AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Fretless Basses for Beginner 2026
The top pick is Harley Benton JB-75FL SB Vintage Series ($201). Ibanez SR370EF Standard Soundgear Bass leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 72 models across 11 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- BodyAsh body
This bass sounds like a classic vintage model thanks to its ash body and hot Alnico 5 pickups. The fretless neck is great for tone but needs serious finger work. It looks cool with the skunk stripe and is built for musicians who want that old-school feel.
Pros
- American ash body for classic vintage warmth
- Canadian maple neck offers smooth playability
- Two Alnico 5 single coils deliver punchy tone
Cons
- Fretless neck requires significant skill to master
- Single coil pickups are prone to noise issues
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$201 now$201€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardWalnut fingerboard
This Harley Benton B-550FL is a surprisingly capable fretless bass for the price. The long scale and alder body give it a solid foundation, and the push/pull active/passive switching adds versatility. It's ideal for players exploring fretless for the first time or those wanting a budget-friendly option for funk, jazz, or soul.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain
- Black walnut fingerboard offers a unique feel and warm upper harmonics
- Long scale (864mm) delivers tight low-end and improved clarity
Cons
- Factory strings are basic; upgrading is highly recommended for optimal performance
- Fretless bass requires more precise technique and careful setup
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$213 now$213€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width53 mm (2.09")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings6-string
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
This Harley Benton B-650FL is a seriously impressive fretless bass for the price. The active preamp gives you a surprising amount of tonal shaping, while the alder body delivers a solid, warm low-end. It's a fantastic option for players wanting to explore fretless without a huge investment, especially those into Jaco-inspired funk or smooth jazz.
Pros
- Alder body provides a warm, resonant foundation for the fretless tone.
- Canadian maple neck offers excellent stability and a comfortable, modern D profile.
- Active preamp adds versatility, boosting signal and shaping tonal character.
Cons
- Black walnut fingerboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness.
- Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the inherent resonance of a neck-through design.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$224 now$224€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyAsh body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Harley Benton JB-40FL is a seriously impressive entry into the fretless bass world. The ash body and Roswell pickups give it a warm, punchy character perfect for funk, Motown, and classic rock. It's a fantastic option for players wanting that Jaco Pastorius vibe on a budget-friendly instrument, but be prepared to put in the practice to tame the fretless nature.
Pros
- American ash body delivers a resonant, balanced tone
- Roswell JBA pickups offer a surprisingly articulate, vintage JB growl
- Canadian maple neck with pau ferro provides a comfortable, fast feel
Cons
- Fretless bass requires careful setup and more practice to master
- Bolt-on neck construction can slightly diminish sustain compared to neck-through
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$213 now$213€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
This Harley Benton B-450FL is a surprisingly capable fretless bass for the budget-conscious player. The long scale and humbuckers give it a solid, defined tone suitable for rock, funk, and even some more modern styles. It's a fantastic entry point into fretless playing, offering a lot of value for the money.
Pros
- Alder body provides a warm, resonant foundation.
- Canadian maple neck offers stability and a comfortable modern D profile.
- Active preamp adds versatility and a focused, punchy tone.
Cons
- Black walnut fretboard can be prone to slightly faster wear compared to ebony.
- Bolt-on neck construction may lack the sustain of a neck-through design.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$213 now$213€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale775 mm (30.51")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Beatbass FL VS is a seriously cool option for players wanting that classic fretless vibe without the premium price tag. The hollow body and humbuckers give it a warm, growly tone perfect for Motown, old-school rock, or jazz. It’s a fantastic entry point into fretless playing, but be prepared to put in the intonation work.
Pros
- Arched basswood body offers a surprisingly resonant and warm tonal foundation.
- Maple neck provides a stable platform and contributes to a bright, focused tone.
- Amaranth fretboard is dense and smooth, facilitating comfortable fretless playing.
Cons
- Hollow body construction may introduce more resonance and potential for unwanted feedback at higher volumes.
- Basswood body, while resonant, lacks the sustain and clarity of more premium woods.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$224 now$224€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale775 mm (30.51")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Beatbass FL VS is a seriously cool, budget-friendly fretless option. The hollow body gives it a unique warmth and vintage vibe, while the humbuckers provide plenty of growl. It's perfect for players wanting to explore fretless tones without a massive investment, but be prepared to put in the work to master intonation!
Pros
- Arched basswood body offers surprisingly warm, resonant tone.
- Maple neck provides comfortable playability and good sustain.
- Humbucker pickups deliver a thick, punchy, vintage-inspired sound.
Cons
- Fretless basses require a significant commitment to intonation learning.
- Hollow body may introduce unwanted resonances at higher volumes.
46AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$235 now$235€209 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
This Harley Benton fretless is a surprisingly capable instrument, offering a lot of bang for your buck. The long scale and active EQ give it a modern feel, while the wood combination delivers a pleasing tonal balance. It’s ideal for players wanting to explore fretless territory without a premium-priced investment, or for those seeking a unique, articulate bass tone.
Pros
- Ovangkol body provides a warm, resonant, and articulate low-end.
