Need some advice

well, I use a tobias 4 string and I get some good funk lines out of it ( http://www.ireidt.cjb.net check out the song I uploaded there ) I woulrd reccomend one of those.

What I am actualyl doing make my sound origional, but still able to play whatever, I am working on designing my own bass right now.

oh, jsut to say, if you dont think you can not play funk on a fretless, ever heard tommy the cat by Primus?

Of course! It's one of my favorite songs to listen to/play (I can sing it too :-P).
But, for really straight up funk I miss the clear poppy sound you get slapping on a fretted. And I have roundwounds on my fretless to protect the fingerboard, so that makes the sound really warm and smooth which I love, but not for slap. Oh, the dilemma!

why not just get a B5 fretted..........it'll be like your current bass just with frets........

i'd recommend an ibanez BTB405.......sweet bass

Tobias are good basses for the price but make sure you try it before you buy one.  The asymmetrical neck doesn't work for me.  Check the used music stores and ebay because you can get a great bass if you're alright with getting something used.  You can also check out Rondo Music and the Brice basses they sell.  They're cheap but from what I hear play great after a little bit of setup.  Finally, go with a 5-string and put the high C on it.  Nothing funkier than popping those high notes.

How much cash are you planning to save? Have you given any thought to purchasing one of Bass Kahunas works of art? I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by his prices, and he'll definately still be there when you've got the cash saved.

We're like Pavlov's dogs. Mention Bass Kahuna and we (myself included) all immediately start to drool         I was hoping to put together enough change to order one from him but had to settle for having my late 80's Peavey RSB massaged with a pair of EMG Acitve p/u, onboard EQ, and new bridge. Not quite one of BKs creations but WOW what a difference.

Dude, I would check out getting an LB-70 or a B-4 bolt from Carvin. I know I sound like an ad for them, but I love their basses, and they have been great with the cust. svc. end of things. Just my vote.

I'd love another Carvin, but they're expensive--the list price on my bass is around 1200 (with all the features and whatnot) but I got it used for 450 (what a steal!!!). The Guitar Center near me actually has a used fretted B5 which one of the guys there but some bartolinis on--it's GORGEOUS. Fantastic. Everything I want, and only 500 big ones which is nothing...I'm saving as fast as I can, but it's gonna be a while unless I get some crazy early bday gift from my parents or something until I have the money and who knows if it'll still be there or not...I'm praying.

How about Fenders? Are the cheaper models any good?

See, I'm really Anti-Fender. I know, I know, they started it all. And if you give me an original late 60s to early/mid 70s model, I'm down with that, but I can't stand anything newer than that. Just outta curiosity, how was your bolt series about 1200 bones? What options are on that thing. I got my LB76WP fully loaded with EVERY single option it would hold, and it was delivered to my house for less than 1500 bones! Just wondering, have you checked them out lately? I'm looking at the latest catalog and they have a decently loaded B5 for 719. Just a thought, but that sounds pretty good to me, and the LB70 is only 799. I know that money is tight, but you might want to try ebay, they always have killer steals on used Carvins.

My B5 is fretless with dot inlays, white fret line inlays, sapphire blue flamed maple top (just that alone is $200 I think), humbucker pu's....black chrome hardware....matching painted headstock (that also adds quite a sizeable chunk)...can't remember any others off the top of my head. It adds up majorly, though.

Definitely gotta check out the used Carvins on ebay...

I was checking out the ones on Carvins site as already made, not exactly ordered, but ready from the warehouse. Pretty cheap too.

tonebender might be able to help ya out... he builds the ugly bass ya know...

I've got a Carvin LB75 fretless. It's all I play any more.
If I were in the market for another bass, I'd sure look at Carvin again.
The features for the $$ make them serious contenders.
Then there's Fodera....

I am a hardcore Ibanez guy myself. Especailly under the $500 price range I don't think there is a thing that touches them, atleast I have never played one. I can't recomend a specific model becasue I am not sure what type of pick up set you like. If you can check out a Guitar Center, or someplace like that, they usally have 3 or 4 different models in that price range, give them a shot.