez SRH500F-NNFElectric BassFretlessBuild: Semi-hollowTop: SpruceBottom: Okume5-Stripe SRH neck: Jatoba /...

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 406069

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller M7 4st Fretless TBL 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller M7 4st Fretless TBL 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Session Work Jazz Experimental

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Fingerboard wear over time

Marcus Miller M7 4st Fretless TBL 2nd GenElectric BassFretlessBody: AlderTop: Flamed mapleBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 494966

$802

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage Bundle

by Harley Benton

Experimental Session Work Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Smooth, singing sustain
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• Steeper learning curve

Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

9/10

Art. 537202

$329

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marleaux Diva 6 EB Royal Purple - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 5.0/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Marleaux Diva 6 EB Royal Purple

by Marleaux

Fusion Jazz Progressive

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Fingerboard wear over time

Marleaux Diva 6 EB Royal Purple6-String Electric BassFretlessBody: AlderTop: flamed chestnutNeck-thru-body:...

⭐ 5.0/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 588372

$6,445

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

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 FL AWH 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS FL

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Fretless BK 2nd Gen

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 5 FL Maple Burl Premium

Marcus Miller M7 5st Fretless TBL 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short FL

Warwick RB Corvette $$ 5 FL NB TS

Fodera Emperor Standard 5 FL LTD

Ulrich Bass Nicolo Fretless 5 Walnut

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 4 R. Gauck Signature FL

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mora FL BK

Ibanez SRH500F-NNF

Marcus Miller M7 4st Fretless TBL 2nd Gen

Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage Bundle

Marleaux Diva 6 EB Royal Purple

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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