A fretless bass exposes every small mistake in your left hand. Without frets to rescue your intonation, the fingerboard markers, neck profile, pickup layout, and string spacing matter more than they do on an ordinary bass. The right instrument can make slides and vibrato feel natural. The wrong one can turn every note into a search for the pitch.
Our Best fretless bass guitar picks include straightforward four-string electrics, extended-range six-string models, acoustic-electric designs, and one genuinely compact travel bass. We ranked them by the capabilities that matter most for fretless playing, including usable controls, construction, range, and the amount of information the product itself provides.
The Squier Classic Vibe Fretless Jazz is our top pick, with the Ibanez AEG Fretless, TARIO 5 String Laurentii, and WishMade 5 String Hollow Body covering acoustic-electric, extended-range, and hollow-body alternatives.
Comparison table
| # | Product | Award | Strings | Construction | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Squier Classic Vibe Fretless Jazz | Best overall | 4 | Jazz Bass design, laurel fingerboard | Players wanting a familiar full-size electric |
| 2 | Ibanez AEG Fretless | Best acoustic-electric | 4 | Sapele top, back, and sides | Unplugged practice and amplified acoustic tones |
| 3 | TARIO 5 String Laurentii | Best extended-range electric | 5 | Laurentii body, composite ebony fingerboard | Players who need a low B string |
| 4 | WishMade 5 String Hollow Body | Best hollow body | 5 | F-hole hollow body, mahogany neck | Warm jazz and fusion textures |
| 5 | TARIO 6 String Through-Neck | Best six-string construction | 6 | Through-neck, Laurentii body | Sustain-focused six-string playing |
| 6 | TARIO Black 5 String | Best marked fingerboard | 5 | Bolt-on maple neck, poplar body | Players who rely on position markers |
| 7 | TARIO 6 String Laurentii | Best six-string control layout | 6 | Maple neck, Laurentii and okoume body | Wide-range electric work |
| 8 | TARIO 5 String Basswood | Best simple five-string | 5 | Bolt-on maple neck, basswood body | A direct five-string setup |
| 9 | TARIO 4 String Bolt-On | Best simple four-string | 4 | Bolt-on maple neck, basswood body | Players starting with a basic electric |
| 10 | WishMade Short Scale 4 String | Best travel format | 4 | Short-scale ash and Canadian maple body | Portable practice and compact setups |
1. Squier Classic Vibe Fretless Jazz: Best Overall
Pros
- Fender-designed alnico pickups
- Familiar Jazz Bass layout
- Full-size construction
- Vintage-tinted gloss neck finish
- Nickel-plated hardware
Cons
- Right-handed only
- Heavier than the compact alternatives
- Four-string range limits low-end extension
Best for: players who want a recognizable full-size electric bass with a traditional Jazz Bass foundation.
The Squier Classic Vibe Fretless Jazz is the easiest recommendation here because it starts with a familiar instrument rather than an unusual body shape or an especially wide neck. It is inspired by 1960s Jazz Bass models and uses a full-size format, so a player moving from a fretted Jazz-style bass should not have to relearn the entire physical layout before concentrating on intonation.
Its Fender-designed alnico pickups are the central reason to choose it over the more basic TARIO electrics. The listing does not specify the exact pickup wiring or control arrangement, so there is no reason to promise a particular tonal blend. It does establish the pickup type, vintage-tinted gloss neck finish, and nickel-plated hardware. Those details point toward a conventional electric-bass experience, with familiar controls and a neck that should feel less alien than the broader six-string options.
The trade-off is its weight and size. The listed dimensions are 52 inches long, 15.5 inches wide, and 4 inches high, with a listed weight of 11.0231131 pounds. That is a substantial instrument to keep on a shoulder for a long rehearsal. The four-string layout is also less flexible than the five-string and six-string TARIO models, but its narrower remit is part of the appeal. It gives the player fewer variables to manage while learning fretless technique.
This is not the pick for a left-handed bassist, since the listing specifies right-hand orientation. It also is not the most portable choice, and the Ibanez AEG Fretless makes more sense for someone who wants an acoustic-electric format. For a traditional electric setup, though, the Squier has the clearest identity in the group. It is the one we would keep for a player who wants a dependable-feeling Jazz Bass starting point and plans to build fretless accuracy over time.
