Best Fretless Basses Under $1,000 2026
Alright, so you want that buttery fretless vibe without selling a kidney? It's doable. Finding a fretless bass under $1000 that doesn't feel like a total compromise is tricky, but there are some solid options out there. We're gonna look at basses that offer decent feel, usable tone, and won't fall apart on you after a few gigs.
Last updated: September 7, 2026
⚡ The best fretless basses in 2026 are Marcus Miller V7 5 New Gen Antique White FL (top pick), Marcus Miller Z7-5 FL Antique White for tighter budgets, and Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 FL NBT for pros — selected from 15 options across 3 brands, priced $208–$928, ranked by brand, price and popularity.
Marcus Miller V7 5 New Gen Antique White FL
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Fusion
Session Work
Jazz
Key Feature:
This fretless bass is built for smooth, modern playing with its roasted maple neck and ebony fingerboard. The 20-position inlays help you find your notes without metal frets. It sounds great in both active and passive modes thanks to the Heritage 3 preamp. This setup suits players who want a clean, contemporary tone without relying on frets.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers smooth fretless playability
- • 20 position inlays give clear fretless reference points
- • Heritage 3 preamp handles active and passive modes
- • Lightweight Alder body keeps the instrument manageable
CONS
- • No frets makes precise intonation difficult for beginners
- • Only two pickups limit tonal variety compared to 4-coil models
- • No weight listed means heavy lifting might be an issue
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 635390
$929
Marcus Miller Z7-5 FL Antique White
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Session Work
Experimental
Progressive
Key Feature:
The Z7-5 FL is a fantastic entry point into the world of fretless bass. The combination of alder, ebony, and those Sire pickups gives it a surprisingly rich and versatile voice – it’s great for jazz, funk, and even rock. This is a really solid option for players wanting that smooth, sliding feel without the premium price tag of some higher-end fretless instruments.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a warm, resonant foundation for fretless tones.
- • Sire pickups deliver a surprisingly versatile range, from growl to clarity.
- • Marcus Heritage-3 preamp offers excellent tonal shaping and active boost.
- • Edgeless ebony fingerboard promotes effortless, fast fretless playing.
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction might lack the sustain of a set-neck design.
- • 5-string basses can feel unwieldy for players with smaller hands.
- • Antique White finish, while beautiful, may be prone to showing wear.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 607729
$812
Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 FL NBT
by
Warwick
Nut width
45 mm (1.77")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
664 mm (26.14")
Strings
5-string
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Weight
4 kg
World Music
Fusion
Progressive
Key Feature:
This Streamer 5 FL NBT is a seriously classy instrument. The fretless feel combined with the warm, punchy MEC pickups makes it perfect for players exploring jazz, soul, or anything needing that smooth, singing tone. It’s a high-quality fretless offering a great balance of performance and value.
PROS
- • Carolina arched body provides excellent resonance and a comfortable playing experience.
- • MEC vintage humbuckers deliver a warm, articulate tone suitable for many genres.
- • Tigerstripe ebony fretboard offers a smooth, fast playing feel and beautiful aesthetics.
- • Long scale (864mm) provides tighter low-end response and improved clarity.
CONS
- • The weight (approx. 4.0 kg) might be fatiguing for some players during extended playing sessions.
- • Fretless basses demand precise technique; not ideal for beginners.
- • Passive pickups might require a higher output amp to truly shine in a band mix.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 452132
$929
Marcus Miller V7 5 New Gen TS FL
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Strings
5-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Session Work
Experimental
Fusion
Key Feature:
This bass lets you slide your fingers freely without metal bars getting in the way. The maple neck feels sturdy under your palm while the active preamp lets you shape the sound exactly how you like it. It suits players who love smooth, singing lines and want a solid, warm tone.
