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Do You Own a Fretless But Not Play It Much?

Do you own a fretless bass as an occasional player?

  • Yes.

    Votes: 286 73.3%

  • No and don't want one.

    Votes: 30 7.7%

  • No, but I would like one.

    Votes: 45 11.5%

  • What are you talking about? Carrots don't have frets!

    Votes: 29 7.4%
  • Total voters
    390
Smallmouth_Bass

Smallmouth_Bass

Dec 29, 2005
8,024
6,061
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
#1
I own a fair amount of basses and while I used to have a fretless, I no longer do. Even though I would never gig a fretless in my current projects, something in me feels like I should have one as part of the "collection". I love the sound and get an itch to play one now and again, even if it is just for fun on my own.

How many of you that do not consider yourself a fretless player own one and enjoy playing it? Is it an obligatory requirement of any serious bass stable?
 
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#2
I own a fretless that I hardly play. It's a shame because it's a pretty bass.

diva01 copy.jpeg


I built it back in 2018, gigged it a few times for a couple of songs, and it's been pretty much sitting in its case. I take it out once in a while.
 
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#3
Yes, I have a Manne Custom 6 and a Pedulla Pentabuzz. I tend to go through phases of playing the Pentabuzz a lot, to where it will be my main bass for a few weeks. Then, I sometimes put it in it's case and don't get it out for weeks or months. I've had it for years now, and it's quite happy cycling in and out of use. I guess that's a benefit of having an instrument like that, I don't specifically need it nor do I need to be super-precious about using it all the time. The money spent on it was a deduction in my bank account many years ago, long forgotten now. I don't feel guilty for using it only occasionally.
 
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#7
I used to play a fretless years ago. I really enjoyed it. Certain songs when I was on the road were great for a fretless. Sold it after I got off the road. Couple of years ago I thought, why not? So, I did and it is just ...meh. We actually have a handful of songs it would work on nicely. But changing basses on stage isn't in my cards anymore.
 
#8
Last edited:
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#14
Yep - I have a fretless G&L L-2500. But I don't play it very often, because (a) it's 10lbs and (b) it doesn't really fit our setlist. But I do make a point of playing it for a bit every few months, usually to take it to a jam session or something where I have to learn an handful of songs to play. I find it takes a few practices to get my intonation consistently back, so I would never just grab it for a gig if I haven't played it in a while.

It's fun to have around and I'm glad I have it as on option, but it would never be my main bass.
 
#15
I've had this 90's(?) Mexican Jazz since about 2005. I've only played it out a couple of times, but I enjoy grabbing it when practicing at home. It is a very nice player that I got cheap, so if I sold it, I'd have to pay a lot more for a decent replacement. The midnight blue paint is very nice and turns a cool-looking purple under some lights. Slightly customized with chrome Dan Armstrong import lipstick pickups, chrome knobs and TI flats strings. I wish the neck was unlined, but as is, it is good fun.
Fender MIM Jazz Fretless-04 (2).jpg
 
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#17
I have one because sometimes the recording calls for that specific sound. You never know when you're going to need it.

Case in point: I had MIM Jazz converted to fretless with an ESP neck. I used it on a few recordings but then sold it after years of non-use. Of course, within a year of selling it, new demos appear within a year that need that sound. I picked up a Peavey Foundation FL for the occasion and it's never leaving the stable. (I actually like it better than the Jazz!)

Fretless is also good for practicing your intonation. Think it's good on fretted? A fretless will humble you right quick.
 
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#19
Yes, unfortunately. A Lakland 55-02D. It arrived with rounds, I changed to flats and haven't enjoyed it since. I should probably change back to rounds.

I've avoided the "But if I just had a Pedulla Pentabuzz I'd play it all the time!" trap... so far.
 

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