I will defret my current bass, should I do it before or after I buy a new fretted one

[Matthew_84]

Hey guys,

Basically, I've been playing a Stagg Jazz 300 for the last couple of years. I want to get a new mid-range to high quality bass, and once I do, I was thinking of defretting my jazz, shielding it, upgrading to some Yamaha Alnico pickups, and putting flatwounds on.

I really love the sound of a double bass, and would therefore put the bridge pickup on full and turn down the neck. But I'd also want the ability to mute the bridge pickup and try to get a sound close to James Jamerson (if that's possible).

I know I should buy my new bass first, so at least if something goes wrong than I still have my other bass to play. But a lot of my decision of what my next bass will be will be decided upon the sound I can't get from the fretless jazz.

It's a decision I'm kind of stuck on, and just hoping for some insight from people with experience.

Thanks

[202dy]

Originally Posted by Matthew_84

Hey guys,

I know I should buy my new bass first, so at least if something goes wrong than I still have my other bass to play.

Thanks

Asked and answered.

[Pilgrim]

Originally Posted by 202dy

Asked and answered.

Yup. Play a fretless J in a music store to see what they sound like.

[Matthew_84]

Haha, thanks 202dy and Pilgrim. I've been too busy thinking about getting a new bass or how to rip mine apart to think of something so simple. Thanks again, that's what I'll do.

[rob7]

dont do it just get a fretless

[bassbully]

Have you played a fretless much? Really sat down and got into it? I went thru that once and after a week or so found out fretless wasnt my bag. I returned the bass but if i had de-fretted one......

[202dy]

Originally Posted by Matthew_84

Haha, thanks 202dy and Pilgrim. I've been too busy thinking about getting a new bass or how to rip mine apart to think of something so simple. Thanks again, that's what I'll do.

You thought of it. You wrote it.

The first answer, especially when it is the simplest, is usually the right one.

[oniman7]

Originally Posted by 202dy

You thought of it. You wrote it.

The first answer, especially when it is the simplest, is usually the right one.

+1 for use of Occam's Razor

[spaz21387]

I wouldnt do it. I admit I was really into jacos tone a while back, I was planning on buying a fretless but played one at guitar center, And absolutly hated the tone I got out of it.

[richardbethell]

I did the exact same thing to a beautiful Ibanez jazz copy 1970's. I regretted it from the moment i restrung it and realized I had wrecked a sweet bass. I own a fretless now and although it is a very nice fender jazz I rarely play it and when i do it is mostly on my own.
I recommend you take up bunge jumping or something to satisfy that feeling to try crazy new things and leave your bass the way it is.
or better yet go buy a stand up bass and learn to play that.

Peace