Convince me why I should consider a fretless

[Gaolee]

Is it possible to play Metal or anything very "hard" on a fretless?

Sure. You can play anything on a Ric, too. Or a Hofner. You just have to do it, that's all.

My fretless is a de-fretted Thunderbird. That confuses people when I play it, and that's great. Plus, it was the gateway drug to an upright, which I play more than anything now.

 

[MD]

What they said....

It's really quite simple... listen to as many recordings of fretless players as you can find, if it speaks to you, grab one.
Only go low budget to start off. If it turns out you don't take to it, you won't have a lot of coin tied up.

 

[Tom Bomb]

Playing with frets is like doing numbers on a calculator. Playing without is doing the calculating in your head.

 

[Kirk Bryant]

No. If you don't already know, you probably don't. The only time I think I do is when I'm playing Jazz gigs. But, if playing an electric is ok on those gigs I could get away with playing a fretted bass as well.
I like playing fretless because I started on Upright bass. I think a fretless is more authentic or approiate on Jazz or fusion type gigs.
I use one enough that I had a custom built 30 yrs. ago and still play it every week. If you just want to experiment, get one, you'll probably figure out pretty quickly whether or not you want to pursue it. They require patience, practice, and perseverance to play well.
Good luck in your musicial journey.

 

[Ric5]

The title sounds a bit overbearing, but it's an honest question. I've never played a fretless and have no real clue what advantages they may or may not have over a fretted bass.

I play pretty much just classic rock, country, pop and southern rock, but I have seen many bass players in those genres playing fretless.

What is the unique difference in sound or tone between the two fretboards. What would I gain/lose if I explored getting one?

If you want one get one ... if you don't want one then don't get one ... I have a fretless ... I don't play it very much ... it is most useful if I am learning a song and the band is tuned 1/4 tone off

 

[Ron Johnson]

I used to be in a metal band and play fretless for those gigs. Nobody in that scene really knows fretless so that combined with my playing always helped make us the most noticed band of the night. at least a dozen people would always approach me after sets and ask me how I get "that sound" or why my bass has no frets. If you want to bring something unique to your genres then go fretless.

 

[Max Blasto]

You don't _need_ it like you don't need a 5 string. Unless of course, you've played one and then you feel you _need_ it.

Mine sits in its case until I remember it's there, then I give it a workout and can't put it down.

I use it for blues gigs, folk or bluegrass if I'm pugged in, and some jazz.
For rock I love to bust it out for classic rock that was originally recorded with a Gibson EB series. Cream, Mountain, early Tull, you get the idea. It works on a lot of the old Zep catalogue too. And any Journey songs that come my way, particularly Don't Stop Believing.

 

[Omega Monkey]

Guys, I really need help. Can anyone tell me what kind of ice cream I like best? What are the advantages of strawberry vs chocolate? I literally have no taste so I have to ask other people what I should like.

 

[98mtd]

The sound, ability to slur, great way to pitch match. But the sound alone is good enough reason.

 

[LowEndWooly]

I contemplated it for a while, went with it and love it.

 

[98mtd]

I contemplated it for a while, went with it and love it.

Alderete is the authority on fretless bass. He sounds beautiful playing a fretless in a band.

 

[BassMagilla]

Besides the great sound, it will be a big ear learning process and that can be great. Remember that the Late Great Jack Bruce favorite BASS was his WARWICK Thumb Fretless.
Go to the local music store and grab one and give it a try.
They are unique and can improve your playing along with being quite fun.
Keep in mind that the strings will be Flat wound and Not round wounds. Which is very fine

 

[zontar]

Convince you to consider one is much better than convincing you that you need one.
One is a suggestion--but backed with reasons--the other may be coercion, & if I had to coerce you--no good.

But it is fun to play, it stretches your ability, and gives you something different.

The idea of playing fretless bass used to scare me--then I actually tried one--and wanted one--I didn't get one instantly--but I did get around to eventually.

I wish I'd done it much, much sooner.

 

[GazzBass]

Frets are for wimps and guitarists.

 

[zontar]

Frets are for wimps and guitarists.

They do feel weird after playing fretless.

 

[cnltb]

Convince me why I should consider a fretless
Gary Willis likes them.

 

[BAG]

The only reason I need, is playing You Outta Know by Alanis Morisette on fretless, like it should have been done originally!!

Or to play "Love Cats" properly.

 

[Radost]

Buying a fretless was the best thing for me. Selling it the worst. tons and tons of fun!

 

[Emanuel Apascaritei]

I think you should give it try. If it´s not the thing for you, sell it. But you´ll never know till you try.

 

[Walfretless5]

I think you misread my post. I'm not for or against fretless basses. My only point is that you aren't going to learn anything useful about what it's like to play a fretless without actually playing one. The internet is a great tool, but some things you can only learn hands on.

No, I don't think I misread it.....I just didn't agree with the one hour in a music store thought, and I'm sure you meant it as a general thought....that may work with some things like, do I like this Fender Jazz Bass better than that Fender Precision Bass..... comparing apples to apples......but fretless is a very different animal, just an hour messing with one isn't going to be as conclusive.
I DO agree with all your points except that one. The internet is a great tool like you say and I agree that it can't be used for something like this. Hands on is the only way.