Best Fretless Basses Under $2,000 2026

Affordable fretless basses under $2,000 - great value without compromising quality

Last updated: January 14, 2026 • Next update: January 21, 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

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mor FLwL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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 MetroExp21Vin JJ5Mo FLwL LH BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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 MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL OW - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

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

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

Warwick RB Star Bass 4 FL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Warwick RB Star Bass 4 FL BK

by Warwick

World Music Experimental Jazz

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Steeper learning curve

Warwick RB Star Bass 4 FL BKElectric BassFretlesssidesand bottom: MapleGluedDeckeZargen und Boden: AhornSet-In 3-piece...

⭐ 4.8/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 502134

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FLwL TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 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

Ibanez SRF705-BBF - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Ibanez SRF705-BBF

by Ibanez

Experimental Progressive Session Work

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Limited for some musical styles
• Fingerboard wear over time

Ibanez SRF705-BBF5-String Fretless Electric BassBody: Okoume5-Part neck through SRF5 maple/walnutFretboard: Panga...

⭐ 4.4/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 333285

$1,187

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

Ibanez SRD900F-BTL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez SRD900F-BTL

by Ibanez

Session Work Fusion World Music

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• Steeper learning curve

Ibanez SRD900F-BTLFretless Electric BassFretlessSR SeriesBody: OkoumeTop: Exotic maple5-Piece bolt-on neck: Maple /...

⭐ 4.7/5 (34 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 582067

$1,253

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#10

⭐ 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

Warwick RB Streamer NT I 4 NTHP FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Warwick RB Streamer NT I 4 NTHP FL

by Warwick

Experimental Jazz Session Work

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Requires precise intonation skills

Warwick RB Streamer NT I 4 NTHP FLElectric BassFretlessBody: Alder3-Piece neck through: Maple with Ekanga veneer...

⭐ 5.0/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 450764

$1,099

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick RB Corvette $$ 5 FL NB TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Warwick RB Corvette $$ 5 FL NB TS

by Warwick

Session Work Experimental Progressive

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

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

Warwick RB Corvette $$ 5 FL NB TS5-String Electric BassFretless modelAsh bodyBolt-on 4-piece laminated maple neck with...

⭐ 4.6/5 (55 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 442671

$1,044

Buy at Thomann View Details

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

#13

⭐ 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

Ibanez SRF700-BBF - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Ibanez SRF700-BBF

by Ibanez

Jazz Session Work Progressive

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Smooth, singing sustain
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• Limited for some musical styles
• Fingerboard wear over time

Ibanez SRF700-BBFFretless Electric BassFretlessBody: Okume5-Piece neck-thru-body: Maple / WalnutFingerboard: Panga...

⭐ 4.7/5 (37 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 333286

$1,089

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FL LH BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 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

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 Fretless Basses Under $2,000 2026

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mor FLwL BK

Sadowsky MetroExp21Vin JJ5Mo FLwL LH BK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL OW

Sadowsky MetroExp21 V JJ4 Mo FLwL LH BK

Warwick RB Star Bass 4 FL BK

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FLwL TSB

Ibanez SRF705-BBF

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FLwL OWH

Ibanez SRD900F-BTL

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora FL BK

Warwick RB Streamer NT I 4 NTHP FL

Warwick RB Corvette $$ 5 FL NB TS

Sadowsky MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 FL BK

Ibanez SRF700-BBF

Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5Mor FL LH BK

How to Choose the Best Fretless Basses

Budget Planning

Quality Check

Key Features

Frequently Asked Questions

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