Best Sadowsky Fretless Basses 2025

Premium Sadowsky fretless basses - legendary tone and craftsmanship

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 JJ5 Mora FL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 V JJ4 Mo FLwL LH BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 V JJ4 Mo FLwL LH BK

by Sadowsky

Progressive Jazz Session Work

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Requires precise intonation skills

Sadowsky MetroExp21 V JJ4 Mo FLwL LH BKElectric BassLeft-handed modelFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted...

⭐ 5.0/5 (15 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 598473

$1,198

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin BK FL LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin BK FL LH

by Sadowsky

Experimental Fusion Progressive

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Limited for some musical styles
• Fingerboard wear over time

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin BK FL LH21-Fret Vintage J/J BassLeft-handed versionFretless model5-String Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (23 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 491747

$472

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb BK FL LH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb BK FL LH

by Sadowsky

Jazz Progressive Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Fingerboard wear over time

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb BK FL LH21-Fret Hybrid P/J BassLeft-handed versionFretless model4-String Electric...

⭐ 4.8/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

7/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 491277

$329

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

⭐ 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

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM FL 59´B - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM FL 59´B

by Sadowsky

Progressive Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Smooth, singing sustain
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Fingerboard wear over time

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM FL 59´B5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: American swamp ashSlightly reduced J-style...

⭐ 4.4/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 526120

$3,849

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (28 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

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

#10

⭐ 4.8/5 (48 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

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

#11

⭐ 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 JJ5Mor FL LH BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 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

Sadowsky MetroExp21Vin JJ5Mo FLwL LH BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21Vin JJ5Mo FLwL LH BK

by Sadowsky

Progressive Fusion Session Work

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Fingerboard wear over time

Sadowsky MetroExp21Vin JJ5Mo FLwL LH BK5-String Electric BassLeft-handed modelFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted...

⭐ 4.8/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599140

$1,308

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#14

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

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 TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.4/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FLwL TSB

by Sadowsky

Session Work Progressive Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Fingerboard wear over time

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FLwL TSB5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: OkoumeBolt-on neck: Roasted...

⭐ 4.4/5 (25 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 599180

$1,308

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 Sadowsky Fretless Basses 2025

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mora FL BK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL BK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 V JJ4 Mo FLwL LH BK

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21-5 Vin BK FL LH

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb BK FL LH

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FLwL OWH

Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Vint. 4 MO FL TB

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM FL 59´B

Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mor FLwL BK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora FL BK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FL LH BK

Sadowsky MetroExp21Vin JJ5Mo FLwL LH BK

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 FL BK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FLwL TSB

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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