AudioFu Chart · October 2026
Best Fretless Basses Under $800 2026
The top pick is Marcus Miller V7 4 New Gen Antique White FL ($787). Harley Benton JB-75FL SB Vintage Series gives you the most for the money at $201. Ranked by the AudioFu Index from 20 models across 5 brands, prices checked every night.
Last updated: October 19, 2026
Top 10
Full detail for the 10 highest AudioFu Index scores. Every other model is listed below.
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- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius241 mm (9.49")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- BodyAlder body
This fretless bass has a roasted maple neck that feels great to play. The active preamp gives you full control over your tone. It works well for players who want a clear, cutting sound without relying on frets.
Pros
- Roasted maple neck offers smooth playability
- Active preamp lets you shape sound deeply
- Super-J Revolution pickups cut through mix
Cons
- No frets means higher skill requirement
- Active electronics need fresh batteries
60AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$787 now$787€699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
Gold Tone M-Bass/
FL Micro 23" Scale Fretless Acoustic / Electric Bass… ME-BASS/Fretless · Gold Tone
18 for sale on Reverb1 finish at Thomann
- Nut width42.9 mm (1.69")
- Scale584 mm (22.99")
- Frets24 frets
This Gold Tone ME-BASS/Fretless is a surprisingly capable instrument, especially for those exploring fretless playing or seeking a compact, warm bass. The mahogany construction gives it a solid, vintage vibe, and the active pickup provides a clear, articulate tone. It's a great option for gigging musicians or students wanting fretless feel without a premium-priced investment.
Pros
- Mahogany construction delivers warm, resonant, and focused low-end tones
- Walnut fretboard offers a smooth, responsive playing experience for fretless nuances
- Active pickup provides a clear, defined signal with adjustable tonal shaping
Cons
- Mahogany body may feel slightly heavier than basses with more exotic woods
- Active electronics require a power source, limiting versatility for certain players
59AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$595 now$595€529 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Strings5-string
- BodyAsh body
This B205SM FL is a seriously cool fretless bass offering a ton of value. The roasted Jatoba board is a real treat under your fingers, and the active EQ gives you the headroom to dial in a wide range of tones—perfect for players looking to explore a more expressive, vintage-inspired sound without a premium-priced tag.
Pros
- Ash body provides a warm, resonant, and articulate tone.
- Roasted Jatoba fretboard offers stability and a smooth playing feel.
- Active EQ (ABQ-3) allows for substantial tonal shaping and clarity.
Cons
- Fretless basses demand precise technique and careful setup – a learning curve.
- The matte finish, while aesthetically pleasing, can be prone to fingerprints and smudges.
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$753 now$753€669 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width40 mm (1.57")
- BodyAsh body
This LTD B204SM FL is a fantastic entry point into fretless bass playing, offering a unique look and surprisingly good tone for the price. The ash body and rosewood board deliver a warm, woody character, while the ESP pickups provide a focused and punchy sound ideal for players exploring jazz, funk, or soulful grooves. It's a great choice for intermediate players wanting to expand their tonal palette.
Pros
- Spalted maple top provides unique, striking aesthetics and resonance
- Five-piece maple/rosewood neck offers stability and a smooth playing feel
- ESP SB-4 pickups deliver a warm, articulate, and punchy tone
Cons
- Spalted maple can exhibit inconsistent grain, potentially affecting resonance
- Fretless bass requires a higher skill level and more careful tuning
57AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$753 now$753€669 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardWalnut fingerboard
This Harley Benton B-550FL is a surprisingly capable fretless bass for the price. The long scale and alder body give it a solid foundation, and the push/pull active/passive switching adds versatility. It's ideal for players exploring fretless for the first time or those wanting a budget-friendly option for funk, jazz, or soul.
Pros
- Alder body provides a balanced, resonant tone with good sustain
- Black walnut fingerboard offers a unique feel and warm upper harmonics
- Long scale (864mm) delivers tight low-end and improved clarity
Cons
- Factory strings are basic; upgrading is highly recommended for optimal performance
- Fretless bass requires more precise technique and careful setup
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$213 now$213€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width53 mm (2.09")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings6-string
- BodyAlder body
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
This Harley Benton B-650FL is a seriously impressive fretless bass for the price. The active preamp gives you a surprising amount of tonal shaping, while the alder body delivers a solid, warm low-end. It's a fantastic option for players wanting to explore fretless without a huge investment, especially those into Jaco-inspired funk or smooth jazz.
