The Vintage V940FL Fretless Bass is a distinctive 4-string electric bass that combines active electronics, a versatile P/J-style pickup layout and the expressive feel of a fretless fingerboard.

Based around the well-regarded V940 platform, this model uses a bubinga body, bolt-on maple neck, 34" scale length and active EQ, giving it a broad tonal range that works equally well for warm fingerstyle playing, articulate fusion lines and more expressive fretless techniques.

The fretless format opens the door to smooth slides, vocal-style phrasing and the characteristic “mwah” associated with fretless basses, making it a strong choice for players looking to expand beyond a conventional fretted instrument.

This Pre-Owned example is in Very Good condition, weighs an actual 9.08 lbs, and is supplied without a case.

AT A GLANCE

Detail	Specification
Brand	Vintage
Model	V940FL
Type	4-String Fretless Bass
Scale Length	34"
Electronics	Active
Weight	9.08 lbs
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned
Case	Not Included

PRE-OWNED CONDITION REPORT

This is a Pre-Owned Vintage V940FL Fretless Bass in Very Good condition.

The Very Good condition grade reflects a bass that has been well looked after overall while showing the light signs of previous use expected from a Pre-Owned instrument.

This individual bass weighs 9.08 lbs.

No case is included.

KEY FEATURES

• Vintage V940FL fretless bass

• 4-string configuration

• Bubinga body

• Bolt-on maple neck

• Fretless fingerboard

• 34" scale length

• Active electronics

• P/J-style pickup configuration

• Wilkinson pickup platform

• Volume control

• Pickup balance

• Active bass EQ

• Active treble EQ

• Black hardware

• Actual measured weight of 9.08 lbs

• Very Good Pre-Owned condition

• No case included

WHY YOU'LL LOVE IT

The V940FL offers a lot of versatility for a fretless bass.

Its active EQ gives you considerably more tone-shaping control than a basic passive fretless, while the P/J-style pickup arrangement lets you move between fuller low-end sounds and more articulate bridge-focused tones.

The fretless fingerboard then adds a completely different expressive dimension, allowing smooth slides, subtle intonation control and the fluid phrasing that makes fretless bass so distinctive.

DETAILED FEATURES & BENEFITS

Fretless Fingerboard

The defining feature of the V940FL is its fretless design.

Without conventional frets interrupting the string path, the player gains much greater control over pitch, vibrato and slides.

Bubinga Body

The V940 platform uses a bubinga body, giving the bass a visually distinctive appearance and a solid tonal foundation.

Bolt-On Maple Neck

The bolt-on maple neck provides a direct and responsive feel and keeps the construction straightforward and serviceable.

34" Scale Length

The 34" scale length is the standard long-scale format used by many professional 4-string basses.

It provides familiar string tension and low-end definition.

Active Electronics

The active preamp gives the bass onboard Bass and Treble EQ controls.

This allows useful shaping directly from the instrument without relying entirely on amplifier EQ.

P/J-Style Pickup Layout

The pickup configuration combines a split-coil-style neck pickup with a J-style bridge pickup.

This creates a wide tonal range, from fuller and rounder sounds to tighter and more articulate bridge-position tones.

Pickup Balance Control

A dedicated balance control allows the neck and bridge pickups to be blended in different proportions rather than relying on separate volume controls.

Active Bass EQ

The Bass control allows low frequencies to be boosted or reduced directly from the instrument.

Active Treble EQ

The Treble control allows additional control over articulation and upper-frequency presence.

9.08 lbs Actual Weight

This individual bass weighs 9.08 lbs, giving buyers a precise indication of how this specific example will feel.

WHO IS IT FOR?

The Vintage V940FL is particularly well suited to players exploring fretless bass, fusion, jazz, soul, progressive music, ambient playing and expressive fingerstyle work.

It is also a strong option for bassists who want fretless character without sacrificing active EQ flexibility.

PLAYING STYLES & APPLICATIONS

The V940FL works particularly well for:

• Jazz

• Fusion

• Soul

• Funk

• Progressive music

• Ambient music

• Fingerstyle

• Melodic bass playing

• Studio work

• Expressive solo bass

Its fretless design makes it especially suitable for smooth legato phrasing and sustained melodic lines.

HOW IT COMPARES

Fretless vs Fretted Bass

A fretted bass gives precise fixed pitch positions and is easier for fast, consistent intonation.

A fretless bass gives much greater control over pitch, slides and vibrato, but requires more accurate finger placement.

Active vs Passive Bass

A passive bass relies primarily on pickup character and basic tone controls.

