Fretless - should I?

[onda'bass]

I just made the jump to fretless. If you want to pursue that sound just do it, I can play in tune quite well without really thinking about it. You just always need to be paying attention and know what you should be hearing. I went unlined so I force myself to use my ear. It difficulty is overblown especially if you are well practiced to begin with.

 

[atquinn]

Get one! As someone in a similar situation, I recommend getting a fretless with a lined board.

 

[Watchootognbout]

Many will pick up one,fiddle around a while and put it down because there wasn't immediate measurable progress.
As said above,get a fretless AND COMMIT TO IT!

 

[Dr. Cheese]

I have always loved the sound of fretless since I first heard Brand X in the 80s. My mum passed away mast year and I’m an out to get a large inheritance. I already have 3 bases. Music is a hobby and I only play in a covers band that a P and a J are enough for. I’m thinking of getting a fretless with some of the inheritance money as a way to remember my mum. My only worry is that I will find the transition hard and not enjoy it. Any tips, thoughts or ideas for a fretless newbie? I would use it for composing and my own compositions rather than the covers band.

If you buy a fretless, make up your mind that you are going to mainly play it until you are truly used to it and then, you may not want to put it down.

 

[Killing Floor]

Different? Yes. Easier? . Not in my experience, but of course YMMV .

Ok. When someone thinks it’s more difficult I’d as “is your fretted playing absolutely perfect?” Of course not. So in many ways fretless is more forgiving.

 

[basseux]

Yes you should, don't feel guilty about it.

 

[Gorilla Monsoon]

Best thing i ever did was to commit to fretless; started out with a lined instrument after 15 years dikking around with several quality fretted basses. If you haunt the fret and pull or push with a fretted instrument you can play a fretless.

 

[Lo-E]

Yes!

I’m sorry to hear about your mum.
You should definitely buy a fretless if that’s a sound that appeals to you. I started fretless very shortly after I started playing fretted and I’ve always played both. Personally, I find fretless more comfortable and more enjoyable but not necessarily easier.

Practice a lot. Practice everything you practice on fretted and then do it again on fretless. Every day.
Check your intonation against open strings. LISTEN!

As others have suggested, start with a less expensive instrument. Not necessarily as a fallback in case things don’t work out with fretless but, rather, more as a way to give yourself a chance to learn what you like in a fretless bass so that when it’s time to buy that tribute bass to your mum you’ll have a better idea of what you’re looking for and a better chance of ending up with a bass that you’ll love for a lifetime.

 

[Chris Chong]

I rmb tears in heaven for the fretless bass lines by Nathan east


Do it

 

[megarat]

IMHO don't rush or force it. Better to buy a cheap fretless to see if it's your thing. If yes, then go for the boutique bass of your dream as a tribute to your mum. It would really suck if you buy a really special fretless, only to find you're not really a fretless player.

Some find fretless easier...many do not.

Yes, this right here. Take your first trial run on a beater, then if you’re only using decide if it’s for you, go the mum-tribute bass route.

My only regret about taking up fretless was that I hadn’t done it sooner, but many others discover that it’s not for them, so it’s wise to play it safe.

 

[bassbrad]

By all means consider a reasonably priced fretless. Despite mixed options I would suggest a lined fretless option to make the transition easier, if you really get good then go unlined and consider some more premium choices.

 

[Wasnex]

Ok. When someone thinks it’s more difficult I’d as “is your fretted playing absolutely perfect?” Of course not. So in many ways fretless is more forgiving.

That is simply not consistent with my personal experience. I learned to play on upright and had decent intonation. Over the years I have tried getting comfortable on several fretless bass guitars. All of them were pro-quality instruments. I never could get my intonation to settle, even though some of my attempts involved several weeks worth of regular practice. I did some jazz combo gigs and jam sessions on fretless, and it felt like I was constantly fighting with the intonation .

Bought an electric upright to satisfy the fretless itch and was comfortable right away. I am not saying my playing was perfect by any means, but it didn't give me the heebie jeebies.

 

[JonathanPDX]

Either spend some serious time at local music shops trying out fretless instruments or, if that's not an option, look at some of the cheaper instrument sites that offer a 30-day return for just the cost of shipping. You would benefit from spending some time exploring the fretless feel and seeing what aspects of it you enjoy (or find challenging) before you invest in a real instrument that you intend to keep long-term.

It's a different animal and after a few hours you will probably have a better sense of whether the idea of it is more appealing than the reality. There's no wrong answer, but remember that if you invest in a fretless instrument and don't love it you may find less of a market for it if you try to recoup your money down the road.

 

[Discount Bassy]

I opted for a six string fretless to expand my horizons (now eschewing fours for a decade) and found it to be my favorite singularity. Now, I have a tough time reaching for a fretted instrument unless by sheer force of will.

 

[Killing Floor]

That is simply not consistent with my personal experience. I learned to play on upright and had decent intonation. Over the years I have tried getting comfortable on several fretless bass guitars. All of them were pro-quality instruments. I never could get my intonation to settle, even though some of my attempts involved several weeks worth of regular practice. I did some jazz combo gigs and jam sessions on fretless, and it felt like I was constantly fighting with the intonation .

Bought an electric upright to satisfy the fretless itch and was comfortable right away. I am not saying my playing was perfect by any means, but it didn't give me the heebie jeebies.

Fair. I learned violin long before I had anything with frets.

My own experience is playing in a band context my intonation seems more automatic but I find it more difficult when practicing.

 

[monsterthompson]

I was fretless curious, and eventually took the plunge. Now I have two of them. I’d never play for anyone but myself, but it changes how I think about fretted bass and other instruments. It’s a good exercise and experience, and I’d encourage it.

 

[Stewie]

Do it! Fretless is clankless and schmooooth!

 

[Fat Bottom Kyle]

yes, don't hesitate!

 

[Lo-E]

fretless curious

There’s a really good chance I’m going to steal this phrase from you at some point. I’m not even going to apologize.

 

[GreyBeard]

Go for it