• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join free Log in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Best affordable fretless acoustic?

G

GeoS

Nov 21, 2009
5
0
#1
I've been looking in to getting a fretless acoustic for some time now, however typically the fretless models are very high-end, or otherwise from brands I'm not familiar with or no brand at all.

I was wondering if you could recommend the best choice for a sensibly-built fretless acoustic <£400? Would it be worth doing some defretting or is stock fretless superior? Overall I'm looking for something versatile - something in between those horrible £50 acoustics I've tried and double bass tone.

Thanks for your time! :D
 
#6
I visit a local store that carries both Breedlove and Michael Kelly. One of the main sales guys is a pro bassist. He acknowledges that the Breedloves are particularly excellent, but said that the Michael Kelly basses can come remarkably close, especially if you have a luthier rework or replace the saddle (with bone) to get better contact with the surface of the slot holding it. Then, he says, the sound really blooms. My point is that many Kellys may actually be better than they seem in the store because a 50-cent part is causing a tone transfer bottleneck.

Now that I know Boulder Creek does fretless, I'm setting my sights on one of those. It may well step in to fill the gap left by the Tacoma Thunderchief. I'm totally hooked on fretless now.
 
#7
MD said:
The Boulder Creek acoustic looks interesting, what with their newfangled suspended bracing system and sound port design.
Invalid Link Removed

Keep you eyes open for a used Breedlove too.
Click to expand...

I've been able to try out a couple of Boulder Creek ABG's here locally and I'm really impressed. They have more punch, clarity and volume than anything except possibly a Tacoma Thunderchief. The soundhole on the upper bout makes it ultra-easy to hear yourself, and the small port on the face means that there is more area to vibrate, and less chance for feedback with a mic. Craftsmanship was really nice, and it sits comfortably. Very worthwhile! Better than Michael Kelly, which was my previous favorite affordable ABG.
Oh, I couldn't get used to the 5 string model, but that's just me.
 

Latest posts

Top Bottom
Back