Should I go for it?

StingrayDerek · #1 08-16-2011, 01:15 AM

I've been looking for an unlined fretless for a while and found one on a local company's website. It is a used Hohner B2AFL, its basically a licensed Steinberger copy.

Some Pictures:
http://www.avenue-guitars.com/Viewin...in%20FLess.JPG

http://www.avenue-guitars.com/Viewin...0FLess%202.JPG

http://www.avenue-guitars.com/Viewin...FLess%20BK.JPG

I think it looks top notch but definitely needs some cleaning. Of course I will have to play it first and everything, I was just wondering if anyone has had any experience with one of these?

bassteban · #2 08-16-2011, 01:25 AM

I bought a fretted one, w/the d-tuner bridge, brand-new in 80-somethin. Actually sounded nice, played great. Garbage active preamp- sounded fine switched off. After a very poor defret it still sounded excellent- the mwah was THICK. I'd guess a factory-stock fretless version might just be fairly close to awesome.

StingrayDerek · #3 08-16-2011, 01:30 AM

Haha sounds good, might have to check this out.

bassteban · #4 08-16-2011, 01:34 AM

If it's convenient I'd certainly check it out.

StingrayDerek · #5 08-16-2011, 01:41 AM

On the site it says its $429 (I'm assuming it comes with the case in the pictures). Still worth looking?

bassteban · #6 08-16-2011, 03:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StingrayDerek

On the site it says its $429 (I'm assuming it comes with the case in the pictures). Still worth looking?

Sure- looking shouldn't cost anything. If you like it, offer $375 or $400- maybe less- fretless basses often don't move as quickly as fretted.

Blake Bass · #7 08-16-2011, 03:14 AM

That is going to be one difficult bass to play in tune...have you played the fretted version? IMO they feel really awkward..

StingrayDerek · #8 08-16-2011, 11:05 AM

The main reason I have been looking for an unlined fretless is because I want a challenge. Of course there are other reasons such as how great they look and sound. I still have to play it and if it doesn't feel as awesome as I thought it would be, I won't get it.

Jay2U · #9 08-16-2011, 11:22 AM

You definitely have to get used to the headless design. Your hand tends to slide off. I played it in Germany for some 15 minutes and I just don't know. It's very light-weight and has a weird balance. On the other hand, it produced a mighty sound!

StingrayDerek · #10 08-16-2011, 11:25 AM

I realize that it will be completely different from anything I have ever played and I'm looking forward to playing it.

bassfunk329 · #11 08-16-2011, 01:29 PM

I had a fretted version... It was nice i regret selling it too.

StingrayDerek · #12 08-16-2011, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bassfunk329

I had a fretted version... It was nice i regret selling it too.

Thanks a lot!

**iriegnome** · #13 08-16-2011, 01:47 PM

Hell, I did not even read the OP or look at the pic's, but I am pretty sure you should go for it anyway. What the hay????

StingrayDerek · #14 08-16-2011, 02:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iriegnome

Hell, I did not even read the OP or look at the pic's, but I am pretty sure you should go for it anyway. What the hay????

Haha, that's exactly what I'm thinking!

StingrayDerek · #15 08-17-2011, 04:49 PM

There is an ad on Kijiji for a Samick 5 String Unlined Fretless with case and practice amp. He's asking $750 but I'm pretty confident I can get it down to $500. I have never heard of this brand but it looks pretty snazzy, anyone have any experience with these?