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A question about necks

Discussion in 'Basses [BG]' started by RaijohAUlik, Dec 4, 2001.

  1. Dec 4, 2001 #1
    RaijohAUlik

    RaijohAUlik

    Nov 9, 2001
    Pensacola, Florida
    This is probably a really stupid question, but since I'm a Bass Goat, I have questions, and since I can't get in touch with many bassists easily, and the only one I can get in touch with is now a guitarist and I know more about his bass than he does, so, to be blunt, I need help.

    I love the fretless sound, I mean, I love it alot. But I've only been playing bass seriously for a couple of months. I bought a used bass, I think it's a Spector NS-2000Q4, but the guy I got it from (another bassist, of course, but I hardly see him anymore) didn't give many much information about it, so it's a guess.

    Now, I pose you, the General TalkBass Public, after my long-winded, verbose speech, two questions:

    1) Should I play fretted until I get really good at it, and get a fretless when I feel ready for it?

    2) If I should start playing fretless now, would it be possible and feasable to get a new bolt-on fretless neck from Spector and modify it like that?

    Actually, I pose yet another question:

    3) Am I a complete idiot? :(
     
  2. Dec 4, 2001 #2
    hyperlitem

    hyperlitem Guest

    Jul 25, 2001
    Indianapolis, IN
    dunno fretless seams like a pretty big endevor right now to me. I guess i would probably learn the bass for a few more years than u have. Ive played bass for about 5 years and i still dont think i'm advanced enough to nail notes by ear that fast yet. But on the other hand i guess ive never had a big drive to play fretless. Well if u have a bunch of money to smack down for a new fretless its up to u, but its seems pretty hard at this point to me.
     
  3. Dec 4, 2001 #3
    Oysterman

    Oysterman

    Mar 30, 2000
    Sweden
    You get a fretless if and when you want to get a fretless. You don't need superior technique to play a fretless, but rather a good ear (which you can from other musical experiences, and not necessarily from fretted basses) and PATIENCE.
    Don't think so. A decent fretless, such as the Mexican Fenders or Yamaha BBN4F shouldn't cost you a fortune, though.
    Why do you ask that?
     
  4. Dec 4, 2001 #4
    RaijohAUlik

    RaijohAUlik

    Nov 9, 2001
    Pensacola, Florida
    Hehe, I'm laughing a lot right now. Thanks for your input, both of you.

    Your answer to number 1 was what this post would be about, because I realised as I was about to load up my favorite game:

    "Hey, I've played Piano and Trumpet for about 5 years combined...maybe I should tell the boys that..."

    Heh, funny stuff. :D
     
  5. Dec 4, 2001 #5
    JMX

    JMX Vorsprung durch Technik

    Sep 4, 2000
    Cologne, Germany
    You'll never feel ready.
    If you like fretless, jump in head-first.
     
  6. Dec 4, 2001 #6
    ldiezman

    ldiezman

    Jul 11, 2001
    Nashville
    yeah you don't have to be superior on a fretted bass to play a fretless. I know a guy here how can play the mess out of a fretless.. but on a fretted bass.. i have him beat.. its wierd.. i thought it would be the other way around... two different beasts
     
  7. Dec 4, 2001 #7
    petch

    petch Gold Supporting Member

    Mar 25, 2001
    Medina, Ohio
    Life is short; do whatever moves you...
    Fretless? Why not!
     
  8. Dec 4, 2001 #8
    lo-end

    lo-end

    Jun 15, 2001
    PA
    Theres no reason why you would need to start on a fretted bass first. After all, double basses are fretless, and us bassists have been playing those things for a lot longer than fretted basses. :cool:
     
  9. Dec 5, 2001 #9
    embellisher

    embellisher Holy Ghost filled Bass Player Supporting Member

    Apr 18, 2000
    Heber Springs, Arkansas
    I agree 100%. If you like fretless, go for it. But be careful. Once you turn to the dark side, forever will it control your destiny!:D
     
  10. Dec 5, 2001 #10
    Suburban

    Suburban

    Jan 15, 2001
    lower mid Sweden
    No. You should play fretless FIRST and MOST, and use the fretted only when you are forced to. Because on a fretless you can't avoid learning all the hard stuff, while playing fretless makes your ear and hands sloppy and inaccurrate (in relation to the accuracy needed without them bars).
    Yes, I think so. Unless you want one of each (which you will, if only for the fun of it).
    Complete...no, you admit your mistake and try to correct it...:D ...that is not the acts of an idiot.
     
  11. Dec 5, 2001 #11
    Chasarms

    Chasarms Casual Observer

    May 24, 2001
    Saint Louis, MO USA
    I never heard of anyone mastering a fretted violin or chello before moving to a fretless version.

    Fretless playing is a different technique and requires the development of different skills. Whether you have been playing 20 years or 20 minutes, you going to have to work to develop them before you can be a good fretless player.

    So there is no real advantage in my opinion to starting with one and moving to another. I see the same is starting on a five string instead of a four. You whole technique ends up being built around whatever instrument you have.


    Chas
     
  12. Dec 5, 2001 #12
    john turner

    john turner You don't want to do that. Trust me. Staff Member

    Mar 14, 2000
    atlanta ga
    not at all. welcome to talkbass. :)
     
  13. Dec 5, 2001 #13
    RaijohAUlik

    RaijohAUlik

    Nov 9, 2001
    Pensacola, Florida
    I love you guys. Thanks for all your input, I really appreciate it because I can't get in touch with bassists easy, in real life, of course.

    You've really helped me out.

    In gaming, we'd say, "j00 r0xx0r my b0x0rz."

    ...
    ...
    ...
    ...don't ask.
     
  14. Dec 5, 2001 #14
    John Davis

    John Davis Guest

    Mar 27, 2001
    Houston, Texas
    My first bass was a fretless, so dive in if you want to! (I know, I know, a bad upright reference)
     
  15. Dec 6, 2001 #15
    Intrepid

    Intrepid

    Oct 15, 2001
    haha he speaks l337...yeah I play games too...I use to play cello and I actually learned with tape and actually memorized the position instead of going by ear...evey though you could tell when you were off mark and you could adjust...