Fretless players; lined or unlined? and why?

[misterCRUSH]

I have both, and generally prefer the unlined basses. I learned how to play bass on an unlined fretless, so that is where I am at home. Part of it is the look of a clean unlined fretboard, part of it is that I like the challenge of getting my intonation right without the aid of lines. That's just what I like though.

 

[WillyW]

side dots for me, don't care what the audience is looking at, but I know what they are looking at...

 

[buldog5151bass]

I have a lined fretless. It can't hurt to have it just in case.

 

[Chuck M]

Lined. My upright basses are unlined.

 

[Ant B 2021]

I have unlined, but only because that's what I had back in the day and I prefer the aesthetic. At the end of the day, whatever fits best for the individual player is cool.

 

[Tommy Tryhard]

I voted for unlined, mostly because I think it looks way cooler, but also because I like the challenge. I do feel like I'd be lost without my side dots though.

 

[jdaunt]

I voted carrots just because I don’t really have a preference. Both my fretless Jazzes are lined, but now that i’ve been playing fretless for a bit i don’t use them, and really can’t even see them when i’m standing and playing. Unlined does look cooler.

 

[Lennys]

I can play either (but not great but working on it.). I have a lined one. Lined makes it easier to find your place tho muscle memory works well also if you are able to really listen (not always possible). The lined one better be set up correctly or you won't know where on the lines to play. Mine was off (player jazz) out to the store, but perfect after pro settup.

 

[skycruiser]

I like lined so I know where to put my fingers (duh).

 

[Inara]

Either, both, so I voted carrots ... My two main basses are an unlined fretless 4 and a lined fretless 5, and I love them both. Over the years I've owned quite a few of each.

 

[nonohmic]

Lined.

I'm still learning, and I want to have a reference point.

 

[JRA]

i have unlined axes. i voted "unlined." because: it's what i'm used to playing.

 

[bholder]

either, 'cause that's what I've got.

 

[AHaze]

Lined because I only have one fretless and it's a conversion (fret slots filled with contrasting wood. I like the look of a blank board but I'm not shelling out for another fretless at my current skill level.

 

[Slidlow]

Unlined. Don't need them up front.

 

[luciens]

I can no longer decide which I prefer. I learned on unlined, and played it exclusively for many years, but then I got my jaco. Now I’m also a lines believer...

lines are almost like having a fretted bass, but unlined makes me a little more attentive, but I sound more terrible high on the neck. So I just play both now....

L

 

[InhumanResource]

I have both, and generally prefer the unlined basses. I learned how to play bass on an unlined fretless, so that is where I am at home. Part of it is the look of a clean unlined fretboard, part of it is that I like the challenge of getting my intonation right without the aid of lines. That's just what I like though.

Unlined because it just looks so damn good.

 

[Manticore]

I prefer the look of unlined. Take the training lines off and you learn quite quickly to do without.

 

[Killing Floor]

Unlined but I’ve never had lines. Violin, cello no lines. And the way I hold a guitar I can’t see the fingerboard very well anyway. But you do you and don’t worry about it.
Funny-Ish story is I have a little scar on the back of one of my necks almost exactly below the 5. So in the dark I can find the 5 and have a reference point.

 

[burgerdj]

My fretless is unlined and I love it - great to help train your ear and understand the relationship of notes across and up and down the fingerboard. However, I’ve played exactly one song at one gig with it and realized that what works at home gets more complicated at the gig. I’d kinda like to have both for that reason.