AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Fretless Basses for Jazz 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. Sandberg California VS Lionel Short Scale 4 leads the high end. 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 ↗ -
Sandberg California VS Lionel Short Scale 4
California V FL SA 3TSB · Sandberg
28 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width39.5 mm (1.56")
- Scale889 mm (35")
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardRosewood fingerboard
This is a fretless bass with an alder body and a maple neck. It has one Sandberg split coil pickup and a 3-band EQ, so you can shape the tone to fit your playing. It suits you if you want a fretless bass with a 35 inch scale and a gig bag included.
Pros
- Alder body, a common tonewood chosen for balance and resonance
- Maple bolt-on neck paired with a rosewood fingerboard
- Sandberg split coil pickup with a 3-band EQ for shaping your tone
Cons
- Fretless design with a 35 inch scale suits players who can handle its feel
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$2,366 now$2,366€2,119 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 ↗ -
Ibanez SRAS7 Bass Workshop Hybrid Fretless Soundgear
SRAS7-CBS · Ibanez
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width63 mm (2.48")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings7-string
- BodyOkoume body
This is a 7-string bass with a fretted section and a fretless section on the same neck. You get two SRAS Super J single coils, an AeroSilk piezo system, and a three-way switch to choose between piezo, mix, and magnetic modes. It suits you if you want a fretless bass with extra low and high strings and the option to switch between pickup types.
Pros
- Burl poplar/ash top over an Okoume body gives a striking look
- Three-way switch selects Piezo, Mix, or Magnetic pickup modes
- Two SRAS Super J single coils plus AeroSilk piezo system
Cons
- Its 864 mm scale and 1127 mm overall length make it a large bass to carry
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,528 now$1,528€1,369 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 ↗
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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Ibanez SRD905F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRD905F-BTL · Ibanez62Stable$1,238€1,109$1,238€1,109Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez SRH505F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRH505F-NNF Bass Workshop · Ibanez60Stable$910€815$910€815Check ↗
- 13
Ibanez SRF700 Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRF700-BBF · Ibanez59Stable$1,105€990$1,105€990Check ↗
- 14
Warwick German Pro Series Streamer Stage I 4RB Streamer NT I 4 NTHP FL · Warwick59Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 15
Ibanez SRD900F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRD900F-BTL · Ibanez59Stable$1,272€1,139$1,272€1,139Check ↗
- 16
Gold Tone M-Bass/FL Micro 23" Scale Fretless Acoustic/Electric Bass…ME-BASS/Fretless · Gold Tone58Stable$591€529$591€529Check ↗
- 17
ESP LTD B-204SM FretlessLTD B204SM FL Natural Satin · ESP58↓ 3.0%$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton B-550FL BK Progressive SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes56Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 19
Harley Benton B-650FL BK Progressive SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes56Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 20
ESP LTD B-205SM FretlessLTD B205SM FL Natural Satin · ESP56Stable$747€669$747€669Check ↗
- 21
Harley Benton JB-75FL SB Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 2 finishes55Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 22
Warwick German Pro Series Streamer Stage I 5RB Streamer NT I 5 FL BLK · Warwick55Stable$1,093€979$1,093€979Check ↗
- 23
Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 6 FLWarwick55↓ 12.4%$3,227€2,890$3,227€2,890Check ↗
- 24
Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes54Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
- 25
Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-Fret 6 RM TSTSadowsky · 2 finishes54Stable$1,662€1,489$1,662€1,489Check ↗
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Marcus Miller F10 Dc 5 Natural FLMarcus Miller53↓ 2.8%$1,953€1,749$1,953€1,749Check ↗
- 27
Harley Benton JB-40FL 3-Tone SunburstHarley Benton · 2 finishes52Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 28
Marcus Miller Z7-5 FL Antique WhiteMarcus Miller52Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 29
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL OWSadowsky · 2 finishes52↓ 8.3%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 30
Warwick RB Streamer NT 5 FL NA HPWarwick52Stable$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
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Marcus Miller F10-5 NT FLMarcus Miller52Stable$1,897€1,699$1,897€1,699Check ↗
- 32
Ibanez SR370EF Standard Soundgear BassSR370EF-BBT · Ibanez50↓ 2.1%$463€415$463€415Check ↗
- 33
Marcus Miller Z7-4 FL Antique WhiteMarcus Miller50Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 34
Marcus Miller V7-5 Sandblasted BK TE FLMarcus Miller50Stable$859€769$859€769Check ↗
- 35
Marcus Miller M6 Headless 5 TS FLMarcus Miller50Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