Pros
- Alder body provides a warm, resonant foundation for the fretless tone.
- Canadian maple neck offers excellent stability and a comfortable, modern D profile.
- Active preamp adds versatility, boosting signal and shaping tonal character.
Cons
- Black walnut fingerboard may require more frequent oiling to prevent dryness.
- Bolt-on neck construction, while stable, lacks the inherent resonance of a neck-through design.
56AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$224 now$224€199 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileD-shape neck
- BodyAsh body
This bass sounds like a classic vintage model thanks to its ash body and hot Alnico 5 pickups. The fretless neck is great for tone but needs serious finger work. It looks cool with the skunk stripe and is built for musicians who want that old-school feel.
Pros
- American ash body for classic vintage warmth
- Canadian maple neck offers smooth playability
- Two Alnico 5 single coils deliver punchy tone
Cons
- Fretless neck requires significant skill to master
- Single coil pickups are prone to noise issues
55AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$201 now$201€179 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Strings5-string
- FingerboardJatoba fingerboard
This Harley Benton fretless is a surprisingly capable instrument, offering a lot of bang for your buck. The long scale and active EQ give it a modern feel, while the wood combination delivers a pleasing tonal balance. It’s ideal for players wanting to explore fretless territory without a premium-priced investment, or for those seeking a unique, articulate bass tone.
Pros
- Ovangkol body provides a warm, resonant, and articulate low-end.
- 7-piece neck-through design enhances sustain and improves upper fret access.
- Black walnut fingerboard offers a smooth playing experience with a unique tonal character.
Cons
- Active electronics add complexity and potential for battery-related issues.
- Ceramic pickups might lack the warmth and vintage character of alnico alternatives.
54AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$393 now$393€349 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width38 mm (1.5")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius350 mm (13.78")
- BodyAsh body
- FingerboardLaurel fingerboard
This Harley Benton JB-40FL is a seriously impressive entry into the fretless bass world. The ash body and Roswell pickups give it a warm, punchy character perfect for funk, Motown, and classic rock. It's a fantastic option for players wanting that Jaco Pastorius vibe on a budget-friendly instrument, but be prepared to put in the practice to tame the fretless nature.
Pros
- American ash body delivers a resonant, balanced tone
- Roswell JBA pickups offer a surprisingly articulate, vintage JB growl
- Canadian maple neck with pau ferro provides a comfortable, fast feel
Cons
- Fretless bass requires careful setup and more practice to master
- Bolt-on neck construction can slightly diminish sustain compared to neck-through
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$213 now$213€189 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗ -
- Nut width45 mm (1.77")
- Scale864 mm (34.02")
- Fingerboard radius305 mm (12.01")
- Neck profileC-shape neck
- Strings5-string
The Z7-5 FL is a fantastic entry point into the world of fretless bass. The combination of alder, ebony, and those Sire pickups gives it a surprisingly rich and versatile voice – it’s great for jazz, funk, and even rock. This is a really solid option for players wanting that smooth, sliding feel without the premium price tag of some higher-end fretless instruments.
Pros
- Alder body provides a warm, resonant foundation for fretless tones.
- Sire pickups deliver a surprisingly versatile range, from growl to clarity.
- Marcus Heritage-3 preamp offers excellent tonal shaping and active boost.
Cons
- Bolt-on neck construction might lack the sustain of a set-neck design.
- 5-string basses can feel unwieldy for players with smaller hands.
52AudioFu
IndexStableno change since Aug 17Aug 17$787 now$787€699 at Thomann · in stockCheck price ↗
All 20 fretless basses
Same index, same nightly prices — compact. Colour options of one model share a row. Tap a photo to zoom.