2. Ibanez AEG Fretless: Best Acoustic-Electric
Pros
- Sapele top, back, and sides
- Nyatoh and maple neck
- Acoustic-electric format
- Listed weight of 7.7 pounds
- Distinct alternative to solid-body electrics
Cons
- Four-string range only
- Acoustic projection details are not specified
- Larger body than the travel model
Best for: players who want fretless bass character in an acoustic-electric instrument for practice, songwriting, or amplified acoustic arrangements.
The Ibanez AEG Fretless changes the question from “which solid-body pickup setup should I choose?” to “do I want the instrument itself to contribute to the sound?” Its AEG format and sapele construction make it the most obvious alternative to the Squier Classic Vibe Fretless Jazz. It is a four-string acoustic-electric bass, with a sapele top plus sapele back and sides, rather than a conventional solid-body electric.
The neck is listed as nyatoh and maple, while the fingerboard is rosewood. That combination gives the instrument a different visual and tactile identity from the composite ebony fingerboards used by several TARIO models. The data does not specify the electronics, EQ controls, output arrangement, or acoustic volume, so those should be confirmed before buying if amplified control is central to your setup. The acoustic-electric designation is clear, but the finer details of its onboard system are not.
The physical dimensions help explain its role. It is listed at 47.5 inches long, 18.1 inches wide, and 5.2 inches high, with a listed weight of 7.7 pounds. That makes it lighter than the Squier, but its body is wider and deeper than a normal solid-body bass. It should appeal to players who are comfortable with an acoustic instrument against the torso and want a broader, more resonant body rather than a compact stage shape.
Compared with the WishMade 5 String Hollow Body, the Ibanez keeps the range simpler and the product description more restrained. The WishMade adds a low B string, f-holes, and three-band EQ, while the Ibanez offers a familiar four-string acoustic-electric concept. It is the better fit for players who want fewer strings and a lighter instrument. Choose it for unplugged practice and acoustic-led arrangements, but skip it if you need the widest possible range or a detailed onboard tone-shaping system.
3. TARIO 5 String Laurentii: Best Extended-Range Electric
Pros
- Five-string layout with low B string
- 34-inch scale length
- Composite ebony fingerboard
- Active pickup system
- Two truss rods
- Includes a padded gig bag
Cons
- Wider 1 3/4-inch nut
- More controls to manage than a basic four-string
- Product listing does not specify total weight
Best for: players who need five-string range and active electronics without moving to a six-string neck.
The TARIO 5 String Laurentii is the most balanced extended-range electric in this group. Five strings add a low B without forcing the player into the especially broad neck of a six-string bass, and the listed 34-inch scale length keeps it within the standard long-scale territory familiar to many electric bassists. That makes it a sensible bridge between the Squier and the more demanding wide-neck TARIO instruments.
The construction details are unusually specific for this list. The bass has a Millettia Laurentii body, composite ebony fingerboard, two truss rods, two strap hangers, and inlays on the fingerboard. The nut width is listed as 1 3/4 inches, which is wider than a typical four-string layout and gives the extra string room to breathe. Players used to a narrow four-string neck will need to adapt, but the width is part of what makes the lower string practical.
Its electronics also offer more control than the simpler TARIO 4 String Bolt-On and TARIO 5 String Basswood. The listing names an active pickup, two soap bar pickups, two volume controls, and three tone controls. It also identifies the pickup as a Belcat BJ-80-6 Passive and Active model, with ferrite magnets and listed resistance and inductance figures. Those technical details do not predict a finished sound on their own, but they do show that this bass is designed around a more adjustable signal path.
The weakness is that five strings and a wider neck demand better left-hand discipline, especially without frets to guide placement. The TARIO Black 5 String is a simpler alternative with 24 fret markers and the same listed 34-inch scale length, while the TARIO 6 String Through-Neck goes further in range and construction. This model is the better middle ground for a bassist who wants a low B, useful tonal controls, and a manageable four-to-five-string transition.
4. WishMade 5 String Hollow Body: Best Hollow Body
Pros
- Five-string fretless layout
- F-hole hollow body
- Built-in three-band EQ
- Three-piece mahogany neck
- Dual carbon fiber rod reinforcement
- Listed weight of 5.51155655 pounds
Cons
- Hollow-body response is not ideal for every loud stage
- Five-string neck requires a wider reach
- Product dimensions are broad compared with a solid body
Best for: players who want warm hollow-body character, a low B string, and acoustic-electric flexibility.