PROS
- • Fretless playability for smooth legato lines
- • Alder body offers classic warm resonance
- • Active/passive switch for flexible tone
- • Modern-S bridge ensures solid sustain
CONS
- • No frets can be tricky for beginners
- • Missing weight spec in the text
- • Tone controls are basic compared to high-end
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 635363
$929
Marcus Miller V7-5 Sandblasted BK TE FL
Nut width
46 mm (1.81")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Strings
5-string
Body
Mahogany body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Session Work
Jazz
Experimental
Key Feature:
This fretless bass sounds clean thanks to its single coil pickups and mahogany body. The bolt-on maple neck feels solid under your fingers. It suits players who want a smooth, natural tone without needing many knobs to shape the sound.
PROS
- • Mahogany and swamp ash body for solid resonance
- • Fretless ebony fingerboard for smooth playing
- • Marcus Super J Revolution single coils for clean tone
- • Bolt-on maple neck for strong stability
CONS
- • Only two volume and tone controls available
- • Treble and bass knobs use push-pull switches
- • No frets means higher initial skill requirement
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 615145
$894
Marcus Miller V7 4 New Gen Antique White FL
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Progressive
Jazz
Experimental
Key Feature:
This fretless bass has a roasted maple neck that feels great to play. The active preamp gives you full control over your tone. It works well for players who want a clear, cutting sound without relying on frets.
PROS
- • Roasted maple neck offers smooth playability
- • Active preamp lets you shape sound deeply
- • Super-J Revolution pickups cut through mix
- • Alder body keeps overall weight manageable
CONS
- • No frets means higher skill requirement
- • Active electronics need fresh batteries
- • Single coil pickups can sound thin
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 635138
$812
Marcus Miller Z7-4 FL Antique White
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Experimental
Jazz
World Music
Key Feature:
This Z7-4 FL is a seriously playable fretless, offering a warm, articulate tone thanks to the alder body and premium Sire pickups. The Marcus Heritage-3 preamp gives you a ton of tonal control, making it ideal for players exploring jazz, funk, or soulful grooves – it's a great entry point to fretless playing without a premium-priced tag.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a warm, resonant foundation for fretless tone.
- • Marcus Heritage-3 preamp offers versatile tonal shaping and active boost.
- • Ebony fingerboard delivers exceptional clarity and smooth fretless feel.
- • Sire pickups provide a balanced, articulate sound across frequencies.
CONS
- • The edgeless fingerboard might feel unfamiliar to some players initially.
- • Bolt-on neck construction limits sustain compared to neck-through designs.
- • Antique White finish can be prone to showing fingerprints and grime.
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 607708
$696
Harley Benton JB-75FL SB Vintage Seri Bundle
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Neck profile
D-shape neck
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Session Work
World Music
Experimental
Key Feature:
This fretless bass sounds like a guitar but plays like a real bass. The ash body gives it a nice warm tone that cuts through a band. It is affordable and comes with a gig bag, making it great for students or gigging players. Just be patient with the strings until they settle in.
PROS
- • Fretless neck offers smooth, vocal-like tone for jazz players.
- • American ash body provides warm, resonant acoustic character.
- • Canadian hard rock maple neck ensures stable intonation.
- • Alnico 5 single coils deliver bright, punchy vintage tone.
CONS
- • Fretless strings may require more time to break in.
- • Roseacer skunk stripe on neck is purely cosmetic.
- • Lack of weight specification makes handling unknown.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 557936
$231
Harley Benton JB-75FL SB Vintage Series
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
305 mm (12.01")
Neck profile
D-shape neck
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
World Music
Fusion
Progressive
Key Feature:
This bass sounds like a classic vintage model thanks to its ash body and hot Alnico 5 pickups. The fretless neck is great for tone but needs serious finger work. It looks cool with the skunk stripe and is built for musicians who want that old-school feel.
PROS
- • American ash body for classic vintage warmth
- • Canadian maple neck offers smooth playability
- • Two Alnico 5 single coils deliver punchy tone
- • Roseacer skunk stripe adds distinctive visual flair
CONS
- • Fretless neck requires significant skill to master
- • Single coil pickups are prone to noise issues
- • No weight data provided for comfort checks
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 460179
$208
Marcus Miller V7 4 New Gen TS FL
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
241 mm (9.49")
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Ebony fingerboard
Jazz
Progressive
Experimental
Key Feature:
This is a great choice if you love the smooth feel of a fretless bass but want modern electronics. The maple neck and ebony fingerboard make it easy to play, while the two single-coil pickups give you a bright, punchy tone. It suits players who need reliable, active control without extra knobs.
