Fanned Fret Basses...why so few?

[Bassheart365]

I've been playing fanned fret basses (Dingwall) for over 10 years now.

I predicted back then that these would really catch on - especially with the increasing popularity of 5 string basses where a longer B string really helps - and that more companies and independent lutheirs would start making FF models. I was wrong. Although Ibanez came out with kind of a "watered down" fanned fret (not much difference in scale lengths compared to the Dingwall) - that seems to be about it. Not sure why.

BTW - here are my two beauties. How could you not like these?

 

[Gorn]

The demand isn't there. Someone probably asked the same question when 5 string basses first became popular. The demand was there and now almost all basses come in a 5 string version.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

It's simple, they look odd. Having played Ibanez and Dingwall, the adjustment to fanned frets is close to automatic.

 

[Sixpack324]

Pardon my ignorance.......

But what's the advantage to fanned frets?

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Why would they catch on massively? They solve an issue that most bassists do not have while creating issues elsewhere, playing harmonics and chords is more difficult in addition to playing at a different spot than most are used to.

They serve an niche and do it well, I do not see them going anywhere (or really blowing up.) It doesn't help that major manufacturers, like Ibanez, put out watered down versions that do not even offer the benefits of a full fan.

 

[DiabolusInMusic]

Pardon my ignorance.......

But what's the advantage to fanned frets?

The added scale length allows you to have a clear B all the way up the fretboard, you do not get overtones like you do with shorter scale basses (sub-37")

 

[Treadstone71]

They solve an issue that most bassists do not have while creating issues elsewhere.

Agreed. Plus they would require most bassists to re-learn the instrument from scratch. If I can't play live without staring at the neck to make sure I'm fretting in the right spot, then I'm not playing live very often.

 

[Bassheart365]

Pardon my ignorance.......

But what's the advantage to fanned frets?

Invalid Link Removed

 

[Skokiaan]

Agreed. Plus they would require most bassists to re-learn the instrument from scratch. If I can't play live without staring at the neck to make sure I'm fretting in the right spot, then I'm not playing live very often.

Not really. I've played Dingwalls many times (but never owned one). The transition is actually very easy. In fact, not looking at the neck helps.

 

[wmhill]

My OCD wouldn't allow it..........

 

[Jon Moody]

The added scale length allows you to have a clear B all the way up the fretboard, you do not get overtones like you do with shorter scale basses (sub-37")

But now you also have guys like Fred Bolton at Bee Basses that make 33" scale basses with amazing B strings that have excellent clarity and definition up the entire fretboard, while retaining the traditional look.

 

[Treadstone71]

Not really. I've played Dingwalls many times (but never owned one). The transition is actually very easy. In fact, not looking at the neck helps.

Not for me mate, I rented one for a week from my local store because I wanted to know for sure. After a solid week of playing only an Ibanez 5-string with fanned frets, I was still struggling against muscle memory. The fanning wasn't even as dramatic as a Dingwall.

 

[Bassheart365]

Agreed. Plus they would require most bassists to re-learn the instrument from scratch. If I can't play live without staring at the neck to make sure I'm fretting in the right spot, then I'm not playing live very often.

I think this misconception is the reason. The "crocked" frets look intimidating, and bass players assume they will need to re-learn their technique. I had the same misconception, but it only took me about 10 minutes to adjust.

 

[Big Hoss]

I would have guessed costs keep lots of folks away from fanned fret basses, but even Rondo in their Brice line has a couple of Fanned Fret offerings. Although I understand strings for FF basses can be harder to find, not impossible, just harder...

 

[chris_b]

Fanned fret basses haven't taken off because bass players are generally a very unadventurous lot.

Look at the number of boutique "Fenders" being made out there. It's not because the luthiers can't come up with their own ideas, it's us who won't buy their instruments in large enough numbers unless they look like a Fender.

 

[Gorn]

It seems they're meant to fix a problem that most bass players aren't complaining about.

 

[mongo2]

Regular fretted basses work well enough. For me it's a solution in search of a problem.

 

[spade2you]

It seems they're meant to fix a problem that most bass players aren't complaining about.

I have several 6 string basses and a 7 string. I can't say that I feel that the string response is poor due to lack of fanned frets. I can see how they might be useful if tuning below B or above a C string.

Believe it or not, acoustic players have been adopting fanned frets. It ends up being great for open tunings. Fanning ends up being somewhat necessary on 7 string flat top and archtop acoustics since a .070 is about the equivalent of a crappy 5 string when used at standard 25.5" scale length.

 

[JimmyThunder]

because people don't want to look like they're playing in the Salvador Dali Orchestra

 

[99Z3]

Really? You have a lot to re-learn from scratch, fore it don't take much effort to play a Fanned Fret bass..

Agreed. Plus they would require most bassists to re-learn the instrument from scratch. If I can't play live without staring at the neck to make sure I'm fretting in the right spot, then I'm not playing live very often.