The WishMade 5 String Hollow Body is the most distinctive instrument here. Its violin-style f-holes and hollow body make it visually and physically unlike the solid-body TARIO instruments, while the five-string layout gives it enough range for modern bass parts. The design is aimed at players who want fretless slides, vibrato, and a rounder acoustic character rather than the immediate attack of a standard solid-body bass.
The listing specifies a flamed okoume veneer top and a three-piece mahogany neck reinforced by dual carbon fiber rods. That neck reinforcement is a meaningful detail for a fretless instrument because consistent neck geometry matters when the player is locating notes by position. It is not a guarantee that every instrument will arrive perfectly set up, but it is a more considered construction description than the basic body and neck information provided for some of the simpler models.
The onboard electronics are another strong point. This bass has a pickup system with adjustable bass, mid, and treble EQ, so the player can shape the amplified balance without relying entirely on an external preamp or pedal. The listing also describes unplugged and amplified use. The 5.51155655-pound listed weight is strikingly low for a full-size five-string, although the body is listed at 46.85 inches long and 17.12 inches wide, so it is not a small instrument in the way the WishMade Short Scale 4 String is.
Its main limitation is the same feature that makes it interesting. A hollow body can bring a warmer, more resonant response, but players in high-volume environments may prefer the more controlled behavior of a solid body. The Ibanez AEG Fretless offers the simpler four-string acoustic-electric route, while the TARIO 5 String Laurentii gives a more conventional electric platform. Pick this WishMade when the instrument's body character is part of the music, especially in jazz, fusion, and acoustic settings.
5. TARIO 6 String Through-Neck: Best Six-String Construction
Pros
- Through-neck construction
- Six-string range
- 34-inch scale length
- Two truss rods
- Active and passive pickup specification
- Includes a padded gig bag
Cons
- 2 1/16-inch nut width is substantial
- Six strings increase fretless intonation demands
- Product listing does not specify total weight
Best for: experienced players who want six-string reach and a continuous neck-through design.
The TARIO 6 String Through-Neck is aimed at a very specific bassist. Six strings give access to both a low B and a high C-style range, while the through-neck construction makes the neck a continuous part of the body rather than a separate bolt-on component. For a fretless player who cares about sustain and a smooth transition through the body, that construction is the reason to choose this model.
The listed scale length is 34 inches, and the nut width is 2 1/16 inches. That nut is considerably broad, so the instrument will not feel like a slightly expanded four-string. It calls for deliberate string spacing and a left hand that can cover more ground. The product has a Millettia Laurentii body, composite ebony fingerboard, inlays, side markers, and two truss rods. Those details give the player more positional information while preserving the visual openness of a fretless board.
The control layout is extensive. The listing specifies two volume controls, three tone controls, two soap bar pickups, and a Belcat BJ-80-6 pickup described as passive and active. It also includes two strap hangers and a padded gig bag. These features make it more configurable than the TARIO 6 String Laurentii, which has the same general six-string purpose but a maple neck and a Millettia Laurentii plus okoume body.
The through-neck design does not remove the fundamental difficulty of six-string fretless playing. It may suit players who want a smooth, sustain-oriented platform, but beginners can become overwhelmed by the width, range, and control count. The TARIO 5 String Laurentii is more approachable for a low B, and the TARIO 6 String Laurentii is the simpler six-string alternative. Choose this one when neck-through construction is a central requirement rather than a decorative detail.
6. TARIO Black 5 String: Best Marked Fingerboard
Pros
- Five-string layout
- 24 fret markers
- 34-inch scale length
- Composite ebony fingerboard
- Two soap bar pickups
- Two volume and two tone controls
Cons
- Bolt-on construction
- Product listing does not specify an active preamp
- Full-size dimensions are less portable
Best for: players who want clear position references while learning five-string fretless technique.
The TARIO Black 5 String makes one practical choice unusually clear: it includes 24 fret markers. On a fretless bass, those markers are not frets, but they give the player a visual map for common positions. That can be especially useful when moving from four strings to five, where the added low string changes the relationship between hand position and familiar notes.
It uses a bolt-on maple neck, composite ebony fingerboard, and poplar wood body. The listing gives a 34-inch scale length, 43-inch overall length, and 1 3/4-inch nut width. Those dimensions put it close to the TARIO 5 String Laurentii in playing concept, though the Laurentii model adds two truss rods, an active pickup description, three tone controls, and a padded gig bag.