- 7-piece neck-through design enhances sustain and improves upper fret access.
- Black walnut fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience with a unique tonal character.
Cons
- Active electronics add complexity and potential for battery-related issues.
- Ceramic pickups might lack the warmth and vintage character of alnico alternatives.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$393 now$393€349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
The SR370EF-BBT is a surprisingly capable fretless bass, offering a warm, woody tone and a comfortable neck profile. It's a great entry point into fretless playing for those wanting a more expressive and nuanced sound without the premium price tag – ideal for players exploring jazz, soul, or funk.
Pros
- Maple/Walnut neck offers excellent sustain and a comfortable playing feel.
- Powerspan humbuckers deliver a warm, articulate tone suitable for many genres.
- Jatoba fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing surface with a unique feel.
Cons
- Fretless basses require more practice and careful technique to master.
- Maple body might lack the warmth of mahogany for certain tonal preferences.
49AudioFu
Index↓ 2.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$477 · Aug 17$467 now$467€415 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
- Scale775 mm (30.51")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
- Weight7.5 kg
This Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage Bundle is a fantastic entry point into the world of fretless bass. The hollow body and humbucker pickups deliver a surprisingly full and vintage-inspired tone, while the included amp gives you a workable starting setup. It's a great option for players wanting to explore fretless without a premium-priced investment.
Pros
- Arched basswood body provides a surprisingly resonant and warm tone.
- Maple neck offers a comfortable C-profile and good sustain.
- Viola bridge enhances vibration transfer for a more expressive fretless feel.
Cons
- Fretless bass requires significant practice and ear training to master intonation.
- Humbucker pickups can sound muddy if EQ isn't carefully managed.
29AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$291 now$291€259 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.
- 11
Gold Tone M-Bass/FL Micro 23" Scale Fretless Acoustic/Electric Bass…ME-BASS/Fretless · Gold Tone59Stable$595€529$595€529Check ↗
- 12
Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short FLMarcus Miller44Stable$515€458$515€458Check ↗
- 13
Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NT FLMarcus Miller · 2 finishes46Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 14
Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 Fretless VWHMarcus Miller44Stable$618€549$618€549Check ↗
- 15
Sandberg California VS Lionel Short Scale 4California V FL SA 3TSB · Sandberg72Stable$2,385€2,119$2,385€2,119Check ↗
- 16
Ibanez SRAS7 Bass Workshop Hybrid Fretless SoundgearSRAS7-CBS · Ibanez68Stable$1,541€1,369$1,541€1,369Check ↗
- 17
Warwick Rockbass Streamer LX 5RockBass Streamer 5 FL NBT · Warwick65Stable$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 18
Warwick Rockbass Star Bass 4RB Star Bass 4 FL BK · Warwick65↓ 2.0%$1,102€979$1,102€979Check ↗
- 19
Warwick Rockbass Corvette $$ 5 ActiveRB Corvette $$ 5 FL NB TS · Warwick64Stable$1,068€949$1,068€949Check ↗
- 20
Marcus Miller V7 5 New Gen Antique White FLMarcus Miller · 4 finishes62Stable$899€799$899€799Check ↗
- 21
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FL LH BKSadowsky · 5 finishes62↓ 9.1%$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 22
Ibanez SRD905F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRD905F-BTL · Ibanez62Stable$1,248€1,109$1,248€1,109Check ↗
- 23
Ibanez SRH500F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRH500F-NNF · Ibanez61Stable$843€749$843€749Check ↗
- 24
Ibanez SRH505F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRH505F-NNF Bass Workshop · Ibanez61Stable$917€815$917€815Check ↗
- 25
Warwick Rockbass Streamer LX 4RB Streamer LX 4 SB HP FL · Warwick61Stable$1,012€899$1,012€899Check ↗
- 26
Ibanez SRD900F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRD900F-BTL · Ibanez61Stable$1,282€1,139$1,282€1,139Check ↗
- 27
ESP LTD B-204SM FretlessLTD B204SM FL Natural Satin · ESP57Stable$753€669$753€669Check ↗
- 28
ESP LTD B-205SM FretlessLTD B205SM FL Natural Satin · ESP57Stable$753€669$753€669Check ↗
- 29
Warwick German Pro Series Streamer Stage I 5RB Streamer NT I 5 FL BLK · Warwick57Stable$1,102€979$1,102€979Check ↗
- 30
Warwick Rockbass Corvette Basic 5 Active (Long Scale)RB Corvette Basic 5 FL NBTS · Warwick57Stable$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 31
Ibanez SDGB1 Steve Di Giorgio SignatureSDGB1-DMT · Ibanez56Stable$1,772€1,575$1,772€1,575Check ↗
- 32
Ibanez SRF700 Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRF700-BBF · Ibanez54Stable$1,114€990$1,114€990Check ↗
- 33
Warwick German Pro Series Streamer Stage I 4RB Streamer NT I 4 NTHP FL · Warwick54Stable$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 34
Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-Fret 6 RM TSTSadowsky · 2 finishes54Stable$1,676€1,489$1,676€1,489Check ↗
- 35
Marcus Miller Z7-5 FL Antique WhiteMarcus Miller52Stable$787€699$787€699Check ↗