- 11
Marcus Miller Z7-4 FL Antique WhiteMarcus Miller50Stable$674€599$674€599Check ↗
- 12
Ibanez SR370EF Standard Soundgear BassSR370EF-BBT · Ibanez49↓ 2.1%$467€415$467€415Check ↗
- 13
Marcus Miller V7-4 Sandblasted BK TE FLMarcus Miller48Stable$730€649$730€649Check ↗
- 14
Harley Benton B-450FL BK Progressive SeriesHarley Benton46Stable$213€189$213€189Check ↗
- 15
Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage SeriesHarley Benton46Stable$224€199$224€199Check ↗
- 16
Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage w/BagHarley Benton46Stable$235€209$235€209Check ↗
- 17
Marcus Miller V5 Alder-4 NT FLMarcus Miller · 2 finishes46Stable$562€499$562€499Check ↗
- 18
Marcus Miller U5 NT MN Short FLMarcus Miller44Stable$515€458$515€458Check ↗
- 19
Marcus Miller P5R Alder-4 Fretless VWHMarcus Miller44Stable$618€549$618€549Check ↗
- 20
Harley Benton Beatbass FL VS Vintage BundleHarley Benton29Stable$291€259$291€259Check ↗
Fretless Basses by the numbers
Measured across all 30 models we track, not a sample.
Median $411 — half of all fretless basses here cost less.
median of 27 models · 38 mm (1.5")–53 mm (2.09")
median of 25 models · 762 mm (30")–864 mm (34.02")
most common · 19 models
most common · 23 models
How to choose the best fretless basses
Neck Profile & Playability
A comfortable neck is everything on a fretless. The thinner the neck, the easier it is to bend and find those microtonal shifts. Be prepared for a steeper learning curve with a thicker neck.
Fingerboard Wood & Radius
Rosewood is common at this price point, offering a decent warmth. Ebony will be a premium find. The radius (curvature) impacts ease of playing - flatter (9.5") is easier for bends, rounder (12") can feel more comfortable for some.
Pickup Voicing
Fretless basses need a warm, articulate pickup. Harsh, bright pickups will sound brittle and unpleasant. Look for something with a round, fundamental-focused voicing to capture the nuances of your touch.
Intonation & Setup
This is critical. A poorly intonated fretless is unusable. Many budget basses will need a professional setup - factor that into your cost. Even a slight intonation issue will make playing feel sloppy and frustrating.
Body Wood & Construction
Don't expect mahogany or figured maple. Expect basswood or poplar - they're light and resonant enough. Bolt-on necks are common, which isn't necessarily bad, but may limit sustain compared to a set-neck.
Buying guide
So, you're craving that smooth, vocal fretless vibe but your bank account's not screaming for a five-figure instrument? Been there. Getting a genuinely usable fretless bass under $800 isn't about finding perfection, it's about finding the best compromise - the most playable neck, the warmest fundamental, and a pickup that doesn't sound like it's strangling the life out of your low-end.
At this price, you're making trade-offs. Expect a less-than-perfect finish, potentially lower-quality hardware, and a neck that might need adjusting. Don't chase high-end features like active electronics - passive pickups are generally a safer bet for warmth and natural tone.
Prioritize a comfortable neck and a good setup above all else; a well-set-up, budget fretless will always sound better than a poorly-set-up expensive one.
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 30 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
Are these basses easy to learn on?
Fretless bass is challenging regardless of price. These basses will be more forgiving with a comfortable neck, but expect to spend time developing your ear and finger placement.
Do I need to factor in the cost of a setup?
Absolutely. Most basses under $800 will benefit from a professional setup. Budget $50-$100 for this.
What about intonation? Is it really that important?
Intonation is everything on a fretless. Even a tiny error will make playing feel off and sound terrible. Be prepared to adjust it or have it adjusted.
Can I record these basses effectively?
Yes, but be mindful of pickup choice. A warm, natural-sounding pickup is crucial for capturing the fretless vibe. DI'ing is usually best, with minimal amp simulation.
What's the difference between rosewood and ebony fingerboards?
Rosewood is warmer and generally more common in this price range. Ebony is brighter, snappier, and often considered a premium upgrade, but the tonal difference is subtle compared to pickup choice and playing technique.
