Any Double Basses with "fret" lines?

owensea777 · #1 08-04-2007, 08:41 PM

Well, are there any double basses out there with lines where the "frets" would be? I fear that this is a stupid question. As a lined electric fretless player, I've tried electric fretlesses without the lines, and I just don't know where to start on them. I absolutely love anything fretless and can't stand frets anymore. I know that the double bass will be a huge challenge without any "fret lines." I can't afford lessons (damnit), but I may be able to afford a double bass next year as a B-Day or Xmas present if I keep my grades up in college. Any lined double basses? Again, don't kill me if this is a stupid question!

CamMcIntyre · #2 08-04-2007, 08:56 PM

No offense man, but i say suck it up. I've heard of people having partial lines and side dots put on, but i'm not too hip on any that have all of the lines for the half steps.

Personally, i put the side dots [i started on slab] on my NS Cleveland w/some nail polish. They've helped me out quite a bit.

good luck w/this one.

Eli_Upright12 · #3 08-04-2007, 10:01 PM

Watch out your about to get doubly slaughtered cuz this should be in Setup and Repair and its been brought up many times, take my word for it I found out the hard way for the same idea.

That said the short answer to this question is some people have them(Edgar Meyer, bass virtuoso extraordinaire), but it is much more useful to just use your ear to find out whats wrong and right. Also some people use pencil marks or other markers for "cold notes" where its in the middle of nothing and you have to find a note.

Fat.Mike · #4 08-04-2007, 10:36 PM

Start with tape (for your fret lines), when you have learned by ear, sight, and muscle memory where the notes are... take it off. I think that this is how most people learn.

regards,

mike

Silversorcerer · #5 08-04-2007, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat.Mike

Start with tape (for your fret lines), when you have learned by ear, sight, and muscle memory where the notes are... take it off. I think that this is how most people learn.

regards,

mike

We should do a poll... Who learned by dots on a DB? Might be telling.

Jeff Moote · #6 08-05-2007, 12:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fat.Mike

I think that this is how most people learn.

I'd say most people learn by putting their hand in the general vicinity of the notes and moving it when it's inevitably out of tune. Over time the need to correct becomes less extreme and you generate some sense of where things are, until you get to the point of proficiency. That's how everyone I know learned, I'd say.

Bruce Lindfield · #7 08-05-2007, 03:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Moote

I'd say most people learn by putting their hand in the general vicinity of the notes and moving it when it's inevitably out of tune. Over time the need to correct becomes less extreme and you generate some sense of where things are, until you get to the point of proficiency. That's how everyone I know learned, I'd say.

Yup - I meet loads of DB players at Jazz classes and Summerschools - very rarely have I seen any markings and every Jazz pro/teacher I've met has been against them!

I thought that I would need them but was surprised that after playing BG for 30 years and then an NS EUB with dots - I actually felt no need for any markers and that things like better use of open strings, harmonics, physical cues on the body and proper left hand technique (amongst other things) are much more useful than any marks !!

Gufenov · #8 08-05-2007, 05:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by owensea777

As a lined electric fretless player, I've tried electric fretlesses without the lines, and I just don't know where to start on them.

You'll find spirited discussion here on the use of fingerboard markings, but the ones who have them (and I'm one) usually say they're a learning aid or a visual reference point used when sound conditions make it difficult to hear intonation. From your comment, it kind of seems you've developed a HABIT of looking at the fingerboard while you play. It would be better if you learn the positions by touch and sound. You'll be better able to interact with others in the band and there just might be something in the audience you'll want to see!

DocBop · #9 08-05-2007, 06:24 AM

I just started playing DB a couple weeks ago after fearing it for ages for same reason as the OP. My teacher and I talked about putting some markings on the neck, but he is against it. Where I have compromised is I hook up my tuner, but keep it off to the side so I don't constantly look at it. I would say discovering where notes are is coming faster than I thought. You start developing reference points and shifting based on current position. Also starting out using the bass to find starting note playing up front the open string to starting note. I also have discovered my harmonic points I used a references for starting points. Lots of things on the bass to use for reference. I think avoiding marks and only checking tuner occasional it is helping my hands and ear more.

Silversorcerer · #10 08-05-2007, 09:45 AM

I found a fairly recently built violone that had both inlaid stop guidelines and tied on frets. But I think that is just for show, the lines I mean. The gut frets were for real.

owensea777 · #11 08-05-2007, 05:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gufenov

From your comment, it kind of seems you've developed a HABIT of looking at the fingerboard while you play.

I mostly use the fret lines on my electric to help memorize where my fingers go for a new song. Then, I play in the dark or just don't look, and memorize the notes by ear and feel. My big problem is shifting around on the neck. For example I cannot shift from, let's say a G on the E string to a G on the A string without looking at the fret lines. The lines really help in jam/freestyle sessions when I'm trying to do stuff like that.
I know that I SHOULD learn to play DB without any fret lines, but without a teacher and a super ear, that's going to be really tough. I will make a post in S&R.

Jeff Moote · #12 08-05-2007, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by owensea777

...but without a teacher and a super ear, that's going to be really tough...

Get a teacher!

MonetBass · #13 08-05-2007, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Moote

I'd say most people learn by putting their hand in the general vicinity of the notes and moving it when it's inevitably out of tune. Over time the need to correct becomes less extreme and you generate some sense of where things are, until you get to the point of proficiency. That's how everyone I know learned, I'd say.

Absolutely right, Jeff. I didn't even see position tape on a bass until I saw other DB players from other schools. Our teacher never brought up using position markers, and I just figured out where the notes were by using - GASP - my EAR.

owensea777 · #14 08-05-2007, 06:35 PM

Ok, this thread should be closed to anyone who can't tell me about a Double Bass with freaking fret lines! Heard it all before. Actually, this thread should just be closed (or not posted in) because I've made a better post more relevant to my situation in Setup and Repair.

Dave Irwin · #15 08-05-2007, 07:20 PM

I borrowed (stole) some of those colorful little stickers from my daughters and cut them into little dots andplaced them on the fingerboard. They can be moved/removed whenever needed.

Jeff Moote · #16 08-05-2007, 07:22 PM

You must realize all we want is for you to be successful in your playing and the best way to do that is to work on developing the skills you're going to need.

jrlynch · #17 08-05-2007, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by owensea777

Ok, this thread should be closed to anyone who can't tell me about a Double Bass with freaking fret lines! Heard it all before. Actually, this thread should just be closed (or not posted in) because I've made a better post more relevant to my situation in Setup and Repair.

1. it would be a really good idea to fill out your profile in a way that folks can have some perspective on where you're coming from.

2. in my experience the folks on the db side of this forum are amazingly mature and supportive ...

3. i have side markers on my bass (sinner!!!!), which i actually glance at now and then ... that said, if one had actual *fret lines* on a db you'd have to stand in such a way to *see them* that it would most likely cause you some degree of pain in time and make you look downright silly to the audience.

it's all good ... and all about creating music.

jeff.

Cathead · #18 08-05-2007, 08:30 PM

What about people who sing and play? It's kind of hard for me to concentrate on singing the right pitch and playing the right pitch at the same time. Plus, when I sing I generally drown out the bass note to the point that I can't hear it real well, so I don't always adjust the pitch the best in the world. Any tips or hints?

Jeff Moote · #19 08-05-2007, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cathead

What about people who sing and play?

It's Impossible To Sing and Play The Bass

Cathead · #20 08-05-2007, 08:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Moote

It's Impossible To Sing and Play The Bass

Ha......that was a hoot! Maybe if I spit my gum out......??