Harley Benton B-35BK-FL Acoustic Bass Series

I was looking for an acoustic fretless bass, with that classic double-bass-like sound, at an affordable price (it's not easy to find acoustic fretless basses, especially this cheap, let alone with 5 strings). This instrument is exactly what I wanted and even better, and so fun to play! It is my first fretless, as well as my first 5 string. I'll list the pros and cons below (though it was difficult to find any cons, this instrument is perfect!)

PROS:
-Classic double bass like sound, great lows and highs, and that "maaww" sound when you slide
-Very well built, is lightweight but feels solid
-Beautiful glossy black finish, certainly a looker!
-Smooth feel, easy to slide

CONS:
-The low B string is a bit muddy compared with the others, it's not a huge problem though and can be fixed with EQ (or possibly a string change)

All in all a great fretless bass, really love this instrument and can't stop playing it! Would highly recommend this to anyone who'd like to buy a fretless!

EDIT: I have changed the strings to flatwound D'Addario Chromes. Great sound, no squeaks, the only issue is that the low B string does not fit properly, even after removing the silk from the ball end of the string (the original was .130 and the Chrome is .132, so not a huge difference), and now the Chrome is stuck there, so I cannot remove it either. I'd suggest widening the low B hole with a small file before switching to a larger string gauge.

EDIT 2: I have gone back to the stock strings, the nickel roundwounds. These strings sound more lively than the flats I was using, even if they will wear down the fretboard over time. If you do decide to keep the roundwounds, give them some time to break in. The low B is also sounding a lot better than when I first bought the bass, so actually the stock strings are great once you wear them out a bit!

I purchased the BK-35 after having tried another one belonging to a friend. The value for money is excellent. The bass is easy to play (not stiff at all), and the tuning machines work precisely and steady the tuning. Comparing the two instruments (mine and the one I tried), I can tell that the quality is constant. It is not a 'scientific' assessment, but it might help make one's mind.
I did not try the electronic because I prefer using an external microphone and, unplugged, the bass sounds good. Of course, more expensive instruments might deliver better quality. However, it is not necessarily so. I ended up selling another acoustic bass made by a well-known brand costing the triple and kept the B-35.
A word to the wise, though: no matter what a review says, an instrument should always be tried before purchasing it.

I’m still working my way back into playing from nearly 20 years off. I bought a very cheap acoustic/electric to mess around with, but quickly felt the need for something more. I love the full length and the board feels great. A great sound with plenty of sustain. The tuner is chromatic and handles well. The electronic inputs and cable jack work well, and I like the sound I get through a DI into a console instead of using an amp. It has been an easy play with acoustic guitars. I may eventually put some D’addario strings on this, but right now the set that came with it are nice. Wanted 3 things: Acoustic, fret less, five string. Got it. Love it.

I wanted a fretless bass for a long time but I was doubting myself. Then, after a really positive experience with Harley Benton B-35BK Acoustic Bass (fretted) that I bought from Thomann, I decided it's worth it and after some time I bought B-35BK-FL too. It wasn't smooth at first - it was rarely in stock and once it finally was in stock it arrived to me with a broken amp. Everything looked really good, but the amp was not working at all. I initiated return and then waited for another couple of months because Thomann did not have another piece in stock again. Once I received the new bass it was good - everything looked and worked good as expected.
The built is a bit different compared to Benton B-35BK but the quality is the same and it's good. I like how acoustic bass lets you focus on practicing and nuances of your technique instead of gear-centered procrastination. So, I don't regret having both versions - fretted and fretless. I like both and they serve different music goals and suit different contexts.

I bought this bass to experiment with new sounds and gave me a surprise how well made it is for the price.

The stock strings are of good quality and the sound quality improves over time, however, since being roundwound nickels, they will eventually wear out the fretboard.

If you don't want to damage the fretboard, you can change them for a set of strings depending on the sound you are looking for:
- Chromes: flatwounds with a bright sound, mostly used.
- Black Nylon: tapewounds with a dark, warm sound, more like a double bass.
- White Nylon: tapewounds similar to black nylon but with a brighter sound.
Keep in mind that if you change the b string for a larger gauge, it will be necessary to widen the low B hole with a small file before placing it.

In general terms, this instrument is worth the investment.