AudioFu Chart · November 2026
Best Fretless Basses Under $2,000 2026
The top pick is Warwick Rockbass Corvette Basic 5 Active (Long Scale) ($1,115). Ibanez SRH500F Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear gives you the most for the money at $836. Ibanez SRAS7 Bass Workshop Hybrid Fretless Soundgear leads the high end. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 57 models across 8 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: November 8, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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Warwick Rockbass Corvette Basic 5 Active (Long Scale)
RB Corvette Basic 5 FL NBTS · Warwick
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale863.6 mm (34")
- Strings5-string
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
You get a fretless five-string bass with an alder body, a maple neck, and a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard. It has two active J-style pickups and 2-band active electronics, and it comes with a gigbag. This one suits you if you want a fretless bass with a long 34-inch scale and a bag to carry it in.
Pros
- Alder body paired with a bolt-on laminate maple neck and ekanga veneer stringers
- Two active MEC J-style single coil pickups with 2-band active electronics
- Tigerstripe ebony fingerboard with 26" radius and 24 positions
Cons
- Fretless design is not suited to players who want frets
72AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,115 now$1,115€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Warwick Rockbass Corvette $$ 5 Active
RB Corvette $$ 5 FL NB TS · Warwick
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale866 mm (34.09")
- Fingerboard radius660 mm (25.98")
- Strings5-string
- BodyAsh body
This is a five-string fretless bass with a long 34 inch scale and a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard. It has two humbucker pickups and active two-band electronics, so you can shape the bass and treble yourself. It suits you if you want a fretless five-string with solid hardware and controls, and you are fine carrying its 4.4 kg weight.
Pros
- Ash body with a bolt-on laminated maple neck and ekanga veneer stringers
- Tigerstripe ebony fingerboard with 660 mm (26") radius and 24 positions
- Two passive MEC MM-style humbuckers with active RockBass 2-band electronics
Cons
- Weighs approximately 4.4 kg, which is heavy for carrying on long gigs
67AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,060 now$1,060€949 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRAS7 Bass Workshop Hybrid Fretless Soundgear
SRAS7-CBS · Ibanez
14 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width63 mm (2.48")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Frets24 frets
- Strings7-string
- BodyOkoume body
This is a 7-string bass with a fretted section and a fretless section on the same neck. You get two SRAS Super J single coils, an AeroSilk piezo system, and a three-way switch to choose between piezo, mix, and magnetic modes. It suits you if you want a fretless bass with extra low and high strings and the option to switch between pickup types.
Pros
- Burl poplar/ash top over an Okoume body gives a striking look
- Three-way switch selects Piezo, Mix, or Magnetic pickup modes
- Two SRAS Super J single coils plus AeroSilk piezo system
Cons
- Its 864 mm scale and 1127 mm overall length make it a large bass to carry
66AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,528 now$1,528€1,369 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Warwick Rockbass Streamer LX 5
RockBass Streamer 5 FL NBT · Warwick
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius664 mm (26.14")
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
You get a five-string fretless bass with a Carolina pine body, a maple neck, and a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard. It has two MEC Vintage humbuckers and active 2-band electronics with volume, balance, treble and bass controls. It suits you if you want a fretless five-string with a long 34-inch scale and a gigbag included to carry it.
Pros
- Carolina pine contoured body with a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard
- Two passive MEC Vintage humbuckers for a classic bass pickup setup
- Active RockBass 2-band electronics with volume, balance, treble and bass controls
Cons
- Fretless design with a 34-inch long scale needs a player comfortable with unfretted pitch
- Weighs approximately 4.0 kg, which is heavy for a bass to carry around
65AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$892 now$892€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38.5 mm (1.52")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Weight3.8 kg
You get a fretless 4-string bass with a maple body and neck, a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard and two MEC Vintage single coil pickups. It comes with a Rockbag gig bag and a hex key, and the controls are simple: volume and tone for each pickup plus a 3-way switch. It suits you if you want a fretless bass and you are ready to find your notes by ear.