PROS
- • Fretless playability with modern setup
- • Alder body for solid resonance
- • Two Marcus Super J Revolution pickups
- • Heritage-3 preamp with active options
CONS
- • No frets for chord players
- • Weight not listed in specs
- • Single coil pickup noise potential
⭐
4.9/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 635127
$812
Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage Bundle
Nut width
42 mm (1.65")
Scale
775 mm (30.51")
Neck profile
C-shape neck
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Weight
7.5 kg
Experimental
Session Work
Fusion
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage Bundle is a fantastic entry point into the world of fretless bass. The hollow body and humbucker pickups deliver a surprisingly full and vintage-inspired tone, while the included amp gives you a workable starting setup. It's a great option for players wanting to explore fretless without a premium-priced investment.
PROS
- • Arched basswood body provides a surprisingly resonant and warm tone.
- • Maple neck offers a comfortable C-profile and good sustain.
- • Viola bridge enhances vibration transfer for a more expressive fretless feel.
- • HB-20B amp provides a decent starting point for practice and small gigs.
CONS
- • Fretless bass requires significant practice and ear training to master intonation.
- • Humbucker pickups can sound muddy if EQ isn't carefully managed.
- • Budget-friendly hardware might exhibit some minor finish inconsistencies.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 537202
$301
Harley Benton B-650FL BK Progressive w/Bag
Nut width
53 mm (2.09")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Strings
6-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Jatoba fingerboard
World Music
Jazz
Progressive
Key Feature:
This 6-string fretless is a seriously impressive value. The active preamp gives you a wide range of tonal options, from clean and articulate to thick and growly. It's a great entry point into fretless playing or a budget-friendly option for experienced players wanting a 6-string feel.
PROS
- • Alder body delivers a warm, resonant low-end foundation.
- • Canadian maple neck offers comfortable playability and stability.
- • Active preamp adds versatility and a clean, powerful tone.
- • Die-cast tuners provide reliable tuning stability and precision.
CONS
- • Black walnut fingerboard might show wear more easily than ebony.
- • Bolt-on neck construction limits sustain compared to a neck-through design.
- • Active electronics require a power source, limiting passive tone options.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 539289
$243
Harley Benton B-650FL BK Progressive Bundle
Nut width
53 mm (2.09")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Strings
6-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Jatoba fingerboard
Experimental
Fusion
Jazz
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton B-650FL is a surprisingly capable 6-string fretless bundle, perfect for exploring Jaco-inspired tones or expanding your harmonic palette. The active preamp adds versatility, while the alder body and walnut fingerboard deliver a warm, smooth sound. It’s a fantastic entry point into fretless bass playing, offering a lot of value for the price.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a warm, resonant foundation for the fretless tone.
- • Active preamp boosts signal, offering more headroom and tonal shaping.
- • Canadian maple neck offers stability and a comfortable, modern 'D' profile.
- • Black walnut fingerboard provides a unique feel and slightly warmer tone than rosewood.
CONS
- • Bolt-on neck construction may lack the sustain of a neck-through design.
- • Black walnut fingerboard can be prone to finger noise if not accustomed.
- • Gig bag is basic; a hard case is recommended for serious transport.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 539291
$243
Harley Benton B-650FL BK Progressive Series
Nut width
53 mm (2.09")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Strings
6-string
Body
Alder body
Fingerboard
Jatoba fingerboard
Experimental
Fusion
Progressive
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton B-650FL is a seriously impressive fretless bass for the price. The active preamp gives you a surprising amount of tonal shaping, while the alder body delivers a solid, warm low-end. It's a fantastic option for players wanting to explore fretless without a huge investment, especially those into Jaco-inspired funk or smooth jazz.
