SX fretless bass line and dot positions

[BklynBassman]

Wondering if anyone can answer this. I want to give fretless a try and I am thinking about buying an inexpensive fretless bass to start off.

I am looking at the SX Ursa 2 JR MN 3TS. This has both fret line markers and dots on the fretboard face as well as side dot markers. I am very confused as to their position. no I have seen fretless bases with either fret lines on the face or side dot markers, but have not seen one like this before. On this bass, are the fret line markers in the same position that the actual frets would be on a fretted bass and dots on the face and side represent the center of the fret like a fretted bass?

[MD]

Originally Posted by BklynBassman

Wondering if anyone can answer this. I want to give fretless a try and I am thinking about buying an inexpensive fretless bass to start off.

I am looking at the SX Ursa 2 JR MN 3TS. This has both fret line markers and dots on the fretboard face as well as side dot markers. I am very confused as to their position. no I have seen fretless bases with either fret lines on the face or side dot markers, but have not seen one like this before. On this bass, are the fret line markers in the same position that the actual frets would be on a fretted bass and dots on the face and side represent the center of the fret like a fretted bass?

In a word, yes.
The manufacturer builds one type of neck/FB, fretted. Then, instead of installing frets, the slots are filled, which allows them to offer an entry level, budget fretless.

[bassbenj]

Originally Posted by MD

In a word, yes.
The manufacturer builds one type of neck/FB, fretted. Then, instead of installing frets, the slots are filled, which allows them to offer an entry level, budget fretless.

Yes, both my SX lined fretless basses are this way. Not only that my Carvin AC50 (also lined) is that way too. Generally as stated above these tend to be either entry level basses or older basses (before makers got the idea of where the dots should be).

It's not a huge problem provided the lines are nice and readily visible from the side of the neck. (you really can't see the face of the neck when standing up) Cool modern basses, even when lined, have the side dots ON the fretlines for a fretless bass, however.

If you want a thrill, try to play a fretless where the dots are in fretted positions and you can't see any fretlines!

[BklynBassman]

Hey thanks a bunch guys, I am new to fretless so I think this will be a good start. I also noticed the Squire fretless bass has fret like markers, does anyone know if the fret line markers are in the same position that the actual frets on a fretted bass with the Squire also? If so I may buy the Squire. Hope you al;l have a Happy New Year!

[Peepaleep]

From my experience, if you're looking for a fretless I would get one without lines. I've had both lined and unlined and the lined ones for some reason confused me and I would not always finger the note where I should have. I ended up trading away that bass and keeping the unlined fretless.

The unlined one has side dots where the fret positions would be. I find playing in tune much easier with this bass, but as with everything else, YMMV.

[funkinbottom]

Originally Posted by BklynBassman

Hey thanks a bunch guys, I am new to fretless so I think this will be a good start. I also noticed the Squire fretless bass has fret like markers, does anyone know if the fret line markers are in the same position that the actual frets on a fretted bass with the Squire also? If so I may buy the Squire. Hope you al;l have a Happy New Year!

Yes. Pretty much all lined fretless basses the line is where the fret would normally be on a fretted bass.

[MD]

Originally Posted by BklynBassman

Hey thanks a bunch guys, I am new to fretless so I think this will be a good start. I also noticed the Squire fretless bass has fret like markers, does anyone know if the fret line markers are in the same position that the actual frets on a fretted bass with the Squire also? If so I may buy the Squire. Hope you al;l have a Happy New Year!

To be clear, the lines on a fretless bass are not put there for the
players benefit. They're slots in the FB intended to have frets installed. Instead, they're filled in to make a fretless. Markers will be that of a fretted bass simply because the neck was built to be fretted.

And I should correct myself, all lined fretless basses are not inexpensive, entry level instruments. Fender has several $1,000.00 - 2,000.00+ models which appear to be of the same build process.

[BklynBassman]

Originally Posted by MD

To be clear, the lines on a fretless bass are not put there for the
players benefit. They're slots in the FB intended to have frets installed. Instead, they're filled in to make a fretless. Markers will be that of a fretted bass simply because the neck was built to be fretted.

And I should correct myself, all lined fretless basses are not inexpensive, entry level instruments. Fender has several $1,000.00 - 2,000.00+ models which appear to be of the same build process.

Thanks so much, the only reason why I asked about the Fender Squire is because someone told me that the lines on some fretless bases are in the actual center position of where the fret is, not where the fret itself would be on a fretted bass, it can get kind of confusing.

[MD]

Originally Posted by BklynBassman

Thanks so much, the only reason why I asked about the Fender Squire is because someone told me that the lines on some fretless bases are in the actual center position of where the fret is, not where the fret itself would be on a fretted bass, it can get kind of confusing.

Really? I've never heard of that. Seems kind of odd to intentionally place guide lines in the wrong locations.