Pros
- Solid black high polish finish on a maple top, bottom and sides
- Set-in laminated maple neck with ekanga veneer stringers
- Tigerstripe ebony fingerboard with a 20 inch radius
Cons
- Fretless design with a 32 inch medium scale requires careful pitch control by ear
- Weighs approximately 3.8 kg, so it is a fairly heavy bass to carry
65AudioFu
Index↓ 2.0%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,115 · Aug 17$1,093 now$1,093€979 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRH500F Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear
SRH500F-NNF · Ibanez
17 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
The SRH500F-NNF is a beautifully crafted fretless bass that bridges the gap between acoustic and electric tones. Its semi-hollow construction and piezo pickups give it a unique, organic character, ideal for players seeking a more expressive and nuanced sound. This is a great choice for the serious bassist looking to explore fretless territory without a premium-priced investment.
Pros
- Spruce top delivers a warm, articulate tone with surprising projection.
- Jatoba/Walnut neck construction provides excellent stability and a comfortable feel.
- AeroSilk piezo pickups offer a natural, acoustic-like response and clarity.
Cons
- Semi-hollow body can be prone to feedback at higher volumes.
- Okume back may resonate less than a fully solid body, impacting sustain.
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$836 now$836€749 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width46 mm (1.81")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings5-string
This is a fretless five-string bass with an alder body, a roasted maple neck and an ebony fingerboard. Its preamp switches between active and passive modes, so you can choose the setting you like. It suits you if you want a fretless five-string with a clean, classic look and easy control over the controls on the bass.
Pros
- Alder body paired with a roasted maple bolt-on neck
- Ebony fingerboard with white pearloid block inlays
- Two Marcus Super J Revolution single coil pickups
Cons
- Fretless design means no frets to guide finger placement
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$892 now$892€799 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Warwick Rockbass Streamer LX 4
RB Streamer LX 4 SB HP FL · Warwick
8 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width38.5 mm (1.52")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius508 mm (20")
- FingerboardEbony fingerboard
- Weight3.8 kg
This is a fretless bass with a long 864 mm scale and a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard. It has two pickup styles and active 2-band electronics, so you get flexible control over your tone. It suits you if you already know how to play a fretless bass and want a sturdy build with secure hardware.
Pros
- Fretless design with a tigerstripe ebony fingerboard and 508 mm radius
- Passive MEC 'Dynamic Correction' P-style and J-style pickups in one bass
- Active RockBass 2-band electronics with volume, balance, bass and treble controls
Cons
- Long 864 mm scale and about 3.8 kg weight make it a heavy bass to carry
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,004 now$1,004€899 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width47.5 mm (1.87")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This is a left-handed 5-string fretless bass with an okoume body, a roasted maple neck and a morado fingerboard. You get two stacked Sadowsky J-style single coil pickups, active 2-way electronics, and a push/pull switch that bypasses the preamp. It suits you if you play left-handed and want a fretless bass with plenty of control options, and it comes with a bag, fretboard protector and hex keys.
Pros
- Left-handed model with a fretless 5-string neck, suited to left-handed players
- Okoume body paired with a roasted maple bolt-on neck and morado fingerboard
- Two stacked Sadowsky J-style single coil pickups with active 2-way electronics
Cons
- Fretless design with a 12" radius fingerboard is not suited to players who want frets
- Weighs up to 4.8 kg, which is heavy for long standing sessions
62AudioFu
Index↓ 9.1%since Aug 17 · lowest so far$1,227 · Aug 17$1,115 now$1,115€999 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Ibanez SRD905F Bass Workshop Fretless Soundgear
SRD905F-BTL · Ibanez
9 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Strings5-string
- BodyOkoume body
This is a 5-string fretless bass with a maple and walnut neck, an okoume body and an exotic maple top. You get two Nordstrand humbuckers, an active 2-band EQ and a piezo system with its own tone controls, so there are plenty of ways to shape your sound. It suits you if you want a fretless bass with a lot of control options and flatwound strings already fitted.
