AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Ibanez Fretless Basses 2026
The top pick is Ibanez SRAS7 Bass Workshop Hybrid Fretless Soundgear ($1,541). Ibanez SR370EF Standard Soundgear Bass gives you the most for the money at $467. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 10 models, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Ibanez SRAS7 Bass Workshop Hybrid Fretless Soundgear
SRAS7-CBS · Ibanez
16 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width63 mm (2.48")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings7-string
- BodyOkoume body
The SRAS7-CBS is a seriously unique instrument, offering both fretted and fretless versatility in a 7-string package. The Super J pickups provide a vintage tone, while the piezo adds a beautiful warmth, making it ideal for players wanting to explore multiple sonic textures. This is a great choice for adventurous bassists who want a high-performance instrument that stands out.
Pros
- Okoume/burl poplar body offers a balanced, resonant tone
- 7-piece maple/walnut/bubinga neck provides exceptional stability and feel
- SRAS Super J pickups deliver a clear, articulate vintage-inspired sound
Cons
- The hybrid fretless/fretted design might not appeal to purists
- 864 mm scale can feel unwieldy for players accustomed to shorter scales
68AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,541 now$1,541€1,369 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRD905F Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear
SRD905F-BTL · Ibanez
10 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
The SRD905F-BTL is a seriously refined fretless bass, built for players who want expressive slides and a vintage-inspired tone. The Nordstrand pickups and active EQ give you a huge range of sounds, while the Panga Panga fingerboard offers a unique feel. This is ideal for session players, jazz bassists, and anyone looking to add a sophisticated voice to their arsenal.
Pros
- Nordstrand Big Break pickups deliver a warm, articulate, and powerful tone.
- Panga Panga fingerboard offers a unique feel and a slightly softer playing surface.
- Active 2-band EQ and piezo controls provide extensive tonal shaping options.
Cons
- The fretless design demands precise technique and careful intonation.
- The bolt-on neck, while stable, might not offer the same sustain as a set-neck.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,248 now$1,248€1,109 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRH500F Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear
SRH500F-NNF · Ibanez
16 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.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$843 now$843€749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRH505F Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear
SRH505F-NNF Bass Workshop · Ibanez
13 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.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$917 now$917€815 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRD900F Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear
SRD900F-BTL · Ibanez
11 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- BodyOkoume body
This SRD900F-BTL is a seriously refined fretless bass, blending premium materials with versatile electronics. It's ideal for players seeking a warm, expressive tone with modern features—perfect for jazz, fusion, or anyone wanting a touch of sophistication in their sound. The build quality is solid, and the overall feel is fantastic.
Pros
- Nordstrand Big Break pickups deliver a warm, articulate, and powerful tone.
- Panga Panga fingerboard offers a uniquely smooth and responsive fretless experience.
- Okoume/Maple construction provides a balanced, resonant, and visually striking aesthetic.
Cons
- The 34” scale might feel long for players accustomed to shorter scales.
- Panga Panga can be a harder wood to work with, potentially affecting repair options.
61AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,282 now$1,282€1,139 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
Steve Di Giorgio's signature fretless is a serious instrument, blending fantastic materials with Nordstrand's signature tone. The active electronics and fretless design are perfect for progressive metal, fusion, or anyone seeking a uniquely expressive bass voice – but be prepared to dedicate time to mastering the fretless technique.
Pros
- Okume/Ash body offers a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain.
- Nordstrand Big Single pickups deliver articulate, powerful, and nuanced sound.
- The SDGB neck profile is exceptionally comfortable for extended playing sessions.
Cons
- The 9-piece neck-thru design likely contributes to a heavier overall instrument.
- Active electronics necessitate a power source, limiting versatility without amplification.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,772 now$1,772€1,575 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRF700 Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear
SRF700-BBF · Ibanez
12 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
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,114 now$1,114€990 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- BodyMaple body
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
The SR370EF-BBT is a surprisingly capable fretless bass, offering a warm, woody tone and a comfortable neck profile. It's a great entry point into fretless playing for those wanting a more expressive and nuanced sound without the premium price tag – ideal for players exploring jazz, soul, or funk.
Pros
- Maple/Walnut neck offers excellent sustain and a comfortable playing feel.
- Powerspan humbuckers deliver a warm, articulate tone suitable for many genres.
- Jatoba fingerboard provides a smooth, fast playing surface with a unique feel.
Cons
- Fretless basses require more practice and careful technique to master.
- Maple body might lack the warmth of mahogany for certain tonal preferences.