- 36
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL OWSadowsky · 2 finishes52↓ 8.3%$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 37
Warwick RB Streamer NT 5 FL NA HPWarwick52Stable$1,180€1,049$1,180€1,049Check ↗
- 38
Marcus Miller F10-5 NT FLMarcus Miller52Stable$1,912€1,699$1,912€1,699Check ↗
- 39
Marcus Miller F10 Dc 5 Natural FLMarcus Miller52Stable$2,024€1,799$2,024€1,799Check ↗
- 40
Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 6 FLWarwick51↓ 3.0%$3,600€3,199$3,600€3,199Check ↗
- 41
Marcus Miller Z7-4 FL Antique WhiteMarcus Miller50Stable$674€599$674€599Check ↗
- 42
Marcus Miller V7-5 Sandblasted BK TE FLMarcus Miller50Stable$865€769$865€769Check ↗
- 43
Marcus Miller M6 Headless 5 TS FLMarcus Miller50Stable$1,068€949$1,068€949Check ↗
- 44
Warwick RB Streamer NT 4 FL SB HPWarwick50Stable$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 45
Marcus Miller F10-6 NT FLMarcus Miller50Stable$2,137€1,899$2,137€1,899Check ↗
- 46
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BKSadowsky49↓ 9.1%$1,124€999$1,124€999Check ↗
- 47
Ibanez SRF705 Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRF705-BBF · Ibanez49Stable$1,214€1,079$1,214€1,079Check ↗
- 48
Sadowsky MetroExp21Vin JJ5Mo FLwL LH BKSadowsky49↓ 7.6%$1,237€1,099$1,237€1,099Check ↗
- 49
Marcus Miller F10-4 Natural FLMarcus Miller49↓ 2.9%$1,856€1,649$1,856€1,649Check ↗
- 50
Marcus Miller V7-4 Sandblasted BK TE FLMarcus Miller48Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
Fretless Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 90 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,124 — half of all fretless basses here cost less.
median of 78 models · 38 mm (1.5")–53 mm (2.09")
median of 72 models · 775 mm (30.51")–889 mm (35")
most common · 70 models
most common · 52 models
How to choose the best fretless basses
Neck Profile
A comfortable neck is critical. Thinner, C-shaped profiles are generally easier on the hand, especially when you're developing the muscle memory needed for accurate intonation. Avoid anything too thick or asymmetrical at first.
Scale Length
34" is the standard, but a 32" scale can feel a little more forgiving under your fingers, especially when bending notes. It slightly loosens the string tension, making it a little easier to get those microtonal adjustments right.
String Spacing
Wider string spacing (around 19-20mm) gives you more room for error and makes it easier to avoid muting adjacent strings - a common problem for fretless beginners.
Nut Material & Setup
A properly cut nut is absolutely vital for fretless basses. Graphite or Tusq nuts are generally more stable and less prone to string binding, which can throw off intonation. A good setup from a tech is worth its weight in gold.
Body Wood & Pickup Voicing
While wood affects tone, for a beginner, focus on a balanced pickup voicing. Avoid anything overly bright or harsh - you want a warm, fundamental tone that allows your technique to shine (or, more accurately, expose your mistakes!).
Buying guide
So, you're thinking about taking the fretless plunge? It's a beautiful thing, unlocking a whole new level of expression on the bass, but it's not a beginner-friendly path. Jumping straight to a boutique instrument with a ridiculously thin neck and a ton of string tension is a recipe for frustration. Let's look at fretless basses that won't punish you while still giving you a taste of that singing, vocal tone.
Don't chase the 'vintage vibe' or the fancy figured maple top. Focus on playability and a solid, stable foundation. Cheaper fretless basses often cut corners on the nut and neck relief, which will make intonation a nightmare.
Spending a little more on a well-setup instrument from a reputable brand will save you headaches - and money on future repairs - down the road. Consider buying used to get more value for your money, but have it checked by a tech before committing.
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 a fretless bass harder to learn than a fretted one?
Absolutely. You need a much better ear and more precise finger placement. It's not just about knowing the notes; it's about finding them. Expect a steeper learning curve, but the payoff in tonal expression is huge.
What strings should I use?
Roundwound strings are generally more forgiving for beginners as they offer a bit more bite and clarity. Stainless steel strings will be brighter, while nickel strings will be warmer. Experiment, but start with a medium gauge to avoid excessive tension.
How important is intonation?
Critical. Fretless intonation is all about your technique, but a poorly set-up bass will make it exponentially harder. Get it professionally adjusted and check it regularly.
Can I still play gigs with a fretless bass as a beginner?
Sure, but manage expectations. Stick to simpler songs and be prepared to practice a lot more. Don't try to be Jaco Pastorius on day one.
What's the difference between a 'singing' and a 'muddy' fretless tone?
A 'singing' tone has clear fundamentals and a defined pitch, while a 'muddy' tone lacks clarity and has indistinct notes. This is a combination of string choice, pickup voicing, and your technique - a good setup and proper technique will get you closer to that singing tone.
