AudioFu

Best Fretless Basses for Progressive 2026

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

Last updated: January 21, 2026 • Next update: January 28, 2026

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: Harley Benton Marcus Miller Sadowsky Warwick Ibanez
Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mora FL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

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
Fodera Emperor Standard 4 FL LTD - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

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
Franz Bassguitars Sirius 5 FL Maple Burl Premium - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

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
Ulrich Bass Nicolo Fretless 4 Amber - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

Ulrich Bass Nicolo Fretless 4 Amber

by Ulrich Bass
Progressive Fusion Experimental
Key Feature:
• Endless pitch possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Endless pitch possibilities
  • • Great for expressive playing
✗ CONS
  • • Fingerboard wear over time
  • • Steeper learning curve

Ulrich Bass Nicolo Fretless 4 AmberElectric BassStyle: Semi-HollowFretlessBody: AlderTop and back: flamed...

⭐ 4.6/5 (37 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 590358
$6,049
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

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
Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

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 MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 FL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 FL BK

by Sadowsky
Session Work Fusion World Music
Key Feature:
• Great for expressive playing
✓ PROS
  • • Endless pitch possibilities
  • • Unique fretless character
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all players
  • • Requires precise intonation skills

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 FL BKElectric BassFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: Morado...

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 596202
$1,099
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FLwL OWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

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 HybPJ5 Morado FL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BK

by Sadowsky
Progressive Jazz Session Work
Key Feature:
• Endless pitch possibilities
✓ PROS
  • • Unique fretless character
  • • Great for expressive playing
✗ CONS
  • • Fingerboard wear over time
  • • Steeper learning curve

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BK5-String ElectricFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.4/5 (28 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
6/10
Art. 596267
$1,209
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mor FLwL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mor FLwL BK

by Sadowsky
Session Work World Music Progressive
Key Feature:
• Smooth, singing sustain
✓ PROS
  • • Professional jazz sound
  • • Endless pitch possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Requires precise intonation skills
  • • Steeper learning curve

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mor FLwL BK5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 599067
$1,308
Buy at Thomann View Details
Fodera Emperor Standard 5 FL LTD - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

Fodera Emperor Standard 5 FL LTD

by Fodera
Experimental Session Work World Music
Key Feature:
• Smooth, singing sustain
✓ PROS
  • • Unique fretless character
  • • Smooth, singing sustain
✗ CONS
  • • Limited for some musical styles
  • • Requires precise intonation skills

Fodera Emperor Standard 5 FL LTD5-String Fretless Electric BassThomann Limited EditionBody: WalnutSelected top:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (3 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 546915
$8,459
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

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
Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage w/Bag - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage w/Bag

by Harley Benton
Experimental Session Work Fusion
Key Feature:
• Unique fretless character
✓ PROS
  • • Unique fretless character
  • • Professional jazz sound
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all players
  • • Steeper learning curve

Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage w/Bag*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage...

⭐ 4.6/5 (47 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
7/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 537200
$241
Buy at Thomann View Details
Harley Benton JB-40FL LH Bundle - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

Harley Benton JB-40FL LH Bundle

by Harley Benton
Progressive Jazz World Music
Key Feature:
• Smooth, singing sustain
✓ PROS
  • • Smooth, singing sustain
  • • Unique fretless character
✗ CONS
  • • May not suit all players
  • • Steeper learning curve

Harley Benton JB-40FL LH Bundle*Bundle offer comprising*, Harley Benton JB-40FL LH*Fretless Electric Bass*Left-handed...

⭐ 5.0/5 (12 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 540190
$218
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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