AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Fretless Basses for Professional 2026
The top pick is Music Man Pino Palladino Fretless StingR ($4,353). Warwick Rockbass Corvette Basic 5 Active (Long Scale) gives you the most for the money at $1,115. 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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- Nut width42.8 mm (1.69")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius191 mm (7.52")
- Neck profileV-shape neck
- BodyPoplar body
This is a serious instrument for the discerning fretless player. The Palladino signature brings that signature growl and feel, with a comfortable neck and those iconic StingRay pickups delivering a warm, woody tone perfect for funk, soul, and beyond. It's a premium-priced bass, but the quality and playability are undeniable if you’re after that classic, smooth fretless vibe.
Pros
- Asymmetrical neck profile offers exceptional playing comfort and ergonomics
- Vintage StingRay pickups deliver a warm, punchy, and articulate tone
- Rosewood fingerboard provides a smooth, familiar fretless feel
Cons
- High-end price point places it out of reach for many players
- Rosewood fingerboard may require more frequent maintenance and oiling
42AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$4,353 now$4,353€3,899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width42 mm (1.65")
This is the original Beatles bass but without frets. You get a warm, thick sound from the two humbuckers inside a pretty flamed maple body. It comes in a nice vintage case, though you'll need to play carefully since there are no frets to guide your fingers.
Pros
- Classic Fretless Beatles bass sound character
- Beautiful flamed maple body with antique brown sunburst
- 2x H511B staple humbucker pickups for rich tone
Cons
- No frets means more finger noise for some players
- Only two volume controls and no master volume
33AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Oct 2Oct 2$3,673 now$3,673€3,290 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width52 mm (2.05")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings6-string
- BodyBubinga body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
This Corvette Bub 6 FL is a serious instrument for the experienced fretless player. The combination of Bubinga, ebony, and active electronics yields a powerful, focused tone ideal for jazz, fusion, and progressive music where nuanced articulation is paramount. It's a premium-priced bass, but delivers the goods for those seeking top-tier fretless performance.
Pros
- Bubinga body delivers rich, resonant, and articulate low-end tones.
- Tigerstripe ebony fingerboard offers exceptional smoothness and note definition.
- Active MEC pickups provide a powerful, defined sound with excellent clarity.
Cons
- Bubinga’s weight can make extended playing sessions physically demanding.
- Fretless basses require a significant investment in ear training and intonation practice.
55AudioFu
Index↓ 12.4%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$3,683 · Aug 17$3,227 now$3,227€2,890 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
This Warwick Corvette 5A Bubinga FL is a serious instrument for the committed fretless player. The Bubinga body gives it a warm, woody tone, while the active pickups provide plenty of punch and clarity – perfect for jazz, fusion, or anything needing expressive slides and a refined sound. It's a premium-priced bass built to last and inspire.
Pros
- Stunning 5A Bubinga body provides rich, complex overtones.
- Just-A-NUT III system ensures exceptional intonation and tuning stability.
- Active MEC pickups deliver a focused, articulate, and powerful tone.
Cons
- Bubinga can be dense, resulting in a relatively heavy instrument.
- Fretless learning curve requires dedicated practice and ear training.
37AudioFu
IndexStablesince Aug 17$3,516 · Aug 17$3,516 now$3,516€3,149 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38.5 mm (1.52")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- BodyBubinga body
- Weight4.3 kg
This Corvette Bub 4 FL is a serious fretless instrument built for players who demand a refined, articulate tone. The combination of Bubinga and the long scale creates a powerful, focused sound, perfect for jazz, fusion, or any genre where precision and expressive slides are key. It's a premium-priced bass, but the build quality and sonic versatility justify the investment for the dedicated bassist.
Pros
- Bubinga body delivers a rich, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
- Tigerstripe ebony fretboard provides a slick, responsive playing experience.
- Active MEC J/J pickups offer a defined, articulate sound with punchy lows.
Cons
- Bubinga can be dense, resulting in a heavier instrument for extended playing.
- Fretless basses require more precise technique and careful tuning.
45AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$3,348 now$3,348€2,999 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 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 ↗ -
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 ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This Sadowsky MetroExp21 is a seriously refined fretless bass. The combination of the warm okoume body, the comfortable roasted maple neck, and the versatile Sadowsky pickups makes it a joy to play. It's a fantastic choice for players seeking a premium fretless experience with a modern edge, especially those drawn to a more upright, sophisticated sound.
Pros
- Okoume body delivers a warm, resonant tone with surprising projection.
- Roasted maple neck provides exceptional stability and a silky-smooth playing feel.