49AudioFu
Index↓ 2.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$477 · Aug 17$467 now$467€415 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRF705 Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear
SRF705-BBF · Ibanez
5 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
The SRF705-BBF is a seriously refined fretless bass. That maple/walnut neck-through gives it incredible sustain, and the Bartolini pickups deliver a focused, modern fretless tone. It's a great option for players wanting a premium fretless experience without the absolute top-tier price tag – especially those diving into upright-inspired styles or wanting a sophisticated, articulate sound.
Pros
- Okoume body delivers warmth and resonance for a pleasing tone
- 5-part maple/walnut neck-through construction offers exceptional sustain
- Bartolini pickups provide a clear, articulate, and defined fretless voice
Cons
- Panga Panga fingerboard can be a harder wood to adapt to initially
- Neck-through design might slightly limit upper fret access for some players
49AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,214 now$1,214€1,079 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width54 mm (2.13")
- Scale867 mm (34.13")
- Strings6-string
- BodyMahogany body
This six-string bass plays like a guitar but stays in tune thanks to the piezo system. The mahogany body sounds warm, though the lack of frets can be tricky for beginners. It is a premium choice for players who need extra strings without sacrificing the smooth fretless feel.
Pros
- Six-string option expands low-end range for complex arrangements
- Mahogany and maple/bubinga body offers strong resonance
- AeroSilk piezo bridge ensures clean, consistent fretless tone
Cons
- No frets make intonation difficult for new players
- Active pickups require batteries to function properly
44AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,349 now$1,349€1,199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
Fretless Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 90 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,248 — half of all fretless basses here cost less.
median of 78 models · 38 mm (1.5")–53 mm (2.09")
median of 72 models · 775 mm (30.51")–889 mm (35")
most common · 70 models
most common · 52 models
How to choose the best fretless basses
Neck Profile
Ibanez's SR necks are generally comfortable, but the SRAS series takes it up a notch with their sculpted profiles. This really impacts your vibrato control and overall feel - crucial for fretless playing. It's a matter of personal preference, but a thinner neck might feel more natural for some.
Pickup Voicing
Ibanez often uses Dynamix P pickups, which tend to be warmer and rounder than some of the brighter, more aggressive pickups you find on other fretless basses. This contributes to that vocal quality, but can be a limiting factor if you're after a more scooped or aggressive tone.
Scale Length
Most Ibanez fretless basses use a 34" scale, which is pretty standard. However, the SRZeB series experimented with a shorter 32" scale for a slinkier feel - a good option if you have smaller hands or prefer a looser string tension.
Body Wood & Construction
Ibanez frequently uses mahogany bodies, often with a maple top. This combo delivers a good balance of warmth and clarity. Bolt-on necks are the norm, which keeps costs down, but can sometimes sacrifice a little bit of sustain compared to a neck-through design.
Action & Intonation
Fretless basses are demanding when it comes to setup. Ibanez basses generally ship playable, but achieving a comfortable action (without excessive buzzing) and perfect intonation takes a skilled tech - and it's essential for a good fretless experience.
Buying guide
Alright, let's talk Ibanez fretless basses. They've carved out a serious niche, especially if you're chasing that smooth, vocal-like tone and a neck profile that lets you really feel the notes. Ibanez isn't always the first name that pops into your head for fretless, but they've quietly built some seriously playable and versatile instruments - from the budget-friendly SR models to the high-end SRAS series. If you want something that's expressive and cuts through a mix without being brittle, keep reading.
Don't be fooled by the price tag - even the more affordable Ibanez fretless basses are generally well-built. The biggest trade-off you'll encounter is often the pickups; upgrading them can dramatically improve the tone, especially if you're after more versatility. Spend the extra for a bass with a solid body and a comfortable neck profile - that's where the real fretless feel comes from.
And seriously, budget for a professional setup; it's not optional.
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 10 fretless basses from the Thomann catalogue (of 90 in the category). 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 Ibanez fretless basses easy to play?
Fretless basses are inherently more challenging than fretted basses, requiring precise finger placement and good ear training. Ibanez basses are generally playable, but mastering them takes time and practice.
Can I use Ibanez fretless basses for slap bass?
While possible, Ibanez pickups often favor a smoother, more melodic style. You can slap them, but you might need to adjust your technique or consider aftermarket pickups to get the right attack and clarity.
What's the difference between the SR and SRAS series?
The SRAS series represents a step up in terms of features and build quality. Expect sculpted necks, upgraded hardware, and often more premium body woods - all contributing to a more refined playing experience.
Are Ibanez fretless basses suitable for recording?
Absolutely. Their warmer pickup voicing often sits nicely in a mix, providing a smooth low-end foundation. Just be mindful of string noise - a good preamp and careful EQing can help tame it.
What kind of music are Ibanez fretless basses best for?
They excel in genres like jazz, fusion, R&B, and progressive rock, where a lyrical, expressive bass tone is key. They can also work well in other genres if you're willing to experiment with pickup and EQ settings.
