Traben 5 String Element Fretless 2010s - Black Matte

A well-loved, well-played 5-string fretless with real character, smooth feel, and the kind of playability that only comes from time in the hands.

Up for sale is a Traben Element 5-string fretless bass in a matte black finish, an increasingly hard-to-find model that highlights Traben’s strong build quality and player-focused design. This instrument has seen honest use and it shows in all the right ways.

There are minor cosmetic scuffs and signs of normal play wear, all strictly cosmetic and none affecting playability, structure, or tone. The matte black finish has naturally glossed in contact areas from years of comfortable, loved playing—something many players actively prefer because it reflects a properly broken-in instrument rather than a fragile case queen.

The fretless fingerboard is smooth and true, delivering expressive mwah, controlled note bloom, and consistent response across the entire neck. The neck is straight and stable, electronics are quiet and responsive, and the bass plays effortlessly from top to bottom.

Upgrades and included extras:

Custom-made wooden control cavity covers

Custom truss rod cover

Original factory covers included

Marvel strap locks installed

No-slip leg rest for stable seated playing

Soft Gator case for shipping and storage

Tonally, this bass offers warmth and nuance without losing definition, making it equally at home in jazz, fusion, ambient, or modern rock settings. It responds beautifully to touch and dynamics, rewarding players who work the instrument rather than fight it.

About the Traben Element

The Element series balanced Traben’s distinctive aesthetic with real-world performance. These basses were built to be expressive, durable, and musical, and the 5-string fretless version is particularly uncommon. Clean, well-set-up examples like this are becoming harder to find.

Comparable 5-string fretless basses with this level of build quality, upgrades, and broken-in feel routinely sell for more—this Element delivers that performance without boutique pricing.

This is a rare, road-proven fretless with personality, playability, and nothing left to prove.

Ships safely and securely. Happy to answer questions or provide additional photos.