AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Fretless Basses for Intermediate 2026
The top pick is Warwick Rockbass Corvette Basic 5 Active (Long Scale) ($1,115). Ibanez SRH500F Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear gives you the most for the money at $836. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 72 models across 11 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Warwick Rockbass Corvette Basic 5 Active (Long Scale)
RB Corvette Basic 5 FL NBTS · Warwick
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale863.6 mm (34")
- Strings5-string
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
You get a fretless five-string bass with an alder body, a maple neck, and a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard. It has two active J-style pickups and 2-band active electronics, and it comes with a gigbag. This one suits you if you want a fretless bass with a long 34-inch scale and a bag to carry it in.
Pros
- Alder body paired with a bolt-on laminate maple neck and ekanga veneer stringers
- Two active MEC J-style single coil pickups with 2-band active electronics
- Tigerstripe ebony fingerboard with 26" radius and 24 positions
Cons
- Fretless design is not suited to players who want frets
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,115 now$1,115€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Warwick Rockbass Corvette $$ 5 Active
RB Corvette $$ 5 FL NB TS · Warwick
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale866 mm (34.09")
- Fingerboard radius660 mm (25.98")
- Strings5-string
- BodyAsh body
This is a five-string fretless bass with a long 34 inch scale and a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard. It has two humbucker pickups and active two-band electronics, so you can shape the bass and treble yourself. It suits you if you want a fretless five-string with solid hardware and controls, and you are fine carrying its 4.4 kg weight.
Pros
- Ash body with a bolt-on laminated maple neck and ekanga veneer stringers
- Tigerstripe ebony fingerboard with 660 mm (26") radius and 24 positions
- Two passive MEC MM-style humbuckers with active RockBass 2-band electronics
Cons
- Weighs approximately 4.4 kg, which is heavy for carrying on long gigs
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,060 now$1,060€949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Warwick Rockbass Streamer LX 5
RockBass Streamer 5 FL NBT · Warwick
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius664 mm (26.14")
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
You get a five-string fretless bass with a Carolina pine body, a maple neck, and a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard. It has two MEC Vintage humbuckers and active 2-band electronics with volume, balance, treble and bass controls. It suits you if you want a fretless five-string with a long 34-inch scale and a gigbag included to carry it.
Pros
- Carolina pine contoured body with a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard
- Two passive MEC Vintage humbuckers for a classic bass pickup setup
- Active RockBass 2-band electronics with volume, balance, treble and bass controls
Cons
- Fretless design with a 34-inch long scale needs a player comfortable with unfretted pitch
- Weighs approximately 4.0 kg, which is heavy for a bass to carry around
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$892 now$892€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38.5 mm (1.52")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Weight3.8 kg
You get a fretless 4-string bass with a maple body and neck, a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard and two MEC Vintage single coil pickups. It comes with a Rockbag gig bag and a hex key, and the controls are simple: volume and tone for each pickup plus a 3-way switch. It suits you if you want a fretless bass and you are ready to find your notes by ear.
Pros
- Solid black high polish finish on a maple top, bottom and sides
- Set-in laminated maple neck with ekanga veneer stringers
- Tigerstripe ebony fingerboard with a 20 inch radius
Cons
- Fretless design with a 32 inch medium scale requires careful pitch control by ear
- Weighs approximately 3.8 kg, so it is a fairly heavy bass to carry
65AudioFu
Index↓ 2.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,115 · Aug 17$1,093 now$1,093€979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRH500F Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear
SRH500F-NNF · Ibanez
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
The SRH500F-NNF is a beautifully crafted fretless bass that bridges the gap between acoustic and electric tones. Its semi-hollow construction and piezo pickups give it a unique, organic character, ideal for players seeking a more expressive and nuanced sound. This is a great choice for the serious bassist looking to explore fretless territory without a premium-priced investment.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers a warm, articulate tone with surprising projection.
- Jatoba/Walnut neck construction provides excellent stability and a comfortable feel.
- AeroSilk piezo pickups offer a natural, acoustic-like response and clarity.
Cons
- Semi-hollow body can be prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- Okume back may resonate less than a fully solid body, impacting sustain.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$836 now$836€749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings5-string
This is a fretless five-string bass with an alder body, a roasted maple neck and an ebony fingerboard. Its preamp switches between active and passive modes, so you can choose the setting you like. It suits you if you want a fretless five-string with a clean, classic look and easy control over the controls on the bass.
Pros
- Alder body paired with a roasted maple bolt-on neck
- Ebony fingerboard with white pearloid block inlays
- Two Marcus Super J Revolution single coil pickups
Cons
- Fretless design means no frets to guide finger placement
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$892 now$892€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Warwick Rockbass Streamer LX 4
RB Streamer LX 4 SB HP FL · Warwick
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width38.5 mm (1.52")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius508 mm (20")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Weight3.8 kg
This is a fretless bass with a long 864 mm scale and a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard. It has two pickup styles and active 2-band electronics, so you get flexible control over your tone. It suits you if you already know how to play a fretless bass and want a sturdy build with secure hardware.
