Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 6 stores. Prices updated .

Sweetwater
4.5 (39)
$1,099.99
Guitar Center
4.0 (9)
$1,099.99
Amazon
3.2 (13)
$1,099.99
Reverb
5.0 (7)
$1,099.99 New
$934.95 Used
Musician's Friend
4.0 (11)
$1,099.99
zZounds
4.5 (9)
$1,099.99

Price History

Based on price data from 3 merchants for "Ibanez Portamento 5-String Fretless Bass". Prices shown reflect NEW condition. Tracking began Apr 2, 2026.

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Description

Discover a world of expressive tone and boundless creativity with the Ibanez Portamento 5-String Fretless Bass. Designed for the discerning musician, this bass combines the elegance of an upright with the versatility of a modern electric. Its AeroSilk Piezo pickup system is a standout feature, delivering rich, hollowbody-like tones that evoke the essence of an acoustic upright bass. This system is intricately paired with the dual Bartolini MK-1 pickups and a 2-band EQ, granting you the power to shape your sound with precision.

The Portamento is crafted with a 5-piece maple/bubinga neck-through design, ensuring exceptional sustain and robust tone. The mahogany body wings add to the resonance, providing a deep, warm low end that complements any musical genre. The fretless panga panga fingerboard extends to a remarkable 30 frets, allowing you to explore upper registers with ease, much like an upright bass.

Whether you're a seasoned fretless player or venturing into new musical landscapes, the Ibanez Portamento offers a unique sonic palette and smooth playability that will elevate your performance. Its extended fingerboard and piezo level control offer customizability and balance, ensuring each string sings with clarity and precision.

Key Features:

  • 5-string fretless bass with neck-through construction
  • AeroSilk Piezo pickup system for acoustic-like tones
  • Dual Bartolini MK-1 pickups with active 2-band EQ
  • 5-piece maple/bubinga neck for enhanced durability
  • Mahogany body wings for rich sustain and low-end impact
  • Extended 30-fret panga panga fingerboard for upper register access
  • Piezo level control for individual string volume adjustment

Product specs

Number of Strings 5
Left-/Right-handed Right-handed
Body Shape SR
Body Material Okoume Wing Body
Body Finish Satin
Neck Material 5-Piece Maple/Walnut
Neck Shape SRF5
Radius 12"
Fingerboard Material Bound Panga Panga
Number of Frets Fretless
Scale Length 34"
Nut Width 1.77"
Nut Material Plastic
Bridge/Tailpiece Custom Bridge for AeroSilk Piezo System
Tuners Closed Gear
Neck Pickup Bartolini MK-1, Passive Humbucker
Bridge Pickup Bartolini MK-1, Passive Humbucker
Controls 2 x volume, 1 x Piezo volume, 2 x magnetic pickup boost (bass/treble), 1 x Active Piezo tone
Strings Flat Wound, .045-.132
Case/Gig Bag Sold Separately

FAQs

What type of wood is used in the body of the Ibanez Portamento 5-String Fretless Bass?

The body of the Ibanez Portamento 5-String Fretless Bass is made from Okoume, which contributes to its warm and resonant tone.

How does the AeroSilk piezo system enhance the sound of the Ibanez Portamento 5-String Fretless Bass?

The AeroSilk piezo system provides realistic acoustic tones, allowing for a versatile range of sounds that blend well with the Bartolini MK-1 pickups.

Is the Ibanez Portamento 5-String Fretless Bass suitable for beginners?

While it offers advanced features like a piezo system and fretless design, its playability and tonal range make it suitable for both intermediate and advanced players looking to explore fretless bass techniques.

What are the main controls on the Ibanez Portamento 5-String Fretless Bass?

The bass includes controls for master volume, balance, bass and treble for the pickups, and a separate volume and tone control for the piezo system.

What kind of strings come with the Ibanez Portamento 5-String Fretless Bass?

The bass comes with flat wound strings, which are known for their smooth feel and warm, mellow tone, ideal for fretless bass playing.

YAZ

YAZ

Ibanez Portamento SRF705 Review

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Portamento SRF705 Review by YAZ

Ibanez Portamento SRF705 Review

YAZ

YAZ

Video thumbnail for Ibanez SRF705 by LawsonK

Ibanez SRF705

LawsonK

LawsonK

Video thumbnail for Ibanez Portamento fretless bass with piezo pickup SRF 705 + ADMini Delay - Kosma Kalamarz by KosmaBass

Ibanez Portamento fretless bass with piezo pickup SRF 705 + ADMini Delay - Kosma Kalamarz

KosmaBass

KosmaBass

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Ibanez Portamento 5-String Fretless Bass.

Features and functionality

  • The piezo pickup adds extra brightness, even with flatwound strings, enhancing the bass's tonal versatility.

    Source
  • The bass can achieve an upright-like sound when plucked near the high "frets" with the right finger angle.

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  • The Ibanez SRF705's fingerboard spans 30 positions, allowing a 5-octave range, praised for its versatility and described as "the Mariah Carey of basses."

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  • Sire fretless basses have a protective coating on the soundboard, which may appeal to players seeking durability in high-wear areas.

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Mods and upgrades

  • Owners desire an active/passive toggle switch to expand tonal options.

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Setup and maintenance

  • Stock strings received positive feedback, with some finding La Bella Tapes to diminish the bass's character.

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  • Owners highlight the necessity of a 9V battery for all pickups due to a shared active preamp circuit, with potential modifications to separate circuits mentioned.

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User experience

  • Some units may suffer from electronics issues, such as poor pre-amp shielding affecting the treble boost.

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  • Intonation relies heavily on left-hand technique rather than visual guides, with side dots and fretlines aiding navigation on the unlined neck.

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Comparisons

  • The Ibanez SRF705 was chosen over the SRH505F Aerium for its additional sound possibilities and unlined neck preference.

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  • A user transitioned from a Harley-Benton JB40FL to the SRF705, citing the Ibanez as a significant upgrade for playing fretless outside a practice setting.

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  • Older Yamaha RBX800AF, equipped with hot PJs and a 9V active 2-band EQ, offers strong value and quality for those considering alternatives to the Ibanez SRF705F.

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  • Sire basses have a 35-inch scale length and fewer frets, which may require adaptation for those used to the Ibanez's 34-inch scale and 24 frets.

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Use cases and applications

  • The extreme upper range of the fingerboard is mostly utilized as a right-hand ramp rather than for playing, except for experimental use.

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Build quality

  • Yamaha fretless basses from the 80s and 90s are noted for their enduring build quality, often available in excellent condition even after decades of use.

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Critic Reviews

Ibanez Bass Workshop - Portamento SRF705 5 String Electric Fretless Bass - Bass Musician Magazine, The Face of Bass

bassmusicianmagazine.com

The Ibanez Portamento SRF705 5-String Fretless Bass showcases an impressive design and playability, featuring a unique two-and-a-half octave range that appeals to both electric and upright bass players. Its mahogany body and maple/bubinga neck provide great sustain and tonal richness. However, the lack of lined fretboards may pose a challenge for newcomers to fretless playing. While it offers a variety of tonal options and a solid bridge system, its passive pickups might lack the versatility some players seek. Overall, it's a striking instrument that balances traditional and modern elements, making it a strong contender for bassists looking to explore fretless terrain.

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aravin_dhillon

aravin_dhillon

Gear IQ 1762

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