Fretless Fenders - WTH....

[luciens]

IIRC, there is/was a fretless MIJ Jazz (JB62FL), that is very close in spec, but has no special Jaco association. Very high and consistent quality. "Rosewood" fingerboard, but hard as ebony.
Then, the next level is the MIA Jaco model, which has received its fair share of negative feedback WRT dead spots, lacking precision in the assembly and manufacturing, soft fingerboard etc.
Top tier is/was the Custom Shop Jaco bass, in some road worn model. Supposedly in a different league compared to the regular MIA model.

Mine are the MIA model and, apart from the QC issues I had, I can definitely say that neither one has the problems you listed. The build quality itself is impeccable and very precise especially the neck/body joint. The fingerboard is Pau Ferro, but has a very hard polyurethane finish on it, making the surface rock hard. It has the usual deadspots that are on all Fender and FSO basses, but I don't find them any more pronounced than on any other Fender or FSO. You should see the dead spots on my CLF L2000; if you worry about Fender dead spots (which I don't because they're normal), the low "C" on the G string will make the hairs on your neck stand on end... . The heavy 60's reverse tuners in the headstock probably help keep the deadspots fairly muted. The finish has absolutely no flaws at all and both are absolutely beautifully made.

Again that's apart from the manufacturing defects, but that's why you always buy from a place with a good return policy. when you get a good one, it's really good.

The custom shop "relic"ed one, the MIJ with the unlined board and the Squier VM version are different basses altogether.

L

 

[Heavy Blue]

I could have been clearer on that one...
In Europe, Fenders are substantially higher in price, than the "corresponding" Sandberg offering. At least 10%, but more typicallt 20-25%.

In Sweden, MIA Professional Jazz V, a bit over €1900 street, the corresponding Sandberg (California TT passive) is €1683.

That’s right, I was not considering the difference in both our and the company locales. Good point!

I’d still like to get a Sandberg though. One of the TT SL’s like Julia Hofer had made for her. That was a really sweet one imo. I actually tried to recreate it on the configurator and I couldn’t so idk if her’s was a one-off or not.

 

[WillyW]

To each their own, of course, but I have round wounds on all my fretless basses.

I almost gave up on fretless until someone pointed out I could put roundwounds on it, freakin’ light bulb moment duh...

Warmoth will built the neck how you want it, and put it on any body you like..

not a flatwound in sight..

flatwounds are for fretted..

 

[Neil Folkard]

I almost gave up on fretless until someone pointed out I could put roundwounds on it, freakin’ light bulb moment duh...

Warmoth will built the neck how you want it, and put it on any body you like..

not a flatwound in sight..

flatwounds are for fretted..

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That is a very interesting and...colourful set of fretless basses!

 

[skycruiser]

I almost gave up on fretless until someone pointed out I could put roundwounds on it, freakin’ light bulb moment duh...

Warmoth will built the neck how you want it, and put it on any body you like..

not a flatwound in sight..

flatwounds are for fretted..

View attachment 4110498 View attachment 4110499

What type of finish do you put on your fretboards? I think my new Fender is bare wood. I don't think I'll try rounds before applying a hard coating but I'm not sure what to use.

 

[WillyW]

What type of finish do you put on your fretboards? I think my new Fender is bare wood. I don't think I'll try rounds before applying a hard coating but I'm not sure what to use.

you don’t need anything, just don’t grind the strings into the fingerboard. Change your vibrato technique.

I have two coats of rattle can shellac just so the fingerboard matches the headstock, I’m more worried about protecting the decal that the fingerboard.