The V940FL’s active EQ provides greater onboard control over low and high frequencies.

P/J vs Single-Pickup Fretless

The P/J layout gives the V940FL more tonal range than a fretless bass with only one pickup.

You can blend fuller neck-pickup character with more articulate bridge-position definition.

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS

Specification	Details
Product Type	Fretless Electric Bass
Brand	Vintage
Model	V940FL
Strings	4
Body Material	Bubinga
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Neck Material	Maple
Fingerboard	Fretless
Scale Length	34" / 864mm
Pickup Configuration	P/J
Neck Pickup	Wilkinson Split-Coil Style
Bridge Pickup	Wilkinson J-Style
Electronics	Active
Controls	Volume, Balance, Bass EQ, Treble EQ
Hardware	Black
Weight	9.08 lbs
Case	Not Included
Condition	Very Good / Pre-Owned

POWER REQUIREMENTS

The Vintage V940FL uses active electronics and therefore requires battery power for the onboard preamp.

FAIR DEAL MUSIC EXPERT VERDICT ★★★★★

Best suited for: Players looking for an affordable fretless bass with active EQ and a versatile P/J-style pickup layout.

Customers usually upgrade from: Entry-level fretted basses, passive fretless models and basic 4-string instruments.

Most commonly paired with: Clean bass amplifiers, compression, chorus, reverb and DI setups.

Our tip: Fretless bass rewards a light touch and careful intonation. Use the bridge pickup to bring out extra articulation and “mwah,” then blend in the neck pickup for a fuller sound.

Showroom feedback: The V940FL is a versatile entry into fretless playing because the active EQ and P/J layout provide enough flexibility to cover much more than one sound.

WHY BUY PRE-OWNED FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

Buying a Pre-Owned Vintage V940FL Fretless Bass can provide excellent value for players wanting to explore fretless playing without stepping immediately into a much more expensive instrument.

This example is in Very Good condition, weighs 9.08 lbs, and is supplied without a case.

Fair Deal Music has decades of experience buying, selling and part-exchanging bass guitars and other musical equipment.

WHY BUY FROM FAIR DEAL MUSIC?

When you buy from Fair Deal Music, you're choosing one of the UK's most established, independent family run music retailers since 1987.

Fair Deal Music combines a large Birmingham showroom with nationwide ecommerce and knowledgeable musician-led advice.

Customers benefit from:

• Family-run independent retailer established in 1987

• Birmingham's largest independent music store

• 6,000+ Trustpilot reviews

• Knowledgeable musician-led advice

• Extensive experience with Pre-Owned basses

• Large Birmingham showroom

• Secure online ordering

• Fast UK delivery

• Friendly customer support

• Part-exchange and trade-in service

TRADE IN. TRADE UP. SAVE MORE.

Your current bass, guitar or other musical equipment could help towards the cost of this Vintage V940FL.

Fair Deal Music buys and part-exchanges basses, guitars, amplifiers, effects, keyboards and a wide range of musical equipment.

Contact our team for a no-obligation valuation.

PART EXCHANGE / TRADE-IN

If you already own a bass or other musical equipment you are considering replacing, Fair Deal Music can assess it for part exchange.

Trading in can remove the inconvenience of selling privately while allowing the value of your current equipment to go directly towards your next instrument.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Is this Vintage V940FL used?

Yes. This is a Pre-Owned Vintage V940FL in Very Good condition.

Is it fretless?

Yes. The V940FL is a fretless bass.

How many strings does it have?

Four.

What is the scale length?

It uses a 34" scale length.

What body wood does it use?

The V940 platform uses a bubinga body.

What is the neck made from?

It has a bolt-on maple neck.

What pickup layout does it have?

It uses a P/J-style pickup configuration.

What controls does it have?

It has Volume, Pickup Balance, Bass EQ and Treble EQ controls.

Is it active?

Yes. It uses active electronics.

Does it require a battery?

Yes. Battery power is required for the onboard active preamp.

Is it suitable for jazz and fusion?

Yes. Fretless basses are particularly well suited to expressive jazz and fusion playing.

Is it suitable for funk?

Yes. The bridge pickup and active EQ can provide plenty of articulation for funkier styles.

Is fretless harder to play?

It requires more precise finger placement because there are no frets fixing the pitch, but many players find the extra expressive control very rewarding.

How much does it weigh?

This individual bass weighs 9.08 lbs.

Does it come with a case?

No. No case is included.

What condition is it in?

This example is in Very Good condition.

Can I part-exchange another bass against it?

Yes. Fair Deal Music considers basses and a wide range of other musical equipment for part exchange.