Best Fretless Basses Under $800 2025

Affordable fretless basses under $800 - 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 U5 NT MN Short FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short FL

by Marcus Miller

World Music Progressive Jazz

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Fingerboard wear over time

Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short FLElectric BassFretlessAlder bodyFlamed maple topMaple neckMaple fingerboardNeck Profile:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (12 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 522458

$549

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short FL

by Marcus Miller

Session Work Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Limited for some musical styles

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short FLElectric BassFretlessAlder bodyMaple topMaple neckMaple fingerboardNeck profile: CScale:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (51 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 564072

$505

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS FL

by Marcus Miller

Session Work Progressive Jazz

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Fingerboard wear over time

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS FL5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: AlderBolt-on neck: Roasted mapleFingerboard: MapleBlock...

⭐ 4.7/5 (22 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 586980

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Fretless TS 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Fretless TS 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Experimental Fusion Jazz

Key Feature:

• Professional jazz sound

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Limited for some musical styles

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Fretless TS 2nd Gen.Electric BassFretless modelBody: AlderNeck: MapleNeck attachment:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (11 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 446144

$637

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL BK 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL BK 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Fusion Session Work Jazz

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• Steeper learning curve
• Requires precise intonation skills

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL BK 2nd GenFretless Electric BassBody: AlderOne-piece maple neckFingerboard: EbonyNeck...

⭐ 5.0/5 (43 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 445944

$593

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 Fretless VWH - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 Fretless VWH

by Marcus Miller

World Music Session Work Progressive

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Steeper learning curve

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 Fretless VWHElectric BassFretlessAsh bodyRoasted maple neckBone nutRosewood fingerboardNeck...

⭐ 4.5/5 (39 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 579568

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL TS 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL TS 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Progressive Jazz Fusion

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Steeper learning curve
• Fingerboard wear over time

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL TS 2nd GenElectric BassFretlessBody: AlderOne-piece maple neckNeck profile: CFretboard:...

⭐ 4.5/5 (41 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 445951

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD B205SM FL Natural Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

ESP LTD B205SM FL Natural Satin

by ESP

Fusion Jazz Session Work

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Endless pitch possibilities

✗ CONS

• Limited for some musical styles
• Fingerboard wear over time

ESP LTD B205SM FL Natural Satin5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: AshBolted 5-piece neck: Maple/JatobaFretboard:...

⭐ 4.9/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 274152

$736

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL BK 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL BK 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Progressive World Music Session Work

Key Feature:

• Unique fretless character

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Limited for some musical styles

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL BK 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: AlderOne-piece maple neckEbony fretboardNeck...

⭐ 4.4/5 (26 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

9/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 445980

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 TS FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#10

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 TS FL

by Marcus Miller

World Music Fusion Session Work

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Fingerboard wear over time

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 TS FL4-String Fretless Electric BassMade by SireAlder bodyOne-piece maple neckC neck...

⭐ 4.7/5 (10 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 532528

$582

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL AWH 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#11

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL AWH 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

World Music Session Work Jazz

Key Feature:

• Endless pitch possibilities

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Smooth, singing sustain

✗ CONS

• Limited for some musical styles
• Fingerboard wear over time

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL AWH 2nd Gen5-String Electric BassFretlessBody: AlderOne-piece maple neckEbony fretboardNeck...

⭐ 4.5/5 (14 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

6/10

Art. 445978

$659

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Fretless BK 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#12

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Fretless BK 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Jazz Experimental Fusion

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Smooth, singing sustain
• Professional jazz sound

✗ CONS

• Requires precise intonation skills
• Limited for some musical styles

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Fretless BK 2nd Gen.Electric BassFretless modelBody: AlderNeck: MapleNeck attachment:...

⭐ 4.6/5 (52 reviews)

Sound:

9/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 446143

$604

Buy at Thomann View Details

ESP LTD B204SM FL Natural Satin - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#13

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

ESP LTD B204SM FL Natural Satin

by ESP

Jazz Fusion Experimental

Key Feature:

• Smooth, singing sustain

✓ PROS

• Endless pitch possibilities
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• Limited for some musical styles
• Steeper learning curve

ESP LTD B204SM FL Natural SatinFretless BassBody: AshTop: Maple SpaltedFive-piece maple / rosewood neckFretboard:...

⭐ 4.8/5 (24 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

8/10

Art. 313147

$692

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NT FL - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#14

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NT FL

by Marcus Miller

Progressive Fusion World Music

Key Feature:

• Unique fretless character

✓ PROS

• Professional jazz sound
• Great for expressive playing

✗ CONS

• May not suit all players
• Fingerboard wear over time

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NT FLElectric BassFretless / fretlessAlder bodyOne-piece maple neckRoasted maple fretboardNeck...

⭐ 4.8/5 (27 reviews)

Sound:

10/10

Build:

10/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 507065

$582

Buy at Thomann View Details

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL AWH 2nd Gen - Professional Music Instrument Photo

#15

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL AWH 2nd Gen

by Marcus Miller

Fusion World Music Experimental

Key Feature:

• Great for expressive playing

✓ PROS

• Great for expressive playing
• Unique fretless character

✗ CONS

• Fingerboard wear over time
• Requires precise intonation skills

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL AWH 2nd GenFretless Electric BassAlder bodyOne-piece maple neckEbony fretboardNeck profile:...

⭐ 4.7/5 (50 reviews)

Sound:

8/10

Build:

8/10

Value:

7/10

Art. 445940

$591

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 $800 2025

Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short FL

Marcus Miller U5 TS MN Short FL

Marcus Miller V5 24-5 TS FL

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Fretless TS 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL BK 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 Fretless VWH

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL TS 2nd Gen

ESP LTD B205SM FL Natural Satin

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL BK 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 TS FL

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-5 FL AWH 2nd Gen

Marcus Miller P7 Alder 4 Fretless BK 2nd Gen

ESP LTD B204SM FL Natural Satin

Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NT FL

Marcus Miller V7 Alder-4 FL AWH 2nd Gen

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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