The electronics here are more straightforward. There are two soap bar pickups, two volume controls, and two tone controls, along with die-cast black machine tuners and a truss rod. That simpler arrangement may be easier to understand during practice, since the player can focus on balance and intonation instead of managing a larger preamp-style control set. The side markers and fingerboard inlay add further visual reference points.
The weakness is that this is still a full-size five-string with a bolt-on neck. It will not offer the through-neck continuity of the TARIO 6 String Through-Neck or the acoustic personality of the WishMade 5 String Hollow Body. Players who already know where they are going on the fingerboard may prefer the TARIO 5 String Laurentii for its expanded electronics. For a learner who wants range plus visible positional help, this is the more practical choice.
7. TARIO 6 String Laurentii: Best Six-String Control Layout
Pros
- Six-string extended range
- Maple neck
- Composite ebony fingerboard
- Two soap bar pickups
- Two volume and three tone controls
- 35 1/2-inch scale length
Cons
- 2 1/8-inch nut width is very wide
- Long scale increases left-hand reach
- No through-neck construction
Best for: experienced bassists who want six strings and a long-scale electric platform with broad tonal control.
The TARIO 6 String Laurentii is the six-string option for players who want a familiar bolt-on-style layout rather than the continuous construction of the TARIO 6 String Through-Neck. It has a maple neck, composite ebony fingerboard, and a body made from Millettia Laurentii and okoume. The result is a conventional electric-bass framework with an unusually wide range.
The scale length is 35 1/2 inches, and the nut width is 2 1/8 inches. Those are important numbers here. The long scale gives the strings a more extended playing reach, while the wide nut creates space for all six strings. That may suit a player with a strong stretch and established six-string technique, but it is a poor match for anyone hoping that a six-string fretless will feel close to a standard four-string.
Its two soap bar pickups are controlled by two volume knobs and three tone knobs. That is a useful amount of adjustment for shaping the balance between strings, especially when the low and high ends of a six-string set need different treatment. The listing also includes a truss rod, two strap hangers, side markers, and inlays on the fingerboard. Those visual cues are welcome, since the broad surface can otherwise make position judgment more demanding.
Compared with the through-neck version, this model gives up the construction style associated with uninterrupted neck integration, but it may be the better fit for players who prefer the more familiar bolt-on concept. The TARIO 5 String Laurentii is easier to manage, and the WishMade 5 String Hollow Body has a warmer, lighter design. Choose this bass only if six-string range is central to your playing and the 35 1/2-inch scale feels intentional rather than intimidating.
8. TARIO 5 String Basswood: Best Simple Five-String
Pros
- Five-string configuration
- Bolt-on maple neck
- Composite ebony fingerboard
- Two soap bar pickups
- Two volume and two tone controls
- Die-cast black machine tuners
Cons
- No active pickup specification
- No scale length listed
- Product information is less detailed than the Laurentii model
Best for: players who want a direct five-string electric design without a complex control layout.
The TARIO 5 String Basswood is the uncomplicated five-string option. Its listing stays close to the essentials: a bolt-on maple neck, composite ebony fingerboard, basswood body, two soap bar pickups, and a pair each of volume and tone controls. That makes it easier to compare with the TARIO 4 String Bolt-On, which uses the same basic design in a four-string format.
The five-string configuration is the main reason to choose it. A low B string can add depth without the hand span and neck width required by the six-string models, though the listing does not provide a scale length or nut width. That missing information matters for fretless work, so a buyer who has strong preferences about string spacing should confirm it before ordering. The bass does include a truss rod and two strap hangers.
The die-cast black machine tuners are another specified detail, but the product information does not name an active preamp or provide the more elaborate pickup figures found on the TARIO 5 String Laurentii. That does not make the instrument unsuitable. It simply places the emphasis on a basic passive-style control experience as described, rather than on a wide range of onboard electronic shaping.
The TARIO Black 5 String is more helpful for players who want 24 fret markers and a stated 34-inch scale length. The Laurentii model is the stronger choice for players who want two truss rods, active and passive pickup information, three tone controls, and a gig bag. This bass makes sense for someone who wants the five-string format itself and prefers not to pay attention to a long feature list while learning the instrument.
