I have GAS for a fretless. Any recommendations on decent inexpensive ones? Also, any tips on aproximating the fretless tone on a fretted bass? I know it won't be the same, but I am wondering if I can get some of that growl and warmth out of my fretted bass.
Enjoy the benefits of a premium membership!
Upgrade Account
-
TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
Join free Log in
Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.
Fretless Questions
- Thread starter TheApostlePaul
- Start date
I wouldn't bother trying to replicate the fretless sound on a fretted, I remember my brother had a Zoom multieffects pedal that had a 'defret' effect which was basically just a compressor. It's kinda pointless. You can get fairly inexpensive fretlesses pretty easily. There's Rondo music
http://www.rondomusic.net/bassguitars4.html
and I hear good things about the Squier vintage mod fretless
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Vintage-Modified-Fretless-Jazz-Bass?sku=519637
that might be a start for you. Hang around on eBay too.
EDIT:
this seems as reasonable a place as any to post this alternative:
http://www.rondomusic.net/bassguitars4.html
and I hear good things about the Squier vintage mod fretless
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Squier-Vintage-Modified-Fretless-Jazz-Bass?sku=519637
that might be a start for you. Hang around on eBay too.
EDIT:
this seems as reasonable a place as any to post this alternative:
I've got the Squier. It's pretty cool. Nice tone and playability. When I got it I just wanted to see if I liked fretless or not. I do!
Chef
In Memoriam
+1
I play a MIJ Fender Jazz fretless so I'm not currently in the market but I played a Squier Vintage Jazz fretless (at GC) and was astounded by every aspect of the bass. If you're looking at "bang for the buck", be sure and check one out.
Chef
In Memoriam
Hey Lonote; did you feel like the GC guys would "deal" on the $279 list price?
I still can't believe they make those at that price, with duncan pups...
I still can't believe they make those at that price, with duncan pups...
Chef
In Memoriam
That link doesn't work
The SX's are decent basses, acceptable quality, and not toys. Best to play the one you want to buy, as waulity control is "rangy," there's good ones and not so good ones.
The SX's are decent basses, acceptable quality, and not toys. Best to play the one you want to buy, as waulity control is "rangy," there's good ones and not so good ones.
I wasn't planning on buying when I was there (killing time before a band rehearsal), so I wasn't haggling. If I was a betting man, I'd bet you could walk out with one for $200.
EVERYONE should have a fretless bass,If you plan to use it for a MAIN stay ,then look for the higher end ones,BUT,for to use ob a few songs or just for your own ebjoyment ,then the lesser price ones are great,I love fretless always have,but they aren't to popular in alot of songs,and they have fx stuff,but i bought a FENDER JAZZ fretless,MEXIE,i had to put lighter gadged stringsmand miner adjustments,but i use mine for jazz,moldy oldies and songs that have fretless sounding bass in them, i LOVE it,and i can do just about everything you can do,except the popping thing,comes out a little weird,other than that,i can get my fretless growling like a BEAR
GOOD LUCK
GOOD LUCK
Not all basses can duplicate a fretless sound. My vigier gets really close to it i just set it passive solo the bridge pickup and put that pickup tone to 0, it gets straight into fretted mwah and harmonic paradise.
I used to have one of those, and it's not a bad bass! The body is a bit heavy though (being solid bubinga) and the tone wasn't the greatest, but if you're looking for a cheap fretless that isn't a Squier jazz I'd say these are certainly worth checking out. Mind you, only if you live in Britain!
