battle of the bands. go fretless or fretted?

matito · #1 08-01-2006, 07:11 AM

I am in an originals band, and i have been primarily using a fretless bass in this band, for recording and gigs.

now i'm not sure whether to go fretless or fretted at the battle of bands coming up.
i use a fender precision fretless and a fender jazz bass

basically if i use the jazz, i will be moving around more as its very light and it has frets, and is easier to play.
if i use the fretless, i won't be moving much, mainly stand in one position and don't take my eyes of the fretboard much, but has unique sound, and can be a b!tch to play on fast songs.

which one would be better for getting points from the judges? they prob won't notice or care with either, but its still a tough decision for me

IanStephenson · #2 08-01-2006, 08:13 AM

If the band has a general lack of showman ship that you feel you need to compensate for, then you may need to go fretted.

However I'd hope that the rest of the band are pulling their weight in terms of moving around, and keeping things interesting. In that case, I'd go with what you're used to - the sound (and appearance if it's unlined!) will get noticed by at least one of the judges, and it'll get you some cred for being a bit different. Also it's the sound you want for the band, so present the band as they really are!

Ian

Dkerwood · #3 08-01-2006, 08:29 AM

I'd also like to submit that if you're used to not moving around and staring at the fretboard, you will likely continue to do so, regardless of what bass is in your hands.

If you need to be a showman, be sure to practice it that way and don't just assume that it will happen. Otherwise, all you get is a tone you're not happy with AMD a performance that's visually the same (and even less cool if you have a particularly good looking unlined fretless).

matito · #4 08-01-2006, 09:24 AM

well it's a fact a move quite a bit more with the jazz, i can quite easily play a fretted bass without looking at the fingerboard at all. i don't jump around like a idiot, i just bop along and get my body grooving to the music, which is mainly for keeping me in time, not showmanship.
and i am very happy with the tone from the jazz. either bass will be good.

its just when i play my unlined fretless, i have to look down and concentrate, so i'm hitting the right notes in tune and i don't move around at all really. just a little movement like my leg tapping and head moving as a time keeper

most of the other bands will be punkish emoish stuff, where they jump around like spastics ( no offence to any bassist on these forums that are into it :P)
and so my singer is always saying i should move more coz of it...when he really should think about his own stage presence and interaction with the audience more...

Dkerwood · #5 08-01-2006, 11:27 AM

Stick with your strengths. Who knows what the judges or the crowd will want to see? I suspect that the judges, at least, will be looking for a level of musicality that will stand above the competition. I could be completely wrong, and likely am. In fact, one of the judges likely has a brother or cousin or neighbor in one of the bands, and this BOTB will retire as thousands more before it - fixed.

My opinion? Live music is about connecting with the audience, IMHO. If I wanted to hear phenominal musicianship, there are thousands of CDs I could buy. Yes, it's cool to see live, but what's the use of being in the same room as a great musician if they look and FEEL like they're a million miles away?

Man, if you can look up every now and again and still groove and stuff, play whatever bass you prefer. If you're nervous, go with the no brainer axe, because as cool as fretless tone is, there is NOTHING WORSE than someone playing it out of tune.

Christopher · #6 08-01-2006, 11:53 AM

Go with the fretted. No one at a "Battle of the Bands" is going to be impressed with a fretless (or is even going to be able to tell the difference). They'll be judging you solely on your stage demeanor.

infect · #7 08-01-2006, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christopher

Go with the fretted. No one at a "Battle of the Bands" is going to be impressed with a fretless (or is even going to be able to tell the difference). They'll be judging you solely on your stage demeanor.

*nod* I agree

Spencer! · #8 08-01-2006, 12:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christopher

Go with the fretted. No one at a "Battle of the Bands" is going to be impressed with a fretless (or is even going to be able to tell the difference). They'll be judging you solely on your stage demeanor.

+1

invader3k · #9 08-01-2006, 01:11 PM

A lot of people can't tell my J-bass bass is fretless by glancing at it, because it still has the fret markers.

I'd go with the fretted for a show like that, myself.

Vic Winters · #10 08-03-2006, 10:05 PM

Bands win for how well they get the crowd into the music. If you can do that, it doesn't matter if you're flying through the air like Eddie Gordo from Tekken when someone doesn't know how to do combos (Dane Cook reference) or sitting in a chair or on a stool. Just don't be boring, have energy. Even though I'm not a fan, DMB is a good example of this. None of the members are doing flips, but people go nuts for them, because they know how to communicate their energy and the energy of the music to the audience. Learn to do that, and you'll win. Fretless or fretted.

Warwickluvr · #11 08-09-2006, 10:20 AM

Fretted. Just remember to shake your behind on stage... (WHILE FACING THE AUDIENCE, other wise its kind of weird) I met my last girlfriend after a gig. She approached me after the gig and then later told me she was turned on by the way I moved on stage. I stayed in-place the whole time, but I was swaying and wiggling like a palm tree.

"It's all in the hips.... yeah! It's all in the hips."

I love that movie.