Best Fretless Basses Under $5,000 2025

Affordable fretless basses under $5,000 - 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

Sandberg California II TT 4 FL HCA 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.6/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sandberg California II TT 4 FL HCA 3TS

by Sandberg

World Music Experimental Fusion

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Steeper learning curve

Sandberg California II TT 4 FL HCA 3TSElectric BassFretlessBody: AlderNeck: MapleFretboard: RosewoodFretboard with...

⭐ 4.6/5 (44 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 518370

$2,529

Buy at Thomann View Details

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 4 R. Gauck Signature FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 4 R. Gauck Signature FL

by Franz Bassguitars

Progressive Experimental World Music

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

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

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 4 R. Gauck Signature FLElectric BassBody: Walnut5-Piece neck-thru-body thermo ash...

⭐ 4.8/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 378245

$4,389

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick GPS Corvette 5A Bubinga FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Warwick GPS Corvette 5A Bubinga FL

by Warwick

Jazz World Music Progressive

Key Feature:

• Unique fretless character

✓ PROS

• Smooth, singing sustain
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Requires precise intonation skills

Warwick GPS Corvette 5A Bubinga FLFretless Electric BassBubinga body (Guibourtia demeusei)Ovangkol neckLong Scale...

⭐ 4.7/5 (47 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 455321

$3,079

Buy at Thomann View Details

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 5 FL Maple Burl Premium - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 5 FL Maple Burl Premium

by Franz Bassguitars

Experimental Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• Limited for some musical styles

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 5 FL Maple Burl Premium5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: WalnutTop: Grained maple in premium...

⭐ 5.0/5 (6 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 537483

$4,708

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 4 FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 4 FL

by Warwick

Experimental Session Work Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• May not suit all players

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 4 FLElectric BassFretlessBody: BubingaBolt-on neck: OvangkolFretboard: Tigerstripe...

⭐ 4.5/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 489057

$2,859

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM FL 59´B - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM FL 59´B

by Sadowsky

Progressive Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Smooth, singing sustain
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Fingerboard wear over time

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM FL 59´B5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: American swamp ashSlightly reduced J-style...

⭐ 4.4/5 (32 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 526120

$3,849

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Am Pro II Jazz Bass FL RW 3TS - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Am Pro II Jazz Bass FL RW 3TS

by Fender

Progressive Experimental Jazz

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Requires precise intonation skills

Fender Am Pro II Jazz Bass FL RW 3TSElectric BassFretlessBody: AlderNeck: MapleFingerboard: RosewoodNeck profile: Slim...

⭐ 4.5/5 (9 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 500706

$2,309

Buy at Thomann View Details

Music Man Pino Palladino Fretless StingR - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Music Man Pino Palladino Fretless StingR

by Music Man

Session Work Jazz Experimental

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Smooth, singing sustain
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Fingerboard wear over time

Music Man Pino Palladino Fretless StingRFretless Electric BassPino Palladino Signature modelBody: PoplarBolt-on neck:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (45 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 619285

$4,619

Buy at Thomann View Details

Sandberg Panther 5 fretless 35" - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Sandberg Panther 5 fretless 35"

by Sandberg

World Music Fusion Progressive

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Smooth, singing sustain
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Limited for some musical styles

Sandberg Panther 5 Fretless 35"5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: AshBolt-on neck: MapleFretboard: EbonyNut...

⭐ 4.5/5 (36 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 480312

$2,463

Buy at Thomann View Details

Godin A5 Bass Ultra Fretless Natural - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Godin A5 Bass Ultra Fretless Natural

by Godin

Progressive Experimental Fusion

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Smooth, singing sustain
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Steeper learning curve

Godin A5 Bass Ultra Fretless NaturalFretless Acoustic Bass with PickupBody: BasswoodTop: solid spruceNeck:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (35 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 462221

$2,811

Buy at Thomann View Details

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 6 FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 6 FL

by Warwick

World Music Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Unique fretless character
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• Steeper learning curve

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 6 FL6-String Electric BassFretlessBody: BubingaBolt-on neck: OvangkolFingerboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (49 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 489081

$3,299

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Tony Franklin P-Bass FL BK - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Fender Tony Franklin P-Bass FL BK

by Fender

Session Work Progressive Fusion

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Limited for some musical styles
• Fingerboard wear over time

Fender Tony Franklin P-Bass FL BKFretless Electric BassTony Franklin Artist SignatureFretlessBody: AlderNeck:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 190519

$3,189

Buy at Thomann View Details

Fender Am Pro II Jazz Bass FL DK NIT - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Fender Am Pro II Jazz Bass FL DK NIT

by Fender

Fusion World Music Experimental

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

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

Fender Am Pro II Jazz Bass FL DK NITElectric BassFretlessAlder bodyMaple neckRosewood fretboardNeck profile: Slim...

⭐ 4.6/5 (29 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 500708

$2,254

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.

Related Best Lists

POPULAR

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

TOP

Best Fretless Basses Under $5,000 2025

Sandberg California II TT 4 FL HCA 3TS

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 4 R. Gauck Signature FL

Warwick GPS Corvette 5A Bubinga FL

Franz Bassguitars Sirius 5 FL Maple Burl Premium

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 4 FL

Sadowsky MetroLine 21-5 Vin MM FL 59´B

Fender Am Pro II Jazz Bass FL RW 3TS

Music Man Pino Palladino Fretless StingR

Sandberg Panther 5 fretless 35"

Godin A5 Bass Ultra Fretless Natural

Warwick Pro Series Corvette Bub 6 FL

Fender Tony Franklin P-Bass FL BK

Fender Am Pro II Jazz Bass FL DK NIT

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?

Related Best Lists

Best ST Style Guitars

Best Humbucker Pickups

Best Distortion Pedals

Best Single Cut Guitars

Best Dreadnought Acoustic Guitars

Best 4/4 Size Classical Guitars

Cookie Preferences

Essential Cookies

Analytics Cookies

Functional Cookies

Marketing Cookies