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Warwick RB Streamer NT 4 FL SB HPWarwick50Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 37
Marcus Miller F10-6 NT FLMarcus Miller50Stable$2,120€1,899$2,120€1,899Check ↗
- 38
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BKSadowsky49↓ 9.1%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 39
Ibanez SRF705 Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRF705-BBF · Ibanez49Stable$1,205€1,079$1,205€1,079Check ↗
- 40
Sadowsky MetroExp21Vin JJ5Mo FLwL LH BKSadowsky49↓ 7.6%$1,227€1,099$1,227€1,099Check ↗
- 41
Ibanez SDGB1 Steve Di Giorgio SignatureSDGB1-DMT · Ibanez49Stable$1,758€1,575$1,758€1,575Check ↗
- 42
Marcus Miller F10-4 Natural FLMarcus Miller49↓ 2.9%$1,841€1,649$1,841€1,649Check ↗
- 43
Marcus Miller V7-4 Sandblasted BK TE FLMarcus Miller48Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 44
Warwick RB Corvette B 4 FL NBTSWarwick48Stable$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 45
Sandberg Basic 5 Eby VB FLSandberg48Stable$1,964€1,759$1,964€1,759Check ↗
- 46
Sandberg California II TT4 FL G PassivSandberg48Stable$2,399€2,149$2,399€2,149Check ↗
- 47
Sandberg California II VT 5 BK Rst FLSandberg48Stable$2,522€2,259$2,522€2,259Check ↗
- 48
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora FL BKSadowsky47↓ 8.0%$1,026€919$1,026€919Check ↗
- 49
Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Vint. 4 MO FL TBSadowsky47↓ 8.3%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 50
Sadowsky MetroExp21 V JJ4 Mo FLwL LH BKSadowsky47↓ 8.3%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
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
Tonality
Jazz demands a warm, round low-end, not a scooped-out, modern sound. You're looking for a fundamental that's present without being muddy, with a focus on that creamy midrange - that fat midrange honk is key for cutting through a piano or horns. Too much brightness and you'll sound harsh, too little and you'll disappear.
String Choice & Setup
The strings you use - and how they're setup - massively impact fretless tone. Roundwounds are common, but experiment with flats for a more mellow, upright-like feel. Action is critical; too high and it's a wrestling match, too low and you'll get fret buzz - and a fretless bass is supposed to have some sympathetic vibration, so finding that sweet spot is vital.
Neck Profile & Feel
A comfortable neck is crucial for expressive playing. A slimmer profile often allows for easier access to the higher registers, but a chunkier neck can offer more sustain and a more substantial feel. This is totally personal, but for jazz, something in the medium range often works best - not too thin, not too thick.
Articulation & Dynamics
A fretless bass is all about nuance. The instrument needs to respond to your touch - subtle shifts in pressure should translate to noticeable changes in volume and tone. Cheap basses often feel 'wooden' and unresponsive, lacking that sensitivity. This is where quality wood and construction really shine.
Body Wood & Construction
While pickups play a role, the wood of the body significantly impacts the overall tone. Mahogany tends to provide warmth and sustain, while maple can offer more clarity and a more focused response. Solid body construction is generally preferred over hollow or semi-hollow bodies, which can introduce unwanted resonance and feedback.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're looking to bring the fretless vibe to your jazz game? It's a fantastic choice - that singing, expressive quality can really elevate your playing, but not all fretless basses are created equal. You need something that delivers a warm, woody tone, excellent note definition, and responds beautifully to your touch. Let's break down some fretless basses that'll actually work for jazz, not just look cool.
Don't chase the fancy finishes or exotic woods - those are just aesthetics. Focus on the feel and the tone. A well-setup, mid-range instrument will outperform a poorly setup high-end one.
Be prepared to spend some time and money on a proper setup - a fretless bass is only as good as its setup. Also, be realistic - a truly exceptional fretless bass can easily cost upwards of $2000, but a playable, good-sounding option can be had for less with some patient searching.
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
Are all fretless basses the same?
Absolutely not. The wood, construction, neck profile, and most importantly, the setup, all contribute to the final tone and feel. Two basses with the same wood can sound drastically different.
What's the deal with fret buzz on a fretless?
Some fret buzz is normal and even desirable on a fretless - it's part of the instrument's character. However, excessive buzz indicates a setup issue or a neck problem. Learn to distinguish between the two.
What strings are best for jazz on a fretless?
Roundwounds offer a brighter, more aggressive tone, while flats provide a warmer, more upright-like sound. It's a matter of personal preference, but flats are generally more common in jazz.
How important is a good setup?
Critically important. A poorly set up fretless bass will be unplayable. Expect to spend at least $100 on a professional setup.
Can I learn fretless bass if I only play fretted?
Yes, but it will take time and practice. You'll need to develop a new sense of intonation and finger placement. Start slow and focus on accuracy.