Pros
- Two Nordstrand Big Break Humbuckers, one at the neck and one at the bridge
- Active Ibanez 2-Band EQ plus a piezo system with its own tone controls
- Panga Panga fingerboard with off-set abalone dot and luminescent side dot inlays
Cons
- Fretless design with a 34 inch scale suits players comfortable without frets
62AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$1,238 now$1,238€1,109 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 57 fretless basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
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Ibanez SRH505F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRH505F-NNF Bass Workshop · Ibanez60Stable$910€815$910€815Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez SRF700 Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRF700-BBF · Ibanez59Stable$1,105€990$1,105€990Check ↗
- 13
Warwick German Pro Series Streamer Stage I 4RB Streamer NT I 4 NTHP FL · Warwick59Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 14
Ibanez SRD900F Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRD900F-BTL · Ibanez59Stable$1,272€1,139$1,272€1,139Check ↗
- 15
Gold Tone M-Bass/FL Micro 23" Scale Fretless Acoustic/Electric Bass…ME-BASS/Fretless · Gold Tone58Stable$591€529$591€529Check ↗
- 16
ESP LTD B-204SM FretlessLTD B204SM FL Natural Satin · ESP58↓ 3.0%$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 17
Harley Benton B-550FL BK Progressive SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes56Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 18
Harley Benton B-650FL BK Progressive SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes56Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 19
ESP LTD B-205SM FretlessLTD B205SM FL Natural Satin · ESP56Stable$747€669$747€669Check ↗
- 20
Harley Benton JB-75FL SB Vintage SeriesHarley Benton · 2 finishes55Stable$200€179$200€179Check ↗
- 21
Warwick German Pro Series Streamer Stage I 5RB Streamer NT I 5 FL BLK · Warwick55Stable$1,093€979$1,093€979Check ↗
- 22
Harley Benton HBZ-2005FL NT Deluxe SeriesHarley Benton · 3 finishes54Stable$390€349$390€349Check ↗
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Sadowsky MetroExpress 24-Fret 6 RM TSTSadowsky · 2 finishes54Stable$1,662€1,489$1,662€1,489Check ↗
- 24
Marcus Miller F10 Dc 5 Natural FLMarcus Miller53↓ 2.8%$1,953€1,749$1,953€1,749Check ↗
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Harley Benton JB-40FL 3-Tone SunburstHarley Benton · 2 finishes52Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
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Marcus Miller Z7-5 FL Antique WhiteMarcus Miller52Stable$780€699$780€699Check ↗
- 27
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vin JJ4 Mor FLwL BKSadowsky · 2 finishes52↓ 8.3%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 28
Warwick RB Streamer NT 5 FL NA HPWarwick52Stable$1,171€1,049$1,171€1,049Check ↗
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Marcus Miller F10-5 NT FLMarcus Miller52Stable$1,897€1,699$1,897€1,699Check ↗
- 30
Ibanez SR370EF Standard Soundgear BassSR370EF-BBT · Ibanez50↓ 2.1%$463€415$463€415Check ↗
- 31
Marcus Miller Z7-4 FL Antique WhiteMarcus Miller50Stable$669€599$669€599Check ↗
- 32
Marcus Miller V7-5 Sandblasted BK TE FLMarcus Miller50Stable$859€769$859€769Check ↗
- 33
Marcus Miller M6 Headless 5 TS FLMarcus Miller50Stable$1,060€949$1,060€949Check ↗
- 34
Warwick RB Streamer NT 4 FL SB HPWarwick50Stable$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 35
Sadowsky MetroExp21 HybPJ5 Morado FL BKSadowsky49↓ 9.1%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 36
Ibanez SRF705 Bass Workshop Fretless SoundgearSRF705-BBF · Ibanez49Stable$1,205€1,079$1,205€1,079Check ↗
- 37
Sadowsky MetroExp21Vin JJ5Mo FLwL LH BKSadowsky49↓ 7.6%$1,227€1,099$1,227€1,099Check ↗
- 38
Ibanez SDGB1 Steve Di Giorgio SignatureSDGB1-DMT · Ibanez49Stable$1,758€1,575$1,758€1,575Check ↗
- 39
Marcus Miller F10-4 Natural FLMarcus Miller49↓ 2.9%$1,841€1,649$1,841€1,649Check ↗
- 40
Marcus Miller V7-4 Sandblasted BK TE FLMarcus Miller48Stable$725€649$725€649Check ↗
- 41
Warwick RB Corvette B 4 FL NBTSWarwick48Stable$1,004€899$1,004€899Check ↗
- 42
Sandberg Basic 5 Eby VB FLSandberg48Stable$1,964€1,759$1,964€1,759Check ↗
- 43
Sadowsky MetroExp21 Vint JJ4 Mora FL BKSadowsky47↓ 8.0%$1,026€919$1,026€919Check ↗
- 44
Sadowsky MetroExp21 V JJ4 Mo FLwL LH BKSadowsky47↓ 8.3%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 45
Sadowsky MetroExp 21 Vint. 4 MO FL TBSadowsky47↓ 8.3%$1,115€999$1,115€999Check ↗
- 46
Harley Benton B-450FL BK Progressive SeriesHarley Benton46Stable$211€189$211€189Check ↗
- 47
Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage SeriesHarley Benton46Stable$222€199$222€199Check ↗
- 48
Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$233€209$233€209Check ↗
- 49
Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short FLMarcus Miller46↓ 4.6%$488€437$488€437Check ↗
- 50
Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NT FLMarcus Miller · 2 finishes46Stable$557€499$557€499Check ↗
Fretless Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 75 models we track, not a sample.