9. TARIO 4 String Bolt-On: Best Simple Four-String
Pros
- Four-string layout
- Bolt-on maple neck
- Basswood body
- Composite ebony fingerboard
- Two soap bar pickups
- Two volume and two tone controls
Cons
- No scale length or weight listed
- No active pickup specification
- Less range than the five-string choices
Best for: players who want a basic four-string electric platform for learning fretless fundamentals.
The TARIO 4 String Bolt-On keeps the fretless concept uncomplicated. It has four strings, a maple bolt-on neck, a basswood body, and a composite ebony fingerboard. There is no added low B string to change the left-hand map, and no six-string width to make every position feel unfamiliar. For a player beginning with fretless technique, that simplicity can be more useful than extra range.
The electronics are familiar on paper. The bass has two soap bar pickups, two volume controls, and two tone controls. It also includes die-cast black machine tuners, a truss rod, and two strap hangers. The listing mentions side markers, which are particularly helpful on a fretless board because they provide reference points without functioning as physical frets.
The missing specifications are worth taking seriously. The listing does not give a scale length, nut width, or weight, so a buyer cannot use the product page alone to judge string spacing or how the bass will sit on a strap. That makes it less transparent than the TARIO 5 String Laurentii and TARIO Black 5 String. It is also not described as having an active pickup system, so players seeking onboard preamp-style shaping should look elsewhere.
The Squier Classic Vibe Fretless Jazz is the stronger choice for a more established design and Fender-designed alnico pickups. The TARIO 5 String Basswood is the natural step up in range if a low B matters. This four-string TARIO is best kept in view by players who want a straightforward electric fretless and are prepared to confirm the missing fit details before committing.
10. WishMade Short Scale 4 String: Best Travel Format
Pros
- 23-inch short scale
- Compact body
- Dual double open single pickups
- Included gig bag
- Standard 1/4-inch output jack
- Designed for travel
Cons
- Listed weight is 9.479877266 pounds
- Four-string range only
- Short scale changes the feel of fretless intonation
Best for: players who need a compact four-string fretless for travel, rehearsals, and small practice spaces.
The WishMade Short Scale 4 String is the outlier for physical size. Its listed 23-inch scale is much shorter than the 34-inch scale shown on several TARIO models, and the product is explicitly designed around portability. A shorter scale can reduce the reach between positions, which may appeal to players with smaller hands or anyone carrying a bass between lessons, rehearsals, and travel sessions.
The construction uses an ash triple body and Canadian maple, with a rosewood fingerboard. The listing also describes low string action and polished edges, though those are product claims rather than measurements that can be independently compared with the other instruments here. The body dimensions are listed as 33.86 inches long, 10.63 inches wide, and 1.5 inches high. A gig bag is included, and the product is described as meeting airline carry-on standards.
Its electronics are simple and clearly specified. There are dual double open single pickups, one volume control, and one tone control, with a standard 1/4-inch output jack for an amplifier, interface, or headphones. That is a much narrower control set than the Squier Classic Vibe Fretless Jazz or the TARIO six-strings, but it also keeps the instrument's purpose clear. This is a compact practice and travel bass, not a broad studio control surface.
The surprising drawback is the listed weight of 9.479877266 pounds. The scale and body are compact, but it is not especially light by the figure provided. Short scale also changes string tension and the distance between pitch positions, so a player used to long-scale fretless bass may need time to recalibrate. If portability is the deciding factor, it is the obvious choice. If you want a conventional full-size feel, the TARIO 4 String Bolt-On or Squier is a safer direction.
How to choose best fretless bass guitar
A fretless bass should be judged by how clearly it supports accurate positioning, comfortable range, and controlled tone, not simply by how many features appear in the listing.
String count and range
Four strings are the least complicated starting point. They leave more room for concentrating on intonation and right-hand consistency, while five strings add a low B for lower-register parts without the expansive reach of a six-string. Six strings offer the broadest range, but their wider nuts and additional positions can make fretless accuracy more demanding.
Look at the entire neck, not just the string count. The TARIO 5 String Laurentii lists a 1 3/4-inch nut, while the TARIO six-strings list nuts wider than 2 inches. Those differences affect how easily the fretting hand can land directly behind the intended note.
Scale length
Scale length determines the distance between positions and contributes to the feel of the strings under the fingers. The 34-inch TARIO models follow a familiar long-scale format. The TARIO 6 String Laurentii extends to 35 1/2 inches, while the WishMade travel model drops to 23 inches.