PROS
- • Alder body provides a warm, resonant foundation for the fretless tone.
- • Canadian maple neck offers excellent stability and a comfortable, modern D profile.
- • Active preamp adds versatility, boosting signal and shaping tonal character.
- • Die-cast tuners ensure reliable tuning stability, even with heavier string gauges.
CONS
- • Black walnut fingerboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness.
- • Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the inherent resonance of a neck-through design.
- • The active preamp's battery life requires monitoring and occasional replacement.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 411666
$231
Harley Benton JB-40FL 3-Tone Sunburst Bundle
Nut width
38 mm (1.5")
Scale
864 mm (34.02")
Fingerboard radius
350 mm (13.78")
Body
Ash body
Fingerboard
Laurel fingerboard
Jazz
World Music
Session Work
Key Feature:
This Harley Benton JB-40FL is a seriously impressive offering for the price. The fretless design delivers a smooth, vocal tone perfect for Motown, jazz, and more expressive playing. It's an ideal entry point into the world of fretless bass, offering surprising quality and character for a budget-friendly instrument.
PROS
- • American ash body provides a warm, resonant foundation.
- • Roswell JBA pickups deliver a surprisingly authentic JB tone.
- • Canadian maple neck offers comfortable playability and stability.
- • Accessory pack adds immediate value for beginners.
CONS
- • Fretless bass requires careful setup and playing technique.
- • Laurel fingerboard may show wear more quickly than ebony.
- • Bolt-on neck construction lacks the sustain of a set-neck design.
⭐
5.0/5
AudioFu Score
Specs:
10/10
Detail:
10/10
Value:
9/10
Art. 566919
$231
Every fretless basses that matches
36 models match this page. The 15 above are covered in detail; the rest are listed here with their published specifications.
| # | Model | Specifications | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 | Harley Benton B-550FL BK Progressive w/Bag | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Walnut fingerboard | $231 |
| 17 | Harley Benton B-550FL BK Progressive Bundle | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Walnut fingerboard | $231 |
| 18 | Harley Benton JB-40FL 3-Tone Sunburst | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 350 mm (13.78") · Body Ash body · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $220 |
| 19 | Harley Benton B-550FL BK Progressive Series | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Walnut fingerboard | $220 |
| 20 | Marcus Miller V7-4 Sandblasted BK TE FL | Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Body Mahogany body · Fingerboard Ebony fingerboard | $754 |
| 21 | Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe Bundle | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $429 |
| 22 | Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe w/Bag | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $417 |
| 23 | Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe Series | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $406 |
| 24 | Ibanez SR370EF-BBT | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Body Maple body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $482 |
| 25 | Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage w/Bag | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 775 mm (30.51") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $243 |
| 26 | Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage Series | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 775 mm (30.51") · Neck profile C-shape neck · Fingerboard Laurel fingerboard | $231 |
| 27 | Harley Benton B-450FL BK Progressive Series | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Body Alder body · Fingerboard Jatoba fingerboard | $220 |
| 28 | Ibanez SRH505F-NNF Bass Workshop | Nut width 45 mm (1.77") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") · Strings 5-string | $947 |
| 29 | Gold Tone ME-BASS/Fretless | Nut width 42.9 mm (1.69") · Scale 584 mm (22.99") · Frets 24 frets | $615 |
| 30 | Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 Fretless VWH | Nut width 42 mm (1.65") · Fingerboard radius 241 mm (9.49") · Neck profile C-shape neck | $638 |
| 31 | Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short FL | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 762 mm (30") · Neck profile C-shape neck | $532 |
| 32 | Ibanez SRH500F-NNF | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Scale 864 mm (34.02") | $870 |
| 33 | ESP LTD B205SM FL Natural Satin | Strings 5-string · Body Ash body | $778 |
| 34 | ESP LTD B204SM FL Natural Satin | Nut width 40 mm (1.57") · Body Ash body | $778 |
| 35 | Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NT FL | Nut width 38 mm (1.5") · Neck profile C-shape neck | $580 |
| 36 | Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 TS FL | Strings 4-string | $580 |
Fretless Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 36 models in this category, so «wide», «short» or «expensive» mean something you can check.
