Fretless Multi-Scale?

[KoolCharisma]

Hi Adam!

I've really taken an interest in multi-scale basses since seeing your rig rundowns and interviews.

I was curious what you thought of personally using a multi-scale bass like yours, but fretless? Others have done it, but I wanted your opinion.

Also, do you think it's too much of a learning jump to go from a standard scale fretted bass, to a muti-scale fretless?

Thanks!

 

[adamnitti]

Hi Adam!

I've really taken an interest in multi-scale basses since seeing your rig rundowns and interviews.

I was curious what you thought of personally using a multi-scale bass like yours, but fretless? Others have done it, but I wanted your opinion.

Also, do you think it's too much of a learning jump to go from a standard scale fretted bass, to a muti-scale fretless?

Thanks!

Hey there!

I used to have a 6 string fretless and I really liked it. It was not easy to play but like anything else, if you put in the time, you reap the rewards. Personally I don't think it's too much of a jump to make the transition if it's what you want to do. If it is the sound you're looking for I'd say go for it!

 

[KoolCharisma]

Hey there!

I used to have a 6 string fretless and I really liked it. It was not easy to play but like anything else, if you put in the time, you reap the rewards. Personally I don't think it's too much of a jump to make the transition if it's what you want to do. If it is the sound you're looking for I'd say go for it!

So that 6 string fretless was a standard scale or milti/Novax scale bass?

Why specifically do you prefer a fretted these days? You can get more expression from a fretless. Is a fretless harder in some way to use for your heavier style? The vibrato you could get from fretless might really aidside the "sonic wall" concept you discussed, where you guys try to get everyone hitting the same tone simultaneously but with different octaves to convey your sound.

 

[two fingers]

Clearly Adam can fend for himself.

However, his style and tone lend themselves to fretted basses. If he were mainly playing finger style all the time I would get it. But Adam plays all of the bass in every way possible from tapping and slapping to finger style. I was able to spend some time with him several years ago at Victor's camp (about a week or so before 9-11). Even back then he was breaking ground in some ways. While people like Steve Bailey are able to carve out their niche very well on a fretless instrument others like Victor and Adam seem to find "their sound" on fretted ones. Both are impressive to see/hear.

 

[KoolCharisma]

Clearly Adam can fend for himself.

However, his style and tone lend themselves to fretted basses. If he were mainly playing finger style all the time I would get it. But Adam plays all of the bass in every way possible from tapping and slapping to finger style. I was able to spend some time with him several years ago at Victor's camp (about a week or so before 9-11). Even back then he was breaking ground in some ways. While people like Steve Bailey are able to carve out their niche very well on a fretless instrument others like Victor and Adam seem to find "their sound" on fretted ones. Both are impressive to see/hear.

Very helpful, thank you. So what are the disadvantages of playing a fretless? Slapping sounds different, yet awesome on fretless. I don't know about tapping...

I'm curious because I'm definitely a harder player and play a lot of rock, but I'm also called on for atmospheric instrumental stuff. I'm trying to find a bass that will "do it all" if you will. I.can't afford two high end instruments at this time.

 

[adamnitti]

So that 6 string fretless was a standard scale or milti/Novax scale bass?

Why specifically do you prefer a fretted these days? You can get more expression from a fretless. Is a fretless harder in some way to use for your heavier style? The vibrato you could get from fretless might really aidside the "sonic wall" concept you discussed, where you guys try to get everyone hitting the same tone simultaneously but with different octaves to convey your sound.

Actually it was a standard scale bass. I love fretless bass just as much as fretted, but I don't get hired to play it as much. I've started to incorporate it more into my compositions lately, though. My next record will feature it more.

 

[KoolCharisma]

Actually it was a standard scale bass. I love fretless bass just as much as fretted, but I don't get hired to play it as much. I've started to incorporate it more into my compositions lately, though. My next record will feature it more.

Sounds great Adam. I look forward to hearing it and I'll look out for some videos too. Hopefully I'll find some closeups that highlight your style well. Keep at it!