Best Fretless Basses Under $1,000 2025

Affordable fretless basses under $1,000 - great value without compromising quality

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

Marcus Miller Z7-5 FL Antique White - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller Z7-5 FL Antique White

by Marcus Miller

Session Work Experimental Progressive

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Limited for some musical styles

Marcus Miller Z7-5 FL Antique White5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: AlderBolt-on neck: MapleFingerboard: EbonyWhite...

⭐ 5.0/5 (2 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 607729

$857

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick RB Streamer LX 4 SB HP FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Warwick RB Streamer LX 4 SB HP FL

by Warwick

Jazz Experimental Fusion

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Steeper learning curve

Warwick RB Streamer LX 4 SB HP FLElectric BassFretless modelArched body: Carolina3-Piece neck: Maple with ekanga veneer...

⭐ 4.7/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 452165

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez SRH505F-NNF Bass Workshop - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez SRH505F-NNF Bass Workshop

by Ibanez

World Music Progressive Session Work

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Smooth, singing sustain
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Limited for some musical styles

Ibanez SRH505F-NNF Bass Workshop5-String Electric BassStyle: Semi-HollowFretlessTop: SpruceBack: Okoume5-Piece neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (38 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 415442

$897

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller M7 5st Fretless TBL 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller M7 5st Fretless TBL 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Session Work World Music Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Limited for some musical styles

Marcus Miller M7 5st Fretless TBL 2nd GenFretless 5-String Electric Bass Guitar made by SireAlder bodyFlamed maple...

⭐ 4.7/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 446240

$912

Buy at Thomann View Details

Ibanez SRH500F-NNF - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez SRH500F-NNF

by Ibanez

Jazz Experimental Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• Limited for some musical styles

Ibanez SRH500F-NNFElectric BassFretlessBuild: Semi-hollowTop: SpruceBottom: Okume5-Stripe SRH neck: Jatoba /...

⭐ 4.8/5 (8 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 406069

$824

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller M7 4st Fretless TBL 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller M7 4st Fretless TBL 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Session Work Jazz Experimental

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Fingerboard wear over time

Marcus Miller M7 4st Fretless TBL 2nd GenElectric BassFretlessBody: AlderTop: Flamed mapleBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 494966

$802

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick RB Corvette B 4 FL NBTS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Warwick RB Corvette B 4 FL NBTS

by Warwick

Experimental Session Work World Music

Key Feature:

• Unique fretless character

✓ PROS

• Smooth, singing sustain
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• Requires precise intonation skills

Warwick RB Corvette B 4 FL NBTSElectric BassFretless modelBody: AlderScrewed 3-piece laminated maple neck with Ekanga...

⭐ 4.9/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 442739

$989

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 FL NBT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 FL NBT

by Warwick

World Music Fusion Progressive

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Fingerboard wear over time

Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 FL NBT5-String Electric BassFretlessArched body: CarolinaBolted 4-stripe neck: Laminated...

⭐ 4.9/5 (56 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 452132

$934

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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Best Fretless Basses Under $1,000 2025

Marcus Miller Z7-5 FL Antique White

Warwick RB Streamer LX 4 SB HP FL

Ibanez SRH505F-NNF Bass Workshop

Marcus Miller M7 5st Fretless TBL 2nd Gen

Ibanez SRH500F-NNF

Marcus Miller M7 4st Fretless TBL 2nd Gen

Warwick RB Corvette B 4 FL NBTS

Warwick RockBass Streamer 5 FL NBT

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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