A short scale can make stretches easier, but it also changes the spacing of notes. Players moving from a full-size bass should expect to adjust their muscle memory. If you are unsure, a conventional 34-inch design is the less disruptive starting point.
On a fretless bass, the most useful feature is the one that helps your finger land on pitch repeatedly.
Fingerboard references
Fret markers, side markers, and inlays all help the player navigate a smooth fingerboard. They do not replace ear training, but they provide a visual reference for positions. The TARIO Black 5 String is particularly explicit, with 24 fret markers, while several other TARIO models list side markers and inlays.
A completely unmarked fingerboard can look clean, but it demands more confidence from the player. Beginners should favor visible references unless they are specifically seeking an uncluttered board.
Pickup and control layout
Pickup type and control count shape how much the instrument can be adjusted before the signal reaches an amplifier. The Squier uses Fender-designed alnico pickups. Several TARIO models use two soap bar pickups, with different control layouts. The TARIO 5 String Laurentii and six-string through-neck list active and passive pickup information, while the WishMade Short Scale uses dual double open single pickups.
More controls are not automatically better. A player who changes sounds often may appreciate the two-volume, three-tone layout on the extended-range TARIO models. Someone practicing fundamentals may prefer the simpler two-volume, two-tone setup on the basic four-string and five-string models.
Body and neck construction
Body style affects both the physical experience and the kind of instrument the bass is intended to be. The Ibanez AEG Fretless and WishMade 5 String Hollow Body provide acoustic-electric formats, while the Squier and TARIO models use solid-body or solid-body-style designs. Hollow bodies can suit warmer, more resonant arrangements, while solid bodies are generally the more direct choice for amplified electric work.
Neck construction also separates these instruments. Bolt-on designs are common in the TARIO range, while the TARIO 6 String Through-Neck uses a continuous neck-through construction. That model is aimed at players who specifically want that build approach and are comfortable with its wide six-string layout.
Frequently asked questions
Is a fretless bass difficult to play?
It can be more demanding than a fretted bass because the player must place each note accurately rather than rely on a fret to define the pitch. Fingerboard markers and side markers help, but listening closely is still essential. Four-string models such as the Squier Classic Vibe Fretless Jazz and TARIO 4 String Bolt-On provide a less complicated starting point.
Should a beginner choose four, five, or six strings?
Four strings are usually the easiest format for focusing on intonation and basic technique. A five-string adds a low B while keeping the neck less expansive than a six-string. Six strings make sense for experienced players who need a wider melodic and register range and are comfortable with broad nut widths.
What does fretless intonation mean?
Intonation is the accuracy of each note's pitch. On a fretless bass, the fingertip must land in the correct position along the fingerboard, so even a small shift can make a note sound sharp or flat. Markers help you find positions, but the ear remains the final judge.
Are acoustic-electric fretless basses suitable for stage use?
They can be, especially in acoustic ensembles and lower-volume settings. The Ibanez AEG Fretless and WishMade 5 String Hollow Body are designed to provide acoustic-electric flexibility, while the WishMade also includes three-band EQ. For loud stages, a solid-body electric may offer more predictable amplified control.
Does a short-scale fretless bass feel different?
Yes. The WishMade Short Scale 4 String has a listed 23-inch scale, which places notes closer together than on the 34-inch TARIO models. That can reduce stretching, but it also changes the player's familiar hand positions and string feel. Players who already use a full-size bass may need an adjustment period.
Are fingerboard markers useful on a fretless bass?
They are useful as visual guides, especially for players learning the layout or moving to a five-string or six-string neck. The TARIO Black 5 String lists 24 fret markers, and several other models specify side markers or inlays. Markers support accuracy, but they do not make the bass fretted.
The bottom line
The Best fretless bass guitar for most players in this group is the Squier Classic Vibe Fretless Jazz. Its familiar full-size Jazz Bass foundation, Fender-designed alnico pickups, and clear identity make it easier to recommend than the less documented basic electrics. It is not light, and it is right-handed only, but it gives a player a recognizable platform for developing fretless control.
For a different kind of player, the Ibanez AEG Fretless is the stronger acoustic-electric pick, while the TARIO 5 String Laurentii is the most balanced extended-range electric. The WishMade 5 String Hollow Body deserves attention when a warm hollow-body character and three-band EQ matter more than a conventional solid-body response.
If you are undecided, start with four strings for simpler technique, five strings for a low B, or six strings only when the added range is genuinely necessary.
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