Median $1,004 — half of all fretless basses here cost less.
median of 67 models · 38 mm (1.5")–53 mm (2.09")
median of 62 models · 775 mm (30.51")–864 mm (34.02")
most common · 57 models
most common · 44 models
How to choose the best fretless basses
Neck Profile
Fretless bass neck comfort is crucial. A thick, unwieldy neck will fight you on those subtle intonations. Look for something comfortable - a C or D profile is generally a safe bet, but ultimately, it's personal preference. Try before you buy if possible.
Fingerboard Wood & Finish
Rosewood is the classic, offering a warm, slightly spongy feel that many players love. Ebony is brighter and snappier, but can feel harder under the fingers. The finish matters too - a thicker finish can feel slick, a thinner one more natural.
Pickup Voicing
Fretless basses live and die by their pickup voicing. You want something that captures the nuances of your fingers without being overly aggressive or muddying the low-end thump. A little clarity is essential for cutting through a mix, but too much brightness can be harsh.
Intonation & Setup
This is HUGE. A poorly intonated fretless is unplayable. Many affordable basses will ship needing a setup - factor that into your budget. A good luthier can make a massive difference.
Body Wood & Construction
You're not going to get mahogany or figured maple for under $2000, but the body wood still contributes to the overall tone. Alder is a common choice, offering a balanced response. Bolt-on necks are more common in this price range; while perfectly fine, a set-neck generally offers a bit more sustain and resonance.
Buying guide
Alright, so you're chasing that fretless vibe - the buttery slides, the singing sustain, the almost vocal quality. But you're not made of money. Getting a truly amazing fretless bass generally costs a small fortune, but there are some solid options under $2000 that won't leave you eating ramen for a month. Let's break down what you can realistically expect and which basses deliver the most bang for your buck.
Realistically, at this price point, you're making trade-offs. Expect simpler hardware, potentially less exotic woods, and a higher likelihood of needing a professional setup. Don't chase the prettiest top - focus on the neck feel and the pickup's character.
A well-set-up, mid-range bass will always sound better than a flashy one that's unplayable.
How the AudioFu Index works
Five measured signals and nothing else — no stars from strangers, no “tested by experts” we didn’t do. The weights are fixed and public. We don’t play these instruments; we measure the market around them.
This chart covers 75 fretless basses from the Thomann catalogue. Before you buy, read hands-on reviews and, where you can, play it. Full methodology.
AudioFu earns a commission when you buy through our Thomann links. It never changes the order — the index does.
- Demand40%
How many of this exact model are for sale on Reverb right now — what musicians actually buy and resell.
- Lineup20%
How many finishes Thomann stocks — makers expand the models that sell.
- Price15%
Where the price has moved since we started tracking in August.
- Specs15%
How completely the maker documents it.
- Maker10%
How deep the brand’s range is in this category.
Questions
What's the deal with 'radiused' fingerboards?
Radius refers to the curvature of the fingerboard. A flatter radius (like 12") makes slides easier but can be less forgiving for accuracy. A rounder radius (like 9.5") is more comfortable for some, but slides feel a bit more abrupt. It's a feel thing, experiment if you can.
Do I need a graphite nut?
Graphite nuts are more stable and resist temperature changes, which can help with intonation. It's a nice-to-have, but not a deal-breaker, especially if you're diligent about your setup.
Can I really get a good fretless bass for under $1000?
Absolutely, but manage your expectations. You'll be looking at more basic features and likely needing a setup. It's a great entry point, though.
What about active electronics?
Active electronics can offer more tonal flexibility, but they require batteries. Passive pickups are generally considered more 'organic' sounding, which often suits fretless basses. It's a matter of preference, really.
How important is the bridge?
The bridge is critical for intonation and sustain. Look for a bridge that's well-machined and adjustable. A poorly designed bridge will make intonation even more of a challenge.