Pros
- Fretless design with a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard and 508 mm radius
- Passive MEC 'Dynamic Correction' P-style and J-style pickups in one bass
- Active RockBass 2-band electronics with volume, balance, bass and treble controls
Cons
- Long 864 mm scale and about 3.8 kg weight make it a heavy bass to carry
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,004 now$1,004€899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This is a left-handed 5-string fretless bass with an okoume body, a roasted maple neck and a morado fingerboard. You get two stacked Sadowsky J-style single coil pickups, active 2-way electronics, and a push/pull switch that bypasses the preamp. It suits you if you play left-handed and want a fretless bass with plenty of control options, and it comes with a bag, fretboard protector and hex keys.
Pros
- Left-handed model with a fretless 5-string neck, suited to left-handed players
- Okoume body paired with a roasted maple bolt-on neck and morado fingerboard
- Two stacked Sadowsky J-style single coil pickups with active 2-way electronics
Cons
- Fretless design with a 12" radius fingerboard is not suited to players who want frets
- Weighs up to 4.8 kg, which is heavy for long standing sessions
62AudioFu
Index↓ 9.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,227 · Aug 17$1,115 now$1,115€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRH505F Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear
SRH505F-NNF Bass Workshop · Ibanez
12 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
The SRH505F-NNF is a seriously interesting fretless offering from Ibanez. The semi-hollow construction and piezo pickups give it a unique, almost upright-bass-like quality, while the Jatoba neck keeps things comfortable. It’s perfect for players wanting to explore a more organic and expressive bass tone, especially in jazz, fusion, or singer-songwriter settings.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers a surprisingly warm, articulate, and resonant tone.
- Panga Panga fingerboard offers a uniquely smooth playing experience and good sustain.
- AeroSilk piezo pickups provide a natural, acoustic-like tone with excellent clarity.
Cons
- Semi-hollow body can be prone to feedback at higher volumes, requiring careful amp EQing.
- Fretless basses demand a significant investment in learning proper intonation and technique.
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$910 now$910€815 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRF700 Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear
SRF700-BBF · Ibanez
19 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
The SRF700-BBF is a serious contender for fretless players seeking a modern, versatile tone with a touch of elegance. The combination of active pickups and piezo gives you a wide palette of sounds, from growly lows to airy highs, all while maintaining a comfortable neck profile. It's ideal for players looking for a high-quality fretless without the ultra-premium price tag.
Pros
- Okume body offers balanced resonance and lightweight comfort
- Panga Panga fingerboard provides a uniquely smooth, fast playing experience
- Bartolini pickups deliver a powerful, articulate, and modern tone
Cons
- The neck-thru design can make repairs more complex and costly
- Active electronics require a power source, limiting versatility in some situations
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,105 now$1,105€990 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.
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Warwick German Pro Series Streamer Stage I 4RB Streamer NT I 4 NTHP FL · Warwick59Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 12
ESP LTD B-204SM FretlessLTD B204SM FL Natural Satin · ESP58↓ 3.0%$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 13
ESP LTD B-205SM FretlessLTD B205SM FL Natural Satin · ESP56Stable$747€669$747€669Check ↗
- 14
Warwick German Pro Series Streamer Stage I 5RB Streamer NT I 5 FL BLK · Warwick55Stable$1,093€979$1,093€979Check ↗
- 15
Gold Tone M-Bass/FL Micro 23" Scale Fretless Acoustic/Electric Bass…ME-BASS/Fretless · Gold Tone58Stable$591€529$591€529Check ↗
- 16
Marcus Miller Z7-5 FL Antique WhiteMarcus Miller52Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 17
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL OWSadowsky · 2 finishes52↓ 8.3%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 18
Warwick RB Streamer NT 5 FL NA HPWarwick52Stable$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
- 19
Marcus Miller Z7-4 FL Antique WhiteMarcus Miller50Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 20
Marcus Miller V7-5 Sandblasted BK TE FLMarcus Miller50Stable$859€769$859€769Check ↗
- 21
Marcus Miller M6 Headless 5 TS FLMarcus Miller50Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 22
Warwick RB Streamer NT 4 FL SB HPWarwick50Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
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Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BKSadowsky49↓ 9.1%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 24
Marcus Miller V7-4 Sandblasted BK TE FLMarcus Miller48Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 25
Warwick RB Corvette B 4 FL NBTSWarwick48Stable$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 26
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora FL BKSadowsky47↓ 8.0%$1,026€919$1,026€919Check ↗
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Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Vint. 4 MO FL TBSadowsky47↓ 8.3%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 28
Sadowsky MetroExp21 V JJ4 Mo FLwL LH BKSadowsky47↓ 8.3%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 29
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 FL BKSadowsky46↓ 7.0%$1,037€929$1,037€929Check ↗
- 30
Warwick Rockbass Corvette Basic 6 ActiveRB Corvette Basic 6 SBHP FL · Warwick46Stable$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
