Best Fretless Basses for Progressive 2025

Perfect fretless basses for progressive - easy to play and learn on

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL BK

by Sadowsky

Session Work Jazz Progressive

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Steeper learning curve

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL BKElectric BassBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (19 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 598455

$1,198

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FL LH BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FL LH BK

by Sadowsky

Session Work Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Steeper learning curve
• Requires precise intonation skills

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FL LH BK5-String Electric BassLeft-handed modelFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted...

⭐ 4.9/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 599146

$1,209

Buy at Thomann View Details

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe w/Bag

by Harley Benton

Session Work Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Fingerboard wear over time

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe Series*5-String...

⭐ 4.4/5 (7 reviews)

Sound:

7/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 539360

$404

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

Fodera Emperor Standard 4 FL LTD - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Fodera Emperor Standard 4 FL LTD

by Fodera

Fusion Progressive Session Work

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• Limited for some musical styles
• Steeper learning curve

Fodera Emperor Standard 4 FL LTDFretless Electric BassThomann Limited Edition4-StringBody: WalnutSelected top:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 546918

$7,359

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL OW

by Sadowsky

World Music Experimental Progressive

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Limited for some musical styles
• Requires precise intonation skills

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL OWElectric BassFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598478

$1,198

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FLwL OWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FLwL OWH

by Sadowsky

Experimental Progressive World Music

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• May not suit all players

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FLwL OWH5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (33 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599165

$1,308

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora FL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora FL BK

by Sadowsky

Jazz Experimental World Music

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Steeper learning curve

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora FL BKElectric BassFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (18 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 598459

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 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

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

#11

⭐ 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

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 5 FL Maple Burl Premium - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

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

#13

⭐ 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

#14

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Fodera Emperor Standard 4 FL LTD

by Fodera

Jazz World Music Session Work

Key Feature:

• Unique fretless character

✓ PROS

• Smooth, singing sustain
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• Steeper learning curve
• Limited for some musical styles

Fodera Emperor Standard 4 FL LTDFretless Electric BassThomann Limited EditionBody: WalnutSelected top: PrimaveraBolt-on...

⭐ 4.5/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 546917

$7,359

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Vint. 4 MO FL TB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Vint. 4 MO FL TB

by Sadowsky

Fusion Experimental World Music

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Steeper learning curve
• Limited for some musical styles

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Vint. 4 MO FL TBElectric BassFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (17 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 598545

$1,198

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 for Progressive 2025

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL BK

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short FL

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FL LH BK

Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe w/Bag

Ulrich Bass Nicolo Fretless 5 Walnut

Fodera Emperor Standard 4 FL LTD

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL OW

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FLwL OWH

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora FL BK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mora FL BK

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS FL

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 5 FL Maple Burl Premium

Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage Bundle

Fodera Emperor Standard 4 FL LTD

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Vint. 4 MO FL TB

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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