- Morado fingerboard offers a unique, slightly softer feel than ebony, aiding fretless intonation.
Cons
- Morado fingerboard can be more sensitive to oils and require more frequent cleaning.
- Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, doesn't offer the same inherent resonance as a neck-through design.
62AudioFu
Index↓ 9.3%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,328 · Aug 17$1,205 now$1,205€1,079 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRD905F Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear
SRD905F-BTL · Ibanez
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This is a 5-string fretless bass with a maple and walnut neck, an okoume body and an exotic maple top. You get two Nordstrand humbuckers, an active 2-band EQ and a piezo system with its own tone controls, so there are plenty of ways to shape your sound. It suits you if you want a fretless bass with a lot of control options and flatwound strings already fitted.
Pros
- Two Nordstrand Big Break Humbuckers, one at the neck and one at the bridge
- Active Ibanez 2-Band EQ plus a piezo system with its own tone controls
- Panga Panga fingerboard with off-set abalone dot and luminescent side dot inlays
Cons
- Fretless design with a 34 inch scale suits players comfortable without frets
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,238 now$1,238€1,109 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
Warwick Rockbass Corvette $$ 5 ActiveRB Corvette $$ 5 FL NB TS · Warwick67Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 12
Warwick Rockbass Star Bass 4RB Star Bass 4 FL BK · Warwick65↓ 2.0%$1,093€979$1,093€979Check ↗
- 13
Ibanez SRD900F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRD900F-BTL · Ibanez59Stable$1,272€1,139$1,272€1,139Check ↗
- 14
Warwick German Pro Series Streamer Stage I 4RB Streamer NT I 4 NTHP FL · Warwick59Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 15
Ibanez SRF700 Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRF700-BBF · Ibanez59Stable$1,105€990$1,105€990Check ↗
- 16
Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-Fret 6 RM TSTSadowsky · 2 finishes54Stable$1,662€1,489$1,662€1,489Check ↗
- 17
Marcus Miller F10 Dc 5 Natural FLMarcus Miller53↓ 2.8%$1,953€1,749$1,953€1,749Check ↗
- 18
Warwick Rockbass Streamer LX 4RB Streamer LX 4 SB HP FL · Warwick62Stable$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 19
Warwick RB Streamer NT 5 FL NA HPWarwick52Stable$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
- 20
Marcus Miller F10-5 NT FLMarcus Miller52Stable$1,897€1,699$1,897€1,699Check ↗
- 21
Warwick German Pro Series Streamer Stage I 5RB Streamer NT I 5 FL BLK · Warwick55Stable$1,093€979$1,093€979Check ↗
- 22
Marcus Miller F10-6 NT FLMarcus Miller50Stable$2,120€1,899$2,120€1,899Check ↗
- 23
Warwick Rockbass Streamer LX 5RockBass Streamer 5 FL NBT · Warwick65Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 24
Ibanez SRF705 Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRF705-BBF · Ibanez49Stable$1,205€1,079$1,205€1,079Check ↗
- 25
Sadowsky MetroExp21Vin JJ5Mo FLwL LH BKSadowsky49↓ 7.6%$1,227€1,099$1,227€1,099Check ↗
- 26
Ibanez SDGB1 Steve Di Giorgio SignatureSDGB1-DMT · Ibanez49Stable$1,758€1,575$1,758€1,575Check ↗
- 27
Marcus Miller F10-4 Natural FLMarcus Miller49↓ 2.9%$1,841€1,649$1,841€1,649Check ↗
- 28
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL OWSadowsky · 2 finishes52↓ 8.3%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 29
Sandberg Basic 5 Eby VB FLSandberg48Stable$1,964€1,759$1,964€1,759Check ↗
- 30
Sandberg California II TT4 FL G PassivSandberg48Stable$2,399€2,149$2,399€2,149Check ↗
- 31
Sandberg California II VT 5 BK Rst FLSandberg48Stable$2,522€2,259$2,522€2,259Check ↗
- 32
Warwick RB Streamer NT 4 FL SB HPWarwick50Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 33
Marcus Miller V7 5 New Gen Antique White FLMarcus Miller · 4 finishes62Stable$892€799$892€799Check ↗
- 34
Warwick Rockbass Corvette Basic 6 ActiveRB Corvette Basic 6 SBHP FL · Warwick46Stable$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
- 35
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BKSadowsky49↓ 9.1%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 36
Ibanez SRH505F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRH505F-NNF Bass Workshop · Ibanez60Stable$910€815$910€815Check ↗
- 37
Warwick RB StarBass5 Black HP fretlessWarwick45Stable$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
- 38
Ibanez SRF706-BBF PortamentoIbanez44Stable$1,339€1,199$1,339€1,199Check ↗
- 39
Sandberg California II TM 5 PF NT FLwLSandberg44Stable$2,064€1,849$2,064€1,849Check ↗
- 40
Sandberg Panther 5 fretless 35"Sandberg44Stable$2,500€2,239$2,500€2,239Check ↗
- 41
