Lining a fretless?

MirageBass · #1 08-08-2008, 02:19 AM

So I have a 6 string fretless, unlined. I want to line it.

1. Is there any method for lining a fretless properly? Would certain paints make it sound weird with a string against it, etc?

2. I just put a set of $80 TI flats on this, and I'm not taking them off any time soon. Any suggestions on how to line them, other than just bending the strings out of the way while I apply stuff to the fretboard?

Nakedfish · #2 08-08-2008, 02:42 AM

From what you said, don't do anything yourself. Have a reputable luthier look at the bass.

Benjamin Strange · #3 08-08-2008, 08:17 AM

The best way to line a bass is to actually inlay the line in a fret slot. Anything painted on the neck you're going to feel, and it's going to wear almost instantly once you start playing over it, making it look bad.

If you must have something to look at, try going with side dots. If you want something non-permanent, just use stickers.

lowtide · #4 08-08-2008, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MirageBass

Any suggestions on how to line them, other than just bending the strings out of the way while I apply stuff to the fretboard?

I would make a small line on the side where they're supposed to be. I would'nt just put dots.
How are you intonating your bass now with no mark at the 12th fret area?

What scale have you got?
Here's an image for a 34" scale: if you need any other let me know.

Chasarms · #5 08-08-2008, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

The best way to line a bass is to actually inlay the line in a fret slot. Anything painted on the neck you're going to feel, and it's going to wear almost instantly once you start playing over it, making it look bad.

If you must have something to look at, try going with side dots. If you want something non-permanent, just use stickers.

What he said.

There is no paint that would handle the abbrasiveness of the strings on the fingerboard. Further, if the fb is ebony or similar, those types of hardwoods are very oily, and so it will be even harder for the paint to adhere.

Lined fretless basses are inlaid with a marker. To do this, you would slot the neck just as if you were going to fret it, but instead inlay the marker material.

RustyAxe · #6 08-08-2008, 08:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Benjamin Strange

The best way to line a bass is to actually inlay the line in a fret slot. Anything painted on the neck you're going to feel, and it's going to wear almost instantly once you start playing over it, making it look bad.

If you must have something to look at, try going with side dots. If you want something non-permanent, just use stickers.

Exactly the advice I would give. Subtle dot markers, inlayed on the fingerboard or on the side. Any decent luthier can do this for short money, I'd think.

lowtide · #7 08-08-2008, 09:10 AM

I also agree with the advice of performing the lining of the board BUT, if you reread his statement, he refuses to remove the strings.

Pilgrim · #8 08-08-2008, 09:18 AM

If he's enough of a newbie that he doesn't want to remove the strings, then he's not knowledgeable enough to do this himself. That's no insult - it's a FACT. Lack of knowledge is not a personal failing. The most he should do is cut up labels for file folders and stick them on the side of the neck to serve as reference marks.

Otherwise, he needs to take his questions straight to a luthier. He's not ready to do anything that includes modifying an instrument. If he wants to get into that line, he should probably start with doing his own setups by referencing the sticky threads at the top of the Setup & Repair forum.

lowtide · #9 08-08-2008, 09:27 AM

Ew . . . I didn't really wanna do that dance with him though.

The advice I gave him I feel he could have handled though.

Nakedfish · #10 08-08-2008, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pilgrim

If he's enough of a newbie that he doesn't want to remove the strings, then he's not knowledgeable enough to do this himself. That's no insult - it's a FACT. Lack of knowledge is not a personal failing. The most he should do is cut up labels for file folders and stick them on the side of the neck to serve as reference marks.

Otherwise, he needs to take his questions straight to a luthier. He's not ready to do anything that includes modifying an instrument. If he wants to get into that line, he should probably start with doing his own setups by referencing the sticky threads at the top of the Setup & Repair forum.

+1

Which is why I wrote what I did. If he can't even be bothered to take the strings off then he really should get somebody who knows what they're doing to look at it rather than attempting anything himself.