Fretless Dingwall

[Wisebass]

Hi folks

Sounds very good.

Yep! But i have to tell you something (read the fine print )

IMO a multi-scale fretless is a bad idea.

Even with the lines it's obvious how hard it is to keep good intonation.

that's more or less my take, too, but i haven't played one to know any better.

A multi scale doesn't make sense on a four string. It does on a 5er or 6er!

It's about the sound! (and string tension)

with the proper practice

And ears

...coming from a player who plays fretted multi-scale very often and currently does not play a fretless.

A multiscale bass isn't just a fancy gimmick!

A dry b string is awesome! (coming from a guy who plays lined fretless because stages are loud)

sometimes


Wise

fineprint: (for Anthony only): nice video, the beard is okay but you're looking so pale and skinny, hope you're fine!

 

[JRA]

A multi scale doesn't make sense on a four string. It does on a 5er or 6er! It's about the sound! (and string tension)

makes perfect sense + i'll take your word for it! i won't tell you how relieved i am to hear this!



edit: i hope you don't mind if i quote you, wise?

 

[Nenor]

Guys, the dude on the video is struggling with the intonation. I'm sure he'd be more relaxed with a standard scale fretless, lined or unlined. Can he get better on this one if he puts down the practice time? Sure. Do I still think that multi scale fretless is a bad idea? Definitely. Do you have to agree? Yes.
Kidding. No.

 

[knumbskull]

I have a vague memory that a TB member had one. Pretty cool concept.

 

[StatesideRambler]

If looking helps a player get in tune or stay in tune, I see no problem with that. I play an unlined fretless and I can stay in tune without looking, but when I need to look, I look, big deal.

I urge players to play more with their hands and ears and less with their eyes. There are many times during a performance when neck-gazing is appropriate. e.g. When playing an especially challenging part or when you’re playing something you don’t have nailed such as a new song, a changed arrangement or when you are subbing. In the long run, the less time you spend looking at the neck while playing the more you’ll be perceived as a pro player. Fanned fret designs add to the challenge but the musician decides if it’s worth the effort.

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I urge players to play more with their hands and ears and less with their eyes. There are many times during a performance when neck-gazing is appropriate. e.g. When playing an especially challenging part or when you’re playing something you don’t have nailed such as a new song, a changed arrangement or when you are subbing. In the long run, the less time you spend looking at the neck while playing the more you’ll be perceived as a pro player. Fanned fret designs add to the challenge but the musician decides if it’s worth the effort.

I think playing the part really well is most important. Not all professional playing stresses performance. A session musician or a musician in a pit at a play won’t be seen, but will certainly be heard. Fretted or fretless, none of us should have to look constantly where we are but looking and making sure IS professional behavior since it is done to insure accuracy.

 

[pravus]

I own multiple Dingwalls and the last one was an unlined fretless. I haven't had any issues adjusting to it. The muscle memory from practice on fretted instruments is still there and I use my ear to make the necessary corrections. It's not as hard as you'd think.

A multi scale doesn't make sense on a four string. It does on a 5er or 6er!

I disagree. I own 4 and 5 string Dingwalls and it makes absolute sense on the 4-string versions. The even tension across the strings would normally require me buying special sets, which I used to do. The problem with balanced sets is that they are a compromise and the mixed gauges feel strange, react differently when bending, and have uneven timbre. This is a non-issue on my Dingwalls.

 

[J R Knots]

This thread is rather amusing.

You should try one before you lock in a strong opinion.

I have played Fretless and Fretted basses for many years…been playing bass exclusively for 50+ yrs.

I thought when I got my 1st Multi scale that was going to be an adjustment… it was only a challenge because it had 6strings.

Pitching makes All Fretless instruments more difficult. My upright bass is still the most difficult to pitch and forces me to concentrate on the finger board more than any other bass.

If you can pitch accurately on a Double Bass, a Dingwall shouldn’t be a huge problem.

Last week I got my 1st Fretless Dingwall 5string and I’m loving it.