Sandberg California II TT 4 FL HCA 3TSSandberg44Stable$2,567€2,299$2,567€2,299Check ↗
- 42
Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Vint. 4 MO FL TBSadowsky47↓ 8.3%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 43
Sadowsky MetroExp21 V JJ4 Mo FLwL LH BKSadowsky47↓ 8.3%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 44
Marcus Miller M6 Headless 5 TS FLMarcus Miller50Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 45
Ibanez SRH500F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRH500F-NNF · Ibanez62Stable$836€749$836€749Check ↗
- 46
Sandberg California II TT 4 PF NT FLwLSandberg42Stable$1,796€1,609$1,796€1,609Check ↗
- 47
Sandberg California II SLm TM5 FL BKBSandberg42Stable$2,567€2,299$2,567€2,299Check ↗
- 48
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora FL BKSadowsky47↓ 8.0%$1,026€919$1,026€919Check ↗
- 49
Warwick RB Corvette B 4 FL NBTSWarwick48Stable$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 50
Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 FL BKSadowsky46↓ 7.0%$1,037€929$1,037€929Check ↗
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
Playability (Neck Profile & Fret Spacing)
A comfortable neck is non-negotiable, especially when intonation errors are magnified. We're looking for a profile that fits your hand and fret spacing that allows for clean slides without feeling cramped - a thin C or D profile often works well, but it's personal.
Intonation Accuracy & Wood Stability
This is the critical factor. A bass that's even slightly out of whack will sound dreadful live and frustrating to record. Wood stability, especially in the neck, prevents seasonal intonation shifts.
Pickup Voicing & Articulation
Fretless basses rely heavily on the pickups to convey their tonal character. We're after pickups that offer clarity and articulation without being overly bright or muddy, allowing those subtle pitch bends to shine. A scooped midrange can be a trap; you need enough body to cut through the mix.
Body Wood & Resonance
Different woods impart different tonal qualities. Mahogany offers warmth and sustain, while maple brings more clarity and punch. The body's resonance influences the overall tone and feel - a lively body will respond better to your playing dynamics.
Finish & String Choice
A gloss finish can add brightness, while a satin finish feels smoother under the fingers. String choice is paramount: Roundwounds are standard for a brighter, more aggressive tone, while flats offer a smoother, more upright sound - experiment to find what suits your style.
Buying guide
So, you're stepping up your bass game and considering fretless? It's a fantastic move - the expressive possibilities are insane. But a fretless isn't a toy; it demands serious chops and a discerning ear. This isn't a list for beginners; we're talking about instruments for players who already know their way around a bass neck and want to unlock that singing, vocal quality.
Don't chase the hype; chase the feel. A cheap fretless is almost always a frustrating experience - the intonation is often a disaster, the wood is unstable, and the pickups sound lifeless. Spend your money on a well-built instrument with a stable neck and quality hardware.
Intonation is king; be prepared to have it professionally set up, and factor that into the overall cost. The neck profile is extremely personal - try before you buy if possible.
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
What's the biggest challenge with playing a fretless bass?
Intonation. Period. It's not just about knowing where the notes are; it's about consistently hitting them accurately. Be prepared to practice a lot.
How important is the wood type?
It matters, but it's not the be-all and end-all. Mahogany gives you that warm, woody tone, maple is brighter and more articulate. More importantly, the neck's stability and overall build quality will have a bigger impact.
Should I get a curved or flat fretboard?
Curved fretboards (like a rosewood bass guitar) are more common and arguably easier to adapt to coming from a fretted instrument. Flat fretboards offer a slightly different feel and a more precise intonation, but require even more accuracy.
What string gauge should I use?
Heavier gauge strings (45-60) are generally preferred for fretless basses; they offer more tension and stability, making intonation easier to control. Lighter strings are more flexible, which can be nice for expressive playing but can also make intonation more challenging.
Can I just slap a fancy pickup on a cheap fretless?
You can, but it's like putting a Ferrari engine in a Yugo. It might improve the tone a bit, but you'll still be fighting the inherent limitations of the instrument's construction. Invest in the whole package.