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Warwick RB StarBass5 Black HP fretlessWarwick45Stable$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
- 32
Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 Fretless VWHMarcus Miller44Stable$613€549$613€549Check ↗
- 33
Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NT FLMarcus Miller · 2 finishes46Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
- 34
Ibanez SR370EF Standard Soundgear BassSR370EF-BBT · Ibanez50↓ 2.1%$463€415$463€415Check ↗
- 35
Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short FLMarcus Miller46↓ 4.6%$488€437$488€437Check ↗
- 36
Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe w/BagHarley Benton · 3 finishes53↑ 1.7%$408€365$408€365Check ↗
- 37
Sandberg California VS Lionel Short Scale 4California V FL SA 3TSB · Sandberg72Stable$2,366€2,119$2,366€2,119Check ↗
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Ibanez SRAS7 Bass Workshop Hybrid Fretless SoundgearSRAS7-CBS · Ibanez66Stable$1,528€1,369$1,528€1,369Check ↗
- 39
Ibanez SRD905F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRD905F-BTL · Ibanez62Stable$1,238€1,109$1,238€1,109Check ↗
- 40
Ibanez SRD900F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRD900F-BTL · Ibanez59Stable$1,272€1,139$1,272€1,139Check ↗
- 41
Harley Benton B-550FL BK Progressive w/BagHarley Benton · 3 finishes56Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 42
Harley Benton B-650FL BK Progressive SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes56Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 43
Harley Benton JB-75FL SB Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 2 finishes55Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 44
Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 6 FLWarwick55↓ 12.4%$3,227€2,890$3,227€2,890Check ↗
- 45
Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-Fret 6 RM TSTSadowsky · 2 finishes54Stable$1,662€1,489$1,662€1,489Check ↗
- 46
Harley Benton JB-40FL 3-Tone SunburstHarley Benton · 2 finishes52Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 47
Marcus Miller F10 Dc 5 Natural FLMarcus Miller53↓ 2.8%$1,953€1,749$1,953€1,749Check ↗
- 48
Marcus Miller F10-5 NT FLMarcus Miller52Stable$1,897€1,699$1,897€1,699Check ↗
- 49
Marcus Miller F10-6 NT FLMarcus Miller50Stable$2,120€1,899$2,120€1,899Check ↗
- 50
Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
Fretless Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 90 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,115 — half of all fretless basses here cost less.
median of 79 models · 38 mm (1.5")–53 mm (2.09")
median of 72 models · 775 mm (30.51")–889 mm (35")
most common · 69 models
most common · 52 models
How to choose the best fretless basses
Neck Profile
For an intermediate player, a comfortable, relatively slim neck profile (like a C or D shape) is crucial. A thick, vintage-style neck can be a real barrier when you're still developing your intonation and finger strength.
Scale Length
34" is standard, and generally a good starting point. Shorter scales (32" or 30") can feel easier initially, but might sacrifice some low-end thump and articulation, which you'll want as you start playing more complex lines.
String Spacing
Wider string spacing (around 19-20mm) is often more forgiving for fretless, giving you more room for error while you're dialing in your intonation. It's easier to land notes cleanly.
Wood Combination
Mahogany bodies often provide a warm, round tone that's very flattering for fretless. Maple necks contribute clarity and sustain. Avoid overly bright combinations if you're aiming for a smooth, vocal-like tone.
Action and Setup
A well-setup fretless is everything. Lower action makes it easier to play, but too low and you'll get fret buzz and intonation issues. A good setup from a reputable tech is worth the investment.
Buying guide
So, you're thinking about taking the fretless plunge? Awesome. It's a beautiful, expressive beast, but it's not just a cool look-it's a whole new skillset. This isn't a beginner's instrument; you need a solid foundation in bass technique before you'll truly appreciate the nuances of a fretless, and we're focusing on basses that'll help you build that foundation, not punish you for trying.
Don't chase the boutique dream right away. A well-made instrument in the $500-$1200 range will serve you far better than a flashy but poorly set-up expensive one. Pay attention to the neck profile - that's your primary interface with the instrument.
And seriously, get a professional setup. A bad setup can make a good fretless feel unplayable, and a good setup can breathe new life into a more affordable model. Watch out for overly thin bodies; they tend to resonate more and can make subtle intonation errors more obvious.
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
How much harder is a fretless to play than a fretted bass?
Significantly harder at first. You need to develop a much better ear and finger strength. Expect a frustrating learning curve initially, but the rewards-expressiveness and tone-are worth it.
What string gauge should I use?
Generally, medium gauge strings (around 40-45mm) work best. They offer a good balance of tension and feel. Lighter strings are easier to bend, but can feel too floppy and lack definition.
How often should I get a fretless bass setup?
At least once a year, or more often if you notice buzzing or intonation problems. Fretless basses require more frequent adjustments than fretted basses due to string wear and neck settling.
Can I use a pick on a fretless bass?
Sure, but it's not the typical approach. You'll lose a lot of the nuance and expressive capabilities. It's more suited for certain styles, like aggressive funk, but be prepared for a very different tonal character.
I'm worried about intonation. Any tips?
Practice slowly and deliberately. Use a tuner frequently to check your accuracy. Record yourself playing and listen back critically. It takes time and patience, but you'll develop a feel for where the notes should be.