Price
median $482
from $220 to $929
Nut width
median 42 mm (1.65")
from 38 mm (1.5") to 53 mm (2.09") · 33 models
Scale
median 864 mm (34.02")
from 762 mm (30") to 864 mm (34.02") · 31 models
Fingerboard radius
median 241 mm (9.49")
from 241 mm (9.49") to 350 mm (13.78") · 14 models
Neck profile
C, D
most common · 13 models
Body
alder, ash, mahogany
most common · 22 models
Fingerboard
ebony, jatoba, laurel
most common · 27 models
Strings
median 5-string
from 4-string to 6-string · 17 models
How to Choose the Best Fretless Basses
1
Neck Profile
A comfortable neck is crucial with a fretless - you're relying on feel more than fret markers. Expect thinner profiles to be more common in this price range, which isn't bad, but might not suit everyone. A chunkier neck can feel more stable, but also more tiring over long gigs.
2
Action & Intonation
Fretless basses are extremely sensitive to action and intonation. You'll almost certainly need to have a setup done after purchase. Factor that $50-$100 into your budget - it's non-negotiable.
3
Pickup Voicing
Many budget fretless basses rely on fairly generic pickups. Don't expect boutique-level clarity or note separation. You're looking for something that provides a warm, rounded tone without being muddy, and can still cut through a mix - that's the sweet spot.
4
Body Wood & Construction
Alder is a common wood choice, giving a balanced tone. Avoid anything with a super-cheap, resonant body wood that'll just amplify every little buzz and rattle. Bolt-on necks are more common than set necks at this price, which isn't necessarily a dealbreaker, but might limit sustain a bit.
5
Fretless Precision
Let's be honest, the fretwork won't be perfect. Expect minor inconsistencies and a few "personality" notes. It's part of the fretless experience, but extreme deviations will make it hard to play in tune. Check reviews for comments on fret quality.
Buying Guide
At this price point, you're making compromises. Don't expect the same level of precision or materials as a $2000 bass. The biggest trade-off will be in the fretwork - it's almost always the first thing that needs addressing. Focus on finding a bass with a comfortable neck and a decent pickup voicing, and be prepared to invest in a professional setup. A good setup can make a huge difference in playability and intonation.
How This List Is Built
We don't play these instruments — we're a catalog, not a review desk, and we'd rather say so than pretend otherwise. This page covers 36 fretless basses from the Thomann catalogue, which is the largest single source of specification data in this category: 15 in detail, the rest listed with their specifications.
Position is computed, not curated. We parse the manufacturer's own description into actual values — nut width, scale, fret count, fingerboard radius, size, alloy — and rank on them: how many specifications a model has published, how many of them are measurable numbers, and how precisely it meets this page's criterion. A product image adds a little. Price is not a ranking signal: it tells you nothing about whether a neck fits your hand. The same inputs always produce the same order, so nothing here is shuffled to look fresh.
What this list is good for: narrowing a category down to a shortlist by spec and budget. What it isn't: a substitute for hearing an instrument. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Realistically, no. It'll sound good - usable for recording and gigging - but don't expect the nuanced articulation and top-end sparkle of a higher-end instrument. You're trading some sonic fidelity for affordability.
Absolutely critical. A fretless bass needs a precise setup to play in tune. The factory setup on most budget basses is rarely going to cut it. Budget for it.
Thicker strings (45-60 gauge) are generally preferred on fretless basses for better tone and feel. They also tend to be more forgiving of slight intonation issues. Experiment to find what works for you.
Squier (especially the Vintage Modified series) and Sterling by Music Man often offer decent value. Yamaha also makes some solid, reliable options, but they tend to be a bit more reserved in their tonal character.
Fretless basses often have a few notes that just aren't perfectly in tune due to slight fret inconsistencies. It's part of the character, and some players even embrace it, but be aware that they exist.
