AudioFu

Best Fretless Basses Under $2,000 2026

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

Last updated: February 11, 2026 • Next update: February 18, 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 JJ5Mor FLwL OWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#1

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
Warwick RB StarBass5 Black HP fretless - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#2

Warwick RB StarBass5 Black HP fretless

by Warwick
Progressive Experimental Session Work
Key Feature:
• Smooth, singing sustain
✓ PROS
  • • Professional jazz sound
  • • Endless pitch possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited for some musical styles
  • • May not suit all players

Warwick RB StarBass5 Black HP fretlessFretless Electric BassBody: MapleFlamed maple neck with ekanga veneer...

⭐ 4.4/5 (16 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 367445
$1,154
Buy at Thomann View Details
Warwick RB Streamer NT 4 FL SB HP - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#3

Warwick RB Streamer NT 4 FL SB HP

by Warwick
Fusion World Music Jazz
Key Feature:
• Smooth, singing sustain
✓ PROS
  • • Professional jazz sound
  • • Endless pitch possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited for some musical styles
  • • May not suit all players

Warwick RB Streamer NT 4 FL SB HPElectric BassFretlessBody: Alder3-piece neck-thru-body: Maple with Ekanga veneer...

⭐ 4.8/5 (11 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 451981
$1,099
Buy at Thomann View Details
Warwick RB Corvette Basic 5 FL NBTS - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#4

Warwick RB Corvette Basic 5 FL NBTS

by Warwick
Session Work Fusion Progressive
Key Feature:
• Unique fretless character
✓ PROS
  • • Smooth, singing sustain
  • • Unique fretless character
✗ CONS
  • • Limited for some musical styles
  • • Steeper learning curve

Warwick RB Corvette Basic 5 FL NBTS5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: AlderBolted 4-stripe neck: Maple with Ekanga...

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
10/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 450209
$1,099
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ5 Mor FLwL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#5

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
Ibanez SDGB1-DMT - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#6

Ibanez SDGB1-DMT

by Ibanez
Fusion World Music Jazz
Key Feature:
• Professional jazz sound
✓ PROS
  • • Professional jazz sound
  • • Great for expressive playing
✗ CONS
  • • Fingerboard wear over time
  • • Requires precise intonation skills

Ibanez SDGB1-DMTFretless 5-String Electric BassFretlessSteve Di Giorgio (Testament) Signature ModelBody: Okume /...

⭐ 4.4/5 (23 reviews)
Sound:
8/10
Build:
8/10
Value:
8/10
Art. 578585
$1,733
Buy at Thomann View Details
Warwick RB Corvette Basic 6 SBHP FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#7

Warwick RB Corvette Basic 6 SBHP FL

by Warwick
World Music Session Work Jazz
Key Feature:
• Great for expressive playing
✓ PROS
  • • Professional jazz sound
  • • Great for expressive playing
✗ CONS
  • • Limited for some musical styles
  • • May not suit all players

Warwick RB Corvette Basic 6 SBHP FL6-String Electric BassFretless modelBody: Alder5-Piece neck: Maple with ekanga...

⭐ 4.9/5 (43 reviews)
Sound:
9/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 452966
$1,154
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 V JJ4 Mo FLwL LH BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#8

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 MetroExp 21 Vint. 4 MO FL TB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#9

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
Warwick RB Star Bass 4 FL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#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
Ibanez SRD900F-BTL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#11

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 Vin JJ5Mor FLwL TSB - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#12

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 SRD905F-BTL - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#13

Ibanez SRD905F-BTL

by Ibanez
World Music Experimental Jazz
Key Feature:
• Great for expressive playing
✓ PROS
  • • Smooth, singing sustain
  • • Endless pitch possibilities
✗ CONS
  • • Limited for some musical styles
  • • Requires precise intonation skills

Ibanez SRD905F-BTLFretless 5-String Electric BassFretlessSR SeriesBody: OkoumeTop: Exotic maple5-Piece bolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (50 reviews)
Sound:
10/10
Build:
9/10
Value:
7/10
Art. 582062
$1,264
Buy at Thomann View Details
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#14

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 MetroExpress 21 Hyb PJ 4 FL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo
#15

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

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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