[url=http://www.jhs.co.uk/vintagebass.html]Manufacturer's Website[/url]
MSRP = £250
I paid = £220
Note - Not available outside the UK, to my knowledge.
Playing experience - Nearly three years. Tried several other fretlesses before buying this one.
Four string, 34" scale, Bubinga body, black hardware, maple neck, unlined fretless rosewood fingerboard. Two octave range (what would be 24 fret, if it had frets). Active 'Wilkinson'-brand active electronics in a P/J configuration. Controls are Volume, Treble, Bass and Pickup Balance. Bolt on neck.
This is a very nice bass.
The Bubinga body means it is fairly heavy - it's actually a little heavier than my six string. But you soon adjust to it, and if it's really a problem, a wide padded strap should more than solve it.
Everything about this bass screams "Smooth". When I pick it up, it's all I can do not to rub my face on it. The natural Bubinga finish and the un-varnished neck give it a very natural, fast feel. It's well balanced, giving me zero neckdive whether I'm standing or seated.
The tone is warm, and punchy. The active EQ offers a fair range of tones, but the bass EQ is certainly more powerful than the treble. The treble does a pretty reasonable job, but if you turn the bass up to full, you can say goodbye to your eardrums. I mean, I know fretlesses are known for being boomy, but
wow. All the controls have a central detente to help you find the midpoint.
The Precision pickup is a little noisier than I'd like, but every company in the world makes P/J pickups. If I'm feeling bored and rich in the future, I may replace them.
It stays in tune very well, which is always critical for a fretless. I check it every time I use it on my Boss GT-6B (review coming up later) and it seldom needs anything but the most minor tweak.
This bass also has the added advantage that if you use it, people will stop and stare. It is very, very pretty.
It is everything you'd expect from the flagship model of a very respected budget brand. I would't be surprised if in the UK Vintage outsold Squier. In fact, I'd be surprised if they didn't. They're certainly better quality. And this is the most expensive, and the most luxurious 4-stringer they do.
For the price, I find it hard to fault. I prefer this bass to basses worth twice as much.
You will not find a better fretless for the price.
4.5/5